Living La Dolce Vita: Top Tips For Moving to Italy
If you’re considering jetting off to start a new life in Italy, then there’s bound to be lots on your mind. While you’re likely daydreaming about days filled with fresh pasta and gelato, there’s certainly lots of planning and logistics to sort out before you make the move! Here, we explore some of the key things to consider before you embark on la dolce vita.
Choose a Location
With so many beautiful spots in Italy, you may find it hard to choose where to settle. From the charming towns of the Amalfi coast to the bustling streets in Rome, the rolling vineyards of Sicily to the snow-capped Dolomites, there’s certainly somewhere for everyone.
If you’re keen on the country but aren’t sure where to settle yet, then going on an Italy tour may help you decide. It will allow you to see the highlights of different areas, as well as give you access to a knowledgeable tour guide who can offer the low down on your favorite places!
Look at Housing
After you’ve picked a location, you can start thinking about where you want to live. This will depend on whether you plan to buy a house in Italy, or you’re thinking of getting a long-term rental. Whichever you do, you’ll first need to set yourself a realistic budget for renting or buying.
Once you’ve done this, the best way to kick-start your search is to look online. There are plenty of great websites you can use, including immobiliare.it, idealista.it, subito, and more. You could also enlist the help of an Italian estate agent in your chosen location – but you’ll need to factor their fees into your budget.
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Learn the Lingo
If you’re planning on a permanent move, you may want to learn some of the local lingoes. There are many great ways to pick up the language before you go, such as using an app. Some of the best apps for learning Italian include Babbel, Mondly, and Memrise.
The benefit of using apps is you can learn at your own pace in your own time, wherever you are! Alternatively, you could sign up to take classes or opt for one-to-one tutoring sessions with a qualified Italian tutor.
Plan the Logistics
One of the most important things to do is to organize your move with the UK and Italian authorities. You should follow government guidance when planning your move and get advice on what to do before you jet off. For example, you’ll need to let the UK government know, apply for the correct visa(s), and get set up with the healthcare system.
There are lots of other important factors to consider too - from driving license rules to bringing your pets with you – so make sure you do your research!
Lastly, try to enjoy the process. While moving can be stressful, it’s the first step in living your dream life abroad. Stay focused on your goal and embrace the steps in between!