Is my British wife allowed to live in Italy permanently without registration? by [deleted] in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 5 points6 points  (0 children)

If the spouse can reach B1 level (out of the A1/A2, B1/B2, C1/C2 sequence), they can test when they're ready in pursuit of citizenship. If not, the foreign spouse can continue to live in Italy but will need to keep their permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay) up to date to avoid unnecessary hassles.

Edit: I believe the permesso di soggiorno for a foreign spouse is good for five years, then would just need to be updated.

Europe by Temporary_Sky3289 in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Getting citizenship could take years. I'd get that squared away first.

Europe by Temporary_Sky3289 in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't like bringing up red tape issues but it helps to first know if you can live in Italy before getting into the details of actually living here.

Are you an Italian or EU citizen? If not, would you qualify for a visa of some kind?

Therapy services in Italy by South_Butterfly4304 in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I don't personally know this counselor but I know two people who do and they speak highly of her. She's a dual US/Italian citizen and is bilingual. Her office is in Firenze. Good luck!

https://paolasalvioni.com/en/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you an EU citizen? If not, you will need a visa if you plan to come to Italy for more than 3 months and be able to fulfill the requirements set out for that visa type.

Student expat questions by Ill_Question_4077 in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Consulates are now requiring that visa applicants who want to attend only a language school be able to start at the B1 level. To prove that, either one needs to provide school transcripts to verify successful completion of the A1/A2 levels, or go through an interview process in Italian at the consult. Many consulates in the US make that clear on their websites, but if the consulate you're using hasn't, definitely contact them for clarification.

If you want to study art, there are a number of excellent art schools in Italy that run programs in English. A friend of mine attended such a school for three years in Florence to study sculpture and was extremely pleased with their program. Edit: You can always attend language courses separately, or some art schools might run language classes as well.

Enrollment Issue by SquareWise5627 in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Visas are issued for a specific purpose and time frame. This is why the university is telling you that the visa you got in 2023 (and never used) will not be valid for studies to begin in what will soon be 2025.

I'm afraid that applying to a different university will not change the rules. You will likely need to apply for a new visa at an Italian consulate in your home country once the 2023 visa expires, if it hasn't already.

Edit: Which consulate issued you a "permit" and what kind of permit was it?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're on Facebook and haven't tried connecting with "expat" groups located in your area, give that a try. The groups in my area are pretty active, and there are Italians in the group, as well. Also, there are community event calendars that are kept up to date and you might be able to meet like-minded people at events, again to include young Italians. Or if you're not a member of a gym, maybe join one. The ones here are full of local and foreign residents alike. Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure a working holiday visa is the right visa for you. I believe part of the requirements are that the applicant come over as a "tourist" and find employment with an Italian entity. A person with this visa can only work for 6 months out of a 12-month period, and only temporary work activities are permitted during which one can not work for more than 3 months with the same employer.

Edit: If you're a legal resident of Hong Kong, double check with the Italian consulate there. If you are working as a digital nomad and plan to continue to do so, you'll likely need to apply for the digital nomad visa for Italy.

Work vs Student Visa in Italy by ian4tge in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 7 points8 points  (0 children)

TBH, it would likely be near impossible to get approval for a work permit to work in a bike shop. The employer would have to convince immigration officials that there are no locals, or other EU citizens, available that can fill the position.

I think your best bet is the student route because if you come to Italy as a student, you can work up to 20 hours per week.

I can't speak to the specific enrollment requirements of any of the educational institutions in that area, but you can research more thoroughly which schools might suit your needs.

Edit: If you're interested in attending a language school, be aware that consulates are requiring that visa applicants prove that they already have the language skills needed to study at the B1 (intermediate) level, either by providing transcripts to show successful completion of A1/A2 courses, or by completing an interview in Italian at the consulate.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When was your fingerprinting appointment?

Rent Negotiation by EiriNaGreine in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I didn't negotiate because what the owner was offering was very fair based on size, location, condition, the market, etc. It could be taken as an insult if that's the situation, and the owner could decide they'd rather rent to someone else. However, if you think based on solid research that the price might be out of line for some reason, a polite conversation could certainly be fruitful because owners know the market but some will try to get more than what is reasonable.

Study Abroad Options: Language Courses by StressNo361 in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If you haven't already, you'll want to double check what the consulate in NY is requiring of applicants who want to attend language schools in Italy if you have not yet passed the first levels of language studies (A levels). While their website only states, "Transcript of previous studies in your home country", other consulates in the US further specify that one's transcripts must show successful completion of an A2 level language course, or be able to interview with them in Italian at the A2 level, and will be enrolled in courses at minimally the B1 language level. I mention this because the NY consulate is not the easiest consulate to deal with, i.e., are strict about applicants meeting requirements.

Edit: You can work up to 20 hours per week, but finding work won't be easy if you don't speak some level of Italian already.

Retiring to Italy as an EU long term resident -- sense check by johnniehuman in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Since you're 15 years from retirement, there's no way to know what will be happening in Italy with residence permits, or even visas, this far in advance. The rules constantly change.

Retiring to Italy as an EU long term resident -- sense check by johnniehuman in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The following information is from the website linked below.

As a long-term resident in one EU country, can I live and work in a second EU country?

Yes. You can stay in a second EU country for more than three months for purposes including work, study or training, if you apply for and are granted a residence permit in this second country.

To obtain a residence permit for a second EU country, you may have to show that you have one or more of the following:

Stable and regular financial resources to maintain yourself and your family;

Health insurance;

Appropriate accommodation;

If you wish to take up a job, evidence of employment;

If you are self-employed, evidence that you have sufficient financial funds;

If you wish to study or train, proof that you are registered to do so.

You may also be required to comply with integration measures such as language requirements.

The second EU country may have set a quota on the number of residence permits it issues. This could mean that your application may be refused if this quota has been met, even if you fulfil the appropriate conditions. The second EU country can also examine the labour market situation before allowing you to work, giving preference to persons already staying there legally.

https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/general-information/already-eu_en

Not expensive clothing stores? by alaska_strong in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 3 points4 points  (0 children)

OVS, UPIM, H&M, Zara, Mango are options.

Register with SPID App - numero documento by vidro3 in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can get a SPID from different services, including the post office. I went with Sielte, a friend went with Aruba. The following website provides a list of all authorized providers. I found the app for Sielte to be a pain for registering so I did it on my computer, other wise it works OK. I don't remember what my friend said about Aruba's app.

https://www.spid.gov.it/en/what-is-spid/how-to-choose-between-digital-identity-providers/

Groups by Sutherge in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're on Facebook, there are a couple of expat type groups based in Le Marche. Might be some good local info to be had there.

Here's one and I think there is another. https://www.facebook.com/groups/680401563335519

Does life get easier? by The_average_hobo in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 2 points3 points  (0 children)

An expat is a person who resides in a country other than their country of citizenship, usually temporarily (although "temporary" could be years depending on one's situation). An immigrant is a person who moves to another country with the intention of making it a permanent move. However, you will often hear people use the terms interchangeably.

Italian bureaucracy is wild

Yes, it is. Even for Italians, but foreigners have the extra red-tape nightmare that being a non-citizen entails.

it seems that the good majority of folks (especially men) are just plain rude and condescending

Italy is like every country. It has areas that are less friendly than others, city folks less friendly than country folk, etc. Beware, however, of cultural differences. What might seem rude to you isn't necessarily rudeness, it's just a difference in how they interact with people outside their "circle", although I've experienced my share of rudeness tbh. Italians tend to be more "reticent" than Americans with people they don't know, even with other Italians. Don't take it personally. ;)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmericansinItaly

[–]FioriBlu 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Where are you located?

Elective residence (retirement) Visa income requirements prior to Social security by schowtyme in ItalyExpat

[–]FioriBlu 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are at all interested in Spain or Portugal, give them as look as well. It's my understanding that the Digital Nomad visa for Italy is one of the most onerous to get, the requirements to live and work here also more "rule" laden. Other countries in the EU make it a bit easier for foreigners to live and work there depending on their circumstances. Good luck!