The Italian job market, characterized by a diverse array of industries and opportunities, can be an attractive destination for expats. From a robust manufacturing sector to a world-renowned fashion industry, Italy offers a plethora of job prospects. However, successfully navigating this landscape requires a deep understanding of Italy’s job market dynamics. Here’s a comprehensive guide … Read more

Italy, renowned for its deep cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and gastronomic delights, offers a family-oriented society that is highly appealing to many expats. Italian families are close-knit, often with extended family living nearby, contributing to a sense of community. This environment provides an ideal backdrop for raising children. With its excellent healthcare and education systems, … Read more

Moving abroad is a tricky proposition from all angles, but healthcare is one of the main worries people state when they are considering making an intercontinental move. If you’re moving from the USA to Italy, you might be wondering about the quality of healthcare available, how to sign up to the healthcare system there, and … Read more

When it comes to opening a bank account in Italy, expats ordinarily have four choices. They can choose to: Keep their existing account in their home country, which is particularly useful for anyone planning to move back at some point in the future Open a local account, which is usually necessary for individuals working in … Read more

If you are going out to beautiful Italy in order to live and work, you may be asking how easily you will be able to communicate in English, or whether you will need to be fluent in Italian. We will answer some of these questions below.The official language of Italy is Italian. This is a … Read more

As an expat destination, Italy is most popular among retired people and those looking to settle down with a partner. The market generally supports people purchasing properties, rather than renting them, but you can also find great rental opportunities with the right landlord.Renting property in Italy In general, rental prices in Italy are competitive. It … Read more

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world, for visitors and expats seeking residence and employment. An estimated 50 million people visit the country annually. Whether or not you need a visa will depend on your country of origin. Read on to learn more about your options.Will I need a visa? You … Read more

If Italy is home to such an extraordinary variety of flavours, tastes, and aromas, it is because Italians know how to make the best of what nature offers and can transform just about anything into a culinary delight, unequalled in the world.From the Alps in the north to its most southerly island ‘Lampedusa’ [did you … Read more

The cost of healthcare in Italy will depend on a number of factors, namely whether you as an expat: • are signed up with the national insurance scheme, the Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) • have private insurance • have a combination of national and top-up private insurance to cover procedures (such as dental and optical … Read more

If you are an expat living and working in Italy, you are likely to have been registered with the Italian public health system (the Azienda Sanitaria Locale or Local Health Agency: ASL) and will be paying into it directly from your salary. In this case most of your primary healthcare needs, such as GP visits … Read more

Italians are known to be child-loving and family oriented, so should you find yourself pregnant as an expat in Italy, you should have few difficulties in accessing a high standard of maternity care in this modern European nation.To an extent, your maternity care will depend on whether you are covered by public healthcare, or whether … Read more

If you are an expat residing and working in Italy, you should experience few difficulties in accessing your prescription medication, whether you are covered by private health insurance or are registered with the Italian health authority (the Azienda Sanitaria Locale or Local Health Agency: ASL) and thus have national health insurance under the public scheme, … Read more

Finding a job in Italy should be a simple process for English-speaking expats, particularly those from countries within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). However, your success in securing long-term gainful employment may depend on your field of work and skill set. For some jobs, including those in the service industry, a … Read more

Italy’s government believes that healthcare is a human right, with universal coverage, solidarity, human dignity, and health needs as its guiding principles. As a result, the government invests in healthcare with its Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), a national public healthcare system that is administrated and managed regionally.Italy has the results to show for its investment … Read more

Italy’s healthcare service is a mixed public-private system that regularly ranks within the World Health Organization’s top 10 for quality of health services. Their Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) has provided universal coverage at free or reduced costs at the point of delivery for residents since 1978. Their public system is well-developed and is administered by … Read more

The Italian healthcare system, or Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), offers its citizens and legal residents wide-ranging, universal medical coverage free of charge or at a relatively low cost. Yet, like most Mediterranean countries in the European Union, oral healthcare makes up only about 5-8% of the public health system.The legislation on essential levels of care … Read more

The Italian healthcare system, or Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), offers universal medical coverage free of charge or at a low rate to its citizens and legal residents. A regionally-based programme, medical services and hospital facilities vary widely from region to region in terms of quality. However, as a whole Italy’s public healthcare is ranked among … Read more

After ten days in England, it was such a relief to get home to Beautiful Tuscany and to find that our local village of Fiano has won back the coveted banner having been victorious at the annual Calambur event! Bravi to all our lovely Italian friends who participated! This event is a bit like the … Read more

Italy’s newly minted eco-tax for cars, approved by the country’s upper house of Parliament, is causing quite a bit of confusion.Introduced as part of the country’s budget plan, the ‘eco-tax’ appears to be generating more questions than answers. Is it a tax? A bonus? A rebate? A subsidy? What exactly is this tax and what … Read more

Relocating to Italy can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. For expat families, assimilating into a new home can be a mixed bag of exciting opportunities and nerve-wracking challenges, not least of which is deciding which type of school to send your children. This is a prospect that can be daunting … Read more

Italy is a country admired throughout the world for its art, design, classical architecture and culture. A leader in precision machinery, luxury automobiles, and hand-woven textiles, Italy attracts thousands of UK citizens each year to its food, wine, stunning landscapes, and warm Mediterranean climate.Starting a business in Italy has been a dream for many British … Read more

Italy is without a doubt one of top pasta-consuming locations in the world, and the northern city of Milan is no exception.But before we dive into how to eat gluten-free in Milan – or anywhere else in Italy, for that matter – let’s take a closer look at gluten itself: what it is and why … Read more

Who among us hasn’t imagined themselves sitting under the Tuscan sun, sipping from a glass of wine while Domenico Modugno sings Volare on the stereo? Owning a piece of la dolce vita is the dream of many migrants coming to Italy.However, before deciding to own a home or a plot of land in the bel … Read more

Giving birth is never easy at the best of times, and expat mums face some extra challenges, from language barriers to differing levels of care and birth customs. However, Italy – which is child-minded and has a good public health care system – is a good place to be if you’re expecting.So, if you’re resident … Read more

Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be isolating at times, especially at the onset when you may not speak the language fluently or haven’t had a chance immerse fully into the culture.Making friends can be a challenge, which is why meetups are so important for those who have relocated to … Read more

In the latter quarter of 2018, Matteo Salvini successfully pushed for a controversial package of new laws to come into effect, ostensibly to make it more difficult for asylum seekers to find refuge in Italy. However, there are also consequences for other expats living in the country. Here, we shed light on two of the … Read more

Damien, you're an expat coach and you help people who want to move abroad. Tell us a bit more about your job and how you got into it. I define myself as a Global Mobility Specialist and Expat Coach & Mentor and I combine both skillsets to provide a unique relocation experience to Italy. Combining … Read more

A codice fiscale (or fiscal code) is an Italian tax identification number similar to the social security number in the United States and the National Insurance number in the United Kingdom. It is issued free of charge to Italian people and migrants alike.Not only is a codice fiscale required to purchase a home or land … Read more

"A different language is a different vision of life." —Federico Fellini Italian, a romance language originally descended from Latin, is believed to have spread across Europe in the 14th century, following the popularity of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Today, there are about 67 million Italian speakers in the world—a large portion of whom are living within … Read more

On balmy summer evenings, Rome’s Piazza San Cosimato is positively buzzing with activity and excitement. As the sun sets on the quintessentially Roman neighbourhood of Trastevere, the main square is where residents and visitors alike gather to partake in one of the most highly anticipated events of the season: Rome’s open-air cinema.Fortunately, San Cosimato isn’t … Read more

Abruzzo is a region to the east of Rome, characterised by majestic mountain ranges, rugged coastline, charming medieval villages and vibrant city centres. When it comes to purchasing things for the home, shops such as Pescara, L’Aquila, Teramo and Chieti offer outstanding options to meet almost every shopper’s need and budget.Department Stores Department stores may … Read more

As an employee, tax is that little thing that chips away at your pay-cheque each month. As an employer, it’s a whole different ball game – especially when it comes to business taxes in Italy. These days, Italy is a country where the majority of businesses are small to medium enterprises, but it wasn’t always … Read more

Located in central Italy, Tuscany is famous for its spectacular scenery, awe-inspiring architecture and pleasant climate, making it a popular destination for expats. There is a wide range of shopping options offering homeware to suit everyone.Supermarkets There are a number of supermarket chains that, like their British counterparts, sell a range of houseware items as … Read more

They like to say ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, but that’s not going to solve every problem you encounter as an expat in Italy. For one thing, the Italian economy is still sluggish following the global economic dramas of 2008. Ten years on, the government is saddled with debt and unemployment is … Read more

A country steeped in history, art, and culture, Italy has always been a hotspot for expats from all over the world. It sports a gorgeous climate that is considered one of the best in the European region, and is also home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, the most famous of … Read more

Are you trying to decide between Italy and Spain as a destination? There are some similarities between these countries, both of which enjoy sunny Mediterranean weather, are populated with Latin peoples, harbor a great love for good wine and cuisine, have the tradition of an afternoon siesta, and are known for their warmth and hospitality. … Read more

Driving in Italy can be daunting for those not used to the experience. The city streets are stressful to navigate, but the pace does slow down as you head towards the countryside. For new expats who are looking forward to getting out on the road, here’s a guide to driving in Italy.Do you need a … Read more

The boot-shaped peninsula is famous all around the world for its distinctive culture, especially its cuisine. Italian food has become extremely popular worldwide, and signature Italian dishes are now available in major global cities.However, there is lot more to the culinary range of this European destination than pizza and pasta. Not many outsiders are aware … Read more

Italy has become one of the most popular expat destinations for people from all across the world. Known for its rich history, modern infrastructure, warm people, scenic beauty and pleasant weather, Italy offers its residents a highly attractive lifestyle, with special emphasis on aspects such as family, food, fashion and festivities.Often referred to as the … Read more

Italy’s history stretches back all the way to the Roman Empire. In Italy, expats will find a rich cultural heritage that is evident even in the tiniest rural towns. Italian is the official language, but other languages such as Slovenian, German and French are also considered national languages, and are spoken along the Slovenian border, … Read more

What is Permesso Di Soggiorno? This is a permit of stay not to be confused with an entry visa (which must be arranged separately if necessary and ideally prior to your arrival in the country). The document is legally required by the Italian state for all foreign citizens who wish to reside in Italy.The Permesso … Read more

Are you planning on bringing your animale domestico with you to start your new life in Italy? Before making your move, you will need to make the necessary preparations for your pet to ensure their journey runs smoothly. The logistics and preparation can be confusing at times and so we have put together a simple … Read more

There are a myriad of options for those looking to gain proficiency certificates, skills in business language or go on to higher education. But what about those of us who want to learn more conversational Italian? Day to day life Italian phrases that would help you navigate your way around ordinary tasks and be able … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Italy and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.Expat In ItalyFacebook Page Swapping fresh Florida … Read more

Language proficiency certificates are required for a multitude of circumstances. In particular being able to demonstrate knowledge of the Italian language along with a proficiency certificate is usually required for applying for long term residency, gaining access to higher education and employment in most workplaces (especially within a corporate setting).There are several variations of proficiency … Read more

Moving to or visiting Italy the visitor will soon discover that there is a much wider range of culinary delights to enjoy and, interestingly, they vary hugely around the different regions. These regional offerings reflect the impressive range of foods and ingredients available to that area and there is always something for everyone to enjoy.Italy … Read more

The boot-shaped country of Italy is referred to as the birthplace of western civilization and a cultural hub. It is the home of exquisite art, grand architecture and fine food. From the leaning Tower of Pisa to the Colosseum, Italy is a treasure trove of culture and heritage.The country has a thriving population of 60 … Read more

Banks in Italy range from co-operative banks, or banchi popolari cooperativi, to credit or commercial banks and also cooperative credit banks, or banche di credito cooperativo. There are two different types of accounts aimed at expats who are living in Italy. For various reasons, expats tend to like non-resident bank accounts, which are known as … Read more

The world loves coffee. It’s the second most valuable traded commodity – second only to oil – with 8.5 billion kilos of ground coffee consumed every year. This equates to 2.25 billion cups of hot brew consumed worldwide every day. Whilst the global population is becoming more and more addicted to their morning brew, they … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Italy and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. This Italian Lifehttps://hottitalianlife.com/ Jess followed her heart to the boot shaped … Read more

Ivanka, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. I worked in the financial industry in Toronto and got laid off due to re-structuring. Before I found another job I convinced my husband to take a year off and live in Italy. At first he was reluctant but then … Read more

Tipping etiquette can be a bit tricky to figure out as an expat, as it differs from one country to another. While some cultures do not believe in leaving anything more than what they have being charged, others may voluntarily pay up to 20% of their bill for good service. When it comes to offering … Read more

Italy is one of the most intriguing and attractive countries in all of Europe, if not the entire world. It does many things remarkably well, but especially excels in food, art and fashion. Italy is the birthplace of Spaghetti Bolognese, Antipasto and Tiramisu. It is the land where Michelangelo painstakingly painted the ceiling of the … Read more

Italy’s social security system provides citizens and residents with a variety of benefits such as disability benefits and old-age pensions. The amount of benefits an individual receives is determined by the duration of time for which he or she has contributed to the welfare system and on their income level. The Italian social security system … Read more

There are many reasons why the Italians stay so healthy. There isn’t a culture of abstaining from various foods here, but still most of them remain fit and also happy. There’s the famous Mediterranean diet full of the goodness of olive oil and fresh local produce, and also the fact that mealtimes in Italy are … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Italy and some of the bloggers who write about living there. Surviving in Italyhttp://survivinginitaly.com/ A hilarious and irreverent expat blog by M.E. Evans, who … Read more

Moving to Italy is the stuff that dreams are made of, and Italy has long been a bewitching destination for tourists and expats alike. While living in Italy may not always live up to your expectations, there’s no denying that the country and its attractions will wildly surpass all expectations. There is just so much … Read more

Italy is the land of good food, great wine and vibrant people. There are many other reasons why this country attracts so many expats. There are lucrative job opportunities for overseas professionals. Retirees find Italy a good place to settle down because the weather is pleasant. The rural areas are quaint and rich in tradition … Read more

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for expats. Its sun soaked Mediterranean beaches, picturesque countryside, rugged mountainous terrain and world class cities make it irresistible to most expats, whether they are considering a short stay or a long-term relocation. In Italy, buying property is often a more prudent option as compared to renting. … Read more

Italy is a country with many treasures. A rich artistic tradition, spectacular natural landscapes, a fashion-forward society and delectable gastronomy – all of these give the country a unique character. Expats are also drawn to Italy because of lucrative employment opportunities and a high quality lifestyle. For those relocating to Italy, here are 10 helpful … Read more

The shrinking local workforce in Italy has been attracting several foreign immigrants for the last decade or so. Many retired American and British citizens have also moved to this country to enjoy its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. More than 350,000 expats are reported to move to Italy every year, from all across the globe. The larger … Read more

Although the history of golf in Italy goes back over a century, its beginnings in the region can be traced to Florence, which was an English colony at the time. Till today, the game has never truly taken hold in Italy. Approximately 125 years since the foundation of the first golf club, the country has … Read more

Italy is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and the entire country has something to offer. The northern region is more developed and hence has better work opportunities. Many expats prefer to settle in central Italy where infrastructure is good. The South of Italy is a great place to unwind with its fresh air, pleasant … Read more

Italian cuisine is laden with rich regional variations and almost every town and village has their own specialties. The north of Italy displays a greater influence of French and Austrian cuisine with emphasis on richer and creamier meat and rice dishes. The south features lighter fare dominated by ingredients like fish, tomatoes and olive oil. … Read more

There are many reasons why expats are drawn to Italy. It has a reputation as a country of art and culture, great food and wine, and warm, lively people that believe in living life to the fullest. Here are five good reasons that just might convince you to move to Italy. Cuisine One of the … Read more

When travelling or staying abroad, striking up a conversation with locals can sometimes be quite challenging. You may find yourself feeling frustrated or anxious when attempting to communicate the simplest things. Many tourists and expats – and locals alike – are known to lose their temper once in a while on account of the communication … Read more

Expat Focus talks to Catherine Tondelli about her book "Three Coins in the Fountain", a funny and helpful memoir of her life as an expat in Rome. Catherine, please tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born – along with my twin sister – into a large Irish/Italian family in Chicago, the ninth … Read more

Twenty years ago, the idea that you couldn’t survive without the internet was a strange prospect. Nowadays, however, we’re connected all the time: chatting to friends on Facebook, emailing documents to clients and contacts, checking newswires and weather forecasts. Moving to a new country can be daunting when it comes to choosing a broadband provider … Read more

Ski slopes and fresh powder are probably not the first things that spring to mind when thinking about about a getaway to Italy. However, the distribution of winter resorts throughout the country is impressive enough to shock those who base their idea of Italy’s terrain upon repeat viewings of Sergio Leone’s ‘spaghetti Westerns.’ It may … Read more

Many famous locations on the globe have been, for better or worse, reduced in the public mind to a single defining feature or concept. If we were to play a simple word association game with famous global destinations, we might get, say, simple reductions like “beach” for Miami, “cowboy” for Texas, or “mafia” for Sicily. … Read more

In recent years, Italy has seemed to outside observers like a country in constant, chaotic flux, with the recent governmental transition being major proof of this. The recent chaotic general election in the country, which generated no fewer than five inconclusive ballots, finally ended on April 20 with the re-election of Giorgio Napolitano. However, it … Read more

In a similar vein to the rest of the world, Italy is experiencing challenging times during the current economic climate, with regards to employment opportunities and the financial crisis. Unemployment is at an all-time high and the recovery has been slow for the country. Expats will be interested to hear that the North has far … Read more

by Amy Lucinda An article on Italian food. Where on earth do I start?! The country that’s famous for passion, fashion and food. And probably fashionable food made with passion. Now, I could just write a list of adjectives to describe Italian food, which basically all mean ‘amazing’. But as effective as that may be … Read more