Welcome to Lisbob's blog: Italy’s first English blog! You will find the latest news and useful information for your expatriate life in Italy. Finance, Real Estate, Weather, Health : discover the latest news from Italy in English.
For several years now, Italy has had a mechanism in place that allows you to buy property for 1 euro. Yes, a symbolic 1 euro to buy a house. Obviously, the properties in question are not in perfect condition and there are certain obligations associated with their acquisition, but this scheme has already attracted many expatriates. Created with the aim of renovating and revitalising Italian villages, the €1 houses are selling very well and the scheme has been extended to other municipalities. What are the conditions for taking part? Which villages are taking part? I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm going to tell you everything you need to know to buy a €1 house in Italy.
When it comes to relocating to Italy, Naples often comes up as one of the favourite destinations when choosing a city to live in. Whether it's for its gastronomy, its heritage or its weather, the capital of Campania is attracting more and more expats from all over the world. It's only once you're here that you really understand the famous saying "See Naples and die", and the city has so much to offer that there's something for everyone. To help and motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Naples.
Sicily, a glittering jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, is a land of striking contrasts and enchanting beauty. This island, the largest in the Mediterranean, is a fascinating blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, a rich cultural and historical heritage, and cuisine that delights the senses. To live in Sicily is to embrace a way of life where ancient and modern blend harmoniously, where every day is a discovery and where human warmth is as comforting as the sun that bathes its shores. The island offers a unique quality of life, marked by the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its history and the generosity of its people. I am LIsbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to give you my 9 good reasons to live in Sicily.
Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean located in the south of Italy. It's a region of contrasts, with magnificent natural landscapes, a rich culture and preserved local traditions. If you're tempted by the idea of settling here, it will surely be because of the many advantages offered by the second largest island in the Mediterranean. To help motivate you in your plans, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Sardinia.
Genoa, a historic port city nestling in Italy's Liguria region, is a fascinating blend of maritime tradition, rich history and vibrant culture. Known for its important role in maritime trade and as the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa offers a unique living environment, combining the ancient with the modern. With its famous port, narrow streets (caruggi) and sumptuous palaces, the city attracts those looking to immerse themselves in an urban environment rich in history, art and culture. Genoa, with its steep hills as a backdrop and the Mediterranean Sea at its feet, offers an exceptional quality of life, combining natural beauty, architectural heritage and exquisite cuisine. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll be revealing my 9 good reasons for living in Genoa.
Bologna, a vibrant city in the heart of Italy, is famous for its historic charm, rich culture and delicious cuisine. Known as the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation, history and modernity. This dynamic university city is renowned for its youthful atmosphere and community spirit. With its medieval streets, elegant porticoes and lively squares, Bologna invites endless exploration. Whether for its renowned gastronomy, its artistic and cultural heritage, or its high quality of life, Bologna attracts people from all walks of life, making it an ideal home for those looking to immerse themselves in the true essence of Italian life.
Tuscany, with its picture-postcard landscapes, rich artistic and cultural heritage, and renowned cuisine, is one of Italy's most popular regions. Located in the heart of the country, it offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, deep history and a refined, authentic lifestyle. To live in Tuscany is to immerse yourself in an environment where art, nature and gastronomy merge to create an incomparable living experience. It's a region where every day can be a discovery, whether exploring its famous art cities, strolling through its bucolic landscapes, or sampling its local produce and exquisite wines. To help motivate you in your plans, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Tuscany.
Milan is one of Italy's most beautiful cities and attracts expats from all over the world. I fell in love with Milan on my first trip to this dynamic, cosmopolitan city. It has to be said that with its many cultural attractions, exceptional heritage, professional opportunities and lively nightlife, Milan has everything it takes to offer a rich and exciting life experience. To help motivate you in your plans, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll be revealing my 9 good reasons for moving to Milan in Italy.
Puglia, a sun-drenched region in south-east Italy, offers a captivating mix of picturesque landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. Stretching along the Adriatic coast to the heel of Italy's boot, the region is famous for its whitewashed villages, lush olive groves, and culinary traditions rooted in the simplicity and freshness of local ingredients. Living in Puglia means choosing a lifestyle where nature, history and gastronomy come together to create a rich and authentic daily experience. I am LIsbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to give you my 9 good reasons to live in Puglia.
Turin, nestled in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region, is a city that offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and innovation. Unlike more high-profile Italian destinations, Turin retains a discreet charm, but with a richness and depth that captivates those who take the time to discover it. From its roots as the seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of a united Italy, to its current role as an industrial and cultural centre, Turin is a city of contrasts and surprises. Its wide tree-lined avenues, Baroque palaces and world-class museums are just some of the reasons why living in Turin can be an enriching and unique experience. I am LIsbob, the expats assistant, and I’m going to give you my 9 good reasons to live in Turin.
Italy is a country that has a reputation for lagging behind in modernizing and simplifying its bureaucracy. Slow, complicated, unreliable: feedback from experience makes it normal to be apprehensive about having to deal with it. Nevertheless, for a few years now, the situation has been evolving and there is the SPID, an online identification system that allows certain administrative procedures to be carried out remotely. The Public Digital Identity System (SPID) is becoming more and more widespread and is even mandatory for certain procedures. How do you ask for it and what is it for? I’m Lisbob, your expat assistant, and I’m going to tell you all about how to get your SPID in Italy.
Buying a house in Italy is just as or more complicated than in other European countries. New language, new rules, it is important to learn about the process of buying real estate beforehand so as not to be surprised. Many expatriates have rushed in believing they had found the right deal and have found themselves in complicated situations. From the search for the property to the signature, through the accompaniment, I have listed all the steps to acquire a property in Italy. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I’m going to tell you how to buy a house in Italy.
If you decide to move to Italy, you may also decide to take (or retake) your driving test. Less expensive, less time consuming and less complicated than in France or other countries, the Italian driving license is recognized throughout Europe. However, the language barrier can sometimes be an obstacle to take the plunge and learn to drive. In fact, even if the Italian traffic code is more or less the same as in France or in other European countries, it is necessary to learn to drive like an Italian. The locals say ‘He who knows how to drive in Rome knows how to drive anywhere in the world.’ How much does a driving license cost in Italy? What are the steps to register and take the test? How to pass the Italian highway code exam? How do I take the practical driving test in Italy? Lisbob, your expat assistant in Italy, is going to tell you everything you need to know about how to get a driver’s license in Italy.
Registering your car when you decide to move to Italy can sometimes turn into a waste of time and a headache if you are not sufficiently prepared. In order to import and register your vehicle in Italy, you will have to follow certain procedures and provide a list of documents and forms, pay fees and taxes and above all respect the deadlines. In fact, you have 6 months once installed in Italy to proceed to the change of plates of your foreign car. The subject comes up regularly on forums and help sites and the answers are sometimes unclear and often different on how and why to register your car in Italy. Is it compulsory to change your plates for Italian ones? What is the risk of not registering your vehicle on the roads of Italy? How much does it cost to import a car? How to register your car in Italy? I’m going to explain everything about this registration process that can sometimes turn into a real administrative labyrinth.
When expatriating to a new country, a certain number of administrative steps must be taken in order to fully settle in and become an expatriate. This is even more true in Italy where different authorities issue different important documents, and where it is sometimes difficult to do the administrative steps in the right order. Procedures to become a resident, tax identification number, pet registration, car registration, there are many compulsory steps for those who want to live in Italy and it is not easy to know how to live in Italy and be in order. Moving to Italy entails a number of obligations towards the various government agencies and it is important to be in order to avoid any worries and to complete all the necessary formalities. Any self-respecting expatriate must take these administrative steps in order to settle down fully. What are the administrative formalities and steps to take to live in Italy? How to be in order and respect the steps to register to live in Italy? I tell you everything about the administrative steps to take when you decide to live in Italy.
When expatriating to Italy, it is important to be aware of the rules and customs concerning the Italian public and private health care systems. The Italian public health system is called Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and it ranks 22nd in Europe, about ten places behind France. Expatriates in Italy will be able to choose between two types of health plans: the public health system, Assicurazione Generale Obbligatoria (AGO), or to complement it with a private health insurance. The quality of treatment and waiting times in the Italian public health system vary greatly from one region to another, which is why many expatriates choose to supplement their health coverage with private insurance. What are the characteristics of the health care systems in Italy? What are the differences between public and private health care systems? Lisbob, your expat assistant in Italy, answers all your questions on how to be treated and how to stay healthy.
Are you an expatriate in Italy looking for the house of your dreams, the one that will accommodate your entire happy family? Or are you simply looking to invest in real estate in Italy and make a profit? There are many reasons to buy a house in Italy, and many mistakes to avoid. Indeed, many expatriates have rushed to buy their property in Italy and unfortunately had to face many difficulties, and sometimes significant financial losses. House seized after purchase, wrong estimation of real estate taxes, you have to be careful when buying a house or a property in Italy. What are the pitfalls to avoid when buying a property? What are the 5 mistakes not to make? Lisbob accompanies you in this wonderful adventure. Here are the 5 mistakes not to make when buying a house or property in Italy.
Italy has been seducing expatriates for decades with its legendary food, wine, history, architecture, beaches and natural landscape. Thanks to certain cities, areas and tourist attractions, this Mediterranean country has a reputation for being rather expensive in terms of real estate, but these rumors are largely false. Indeed, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in a large city center is about €600 per month. Even in the most popular cities for expats, such as Milan, Rome and Naples, it is easy to find a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in the city center for less than €1000. In addition, if you plan to live outside of a major city, the cost of living is likely to be much more reasonable than it is in other European capitals. Whether you are looking to move to Italy for its beautiful countryside, to start your own business, or for your retirement, one of the biggest obstacles may be finding an apartment to rent or share. The time to find the ideal property to buy, renting is the ideal temporary solution. Lisbob will guide you through the most important points to know when you start your rental search. How to find an apartment or a house to rent in Italy? What are the rental rules for real estate leases? What are the documents and conditions to rent a property in Italy? Lisbob, your expat assistant in Italy, tells you everything you need to know about renting.
Buying a house in Italy is just as or more complicated than in other European countries. New language, new rules, it is important to learn about the process of buying real estate beforehand so as not to be surprised. Many expatriates have rushed in believing they had found the right deal and have found themselves in complicated situations. From the search for the property to the signature, through the accompaniment, I have listed all the steps to acquire a property in Italy. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I’m going to tell you how to buy a house in Italy.
For most people who choose to move to Italy, registration of their vehicle is often part of the process. Only here, as often during an expatriation, things are not so simple! Indeed, if you have the right to move to Italy in your favorite vehicle, you also have a number of obligations to respect when you register your car. In order to import your vehicle Italy, it is necessary not to make mistakes that can prove fatal. What are the 5 mistakes not to make when registering your car in Italy? What are the pitfalls to avoid when importing a vehicle? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Italy, reveals the 5 mistakes you should not make when registering your vehicle in Italy.
When making the decision to go live and work in Italy, it is important to know the regulations in place regarding the employment contract. Although Italian labor law is similar to that of other European countries, Italian law differs in some respects, even more since the recent changes to the Italian Labor Code. There are currently 7 different work contracts in Italy, each with its modalities and particularities which are fixed by national collective agreements (contratti collectivi nazionali di lavoro, CCNL). A work contract can be oral or written, but Lisbob obviously advises to do everything to have a written contract. What are the characteristics of employment contracts in Italian law? What are the different job contracts in Italy? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Italy, tells you all about Italian labor law in matters of contract.
As in other European countries, the number of supporters of topless or nudism has been steadily increasing in Italy. Tolerated and practiced for a long time, topless, nudism and naturism are not considered as marginal practices in Italy, and there are plenty of nudist sites and beaches for total exposure to the sun. However, we must be careful to respect the practices of nudism and naturism on the Italian nude beaches and be careful not to be mistaken beach! There are beaches officially recognized by the authorities and others that are less, nevertheless all these places welcome nudists and naturists with their eyes closed. What are the best beaches for topless and nudism in Italy ? What are the uses and rules to respect for naturism on Italian beaches ? How to find a nudist beach in Italy ? LisBob, the assistant of expats in Italy, tells you all about the best beaches for topless, nudism or naturism in Italy.
For several years, Italy has implemented a mechanism to acquire property for 1 euro. Yes, 1 euro symbolic to buy a house. Obviously, the property in question is not in perfect condition and certain obligations are associated with the purchase of a house for € 1, such as the renovation of the property. Created with the aim of renovating and revitalizing Italian villages, the € 1 house program works very well and has been extended to several municipalities. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, reveals the complete list of Italian villages offering 1 euro houses in 2020.
When one decides to go live in Italy, there are some steps that are essential. Obtaining an Italian tax number, called Codice Fiscale, is one of them. This is a number that is assigned to every person living in Italy, expatriate or not, and allows the Italian tax authorities to identify any Italian or foreign citizen. This Italian Tax Code allows, among other things, to work, open a bank account or buy a house in Italy: it is therefore a vital step for any expat living in Italy. This unique and personal combination of numbers and letters can sometimes become complicated to obtain if one does not prepare for administrative procedures. What is an Italian codice fiscale and what is it for ? How to get a tax number in Italy ? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Italy, tells you all about the Italian Codice Fiscale.
Florence is an Italian city in the Tuscany region, known for its rich history, culture and many tourist attractions. But the city also has a lot to offer those wishing to live there permanently. If you're considering moving to Florence, it's likely to be because of the many advantages that one of Italy's finest cities has to offer. To help motivate you, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Florence, Italy.