Advice on emigrating to Italy

If you’ve always dreamed of living in Italy and Brexit is scaring you silly, now’s the time to go.

The first step is to ensure you’re legally entitled to live in Italy by applying for the correct visa if you’re a non-EU national. For now until the Brexit transition period ends, British nationals can enter the country in the normal way as EU citizens unless the still-ongoing negotiations state otherwise. If you’re not a European citizen, you’ll need to get your visa at an Italian consulate in your home country or present country of residence. Once you’re in, EU citizens and arrivals from elsewhere all need to register as residents at their local town hall within 90 days of arrival. If you’re not from an EU member state, you might be asked to prove self-sufficiency as regards funds.

Networking is the next step unless you’ve migrated as a retiree or on an inter-company transfer. Italy’s booming IT sector is good for jobs, but the once popular banking sector is laying off workers at a fast rate. Life in Italy’s stunning major cites is, unfortunately, expensive, especially for those living alone. A small apartment will cost around €850 a month and, with the average wage at €1,200 or so, you may need a second job to survive.

Moving to the far cheaper countryside is fine if you’re retiring, but for those searching for work it’s the worst idea as there simply isn’t any. Even digital nomads are out of luck, as internet access is sparse and slow. If you’re planning on an extended stay and are working or establishing a small business, a competent tax lawyer and accountant is essential. Do-it-yourself often ends in tears, and the legalities are as complicated as the Italian authorities can possibly make them. If you’re leasing an apartment on a person-to-person basis, you’ll pay less than through a rental company as landlords pay more tax on company rentals. Realtors in major cities generally demand two months’ rent for their services, with one month normal in the rest of the country.