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Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out of southern Europe into the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and other waters. Its location has played an important role in its history.
The sea surrounds Italy, and mountains crisscross the interior, dividing it into regions. The Alps cut across the top of the country and are streaked with long, thin glacial lakes. From the western end of the Alps, the Apennines mountains stretch south down the entire peninsula.
West of the Apennines are wooded hills that are home to many of Italy’s historic cities, including Rome. In the south are hot, dry coastlands and fertile plains where olives, almonds, and figs are grown.
In 2020 Italy hosted the second largest population of Indians in Europe with over 200,000 Indians living there.
For decades the US followed by UK have been the top countries of choice for Indians wishing to immigrate to foreign lands. However, as US immigration policies became less conducive, an increasing number of Indians began looking at other more attractive foreign destinations welcoming them to live and work.
Among them are investors, specialty professionals as well as students as Indians face long waiting lines to secure a green card or permanent residency in the US.
Recently, Italy – the country famous in India for their gift of pizza and pasta to the world began emerging as a possible hot destination for Indians looking to migrate. The recent Italian immigration policies also align well in the interest of Indians looking to immigrate.
The latest development in the immigration sector is that the Italian government has extended the Generous Incentive Program for Property Renovations.
Davies & Associates LLC, a New York headquartered immigration law firm operating across Italy, told the American Bazaar that it is actively helping its clients to make use of the hugely advantageous program as part of their wider immigration goals.
Under the extended Italian Superbonus scheme, homeowners in Italy can avail themselves of a tax break of up to 110 percent on costs associated with certain household renovations such as energy improvements and decreasing seismic risk.
The cost can be recovered against taxes or traded with a bank or builder and is open to Indians who buy property in Italy.
The renovation projects eligible for the Italian tax Super Bonus include home insulation, centralized heating systems in a condominium, single home heating systems, and seismic improvements.
In addition, the credit can also be provided for projects such as solar panels, electric car charging points, and other energy efficiency projects if they are connected with the above-listed engagements.
The Superbonus could also be connected to renovations at a property’s purchased under Italy’s fabled “One Euro Homes” program, where properties in under populated communities are made available at low prices provided the buyer agrees to renovate and live in the property.
Indians who buy property in Italy may also need a residency visa depending upon how much time they wish to spend there. Immigration attorneys say that one can look at Elective Residency Visa, a Registered Office Visa, or general work permits.
The Italian government also offers reduced taxes for up to ten years for certain groups who are willing to switch their tax residency to Italy.
“The110% Superbonus essentially means getting paid to renovate your home in Italy and is a reminder of how attractive Italy is starting to become as an immigration destination for Indian entrepreneurs, families and investors,” says Mark Davies, Global Chairman, Davies & Associates LLC.
The Superbonus provides an incentive for anyone looking to invest in property in Italy and renovate their home cheaply.
“Our firm receives lots of inquiries from Indians asking about ‘One Euro Home’ – the concept of acquiring a cheap home and investing in renovation work, but they often broaden out their scope beyond this program when they discover the range of options on offer in Italy,” Davies says.
For example, the country offers low taxes for people looking to relocate their tax residency to Italy depending upon the location. It should be noted that buying property in Italy does not automatically confer residency status and Indians need to apply separately for a residency visa depending upon the amount of time they wish to spend in Italy.
One of the most significant benefits of Italian dual citizenship is the ability to travel, work and live in ANY of the 27 EU countries (Including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden).
No more visas when traveling to or through the EU! You can live in Italy or any other EU countries for however long you’d like. You can freely work when and where you want without the need to apply for a Work Visa that normally comes with time limitations. In addition, EU citizens are often prioritized above many professional and educational opportunities before non-citizens which means you can increase your chance for a job anywhere in the EU.
Employers know how advantageous it is for them to hire people who hold dual citizenship. For example, international companies with offices throughout the world can send dual citizens to and from the country without the need of applying and paying for a Work Visa. The benefits of Italian citizenship combined with USA citizenship opens a lot of doors for you in your career as there are more jobs in Italy for dual citizens.
Entrepreneurs with dual citizenship can more easily start a business, as they have a shared currency and one economic zone within the EEC without the restrictions imposed on non-EU citizens.
Investors with an Italian passport can buy foreign securities such as unit trusts, real estate, Eurobonds and investment funds without any restrictions.
Italy’s education system is very affordable, and being a citizen of the country means you and your children can study in Italy, paying the EU tuition rates which are far more affordable than universities in the United States.
The USA is well known for very high tuition costs which often result in long-term student loan debt after graduating. Alternatively, college tuition in many European countries is completely free or nationals and students of the EU.
When you’re an Italian citizen, you can enroll in any EU university as any other Italian national would. There are more than 1,300 higher-education learning programs with affordable tuition rates or no fees.
One of the biggest reasons people choose to become an Italian citizen is the benefits for their children.
You are able to pass Italian citizenship on to your children in an unbroken line. Many people see it as the gift that continues to give.
Those with dual citizenship feel much more secure when traveling abroad. When you travel overseas, you can ask for help and guidance from two consulates since you’ll be the citizen of both countries. If you are traveling in a region that does not have Italian government representation, those that hold an EU passport are allowed access to any embassy of European Union member states which can provide assistance for you. You also have the ability to travel to areas where Americans are not generally welcomed as you have an Italian passport.
USA healthcare is extremely expensive, which is why many Americans have little to no insurance coverage. However, as a dual citizen, if you choose to reside in Italy, you can apply for your Tessera Sanitaria (Italian National Healthcare Card) to receive healthcare in Italy and the EU (European Union). Italy’s healthcare system is one of the best and most affordable in the world. Affordable quality healthcare is one of the most significant Italian citizenship benefits that will be available to you.
Italian citizens can take advantage of many benefits, bonuses or participate in a number of special tax schemes when purchasing a home in Italy. Whether it’s partial funding of the purchase of the home to having eco friendly improvements covered or tax breaks, there are seemingly limitless programs that you can find in Italy.
The Italian Constitution gives all Italian citizens the opportunity to vote even if they don’t live in the country. You’ll be allowed to cast your vote for representatives in the Senate of the Republic and Chamber of Deputies for candidates on the Circoscrizione Estero ballot. If you live in the country, you can vote for candidates in your Italian city.
If your application for Italian citizenship is approved, any child under the age of 18 you have is automatically granted citizenship. You do not have to fill out another application for them to obtain that citizenship. You will only need to register their birth with Italy. This citizenship gives them all the benefits you are now permitted to enjoy – education, career, travel, healthcare, etc. Perhaps most importantly, obtaining Italian citizenship restores your families heritage for all future generations. Meaning, if we help you obtain Italian citizenship and then in the future you have a child or grandchild, they will automatically be born with Italian citizenship. You will not have to go through the process again.
A reason many Italian people left the country was to provide their children with a better life. While your parents, grandparents or great-grandparents left, it doesn’t mean they don’t love Italy and have strong ties to their Italian heritage. They still took with them their traditions and cultural beliefs. These were passed down from generation to generation.
Immigrating to Italy implies applying for a permanent residence before acquiring Italian citizenship. If you are interested in immigration to Italy and want to apply for one of the visas available for foreigners, our lawyers can guide you.
Below, our local lawyers who specialize in immigration mattersin Italy offer a guide on how to obtain a permanent residence permit. We can also assist those who want to come to Italy as entrepreneurs or those who want to obtain Italian passports.
Quick Facts
| Temporary residence permit types | – seasonal work, – self-employment, – study, – medical treatment, – family reunification, – refugee status, – humanitarian grounds, – elective residence |
| Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | up to three months |
| Temporary residence permit validity | It depends on the reason of issuance and it varies from min. 6 months to max. 2 years |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – the temporary residence application form, – the passport, – the visa, – recent photographs, – proof of paying a fee of EUR 14.62, – document attesting the purpose of stay |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | The state authorities vary based on the type of permit needed; they can refer to: – local municipalities, – Patronati offices, – Prefectures, – post office |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder | No – not available for first-time applicants (those who renew their residency from Italy can bring their family members in certain situations) |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | Yes, for certain categories of visas (investor program) |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | After 5 years of uninterrupted stay in Italy |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | – passport or identity document, – copy of the income statement, – evidence on housing in Italy, – the current residence documents, – proof of payment of fees |
| Naturalization requirements | – permanent residency for 5 years, – overall stay in Italy of 10 years, – tax residency in Italy, – proof of having at least the minimum income established in Italy, – proof of knowing the Italian language, culture and history |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | One can apply for citizenship after 5 years of being a permanent resident. |
Permanent residency is available for both EU and non-EU citizens who have lived in Italy for the prescribed periods under the country’s Immigration Law. Non-EU nationals have the right to apply for permanent residence permits after 5 years of continuously living in Italy, while for EU citizens the requirements are less stringent. They can apply for permanent residence if they intend to live in Italy for more than 90 days or 3 months.
Permanent residence for non-EU citizens is also available under the Golden Visa Scheme, however, this program targets wealthy individuals who want to move to Italy based on investments. The residence by investment program in Italy offers various advantages to the applicants.
Our immigration lawyers in Italy can offer expat support to non-EU citizens seeking to apply for permanent residence permits. Then, they can apply for Italian citizenship.
There are two types of residence permits which can be obtained in Italy: the temporary residence permit and the permanent residence permit. It must be noted that in order to obtain permanent residency in Italy, a temporary residence visa must first be obtained.
The temporary residency visa must be obtained by non-EU citizens when first arriving in Italy. EU citizens must only register with the police department in the city they live in without being required to apply for a temporary residence permit. However, both categories of individuals must live for a minimum period of 5 years before applying for permanent residence in Italy.
The residence permit can also be acquired by:
A country of outstanding natural beauty, historical wonders and a varied culture steeped in art, fashion, food and music – you’ll require specialist skills and a full grasp of the language if you have aspirations of working in Italy.
Despite the draws of a Mediterranean lifestyle, you’ll find that work for native English speakers is hard to come by due to the high competition for jobs. Foreign workers who can speak Italian and have the right combination of skills, qualifications and experience may still be able to find employment – especially in major cities such as Florence, Milan, Genoa and the capital Rome.
The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has certainly had a major impact on the already-struggling Italian economy. It may be the world’s eighth biggest economy, according to the International Monetary Fund, but it relies heavily on its manufacturing and services industries.
Political and economic instability has resulted in an unemployment rate that’s into double figures – expected to reach 11.1% in 2020 and 11.3% in 2021 (Statista.com).
The contrast between the north and the south is stark – northern Italy is more industrialised and developed and known for its abundance of private companies, while the south relies heavily on agriculture and farming.
You’ll find that as the majority of the country’s 60.5 million inhabitants reside in the north, ambitious graduates are more likely to find work in large northern towns and cities such as Milan, Turin and Genoa.
Plus, as around 63 million travellers flock to Italy every year to see its famous sights, casual work and temporary contracts in the tourism industry are much easier to find than permanent employment in other sectors.
Depending on your background, finding vacancies for jobs in Italy might not be easy. Options for English-speakers include teaching English (other native language teaching jobs such as Italian are also available), working for a multinational company in sectors such as energy, finance or construction, or translation if you are bilingual. English teachers should look at BKC International and English First.
Sectors in Italy where there is higher demand include:
In St. Petersburg, there is a shortage of:
See below for an extensive list of construction-related job titles and occupations. Use this list to help power your job search.
| Profession | Euro per year |
| Dentist | 104,765 |
| General Director | 101,810 |
| Finance Director | 96,610 |
| Pilot | 51,305 |
| Auditor | 48,010 |
| Civil Engineer | 42,155 |
| Engineer | 39,085 |
| Chef | 36,950 |
| Nurse | 34,920 |
| Police officer | 34,740 |
| Teacher | 33,460 |
| Accountant | 31,925 |
| Waiter | 28,240 |
| Cashier | 25,455 |
| Porter | 24,890 |
| Secretary | 24,440 |
Citizens from different nations must have a job in Italy before applying for an Italian work visa. They also need a work permit, which the employer must apply using documents from the employee that works in their favor.
Along with the application, the employees will require the supporting documents like:
The permission to work and live in Italy involves a three-part process:
Do you want to work & settle in Italy? Seek the right guidance from G-Axis, the World’s No.1 Overseas Consultant.
