Introduction and Welcome to the Italy Community!
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We are in the beginning process of applying for duel citizenship through my husband’s ancestry. Do you recommend working with the consulate here in Atlanta, or in Rome? How do you know how long everything will take to make an appointment? Does the lawfirm make the appointment? What does one need to make an investment in real estate? Is there a particular order to go about this as far as a visa for me, banking, a place to rent short time, work? My dream is for our daughters to move there also and finish University in the EU. What universities are equivalent to GATech? Do universities have athletic teams? One of my daughters runs for Tech, it’s her favorite thing to do. Is it terrible that I feel the urge so badly to move to another country while the girls are still in college? Inflation is killing us and I am not looking forward to another election in the United States.
Robin Geaney -
Hi Chip,
In August we are planning to do a reconaissance trip to Italy to contemplate places to move/ buy a place. Last year we spent two weeks in the Puglia region. This time we are searching from south of Milan - Genoa to Modena. Any suggestions on mid-size towns we might consider?
Thank you,
Tracy Lewis -
Dear Robin, thanks for the question. You asked a ton of questions. First I am not an expert on Italian University life. I do beleivve the quality of education to be quite high, but also beleive that the person going there will need fluency in speaking and witing Italian. the costs are a great deal lower but without the language the education will be difficult. I am not an expert on Italian University athletics, so you will need to do that research yourself. As to the Visa, I do have an expert. Her name is M. Grazia Colombo. Her email address is
mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it... She is an attorny and while I know people have gotten thier citizen here and in the US... I do not now the ins and outs. appointment are running very long at the moment and since your urge to move is strong, you might consider Rome but I would have you speak with a professional first. Grazia is an attorney and can help you and will charge for her services. Please tell her I sent you. Chip Stites, Italian Correspondant, International Living Magazine. -
Tracy thank you for the questions. There are literally hundreds of mid-sized towns in italy depending upon your difinition of "mid size". We live near Rieti a town of 47,000. that is too large to qualiify for the 7% tax which should be a consideration Here is what I did and what I would suggest.
- look at the climate you want to live in and match that the areas you are looking for.
- Look for towns outsiide, 1 to 2 hours ,of large cities.
- Make a list of those towns.
- On your trip travel to those town.... let yourself get lost...literally. You will find a place that feels right.... and go from there.
Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine.
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Great to hear from you and happy your like the life..... what town are you in?
Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine. -
Hello Chip. My husband and I want to move to Italy we have been spending at least 3 months a year innItaly for the past few years. Wondering about best option and how to navigate the system. Both my husband and i are of European descent. My husband is first generation Dutch. i am second generation Maltese and Irish. we are currently in Italy- or will be next week.
I have been following the headlines onIL about all the easybways to get a visa- bit have not found the direct
links - any help you can provide woukd be sooooo appreciated!
thank you -
Jamie, thanks for writing!!!!!! Great to hear you are enjoying yourself.
Chip Stites,
Italian Correspondent,
International Living Magazine. -
Chip , I was looking at Syracuse on Sicily. Didnt look very expensive. Im single so a 1 BR furnished would do it. Is the visa requirement different than Italy proper? How long can you stay on a passport? Any other insights are welcome.
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My husband is on a scouting trip in Umbria this week, just getting a feel for the major and some minor towns and outskirts. Any recommendations? (We won't be ready to rent or buy for a few more months).
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My wife and I are bound for Sicily, Catania and some day trips from Catania, and then on to Sardinia. We would like to explore real estate while there, probably rentals. We envision moving to Italy or Spain or Portugal part-time in the coming year. How does one go about looking for rentals for several months at a time? Can we open a bank account in Italy. Finally, my wife qualifies for Italian citizenship by virtue of the citizenship of her grandparents and parents. Can one apply in Italy or must my wife begin the process here in the U.S.?
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KIM said:
Hello Chip. My husband and I want to move to Italy we have been spending at least 3 months a year innItaly for the past few years. Wondering about best option and how to navigate the system. Both my husband and i are of European descent. My husband is first generation Dutch. i am second generation Maltese and Irish. we are currently in Italy- or will be next week.
I have been following the headlines onIL about all the easybways to get a visa- bit have not found the direct
links - any help you can provide woukd be sooooo appreciated!
thank you -
As far as an easy way to get a VISA I don't know of an easy way, but there is a way. i would have you take your question to mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it and ask her. I know she has access to people who can help you get this done, and she can help you herself. I did this myself with no legal help. You need to locate your Consulate first as you will work through them for the VISA. Let me know if I can be of further service. Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.