A New Life in Italy Samantha Wilson

Welcome back to another episode of "A New Life in Italy." I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we're taking a special journey to Venice. But we're not talking about the Venice you're used to seeing on social media or in travel brochures; we're exploring the authentic Venice, the one that locals call home.
I'm thrilled to have my friend Monica Cesarato join us. She's a Venetian local, and a renowned tour guide, and you might know her from her Instagram, her books, or her podcast "Venice Talks" on Sentire Media. Monica is here to give us the insider scoop on the real Venice, from the best quiet neighborhoods to the true costs of living in a floating city.
Venice is known for its canals, history, and Carnavale, but beyond the picturesque scenes, there's a vibrant community living a rich life. We'll dive into the daily routines of Venetians, how they shop, eat, and play while avoiding tourist traps. This episode is your golden ticket to discover the lesser-known aspects of Venetian life and perhaps how you can make this city your new home.
Whether you're dreaming of moving to Venice or just curious about the reality behind its fairy tale facade, this show is for you.
Remember to check out the show notes for all of Monica's details, and don't miss her podcast "Venice Talks" for an even deeper dive into Venetian life. Until next time, ciao for now!
Visit Monica's Webiste
Listen to her podcast Venice Talks
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If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
To rate, scroll to the top tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! 
Until next time! 
Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website
Sentire Media Website

Welcome back to A New Life in Italy. In today's episode, we tackled the often challenging task of finding a rental property in Italy, a crucial step for those planning to move here, whether for visa applications, citizenship, or residency due to marriage to an Italian or European.
Renting in Italy is a common and socially accepted practice, offering flexibility and a lower cost compared to buying. However, it's not without its difficulties, especially for foreigners without an Italian income, which can be a significant hurdle.
Here are some key takeaways from the episode:
Start Early: Securing accommodation should be done before arriving in Italy due to the time-consuming nature of the rental process.Get Help: Enlist the aid of someone who speaks both Italian and English to navigate the market and vouch for you.Be Prepared: Have your financial documents ready and expect to pay a deposit of two to three months' rent.Understand the Leases: Familiarize yourself with the types of leases available, such as Transitorio (31 days to 18 months) and residential leases (4+4 or 3+2 years).Location Matters: Choose a location with good public transportation and consider tax implications if moving to a 7% flat tax qualifying town.Use Online Resources: Websites like Idealista, Immobilare, and Miafito can be valuable in your search.Be Patient and Flexible: The process can take time, and you may face rejections. Don't wait for the perfect property; focus on securing a suitable one to begin your life in Italy.
To wrap up, I shared my top seven tips for a smoother rental process, emphasizing the importance of getting help, being financially prepared, and maintaining patience and flexibility throughout the search.
If you're embarking on your rental journey in Italy or have any questions about moving here, don't hesitate to reach out to us at smartmoveitaly.com. Join us next week for more insights into living your dream life in Italy. Ciao for now!
Submit your rental search criteria here www.smartmoveitaly.com/rent
Rental Websites
www.mioaffitto.it
www.idealista.it
www.immobiliare.it
Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website

Welcome back, dreamers and doers, to another episode of "A New Life in Italy." I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, the Chief Dream Maker at SmartMoveItaly.com. Today, we're diving into the exciting world of Italian citizenship, specifically the fast track process of applying directly in Italy.
Italian citizenship is not just about connecting with your heritage; it's a gateway to European living, granting you the freedom to live, work, or study in any EU country. However, the journey to citizenship can be long and complex, with some applicants facing years-long waits at local consulates or even having to petition Italian courts.
But there's a faster way: the fast track application in Italy. While it promises a quicker path to citizenship, it comes with its own set of challenges and requirements, which we'll explore in detail.
Qualifications for Fast Track CitizenshipTo qualify for fast track citizenship, you must have an Italian ancestor who did not naturalize as a citizen of another country before their child (your direct ancestor) was born.
Preparing for the ApplicationBefore you pack your bags for Italy, your application must be complete. This includes gathering extensive documentation, such as vital records, apostilles, and translations, which must be sworn in an Italian court. Arriving in Italy with an incomplete application can result in being turned away.
Residency in ItalyA critical aspect of the fast track process is that you must move to Italy and establish residency there. This means finding a place to live and transferring your fiscal residence to Italy. It's not enough to visit for a short period; you must be a resident to apply.
Timing and CostsThe process can take anywhere from four months to a year, depending on where you apply. Costs vary, but a full legal review of your application is essential and can start around 500 euros. Professional assistance is recommended, with services like ours starting at around 2,000 euros.
Bringing Your SpouseIf you're married, your spouse can join you in Italy without a visa, provided you're legally married and have suitable accommodation. They can apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) based on your application.
Where to ApplyChoosing where to apply is crucial. Smaller towns may offer a faster process, while larger cities can be slower as they are busier.
Top Picks for Applying in Italy:
Bisenti, Abruzzo
Siena, Tuscany
Lago Maggiore, Lombardia
Worst Places
Bari, Puglia
Bologna, ER
Citta Sant'Angelo, Abruzzo

Final ThoughtsItalian citizenship is more than a passport; it's about integrating into Italian society and culture. Patience, preparation, and a good support system are key to navigating the complexities of the process.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need assistance, visit https://www.smartmoveitaly.com/citizenship. Until next time, keep dreaming and planning your new life in Italy. Ciao for now!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website
Sentire Media Website

Welcome back to another episode of "A New Life in Italy." I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we're diving into a topic that's crucial for anyone considering a move to Italy—healthcare.
Moving to Italy offers a plethora of delights, from the weather to the food, but it also comes with the need to understand the practicalities of living here, such as healthcare. As we age or encounter unexpected health issues, understanding the healthcare system becomes vital.
In Italy, healthcare is a fundamental human right, and the system here is known as the Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It's accessible, affordable, and advanced. For residents, including expats on a visa, EU citizens, and Italian citizens, the public healthcare system is available. However, you must be a resident to access it, and for non-EU citizens, there's a fee, which has recently increased to a minimum of €2,000 per year.
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
To rate, scroll to the top, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! 
Until next time! 
Ci vediamo!

Emergency care is provided to anyone, resident or not, often free of charge. For regular healthcare, you can choose between the public SSN or the private system. The private system is pay-as-you-go and can be a good option for those who are generally healthy and don't require frequent medical attention.
Cultural differences in approaching health and medicine are also significant. Italians take their health seriously, and there's a cultural permission to be sick and take the time to recover without fear of repercussions at work.
I share some personal experiences and tips for navigating the Italian healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cultural approach to health and the practicalities of accessing care. I also discussed the benefits of the Italian healthcare system, including the personal attention from family doctors and the affordability of prescriptions.
In summary, Italy's healthcare system is excellent, and as an expat, you can access it once you become a resident. While the fees for foreigners have increased, they are still reasonable compared to healthcare costs in many other countries. Remember, your health is your wealth, and Italy offers a supportive environment to take care of it.
If you have any questions about moving to Italy, feel free to reach out via our website at smartmoveitaly.com/podcast. Until next time, I wish you health and happiness on your Italian adventure. Ciao for now!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website
Sentire Media Website

Ciao, friends!
In today's episode, I am tackling the intricacies of the Elective Residency Visa (ERV), a topic that's both my specialty and a common source of confusion for many aspiring expats.
The ERV is Italy's invitation to those who can support themselves without working in the country. It's perfect for retirees or anyone with a steady stream of passive income. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it's certainly not for those looking to work or start a business in Italy.
I focus on two major qualifications for the ERV: securing a residential address in Italy and meeting the financial requirements. Finding a rental can be a challenge due to Italy's tenant-friendly laws, so I recommend starting your search two to three months before your planned move and considering the help of a rental agency.
When it comes to finances, the key term is "substantial passive income." While consulates often state a minimum of 32,000 euros per person annually, I've found that aiming for over 45,000 euros net per person per year is a safer bet for approval. Remember, passive income should be regular, reliable, and guaranteed—think pensions and investment income, not savings or 401ks.
A well-crafted cover letter is your secret weapon. It should convey your preparedness for the move, your understanding of immigration obligations, and your financial stability. And if you don't qualify for the ERV, don't lose hope—there are other visas, like the investor visa, that might be a better fit.
If you're on the fence about applying, I say go for it. Even if you're denied, you can always reapply if your situation improves. Just make sure you have a Plan B and don't make any irreversible decisions until your visa is approved.
For those who need assistance, my team and I are here to help at www.SmartMoveItaly.com/ervassistance. Whether you're looking for community support, application reviews, or full-service guidance, we've got you covered.
Remember, life is about taking chances. If you meet the minimum requirements and present a strong application, you owe it to yourself to try for the ERV. You never know—it could be the key to unlocking your dream life in Italy.
Until next time, keep dreaming of your new life in Italy, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions. Ciao for now!
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
To rate, scroll to the top tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! 
Until next time! 
Ci vediamo!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website
Sentire Media Website

Have you ever felt like a complete idiot when you try to speak Italian? Made a mistake and were quickly (or aggressively) corrected, causing you to feel like you will never succeed?
Learning a new language is difficult and there are common struggles learners face, such as feeling like an outsider, embarrassment, and the feeling of defeat. But making errors is a natural part of the language learning process and it's important to keep speaking and moving forward despite them.
My special guest, Margherita Berti, from Italian Matters, an Italian language teacher with a PhD in languages, joins us to offer her expertise. Margherita provides valuable insights into the language learning journey, highlighting the importance of immersion, realistic expectations, and the understanding that fluency comes with time and practice.
I wrap up the episode by answering listener questions, covering topics such as the renewal process for the elective residency visa, the tax implications of receiving social security disability as an Italian dual citizen, and eligibility for Italy's 7% tax incentive for pensioners.
Ciao for now!
Special Guest: Margherita Berti from Italian Matters
Rate, Review, & Follow
If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.
To rate, scroll to the top tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! 
Until next time! 
Ci vediamo!
Mentioned in this episode:
Sentire Media Website
Sentire Media Website