9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying for My Italian Citizenship

Many people say that once you get Italian citizenship, you can live and work anywhere in the EU.

That is technically true, but the process to get to that point comes with many steps and challenges.

Since I have moved to Rome, these are some of the things I wish I knew before applying for my Italian Citizenship.

#1 Learn the Language Fluently!

For the last several years, I have done every language learning app available, as well as gone to school for a summer in Italy to learn the language, and I was not ready to live in Italy.

I can hold a basic conversation, but not to the level of daily life needs.

Yes, people speak English (I live in Rome), but not people like your building manager, Amazon drivers, plumbers, electricians, police officers who come to the door to check that you live there, and most post office employees. (The post office is where you do many important things, not just shipping.)

Conversations with these people are often confusing and leave your head spinning if you are not fluent. Learn the language before moving here, or you will be confused 80% of the day.

#2 Residency Registration Takes Time

Even with Italian citizenship, you must establish residency if you plan to live in Italy. This process can take months and sometimes up to a year, depending on the local comune.

You need to submit your residency to your local commune within 20 days of arrival. Each commune is different. Some you must go in person, others you can email the application. But even that, you need a PEC (not free) email address to contact them.

You cannot make an appointment online without an SPID (online portal login), and you cannot get an SPID without residency. So many communes you must go in person, and most agents do not speak English.

I was lucky and was able to apply via email. Once my status is updated, I will update this post on how it went.

#3 You Can’t Do Much Without Residency

Many basic tasks require proof of residency. This includes signing certain contracts, accessing services, getting a car, getting a lease, and completing local government paperwork.

Since I moved to Italy with my partner on a digital nomad visa, I became well-versed in the process to obtain residency, as I followed along with his process. As an Italian citizen, you have 20 days to register after you first enter the country.

#4 Finding a Job in Italy Can Be Difficult

Even if you speak Italian, the job market is challenging. Salaries are often lower than in the United States, and competition is high.

In addition, most companies will not respond to emails; they only want you to call and speak to them in person.

I am a licensed tour guide with decades of experience (willing to take a lower pay), and not one single tour company responded to my emails or calls.

#5 Opening a Bank Account is Not Easy

Most banks require proof of residency and an Italian tax identification number (codice fiscale) before allowing you to open an account.

Most banks do not want to give an account to a foreigner, even if you have dual citizenship. I could not even obtain a gym membership without an Italian bank card.

#6 Income Taxes Can Be Much Higher Than Expected

If you live in Italy and work remotely for a US company, you will be taxed in Italy as a resident. In some cases, the rate can reach around 43% depending on your income.

If you want a deeper explanation, read my digital nomad visa post, where I explain taxes when working for a company outside Italy.

#7 Getting a Car Can Be Complicated

You can’t buy a car without being registered and, in most cases, also without an Italian driver’s license.

If your foreign license is not eligible for conversion (a US one is not), you will need to take the Italian driving exam.

The written exam is offered in Italian (and German in the north) only. This can be challenging even for people who speak the language conversationally.

You can rent a car with an International Driver’s License, but only for the first year.

#8 Italian Bureaucracy Moves Slowly, and They Make Mistakes Often

Paperwork often requires multiple appointments, forms, and follow-ups. Patience becomes essential.

I knew this before applying, but now that I live in Rome, I am experiencing it in real life, and it’s all true.

The post office put my passport number into the system incorrectly, so I can’t do simple things like get an SPID (online account to make appointments and pay bills), and they don’t seem to care or want to help to fix it.

#9 Every Region Can Work Differently

Rules may be national, but the process can vary by city and local offices. What works in one place may look different somewhere else.

You can read all of the Facebook groups you want with expats asking for advice, but one person’s advice from Rome may be totally different from another person’s in Bari.

In most cases, you will need to figure out everything on your own. Piano, Piano as they say.

Read about my experience obtaining my Italian citizenship through the LA consulate to learn more!

My Advice Before Applying for Italian Citizenship

• Visit Italy for 3 months. Travel around and test out different areas before settling on one place.
• Speak to an accountant and go through all of the taxes and fees you will need to pay to live in Italy.
• Realize that getting set up can be a long and painful process, and often costly if you pay for a lawyer’s help.
• Make a list of the reasons WHY you want to live in Italy. The food? Family? Accessible travel to the EU?
• Realize that not everyone’s experience is the same. Some people inherited a home, others work for an Italian company, or some only live in Italy for 3 months out of the year, which is not a reason to apply for citizenship. Decide why YOU want to live there.

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