When it comes to living and working in Italy, there are two main options for foreigners: getting an Italian passport, or applying for permanent residency.

There are two major ways for foreigners to live and work in Italy: either they may apply for permanent residency in Italy or they can become citizens of Italy and get an Italian passport. The decision between the two methods depends on a number of variables, including your specific position, ambitions, and preferences. Both options have benefits and drawbacks. We will weigh the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining an Italian passport vs establishing permanent residency in Italy in this blog article to assist you in making an informed choice.

Italian Citizenship and Passport

It is possible to become an Italian citizen by birth, marriage, or naturalization. You are immediately an Italian citizen if you have at least one Italian parent when you were born. After two years of lawful residency in Italy, you may seek for citizenship if you marry an Italian citizen. After 10 years of lawful residency in Italy, if you are not qualified for citizenship by birth or marriage, you can still apply for naturalization.

Benefits

The main advantage of Italian citizenship is that it grants you the same rights and privileges as Italian nationals. This includes the right to vote in national and local elections, the ability to work and live anywhere in the European Union (EU), and access to social services and benefits. Additionally, having an Italian passport allows you to travel visa-free to 188 countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of South America and Asia.

The fact that an Italian passport is regarded as one of the strongest in the world in terms of visa-free travel is another advantage. The Italian passport ranks fourth globally in the 2021 Henley Passport Index and provides visa-free travel to 191 locations.

Drawbacks

However, obtaining an Italian passport and citizenship necessitates a substantial time, effort, and financial commitment. The application procedure, which can take up to two years, include passing a language and cultural test as well as demonstrating your integration into Italian society and financial stability. Fees are further due for the application, legal counsel, and translations.

Permanent Residency in Italy

You can apply for permanent residency in Italy if you don’t meet the requirements for Italian citizenship or don’t want to go through the naturalization procedure. The legal right to live and work in Italy without a visa or residency permit is known as permanent residency. Both EU and non-EU people who fulfill specific criteria, such as having a steady salary, health insurance, and housing documentation, are eligible to receive it.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of obtaining permanent residency in Italy is the degree of flexibility and freedom it grants. It is legal to work, reside, and use social services and benefits in Italy without any temporal constraints. In addition, you are permitted 90 days of visa-free travel inside the Schengen region in any 180-day period. You can travel to other European nations as a result without getting additional visas or permits.

Another benefit of permanent residency is that it is easier and faster to obtain than Italian citizenship. The application process usually takes a few months and involves submitting the required documents and paying a fee. Additionally, you do you need to give up your original citizenship.

Drawbacks

There are certain restrictions on obtaining permanent residency in Italy. You may not be entitled for various social benefits that are only available to Italian citizens, for instance, and you cannot vote in national or local elections. Furthermore, if you fail to fulfill the criteria for renewal, such as maintaining a steady source of income and obtaining health insurance, your residency may be cancelled.

Which is Better: Italian Passport or Permanent Residency in Italy?

The choice between obtaining an Italian passport and citizenship or settling permanently in Italy depends on a number of variables, including your circumstances, priorities, and preferences. Here are some things to think about before choosing:

• Time, effort, and financial expenditure are all necessary for obtaining an Italian passport and citizenship, as was previously stated. Having an Italian passport can give you greater rights and benefits if you’re prepared to go through the naturalization process and have the financial means to pay the fees and retain a lawyer. Permanent residency in Italy, on the other hand, can be a preferable choice for you if you’d rather have a quicker and easier process.
• Mobility and travel: If you intend to travel regularly, an Italian passport may give you better access to nations without a visa, such as the United States, Canada, and the majority of South America and Asia. Permanent residency can provide you with the same freedom of movement and travel, but, if your only travel plans are within the Schengen Region.
• Voting and political participation: Having Italian citizenship and a passport is a must if you value your ability to cast a ballot in national and local elections. This might not matter to you, though, if you have little interest in politics or don’t intend to stay in Italy for a long time.
• Social benefits and services: Having Italian citizenship and a passport may be more advantageous if you require access to social benefits and services, such as healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits. However, permanent residence can also give you access to fundamental social services if you can have private health insurance and have a steady source of income.
• Integration and cultural identification: If you place a high importance on your cultural identity and have a strong affinity for Italy, having an Italian passport and citizenship may help you feel more at home and more integrated into Italian society. However, permanent residency might still provide you with a happy life in Italy if you wish to preserve your original citizenship and identity.

In conclusion, the decision between obtaining an Italian passport and establishing permanent residence in Italy cannot be made in a generalized manner. Your particular situation, objectives, and interests will determine this. Having an Italian passport might give you extra benefits if you are prepared to invest in the naturalization procedure and cherish your rights and privileges as an Italian citizen. Permanent residency in Italy can be a preferable choice, nevertheless, if you prefer a quicker and easier procedure and only require minimal social services and mobility. In the end, the decision is yours.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

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Finding and connecting with other migrants and expats in Italy can be a daunting task

Finding and meeting expats in Italy can sometimes be a difficult thing to achieve especially if you’re new to the country and still trying to navigate your way around. However, there are many resources available to help you make connections with people who share your experience. In this blog post, we shall take a look some of the resources available to you in Italy where you can find migrants and expats like yourself.

Online Expat Group

One great resource for finding other migrants and expats in Italy is online expat groups. There are many Facebook groups, Meetup groups, and other online communities that are specifically geared towards people who have moved to Italy. These groups can be a great way to connect with others who are in the same boat as you, and to get tips and advice on everything from finding housing to navigating Italian bureaucracy.

Local Expat Club/Association.

Another great resource for finding other migrants and expats in Italy is local expat clubs and associations. These organizations typically hold regular events and gatherings where you can meet other people who have also moved to Italy. They often provide networking opportunities and can be a great way to make new friends and find support in your new country.
If you’re interested in connecting with people from your own home country, you can also look for expat groups and clubs that are specific to your nationality. Many countries have expat groups in Italy, so it can be a great way to connect with people who share your background and culture.

Attend Events

Attending events is another great way to connect with other migrants and expats in Italy. Events such as conferences, fairs, expo, exhibitions, and festivals, can be a great way to meet new people and make connections. You can also attend social events, such as parties and gatherings, which are often organized by local expat groups and clubs.

Networking

If you’re looking for professional networking opportunities, you can also try joining a professional association or group that is specific to your field. Many industry-specific groups have members from around the world, and can be a great way to connect with other professionals who have also moved to Italy.

Join a Sport Team

You can also consider joining a sports team or club. It can be a great way to meet new people and make connections with other expats and migrants. This can be a great way to connect with people who have similar interests and passions.

Volunteering

Volunteering is another great way to connect with other migrants and expats in Italy. Many organizations are always in need of volunteers, and by volunteering, you can meet people from all walks of life and make connections that might not have been possible otherwise.

Finally, don’t be afraid to simply reach out to people you meet. Whether it’s through a chance encounter or through a mutual friend, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and start a conversation. You never know where a new connection might lead.

In conclusion, there are many ways to find and connect with other migrants and expats in Italy. Whether it’s through online groups, local expat clubs and associations, networking events, or simply reaching out to people you meet, there are many resources available to help you make connections and find support in your new home country. Go out there and just explore!

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

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PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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Dual citizenship, or having a second passport, is gaining in popularity nowadays

The concept of dual citizenship or being in possession of two national passports may be strange to many or even considered impossible. But Persons may have dual nationality by automatic operation of different laws rather than by choice. For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth. Or, an individual having one nationality at birth may naturalize at a later date in another country and become a dual national.

It not every country that allows dual citizenship, as each country has its own nationality laws based on its own policy like you may need to renounce your birth citizenship to become a citizen of a new country. Also, becoming a dual citizen is a matter of choice and an option for the individual rather than obligatory. In this post, we shall be looking at what it means to have a dual citizenship, the benefits it offers and the countries in Europe that offers dual citizenship.

What is Dual Citizenship?

Simply put, it means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Every country decides whom it considers to be a citizen. If more than one country recognizes you as a citizen, you have dual citizenship.

What are the advantages of Dual Citizenship?

Dual citizens enjoy certain benefits, some of the benefits includes:

Easy Travel and Work

Unlike foreigners, dual citizens do not require a visa or permit to visit the countries where they have citizenship, and they can stay for as long as they like. They also have the right to seek work in both countries, while foreigners must pass through a lengthy process to get a work permit. There is no doubt an EU Passport as a second passport gives you the highest level of safety as gives you freedom of movement with the 27 countries of the European Union.

Enriched cultural views

As a dual citizen, you’ll reap the benefits of being immersed in the culture of the two countries. Some government officials are also fond of dual citizenship and see it as a way to promote the country’s image as a prime destination for tourists. Dual citizenship offers individuals the opportunity to learn about the history of both countries, learn two (or more) languages, and experience a different way of life.

Access to the rights and benefits of both countries

Dual citizenship allows individuals to access the rights and benefits of both countries, such as the right to vote in both countries and the ability to access government services in either country.

The ability to pass on citizenship to future generations

Dual citizenship allows individuals to pass on citizenship to their children, even if they are born in a different country. This can be especially beneficial for families who want to ensure that their children have the option to hold citizenship in both countries.

The ability to diversify investments

Dual citizenship can also allow individuals to diversify their investments and take advantage of opportunities in both countries.

Shortcomings of Dual Citizenship

It is important to note that while there are many advantages to having dual citizenship, it can also come with some challenges and responsibilities, such as the need to pay taxes in both countries and the potential for conflicts of interest when it comes to political issues.

Countries in Europe that offer Dual Citizenship

Here is a list of countries in Europe that offer dual citizenship:

• Albania
• Austria
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Kosovo
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Romania
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

It is important to note that the laws surrounding dual citizenship are constantly changing and it is always best to check with the specific country’s embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on their dual citizenship policies. Additionally, the requirements for obtaining dual citizenship vary from country to country and may include a naturalization process which may include submitting an application, providing proof of ancestry or marriage to a citizen of the country, and passing a language test.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

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Italian Health Care System is ranked amongst the best in the World

Italy has a national, universal health care system, called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or simply SSN. The SSN covers all Italian citizens and legal foreign residents residing in the country. It provides a full range of health care services which is either free or offered at a lower cost compared to market prices at the point of service and is guided by the principles of universal coverage, solidarity, human dignity, and health for all.

Italy’s national universal health care system is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Life expectancy is the 8th highest in the world according to WHO (82.8 years in 2018). This is no coincidence, because it is as a result of successful welfare measures and well-established health care policies.

If you are one of those planning to relocate to Italy, understanding Italian Health Care System is important in order to get treatment in case of health concerns. This blog post provide detail information about the Italian Health Care System, how to benefit from it, its coverage, limitations and others.

Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)

This is the public health care system in Italy. SSN is managed at regional level and financed by residents through collected taxes. Basic care is provided in local health units, with the names of these centers varying from region to region: Azienda Sanitaria Locale(ASL) is commonly referred to at the national level.

All Italian citizens and legal foreign residents residing in the country has the free choice of the general practitioner but a specialist doctor can only be consulted on prescription of the general practitioner. Hospitalization is free in approved establishments, but can only be done on the prescription of the general practitioner or of an approved specialist. In case of an emergency, it is possible to go directly to the hospital.

In case of an emergency, it is possible to go directly to the hospital.

How to Access Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)

To access the Italian health care system, you must first register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). For this, you must go to the local health care unit of your place of residence. Each insured person will obtain a health card or Tessera Sanitaria there.

How Do I register with Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)

If you are an EU citizen residing in Italy, you must have health insurance. After having enrolled at the local registry office, EU citizens can register with the SSN by visiting any of the local health unit in their place of residence (registration is voluntary).

Non EU citizens can register with the national, universal health care system (SSN) and enjoy the same rights as those provided to Italian citizens or EU citizens by visiting any of the local health unit in their place of residence. Foreign nationals are issued with a health card when they register. This card allows the holder access to all services. Registration with the SSN has the same duration as the residence permit.

Documents to be presented:

• photocopy of a valid residence permit;
• substitute declaration for residency and family status;
• tax code

What are the Services of the Italian SSN

The Italian SSN covers:

• General medical and dental care (certain medical certificates are subject to pricing) with registered practitioners;
• Care from specialist specialists (with a minimum participation of 34 euros);
• Hospital care in approved establishments;
• Prescription drugs with a minimum participation of 3.10 euros per prescription (note that some drugs are not reimbursed at all);
• Partial coverage of certain services (prostheses, cures, laboratory examinations, orthopedic care, etc.)

THE INSURED PERSON HAS THE POSSIBILITY OF CHOOSING HIS INITIAL GENERAL PRACTITIONER AND HE CAN CHANGE IT ONCE A YEAR MAXIMUM

Italian Health Care is provided in regional health care centers or by doctors approved by the SSN. The insured person has the possibility of choosing his initial general practitioner and he can change it once a year maximum. If another doctor is chosen then the insured will not be reimbursed. There are public dispensaries and approved private establishments which offer specialized care, in particular dental or orthopedic care.

Italian Health Care Pit Falls

Italy’s national universal health care system is amongst the best in the world, but nevertheless it presents a certain number of negative points like:

• It is possible to obtain a consultation of a specialist doctor only after the consultation of a general practitioner, thus lengthening the deadlines;
• The insured can only choose a registered practitioner which can be binding;
• Except emergency, the admission to the hospital is made on prescription of a general practitioner or an approved specialist;
• Wait times in the public sector can be very long;
• Due to the decentralization of the Italian health care system, there are many inequalities between regions in terms of access and quality of care. Some hospitals are below average quality standards (richer North and poorer South);
• Care is not entirely free in the end and a minimum participation will be required for each service, service or medication.

As a result of some or all of these reasons, many residents living in Italy, who have the means and can afford it are resorting to the private health care system, in addition to or as an alternative to the public health care system.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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The official language spoken in Italy is Italia and not many Italians can speak English

Whether, you are visiting Italy for a short term or plan to stay for much longer periods, there is a chance you do not know the acronyms for newbies in Italy yet even if you have been taking some Italian lessons prior to your coming to Italy.

As soon as your step your foot into Italy, you would be introduced to new vocabularies, terms and acronyms that you never heard of before. This post is for newly arrived or for those planning to come to Italy to know about some terms and vocabularies that can help them settle in a bit more quickly. Here are a few of the important ones that you should know.

Visto

Visto means Visa. The visa, which consists of a special “vignette” (or “sticker”) affixed to the applicant’s passport or other valid travel document, is an authorization granted to a foreign national for entry into the territory of the Schengen Area and of the Italian Republic. The visa issued, allow entry into Italy for 90 days or more in the case for a long stay with free movement  into other countries that apply the Schengen Convention.

Nulla Osta al Lavoro / Permesso di lavoro (Work Permit)

The nulla osta al Lavoro is a declaration, issued by the Single Desk for Immigration , with which the Administration certifies that there are no impediments to the entry and stay in Italy of non-EU citizens who intend to work. They give foreigners clearance to work in Italy and go on to apply for a work visa.

Familiare

This means family member. It normally refers to someone you are married to, or are legally bound to. It can also refer to your children and other members of the family for whom you are legally responsible. In relation to migration, there is also the right to a family life (diritto alla vita familiare) and right to family unity (in the sense of reunification of the family members who may still be abroad or in your home country) diritto all’unità familiare.

Carta d’Identità

This is the Italian identity card. The identity card is a strictly personal identification document containing personal data, and other data and elements for example citizenship, a photograph and more, useful for identifying the person to whom this document refers. It is issued by your local Town Hall (Comune – Anagrafe), once you have been registered as a resident.

In some cases it is mandatory to have it but not always carry it with you, being sufficient in case of need for control, to show that you have it at home.

Codice Fiscale

Is the tax code. You need this for many things in Italy, even buying a mobile phone, signing any kind of lease agreement, purchasing a car, or opening a bank account or registering for a health card. You can apply for your tax code at the Italian revenue offices, known as Agenzia delle Entrate. Obtaining the code does not imply that you will need to pay taxes in Italy but it is important to have this code for many different forms you will need to fill in.

Permesso di Soggiorno (Permit of stay or Residence permit)

This document allows you to stay in Italy legally. You need to request it within eight days of arriving in the country. There are several different types of stay permit. If you do not qualify for refugee status, or subsidiary protection, you can ask for information on the other types of stay permits available to apply for.

These can be:

• Permesso per cure mediche – To receive a particular type of medical treatment. This is issued to those with very serious illness and lasts for a maximum of one year. Pregnant women also have a right to this type of permit, so they can receive medical attention for their newborn children for up to six months after the birth of their child.
• Permesso per calamità – This is given if you cannot return to your home country because of some kind of a catastrophe, like an earthquake or a flood. Normally this permit lasts six months and is only valid on Italian territory. This allows you to work but cannot be converted into a work permit.
• Permesso per casi speciali – If you have been the victim of violence or been seriously exploited, you have the right to obtain a six month, renewable then for one year, stay permit for ‘casi speciali’. This type of permit is also offered to those who have been exploited at work, or those who are victims of domestic violence. If you receive it after being exploited at work, it is renewable for one year and then can be converted into a work permit.
• Permesso di lavoro – This allows you to work legally in Italy.

Cittadinanza

In English this would mean citizenship. If in Italy you are called a Cittadino non-comunitario, it means you are a non-EU national. If you are called Cittadino di un paese terzo presente irregolarmente then they are saying you are a third country national found to be illegally present (without the correct documents) in the country.

ASL (or USL)

(Azienda Sanitaria Locale, or Unità Sanitaria Locale) is a local health department. This is where you register to get an Italian health card and be assigned a GP (general practitioner doctor). Through this card you can get access to free public health care and check-ups which are offered by the state. Once registered, you will be issued with a Tessera Sanitaria (Health Card) this will allow you to ssee a doctor, pick up prescriptions for medicine and get medical check ups.

CAS – Centri di acccoglienza straordinaria

These are reception centers in Italy. They are designed for temporary accommodation. This is normally for someone who has applied for asylum or needs some other form of protection. Sometimes, according to the website openpolis, a non-profit foundation based in Rome, services offered in a CAS can be similar to those offered in the SPRAR. (See below)

CARA / CDA / CPSA – Centro di accoglienza per richiedenti asilo

These are first reception centers run by the state. They are normally offered to people just for the time they need to go through an identification process and apply for asylum and have health checks. This is where the authorities will check whether you are vulnerable and whether you might need extra assistance or protection. It is from these regional hubs that migrants will then be directed to the second line of welcome centers or SPRAR (see below).

Carta Blu UE

EU Blue Card. This allows the holder to live and work on the territory of a member state, in this case Italy.

Certificato di Idonietà

This certificate is issued by the Town Hall, or sometimes ASL. It confirms that the house or apartment in which you live complies with health and safety building regulations. You need this certification to apply for a stay permit. You need to make sure that your landlord also applies for a Cessione di fabbricato within 48 hours of you moving into the property. You will need this along with your housing contract to apply for the Certificato di Idoneità Alloggiativa, and then your stay permit.

CU

This means Certificazione Unica. It is a form issued by your employer, which confirms the taxes and other mandatory charges that may have been withheld from the payslips by the employer. It is issued annually. You need this for filling in the tax declaration in Italy.

INAIL

If you are working in Italy, this office might come in useful, especially if you are engaged in dangerous work, or have an accident. It is the Istituto Nazionale per l’Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni, or the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents.

INPS

Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale, which is the National Social Security Agency. When you are working you have to pay into INPS. You should check your employer is paying in for you on your contract. INPS issues registration numbers to each employee. You will need this to ask for your stay permit to be extended. You need to make sure your employer is filling out two forms in particular from INPS, the Modulo F24 which is used to pay most taxes and the Modulo DM10, which is used by the employer to pay social security charges for employees.

Marca da Bollo

Is an official stamp. It is used for paying tax or duty. You can buy these at Post Offices and Tabaccherie (shops selling Tobacco, they also often sell stamps). You often need these to apply for official documents before sending off all your forms.

Ricevuta Postale

This is an official receipt which is issued by the Post Office. You need this if you have to send off your expired permesso di soggiorno for a renewal. This official receipt then confirms that you are compliant with Italy’s regulations. This receipt is only valid within Italy, so cannot be used as a replacement travel document.

Prefettura

Is a local government office, under the direction of the Ministry of the Interior. It is often where the Sportello Unico, or Immigration Office is located.

Questura

Is a Police Office, also under the Ministry of the Interior. This is where migrants often have to go to be fingerprinted and then to apply for and collect their stay permits. Here you will often have to go to the Ufficio Stranieri, which is there to deal with all immigration matters.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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Getting a visa is the first step, if you want to move to Italy.

Italy remains a very attractive destination for many people, who come from all over the world to Italy because of her many attractive destinations.  It is estimated that over 50 million tourists visit each year, providing Italy with more than 60% of the country’s national income.

Besides tourist, many people move to Italy for other reasons. Many come here for work, study, family reasons or even as a retirement home. Whatever your reason is for moving to Italy, the first step is, having a visa.

But which one will you need? The type of visa you’ll need to apply for depends on the reason you want to move to Italy and also the length of your stay. If you’re from an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, visa requirements do not apply but you will need an Italian residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. Non-EU citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than three months will need a visa.

If you’re a citizen of a country covered by European Union freedom of movement rules, visa requirements do not apply but you will need an Italian residence permit for stays longer than 90 days. Non-EU citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than three months will need a visa

Whichever type of visa you need, you should apply for it at the Italian embassy or consulate and sometimes a visa application Center which Italy has outsourced visa applications to, such as VFS Global in your home country before you leave. Bear in mind that the process can take a while – it’s best to contact the Italian representative in your country to book an appointment to begin the application process and summit all the necessary documents needed for a visa application. Here’s a look at the different long stay visas also known as the ‘Type D’ or ‘D-Visa’ types available to move to Italy to help you get started;

• Study visa
• Work visa
• Family visa
• Self-employed visa
• Investor visa
• Elective residency visa
• Working holiday visa

Student Visa

Students who are over 18 years old can apply for a student visa to be enrolled into an Italian educational institution to study. The student visa for Italy is only an entrance visa. This means it grants you the right to enter Italy, but if you want to legally stay and study in Italy for longer than three months, you also have to apply for an Italian residence permit.

The Italian study visa is available for a maximum of one year initially, but can be renewed for the duration of your courses. However, to renew your study visa, you will have to pass all your yearly exams at the university.

Work Visa

This type of visa is available to foreign nationals who want to move to Italy to work. But if you’re a citizen of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you don’t need a permit to work in Italy. You just need to have a job in Italy before you can apply for a work visa.

The good news is that your employer will complete most of the visa application process for you. All you need to do is provide them with the relevant paperwork.

Your local embassy will provide you with an entry visa, which should take less than 30 days.

Family Visa

The family visa allows you to bring your spouse, children or dependent parents to live with you, if you are a non-EU national living in Italy with a valid residence permit.

Once your family member has received their Italy family reunion visa, they can enter the country and apply for an Italian residence permit and become legal residents just like you.

However, before they can submit the visa application in your home country, you have to get authorization in Italy called Nulla Osta, which allows them to get the visa to join you.

Self Employed Visa

This type of visa is open to non EU-national who plans to move to Italy to work as a freelancer or open a start-up business. EU nationals as well as citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are free to enter the country and work with simply their IDs or passports. But for stays exceeding 90 days, they need to obtain an Italian residence permit as well.

Before you can apply for a self employed visa or open a start-up business, you must have authorization to perform self-employed work from the local Immigration Desk or register your business with the Business Registrar and also the necessary authorization and documentation needed to perform the specific self-employed activity in Italy.

However, you must bear in mind that, you can only apply for self employed visa for a short window of time every year. There is also a set quota of how many visas that would be issued yearly.

Investors Visa

This is a 2-year visa in exchange for a minimum investment of €500,000 to €2 million for non-EU citizens who choose to invest in strategic assets in Italy.

In order to obtain your investor visa you first need a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) to be released online by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (IV4I). Afterwards, you can go to the Italian representation in your country of residence to apply for the investor visa. With this visa, investors families are eligible to apply for dependent visas.

Retirement Visa

This is also called an Elective Residency Visa (residenza elettiva), and it is mostly used by foreign nationals who wish to retire in Italy and have the financial means to do so. This financial means cannot come from active work while you are in Italy, but rather from savings, investments, or pensions.

Before you make the decision to retire in Italy, you have to apply for the visa at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Working Holiday Visa

If you are in the age group of 18-30 and from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea, you may be eligible to apply for a Visa under a working holiday program.  This working holiday program is a mutual cultural exchange program that makes it possible for young people from a participating country to live and work in another participating country. This visa allows them to live and work in Italy for up to a year.

Please note that your visa isn’t the only permission you’ll need if you want to live in Italy. After you enter Italy with a long-stay visa, you have 8 days to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). The length of time this document will remain valid depends on the type of visa you have.

For more information about visa applications, see the Italian Foreign Ministry’s visa website, or contact your embassy or local Questura in Italy

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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People that always succeed are those that are keen to learn something new every day

One of the most practical ways to make use of your spare time nowadays is to start learning a new skill. For many of us, the desire to speak a foreign language is overshadowed by the idea that it’s a long journey or that there’s no
practical reason to learn. However, research has shown that being bilingual has many advantages in today’s connected world.
Whether you want to give yourself a competitive advantage at work, build closer connections with people, or learn more about the world around you, speaking multiple languages has the potential to break the communication barriers and allow us to understand each other on a more personal level.

In this post, we shall take a look at the benefits of being bilingual or simply put, why you should consider to learn a second language. Let’s go!

It improves your memory

The more you use your brain to learn new skills, the more your brain’s functions work. Learning a new language pushes your brain to get familiar with new grammar and vocabulary rules. It allows you to train your memory to remember new words, make connections between them, and use them in contextual situations.

Enhances your ability to multitask

Time management and multitasking are two skills that will always help you. Multilingual people can switch between languages. Their ability to think in different languages and be able to communicate in more than one language helps with multitasking.

Improves your performance in other academic areas

Fully immersing yourself in a language learning environment means not only learning the basics of that language. It means learning how to communicate in another language with your peers or participating in extracurricular activities in that specific language.

Deepen Your Connection to Other Cultures

Language is the most direct connection to other cultures. Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language. Greater understanding, in turn, promotes greater tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of others—with studies showing that children who have studied another language are more open toward and express more positive attitudes toward the culture associated with that language.

See the World

Traveling as a speaker of the local language can revolutionize a trip abroad. While monolingual travelers are capable of visiting the same places, travelers who know more than one language are more easily able to navigate outside the tourist bubble and to connect and interact with the place and its people in a way that is often inaccessible to those without the language. Learning a second language also opens additional doors to opportunities for studying or working abroad.

Boost Your Confidence

Any language learner can attest to making his or her share of mistakes while discovering a new language—often in front of an audience. It’s a necessary part of the learning process! Learning a language means putting yourself out there and moving out of your comfort zone. The upside is the amazing sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when conversing with
someone in their native language.

Gain Perspective

As we explore a new language and culture, we naturally draw comparisons to what is most familiar. Learning about another culture sheds light on aspects of our own culture—both positive and negative—we may not have previously considered. You may find a greater appreciation for what you have, or you may decide to shake things up.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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Italy is known around the world for her food and wine, culture, fashion, arts and attractive destinations and other things rarely known to others.

When you think about Italy, the first thing that comes to mind are Italian food and wine, music, culture, fashion, arts and attractive destinations. However, there are also other aspect of Italy that many people do not know and rarely talked about.

In this post, we shall take a look at the five shocking facts about Italy that people rarely know or talk about. Let’s go!

ITALY IS THE MOST SUPERSTITIOUS COUNTRY IN EUROPE

Superstition is what I grew up to know to be closely associated with third world countries but certainly not among Europeans. Italians are the most superstitious people in Europe. There are so many omens and beliefs in Italy. 

For an example, in Italy placing a loaf of bread face up could be seen as offending Jesus Christ, the fear of not getting married if you allow a broom to touch your feet, letting any birds inside the house will bring bad luck and trying to hear a cat sneeze will bring good luck.

They also believe the number 13 is a lucky number of prosperity and abundant life while 17 is an unlucky number. This is because rearranging the Roman numeral, XVII, can create the word, “VIXI,” which is translated from Latin as “my life is over.” Due to this, even some hotels here don’t have a seventeenth floor.

ITALY IS HOME TO TWO OTHER COUNTRIES

Is that even possible to have two other countries inside a country? Well, the answer is yes! Italy is so awesome that it houses two other countries inside its borders. The first one is tiny San Marino, and the second – even tinier is Vatican City.

The republic of San Marino is one of the least populated states in the EU with less than 35,000 inhabitants . It is a a landlocked state in southern Europe located at border between the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche . The capital is City of San Marino , the official language is Italian and the inhabitants are called San Marino.

Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. There is the St. Peter’s basilica and square combined with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel which is home to millions of tourists yearly.

French-inspired flag

Well, it turned out that the national flag , often referred to in Italian as il Tricolore featuring three equally sized vertical pales of green, white and red was inspired by the French one which was introduced during Napoleon’s 1797 invasion of the Italian peninsula. The French blue, white and red flag became the first reference and subsequently a source of inspiration for the creation of an Italian identity flag.

The Italian Flag Day named Tricolour Day is celebrated every year on the 7th of January to commemorate the first official adoption of the tricolour as a national flag by a sovereign Italian state.

The colors, however, do have their meaning. They represent three virtues: green represents hope ,white represents faith, and red represents charity.

The capital is older than the country

Well, this is a bit strange and it will take a bit of history lesson to understand how exactly this came about. The Kingdom of Italy was a state that existed from 1861 when King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia was proclaimed King of Italy. But in 1946, the kingdom of Italy became a Republic after civil discontent led to an institutional referendum to abandon the monarchy and form the modern Italian Republic.

It happens that Rome, which is Italy’s current capital was also the capital of the Roman Empire. Rome was founded in 753 BC and has a history dating back 28 centuries. The Roman Empire used to rule over Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of Asia until 395 AD and was a separate state until the Kingdom of Italy was formed in 1861.

Italy means ‘calf land’.

The origin of the name Italy(Italia) has been a source of debate amongst many historians. It is thought that the name derives from the word Italói, a name that is associated with the people that lived in the extreme south of the Italian Peninsula who referred to themselves as Italiotes, that is, inhabitants of Italy. This group of Italian people had worshiped the simulacrum of a calf. It was originally spelt Vitalia, rooting from the Latin, ‘vitulus’ which is a one-year-old calf, and the name would therefore mean “inhabitants of the land of calves.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

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Europe is the perfect destination to relocate to or live in.

Whether you are European or not, Europe is the perfect destination to relocate to or live in. With some of the most exciting and the cheapest European cities, there are plenty of options for you to choose from for your next travel destination.
One of the most fascinating things about Europe is how much the cities vary from place to place, there is somewhere for everyone. Whether you are looking for somewhere with beautiful beaches, a hiking destination, or a busy, metropolitan city. Europe got you covered.

In this post, we shall be taking a look at the ten most affordable cities to live in while in Europe. Let’s Go!

Kharkiv, Ukraine

The cheapest place to live in Europe is Kharkiv in Ukraine. It is the second-largest city in the country, and it has a vast array of attractions for both tourists and residents to enjoy, including a zoo, botanic gardens, theaters, and museums. Therefore, although it has the lowest cost of living in Europe, there are many benefits to choosing this destination to relocate to.

Yekaterinburg, Russia

The second-cheapest place to live in Europe is Yekaterinburg, which is the fourth largest city in Russia. The average cost of living in this city is below $700, which is exceptionally low compared to the cost of living in many other parts of Europe and living in the United States. However, it is important to note that the average wage is very low, which makes the city expensive for locals. If you plan to work in this city and not just live there, then you should check your earnings potential
against the cost of living.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Formerly known as Petrograd, Saint Petersburg is a port city in Russia that sits by the Baltic Sea. For two centuries, it was Russia’s imperial capital, and it remains the cultural center of this country. If you enjoy the performing arts, museums, and art, then you will find plenty to enjoy in your free time in this city. Although rent in the city center is expensive compared to other parts of the city, it is much lower on the outskirts. The other costs of living are much lower than in other parts of Russia or the rest of Europe.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia boasts beautiful architecture, and it is set against the backdrop of magnificent mountains. Despite the pleasant setting, this city is one of the most affordable places to live in Europe. You can enjoy cheap beer, food, and utilities in this country. It offers an excellent lifestyle, as there is an urban vibe with plenty of bars and restaurants in the city, but the rural surroundings mean that there is the option to enjoy a vast array of outdoor activities, including skiing in the mountains.

Bucharest, Romania

Other than the low cost of living in this city, Bucharest is appealing as there are areas of outstanding natural beauty surrounding it. Despite the low living costs, the economy in this country is growing, and it also has an emerging tech industry. It means that there are employment opportunities if you plan to work after relocating. Many of the major companies are multicultural, and they welcome ex-pats with the right qualifications or experience from across the globe. The Romanians are proud of their history and culture, so you should learn more about this if you plan to relocate to this country.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw is a city that will appeal to a vast array of people with varied interests. It has an excellent food scene that will appeal to foodies, while history and art enthusiasts will enjoy the galleries and museums in this city. While it is growing as a tourist destination, it is not a place that is overpopulated with ex-pats. Therefore, you can absorb yourself into Polish culture. Although the cost of living in Warsaw is low across the board, the food and drink are especially cheap in this
country.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is both the capital and the largest city in Slovakia, and it has a population of approximately 430 thousand people. However, it is expected that this figure will significantly rise as it is a rapidly expanding city. The city is split by the River Danube, with part of the city on each of the banks. It sits by the borders of Austria and Hungary. Its location is just one of the reasons that make this an appealing European city in which to live. The cost of living for a single person
in this location is just over $700 per month.

Murcia, Spain

Spain has some of the highest living standards in the world. Despite the high living standards, many areas of Spain are considered some of the most affordable in Europe. At the top of the list of affordable Spanish cities is Murcia. In Murcia, both rental and purchase prices for property are some of the lowest in the country. Furthermore, the cost of food and utilities is also low.

Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb is the capital and largest city in Croatia, and it sits along the Sava River in the northwest of the country. This city is where Central Europe, Southeast Europe, and the Mediterranean meet, so it is an important transport hub. Zagreb has a diverse economy and a high standard of living. It is known for sporting events, entertainment, museums, and many other activities and attractions. Despite all these features that make it an appealing place to call home, it has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic

Europe Language Jobs lists Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, as one of the cheapest places to live in Europe. In addition to the low cost of living, the work/ life balance is another reason that this is a good option for those who want to relocate. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe so that you will benefit from the aesthetically pleasing surroundings

Here you go, I hope this post was educative and helpful to you in some ways to be well informed affordable cities to live in Europe. This is just a guide, I will recommend further research in your dream choice of an European city to settle in or visit.

I would like to hear from you: What are your thoughts on this subject. You can share your thoughts and experiences with me and others in the comments section below!

It is hard to continue writing post like this without contributions from readers like you. If you enjoyed reading this and find it useful, please would you consider to make a donation of $2 or more, which is the price of your coffee! Your donation will help encourage and support us to continue on our work to support migrants with free educative post and trainings who can not afford subscriptions to get much needed information. Anyone can support us even YOU. Kindly support us today, it takes a few seconds, just click HERE to donate. Thank you!

SIGN UP to the MigrantDigest newsletter & receive updates & tips on news, jobs, finance, entertainment and free trainings.

PLUS, you’ll get instant free E-Book on staying in Italy legally, delivered to your email! This E-Book is guaranteed to help you to be informed of the existing rules to live a better life and to co-exist better with Italians. It only takes a few seconds!

Like this post? Don’t forget to share it!

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The first known case of the coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic.

Coronaviruses are common in certain species of animals, such as cattle and camels. Although the transmission of coronaviruses from animals to humans is rare, this new strain likely came from bats, though one study suggests pangolins may be the origin.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD

SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person through close communities. When people with COVID-19 breathe out or cough, they expel tiny droplets that contain the virus. These droplets can enter the mouth or nose of someone without the virus, causing an infection to occur. The most common way that this illness spreads is through close contact with someone who has the infection. Close contact is within around 6 feet.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Breathlessness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• New loss of taste or smell

These symptoms are likely to occur 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Chances are you’ve heard about the food, drug, or other methods that claim to prevent, treat or cure coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But while it might be tempting to use a questionable product or method to stay healthy, it’s extremely unlikely to work and might cause serious harm to you.

What does science say:

• Pneumonia and flu vaccines: Vaccines against pneumonia, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, don’t protect against the COVID-19 virus. The flu shot also won’t protect you against the COVID-19 virus. However, annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
• Saline nasal wash: No evidence rinsing your nose with saline protects against infection with the COVID-19 virus.
• High temperatures: Exposure to the sun or temperatures higher than 77 F (25 C) doesn’t prevent the COVID-19 virus or cure COVID-19. You can get the COVID-19 virus in sunny, hot, and humid weather. Taking a hot bath also can’t prevent you from catching the COVID-19 virus. Your normal body temperature remains the same, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower.
• Low temperatures: : Cold weather and snow also can’t kill the COVID-19 virus.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. However, people hospitalized due to COVID-19 might be given antibiotics because they also have developed a bacterial infection.
• Alcohol and chlorine spray: Spraying alcohol or chlorine on your body won’t kill viruses that have entered your body. These substances also can harm your eyes, mouth, and clothes.
• Drinking alcohol: : Drinking alcohol doesn’t protect you from the COVID-19 virus.

EFFECTIVE COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection. When possible, get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can more safely return to doing activities that you might not have been able to do because of the pandemic. However, if you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, the Centre for disease control recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with people who aren’t fully vaccinated.

It is also very important to avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms. Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters), especially if COVID19 is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Keep in mind some people may have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if they don’t have symptoms.

You must wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Also, you should wear the recommended face mask in indoor public spaces. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with others who aren’t fully vaccinated.

Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding, and other household items if you’re sick.

Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.

Stay away from work, school, and public areas if you’re sick unless you’re going to get medical care.

Avoid taking public transportation if you’re sick

COVID-19 VACCINES MYTHS VERSUS FACTS

Covid-19 vaccines is finally here with us and the government has been trying to get people to be vaccinated even to get the booster dose after taking the second dose. But a lot of people are still not convinced to take the vaccine. Let us take a look at the most common myths about taking the vaccine as against the scientifically proven facts.