Reader questions
We do our best to answer our members’ questions. If you have queries about anything to do with Italy please email us at news@thelocal.it.
How do I know if I should tip at Italian restaurants?
If a waiter tells you service isn't included, does this mean you should tip? What about the 'servizio' charge? And how much is expected? We look at a common source of confusion at Italian restaurants.
What will new EES border checks mean for non-EU residents in Europe?
The EU's new Entry & Exit System (EES) of enhanced passport controls will be launched on October 12th, albeit in a phased in approach, but how will it impact non-EU residents legally living in EU/Schengen countries?
Reader question: What do I do if I lose my Italian tax number or health card?
Your Italian tax code will be needed for all sorts of things if you live in Italy – so what should you do if you lose the card?
Reader question: Can I buy a car in Italy if I'm not a resident?
If you spend extended periods of time in Italy, can you buy a car to use while in the country? It all depends on your residency status.
Reader question: Can I be stripped of permanent residency in Italy?
Applying for permanent residency in Italy is often a lengthy process involving plenty of red tape. But can it ever be taken away from you after you get it?
Reader question: Is there a way to see films that are not dubbed in Italy?
All foreign films in Italy are dubbed into Italian – but does this mean original language versions are entirely unavailable?
Reader question: How do I renew my Italian elective residency visa?
Italy's elective residency visa is notoriously difficult to get and has a relatively short validity period - so how should you go about renewing it?
Reader question: How do I take the oath for Italian citizenship?
Swearing an oath of allegiance to the Republic is the final, all-important step in obtaining Italian citizenship by marriage or residency. So how exactly do you do it?
Who pays the price if your Italian accountant gets your taxes wrong?
The help of a qualified accountant is often necessary when filing taxes in Italy. But if your ‘commercialista’ makes a mistake, who pays any resulting penalty – you as the taxpayer or them? We spoke to an expert to clear up any confusion.
Reader question: Can I leave Italy while waiting for my residency permit renewal?
If your Italian residency permit has expired and you face a long wait for a new one, you may be wondering whether or not you can travel abroad during the waiting period. We look at what exactly the rules say.
Your questions answered on UK's new entry fee for non-EU and EU travellers
Many non-EU tourists visiting the UK are now required to pay a £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in order to enter. EU nationals will also soon have to pay for an ETA. The Local answers your questions on the rules and exemptions.
Reader question: What’s in the oath for Italian citizenship?
People applying for Italian citizenship by marriage or residency must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic before they can fully become 'cittadini' – but what’s in the pledge?
Reader question: What’s the latest on Italy’s building superbonus?
Italy’s building ‘superbonus’ has been in the news again after a vote on a new amendment. So what exactly is changing this time and what does this mean for homeowners?
Can you still buy Italy’s one-euro homes in 2024?
A lot has changed since Italy's 'one-euro' home offers first made international headlines, so are they still available - or worth considering?
How do the EU's new EES passport checks affect the 90-day rule?
As European travellers prepare for the introduction of enhanced passport checks known as the Entry & Exit System (EES), many readers have asked us what this means for the '90-day rule' for non-EU citizens.
What will Europe's EES passport checks mean for dual nationals?
The EU's Entry & Exit System (EES) of enhanced passport checks will usher in big changes for travellers - here we answer readers' questions on the position for dual nationals.
Your key questions answered about Europe's new EES passport checks
The EU's new passport control Entry & Exit System (EES) is scheduled to come into force later this year and is already causing anxiety for many travellers. We've answered your questions on the new system and how it will work.
Does Italy have a golden visa?
Some countries in Europe have ‘golden visa’ options for wealthy investors, but is it true that Italy doesn't and is there another option?
Reader question: Is tap water safe to drink in Italy?
Italians are famously reluctant to drink tap water, with some questioning its safety. But are these concerns justified?
Reader question: Will there be transport strikes in Italy over Easter?
Easter is high season for travel and tourism in Italy, but will travellers face any transport strikes over the busy holiday weekend?
Reader question: How do I renew my Italian driver's licence?
If it's time to renew your Italian driving licence, it pays to get organised.
Reader question: How soon can I get an Italian passport after gaining citizenship?
Getting an Italian passport is the last step to becoming a fully fledged Italian citizen – but how soon can you apply for one after gaining citizenship and how does the process work?
Reader question: Will my children get an Italian passport if born in Italy?
Obtaining Italian citizenship is not a simple matter, even if you are born in Italy. So which children are eligible, and which aren't?