Back in 2015, I found myself single and standing in my tiny rented one-bedroom cottage in Sussex, surrounded by boxes. I’d just moved from Oxford, and as I sat on my bed, I had one burning question: What on earth am I going to do next?
At that time, my life was a whirlwind of jet lag and frequent flyer miles. My job had me bouncing between Panama and Tokyo, and the red-eye flights and constant trips to Heathrow had worn me out. I kept asking myself, "What am I even coming back to?" It didn’t feel like home. So, why not try making somewhere else home?
It was late 2014, and on a whim, I started searching for jobs abroad. That’s when I spotted a role at a medical advertising agency in Italy. Italy had never really been on my radar - I was late to the Italian obsession that grips many Brits. But I was in a “why not?” kind of mood, so I applied. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Milan for an all-expenses-paid interview.
When I told my parents, my dad, ever the cautious one, advised, “Don’t take less than €70,000 a year.” I think he was secretly hoping they’d offer less so I’d stay put. But when the offer came in at €85,000, even he couldn’t argue with it. Suddenly, it hit me: I was moving to Italy. I packed up my life, sold everything I could, paid those annoying early cancellation fees for my internet, and started preparing for my new adventure. I even brushed up on my Italian using Paul Noble’s Italian for Beginners during my long commutes between Sussex and Oxford.
The company’s relocation package was modest - about €2,000, which I could either take in cash or put toward my rent. I was fine with that and ended up finding a beautiful apartment in Milan’s fashion district within two weeks. I went through an agent, which was quick but definitely not the cheapest option. Still, I was happy with my chic new place near Via Savona.
I gave myself two weeks before starting work to settle in, take some Italian classes, and sort out my apartment. One of my first tasks was picking up my Codice Fiscale, which is like a national insurance number for Brits. You need this for just about everything in Italy - concert tickets, mobile phone contracts, rental agreements, you name it. It’s easier to get it before you arrive at your nearest Italian Embassy if you can.
Here’s a useful video on the Codice Fiscale: Codice Fiscale Information.
Next on the list was obtaining my residence permit (residenza) at the local commune. Even Italians who move from one region to another have to do this, so I knew it was essential. Armed with my A2-level Italian, I ventured into a part of Milan that felt like a time warp - think ancient computers running Windows 3.1 and a maze of bureaucratic language. It was quite the adventure.
Getting a residenza is key if you want to open a bank account, though some banks might let you open one without it.
Long story short, I loved my time in Italy - the language learning, the weekend trips to Rome on Italy’s fantastic frecciarossa trains, and exploring cities like Bologna and Como. But in the end, Italy and I just didn’t click, and the job wasn’t the right fit. When my one-year contract was nearing its end, I decided not to renew and started looking for my next adventure. This time, I was craving something a bit more organised and logical.
Tips for Moving to Italy as an EU Citizen:
Documents: Make sure to get your Codice Fiscale either before you arrive at your nearest Italian Embassy or as soon as you land. It’s essential for almost everything.
Residence Permit: Register at the local commune for your residenza. It’s necessary for things like opening a bank account.
Language: A little Italian goes a long way. Take some classes before you move or as soon as you arrive.
Relocation Packages: Don’t expect much in terms of relocation assistance from employers - plan your finances accordingly.
Tips for Moving to Italy as a Non-EU Citizen:
Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the right visa for working and living in Italy. This process can be lengthy, so start early.
Codice Fiscale: Like EU citizens, you’ll need this code for everything. Get it from an Italian Embassy before your move if possible.
Permesso di Soggiorno: Non-EU citizens will also need a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit), which is a separate process from the residenza registration.
Follow Helpful Creators: Check out creators like Vanessa at Wander Onwards who share loads of valuable content about moving abroad, including tips specifically for Italy. She has got great advice for Americans and non-EU citizens making the leap abroad.
Moving to Italy can be a fantastic adventure, whether you're from the EU or not - just make sure you’re prepared for a bit of Italian bureaucracy along the way!
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