Digital Nomad Life in Italy

"There are dozens of them - I live close to Florence, so you have theirs, as well. I've made friends who are artists, musicians, businesspeople, retirees...you name it. So I recommend that each person, couple or family explore. Newspapers are abundant, social media even more so. And people drop by all the time. The only way you don't find out what's going on is if you lock yourself inside a building with no internet," explained one foreigner living in Fiesole, Italy.

"Expats and digital nomads in Italy enjoy a vibrant culture and a beautiful countryside filled with some of the best food, wine, and culture in the world. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice, Italy has something for everyone. In larger cities like Rome and Milan, there is an active nightlife as well as plenty of opportunity for professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to experience something different. Italy is also host to many popular festivals and cultural events throughout the year which can further enhance the experience of living in the country. With excellent transportation, healthcare, and education services, Italy is an ideal place to live, work, and travel," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Italy.

"In Procida the residents have a very old mentality and have a general prejudice towards non-resents, especially non-Italians. The opinions are that women do not need to work. The top priorities are taking care of there spouses, cleaning house, and having children. Procida is a very small island that is considered part of Naples. Most of the men work away from home and usually see their husbands 4 months out of the year," explained one person living in Procida, Italy.

"When looking for a place to live in Italy, it is important to research the cities and towns that are most suitable for your lifestyle. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, access to necessary amenities, and commuting times. Websites such as Easy Stanza and Immobiliare provide listings of available apartments, houses and other forms of accommodation, while real estate agencies like Engel & Völkers can provide customized housing searches to match individual preferences and needs. Reading local news sources and exploring the region can also help in finding a place to live that is ideal for you," said one in Italy.

"We used a realtor selected by the company. After looking at around 50 apartments (one deal fell through and we had to start all over again) we were lucky enough to find an apartment in the exclusive old city. We were very fortunate," explained one expat in Bergamo.

"Just come and look around. I never, ever tell someone that "this is the place" for you. I've lived all over Italy and have dozens of "favorite" places to live, work or visit," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Fiesole.

"I found the Milanese reserved, but after a while when they see you want to really integrate yourself in their society, they became really friendly. As far as shopkeepers and medical personnel, they are super. Although I spend most of my time in Suditalia, I really love Milano," explained one person living in Italy.

"It is important to research the cost of living in the area you are looking to retire. Italy is generally a more expensive country to live and certain locations have higher property taxes than other areas. It is also important to research the healthcare system and see if you would need international or private healthcare. It is beneficial to learn some Italian before moving, as English may not be as widely spoken as in other parts of Europe. It is also worth researching the pension and tax system to ensure that the money you receive from home can be used to supplement your income. Consider banking and money transfers, as well as sources of legal advice that may be available for you access. Lastly, researching potential locations for retirement and the amenities and activities in the area can help you make the best decision for you," said one expat in Italy.

"The warmth of the community I live in, just to be welcomed every day by those familiar faces and their smiles. My partner, who has just been wonderful, gentle and patient; my sister-in-law and in-laws. The antiquity, the church bells, the art, the culture of food and wine, and the living in tune with the seasons," remarked one member in Southern Tuscany.

"Expatriates in Italy appreciate the richness of the country's culture and its deep, long history. They revel in the beauty of the architecture, the art, and the vibrant mix of customs, tradition and people. They also appreciate the diversity of cuisine, with its regional specialities, ranging from the pizza in Naples through to the risotto in Milan. The fashion and style of the Italians is renowned, with their sense of elegance and chic sophistication evident everywhere you go. Expats in Italy love the country’s passionate enthusiasm for music and its cultural pursuits, such as the opera and theatre. Above all, expats enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people, making them feel part of the local culture," explained one expat living in Italy.

"Expats in Italy may find the language barrier to be the most challenging part of adapting to the local culture. While many Italians are learning English and are happy to practice, it may be difficult to navigate daily life without speaking Italian fluently. Additionally, many Italians have very specific ideas on how to conduct oneself in social situations, including greeting others and dress codes, which may be confusing or even overwhelming for newcomers to the country who are not familiar with the customs. The local custom of taking lunch and dinner late in the day, may also be difficult for those used to dining at an earlier hour, and may require some adjustment," explained one person living in Italy.

"Depending on the length of your stay in Italy, you may need a Schengen visa or a type D visa. This will be determined by the country of origin and how long you will be staying in Italy. You must also show evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. If you are staying for a longer period of time, you may also need a permit of stay which you can apply for at the local police station once you arrive in Italy," said one person in Italy.

"Prior to moving, obtained a codice fiscal prior to buying a house. We obtained a 1 year visa prior to retiring and applied for residence permit/permesso di soggiorno as soon as we arrived. The process was not difficult, just laborious and confusing at times. You need to learn to cross your t's and dot your eyes. Due to the number of immigrants to Italy, there are many people providing assistance, and other foreign residents are glad to help with the processes," said one expat who made the move to Minturno.

"All the time, probably... I walk around barefoot in my house, without slippers on. I asked if I could "Sweep the Floor" for someone. Oh...that's right...I mixed my spinach contorno (side dish) into my spaghetti. I was audibly gasped at," explained one person living in Southern Tuscany, Italy.

"Drinking cappuccino after 1pm, not having coffee after dinner, wearing my gym clothes outside of the gym, trying to flag down a taxi (call or go to stands instead)," said one expat in Florence.

"It is important to be respectful when visiting Italy. Some cultural faux pas you should try to avoid making include not speaking too loudly in public places, as it is considered rude; being punctual when invited to someone's home; avoiding being too familiar or friendly with strangers; not being loud or disrespectful in places of worship; not eating or drinking while walking the streets; and not increasingly gesticulating when speaking," remarked one member in Italy.

"Numerous, but I don't care because I am the perpetual outsider - the American. I live my life around diversity, being multiracial. I am different and if I am living here, I not only want to absorb but also share. Had people not shared in the past, the Jewish community would have kept that awesome coffee to themselves," explained one expat living in Tuscany, Italy.

"Healthcare services in Italy are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and is funded by the government. It is generally of high quality and is available to all Italian citizens and foreign residents. Expats in Italy can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Italian citizens, including free or discounted medical care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. Private healthcare is also available in Italy, and many expats opt to use private services for more specialized care," said a member in Italy.

"I love the area, the location allows you to live outside a city but within 20 minutes of the city, the sea, and the skiing. The people are kind and the food is fantastic. The problem, with Italy in general, is it is hard to get mortgages or loans, even for natives. The banking system is very flawed," said one digital nomad in Rapino.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the rich culture and history of Italy, as well as the delicious food and wine. They also enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and the friendly people. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in living in Italy to be overwhelming and time-consuming. Additionally, the cost of living in Italy can be quite high, making it difficult for some to afford," commented a person living in Italy.