Information on Moving to Italy 
Why move to Italy? Many would ask, "Why not move to Italy?"
Learn more about moving to Italy in IL Postcards. There are many appealing reasons that inspire expats into moving to Italy. The country has given us Michaelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. Pizza, gondolas, and scarlet Ferraris. Opera, ice cream, and Prada handbags. They've even given us confetti, those bits of colored paper that shower brides and grooms on wedding-days. OK, they've given us the Mafia, too, but who wouldn't want to move to Italy, Europe's most intriguing and seductive country? Just think of its warmth, style, and wonderful food…its excitable people and their zest for life…its art treasures and the architectural glories of its magnificent past… Even if you've never been there, Italy is one of those places that tugs at the heartstrings. And once you have been there, you'll always be looking for an excuse to move there. Move to Italy for the Climate
When it comes to the weather, Italy really is a land of contrasts. In general, it has one of the best climates in Europe, but conditions can be quite varied. In winter, the Italian Alps are likely to be cold with crisp blue skies and enough snow to keep skiers satisfied. On the other hand, Milan is often fog-bound and the Po Valley can be quite cold and damp, too. For the best winter weather, look to the Italian Riviera, the Amalfi coast, and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. All enjoy a mild winter climate and rainfall isn't too heavy either. Obviously the farther south you go during the summertime, the hotter it will get…and the deep south can be very warm indeed. In Apulia, the heel of Italy, even the sea temperature averages 82?F in August. Residency Matters
With some planning and preparation, moving to Italy
will not be an overly complicated matter.
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If you're planning a move to Italy there are some bureaucratic issues you'll have to take care of first. Citizens of the U.S. and Canada do not need a visa to enter Italy for up to 90 days if the purpose of their trip is tourism-or business-related. Italy has a multitude of visas-the most common ones are for business, family reunion, independent work, religious reasons, study, tourism, and transit. If you're planning on staying longer than 90 days, but aren't yet sure about permanent residency, you'll need a Schengen. If you are moving to Italy and can afford to live there without working, you may want to apply for an Elective Residency Visa. This type of visa is generally used by foreigners who are retired and can collect income from a retirement or pension plan. The Family Visa is a visa for family members, applicable when the whole family is moving or returning together and staying in Italy longer than three months. Besides the usual documents you will need proof of the familial relations.
Customs Duty
Italian Customs will grant you duty-free entry of your household effects, as long as they are imported within six months of you moving to Italy and registering as a resident. Those holding resident status may also import a motor vehicle duty-free providing it has been owned for at least a year. Moving to Italy with your Pets
Just because you're moving doesn't mean you have to bid a tearful farewell to your pets. To bring a pet into Italy, it must have current rabies inoculation and a health certificate from an official USDA veterinary authority, dated no earlier than one week before departure from the U.S. You will also need a Certificato di Importazione/ Esportazione/ Transito di Cani e Gatti al Seguito di Viaggiatori. You can obtain one from your local Italian Consulate. Learn more about moving to Italy in IL Postcards.
Interested in moving to a different destination? Then check out these similar pages:
Read related IL Postcards: 02/01/2006 - Woes of an American Nonna--Raising Bilingual Children (and Grandchildren)
Every parent who moves a child to a non-English-speaking country faces these challenges.
01/02/2007 - Moving to Italy: Tastes of Tuscany Part II
Tuscany is a great excuse for feasting. Lunch today is at Castello di Oliveto, a fortified villa, an agriturismo, game preserve, and elegant venue for receptions and wine tasting.
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