International Living Community

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.

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

Dear Raine, I have sent your request to the proper people and hope this gets straigtened out quickly. Where are you interestning in moving to? Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Hi Raine, I am not sure what you are refering to but I want you to know I will help in anyway I can. I will send your request to those in charge and we will see what can be done. Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Hi, I would suggest you decide where you want to live by doing some research first. www.internations.org is a large expat organization that charges a small fee, is very active and is in many cities. Then you can just Google "Expats in Florence and follow up on your leads. I would suggest you decide where want to lve as most larger cities, will have an expat community and the flavor of the city from one to another is generally very different. For instance, Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan have very differnce characters. The food is different the cost of living is different and the activities are different. Maybe a discovery tour would help but doing your research beforehand can save you alot of time. If you were to Google Expats in Florence, you have a wide range of answers. Good luck on your search. Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Hi Abby I left another reiy below. I suggested a couple who have extensive house sitting experience who might be able to help you focus on some other places to look. Here is her addess: terry_coles@yahoo.com Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Hi Coury, I wanted to follow up on my previus response. We visited and loved Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche but it is not a 7% town as it is too large. Here is a list of Le Marche towns that fit your desired 7% tax offer. Acquacanina (MC); Acquasanta Terme (AP); Amandola (FM); Apiro (MC); Appignano del Tronto (AP); Arquata del Tronto (AP); Ascoli Piceno; Belforte del Chienti (MC); Belmonte Piceno (FM); Bolognola (MC); Caldarola (MC); Camporotondo di Fiastrone (MC); Castel di Lama (AP); Castelraimondo (MC); Castelsantangelo sul Nera (MC); Castignano (AP); Castorano (AP); Cerreto D’esi (AN); Cessapalombo (MC); Cingoli (MC); Colli del Tronto (AP); Colmurano (MC); Comunanza (AP); Corridonia (MC); Cossignano (AP); Esanatoglia (MC); Fabriano (AN); Falerone (FM); Fiastra (MC); Fiordimonte (MC); Fiuminata (MC); Folignano (AP); Force (AP); Gagliole (MC); Gualdo (MC); Loro Piceno (MC); Macerata; Maltignano (AP); Massa Fermana (FM);
Matelica (MC); Mogliano (MC); Monsapietro Morico (FM); Montalto delle Marche (AP); Montappone (FM); Monte Rinaldo (FM); Monte San Martino (MC); Monte Vidon Corrado (FM); Montecavallo (MC); Montedinove (AP); Montefalcone Appennino (FM); Montefortino (FM); Montegallo (AP); Montegiorgio (FM); Monteleone (FM); Montelparo (FM); Montemonaco (AP); Muccia (MC); Offida (AP); Ortezzano (FM); Palmiano (AP); Penna San Giovanni (MC); Petriolo (MC); Pieve Torina (MC); Pievebovigliana
(MC); Pioraco (MC); Poggio San Vicino (MC); Pollenza (MC); Ripe San Ginesio (MC); Roccafluvione (AP); Rotella (AP); San Ginesio (MC); San Severino Marche (MC); Santa Vittoria in Matenano (FM); Sant’Angelo in Pontano (MC); Sarnano (MC); Sefro (MC); Serrapetrona (MC); Serravalle del Chienti (MC); Servigliano (FM); Smerillo (FM); Tolentino (MC); Treia (MC); Urbisaglia (MC); Ussita (MC); Venarotta (AP); Visso (MC).
Camerino ( MC);

As you can see there are quite a few! There are more in Abruzzo, and more in Umbria and Lazio. I will be happy to send you a complete list if you wish, please write me at info@thelaughingretirement.com. Also please be aware that all of the towns in the autonomous regions of Central Italy are in the earthquake zone and that is why they are listed. So, you are not put off we live in one of the towns in Lazio listed or over 7 years and have felt, one time a gentle bump and that is all. I hope this helps your search. My best, Chip Stites, IL Correspondent for Italy.

Hi Abby and thank you for the question. What you are looking for seems to be a house sitting job here in Italy. That is smart as you will save on the costs on living while you learn about the region. The downside is that the job determines where you go. It doesnt allow you to determine the topography, climate or style of life you want to live. I.E., Rural, city, expat community or non expat community. What I woud suggest is two-fold. First do some research to determine the climate, topography, and lifestylle you are looking for. For example it you love to walk up and down hills and love the idea of a midieval hilltop town, with no expats, then focus on jobs that allow you to do that. If you want city life then look there. Second I would send you to two people who are expert house sitters and have had jobs all over the world on most of the continents of the world. Terry Coles and her husband are experts and can show you how to focus in and where to look to apply for just the right job. Here is Terry's email Good luck. terry_coles@yahoo.com.

Terry and her husband have written a book about thier travels. Good hunting! I hope this helps. Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Dear Bob, thanks so much for the question. The Pocess of owning or renting here in Italy is very different than in the US. We look at this as seemless because our culture is designed to move quickly and easily. Not so much in the EU. Part of the reason, at least here in Italy is the banks are completlely responsible for their own loans. Partially because to them we (Americans) can just pick up and move home. The forclosure and resale of a home here takes a lot longer. So, as a resullt you will find the down payment, with fees etc is usualy about 40% to 60% of the purchase price. Also mortgages end or finish at age 75. So, if you are 65 you can only get a ten year mortgage. (I have heard that age 80 is avaialble). Also your agent is not your representative here, he or she represents her or himself, and there is no MLS service. Agents compete against each other they do not work together.

I would also consider the tax implications and if you need help on that I have an excellent resourse. If you reside in Italy for less than 183 days a year you are not taxed here and that can make a huge difference in costs. Italian taxes are higher but they also give you a lot more in return. The RE taxes are paid at closing, on the first home and there are no other RE taxes beyond that. RE taxes vary from Autonomus Region to Autonomous Region but in genteral it is about 0.25%.

I would suggest that your best choice is to travel here and visit where you think you might like to live. I often suggest considering climate and topography first. You suggested water, as opposed to mountains and warmer as opposed to cooler. So I would have you look at Puglia, on the bootheal, Basilicata in the arch of the boot, Calabria, on the toe and all of Sicily. That can be a lot of explortng., but it should also be a lot of fun. Southern Italy comes under the 7% tax offer ( a Flat tax of 7% for a decade) for new legal immigrants.

This should get you started and if you would like help with taxes and Visas I can put you in touch with professionals who can make the process a lot clearer. and easier in the long run. Email me at info@thelaughingretirement.com. The one thing I would suggest, is that you plan this as carefully as possible as the biggest mistake we make when we comtemplate something like this is to think that anything will work the same way here as it does in the US.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Chip Stites, Italy International LIving Correspondent, Reiti Italy.

Hello to all interested in moving to this amazing country. Not only will you experience a lifestyle that is heathier, food that is better, water that is cleaner, but you will be a part of a culture that understands what is important, I.E., the people in it. I welcome your questions,, your ideas and your concerns. Chip Stites, International Living Italy Correnspondent.

Hi Sandra, it is interesting that you should ask this question at this time. My suggestion would be that you take a look in Le Marche at towns close to Ascoli Piceno. Ascoli is not a 7% town as it is too big witih just over 46k people. It does have a small expat community. We are going there to explore the town today, and have an appointment to speak with an expat who lives there. I can send you a list of the towns in Le Marche that qualify. Please write me at info@thelaughingretirement.com and I will send you list. If you find one of the town closes to Ascoli, you will have a great place to start. I wish you well on your journey. Chip Stites, International Living , Italy Correspondent.

It is funny, but in my opinion it is no different here in Italy than anywhere else. The EU community is excited (some) and not excited (others) by our latest election. I have had people want to move to Italy because Portugal and/or Spain was raising its/their taxes. I will tell you the same thing I told them.

The very last reasons to move to a foriegn country, to change languages, to up end all of your cultural norms, and to adjust to completely differing ways of thinking, are tax, money, religion or politics.

You were already thinking of moveing to France. Despite it not being Italy it is a great country with a great deal to offer and a wonderful way of life. Don't let your perception of an election color what others may or may not think. The French just like the Italians are very accepting of Americans, and are very interested in their poinrt of view, ideas, and reasons for moving overseas from their (your) homeland.

I doubt very seriously that many French people are as passionate about US politics as we are. Move to France! Don't let any perception, real or imagined hold you back! I wish you well in your move!
Chip Stites International Living Italian Correspondent.

Hi Jim and thanks for a great question. While I do live full time in Italy, I would suggest that whether or not you keep your car in the US depends on a couple of things. If you live in a large city and everything is taxi, bus or subway, by all means, dump the car. If you live in a rural area or a place that demnds you travel by car 10 to 15 minutes for services then keep the car. You will need a reliable place to store it, it should be covered and you may want to pull the battery and put it in the trunk and depending upon the temperature where you live even drain the oil.

We lived in Italy for the first 6 to 8 months without a car as we could do everything by walking. Very healthy and very helpful for learning the language and the area we lived in. WE sold our US vehicles as we were not planning to return. But based on your question I think I would look at your circumstances and decide what is best for you to do based on your needs.
Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Dear NROLO,
I dont want to seem flip at all but "FASTTRACK" and Italy don't really belong in the same sentence. I dont know anyone who did not take less than 1.5 to 2.5 years to do it. I will say this: those who have their paperwork in hand, completed and know where they want to live, seem to have greater control over what happens than those trying to compete the work in the States. ought)
We have a close friend who moved near us, with his paperwork compete (or so he thought) moved here, applied for citizenship in the same town he lived in and then needed a court approval for one of the documents from a US court. That alone took about eight months but after 2.5 years of living here he was warded his citizenship.
I dont know of a "Fast Track" method of doing this but I can send you to an attorney who can hellp you avoid the mistakes of others. Her name is M. Grazia Colombo and her email address is mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it. there will be things she will know about the process that I do not. Send her an email. Ask her for her charges for your specific needs and go from there. My best to you: Chip Stites, IL Italian Correspondent.

Hi, my name is Chip Stites, I live in italy and have been here for almost 8 years. I am International Living's Italian correspondent. I too have a friend who applied for Italian citizenship, had his paperowrk in hand and moved here before the paperwork was done. He submitted his paperwork immediatly in the province he wanted to live in and that shielded him from the 90 day rule. It took about two years more, or a year and a half to get his citizenship and his Italian passport but he has it.

I would ask first if you have all the paper work proving your ancestry as required?
Second, I would ask if you know where you want to live as the place where you apply, needs to be a place you intend to stay until the process is complete?
Third I would ask if you understand the tax situation that Italian residency would put you in?
Fourth, I would ask you if you have a guide to help you through this when you come as it is likely that you will need someone who speaks Italian and English to help you. So, I offer these two suggestions.

First here is the email of M. Grazie Colombo an attorney who can help you with the paperwork and with the process. Yes, I beleive there is value to being here but only when you have your ducks in a row. I.E. Paperwork, taxes, living place.
Paperwork expert: Her name again is Grazia Colombo and here is her address: mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it

For the taxes I would suggest Christian Gulizzi who is both a CPA in the US and a Commercialista in Italy and can show you compoarisons to help you make your choices. Italy taxes by residency not by citizenship so if you are here more than 183 days in a year, you are responsible for paying Italan tax which accoding to the tax treaty is subtraced from US tax. Here is Christian"s email: christian.gulizzi@gulizzi-consulting.com

If there is one thing I have learned over my almost eight years of watching other people move, ior attemmpt to move, it is that the more planning you do beforehand, the better off you will be in the long run.

I hope this helps and feel free to write directly to me at info@thelaughingretirement.com
Chip Stites, International Living correspondent for Italy.

hi Robin, that is a great question and one that we get often. My advice is to ship as little as possible for three excellent reasons. First is that most things outside of tourist areas cost less in Italy. Second, shipping is expense and takes months. We shipped a pallet of used colthing and books. We shipped in October and it arrived in late Jan if my memory serves. The third reason is customs. They are very picky about what gets in and what does not. WE were charged a fee of $10 or so per day, and had forms in triplicate and discovered that most of what we sent was not necessary, took forever and cost us about $5,000. If I were you I would by new without question. Chip Stites, IL Italy Correspondent.

Hello, and thank you for your question.

This is a Visa Question and I am going to answer it partially then send you to Grazia Colombo who is a lawyer who works in this area. She is a professional and as such will charge you so you need to make sure you questions aree pointed and answering precisely what you need to know.

I will say this: the work Visa is generaly granted to someone who already has a job and is moving to Italy to continue that work or to start a new job in Italy for which they have alreday been hired. There is also a Remote Worker Visa for someone who can work remotely and wants to live in Italy.

The Italian government, and Italian companies have some benefits for hiring foreigners but from what I have been told those benefits only last six months to a year. At the end of that time the company fires the foreigner and hires back an Italian. I have heard this from two different foreigners, one who has a masters in Hardward Engineering and is cleaning homes.

So what I would tell you is that the best thing for you to do is to contact those companies, (in Italian) and see what is available and how long the job might last. Your years of experience speaks highly for your eligibility. Your lack of Italian language skills may be best overcome before you arrive. I wish you the best of luck in your endevour and please don't let the hurdles end the dream!

Grazia Colombo's email is > mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it

Chip Stites, IL Italian Correspondent.

Dear Roxanne, to date I do not know of "one single agent", who can help you with the whole area. But I can stear you towards two ideas that may help. First: In central Italy there is an agent who speaks English. Not on the coast but in the central part of italy, he may know someone. You should also know that the agents of one agency work against the others and do not "share" information. they also do not represesnt you as they do in the US. Essentially they represent themselves.

In Rieti is a group called "Keys Partners. " One of their agents is Ricardo Diamilla and he speaks English... his email is diamilllariccardo86@gmail.com. Please use my name: Alfred Stites

The other idea is to go to gate-away.com and look in the provinces you want to live in along the coast. Specify an English speaking agent. Also please know that there are many reports of prices being elevated because you are American. Therefore I would recommend an intermediary who will look out for your interests and your interests only! I can recommend M. Grazia Colombo a RE Attorney who has successfully helped many Americans buy a home. Her email is mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it.

Again please use my name.
Good luck and great success. I hope you get to live your dream as we are here in Reiti.
Alfred "Chip" Stites, IL Correspondent.

Dear P.A. I have a friend, who moved here without a Visa and then applied when he got here. It took about a year and a half but he got it. Proof of application he said was enough to shield him while he waited. He is now a citizen! I will say that he had his paperwork in order before he came and applied that made a great deal of difference. I would also put you in contact with M. Grazia Colombo, a lawyer who can help you. Please use my name - Chip Stites. Here is her address: mgrazia.colombo@leexe.it. Chip Stites, Italian Correspondent, International Living Magazine.

Hi clark, here is Cindy Sheahan's email address. cindy.sheahan61@gmail.com