How About Moving to Italy?

Have you ever entertained the idea of living somewhere completely different but felt uncertain about making a permanent move? In fact, surveys show that there are a huge number of people across the globr who would rather be living their lives in Italy

So, why not consider spending a year in Italy? Give it a try, and you may never look back.

This family from the USA did just that. They loved the experience! We've heard from so many other people who have done the same sort of thing. We even shared the inspiring story of a grandmother from California who left behind 5 kids and 10 grandchildren to spend time in Italy.

It is incredible what you can achieve... if you have the courage to follow your dreams.

It's the best thing you could ever do...

Living in a foreign country for a year can be one of the most enriching experiences you'll ever have. For starters, it helps you clear your mind and escape the cacophony of everyday life. Regardless of where you currently reside, whether it's Wichita, New York, New Delhi, or any other place, you often get caught up in local customs, societal expectations, and political dynamics.

Sometimes, amidst all the noise, you lose sight of your true self and what truly matters to you. I've been there myself. Engrossed in local matters, striving to meet the expectations of others, consumed by political affairs, and feeling the pressure to keep up with the latest material possessions.

However, spending a year in a different country allows you to regain perspective and reevaluate your priorities. It helps you realize how trivial and insignificant many of those things were. Don't just take my word for it—give it a try!

Here are twelve compelling reasons why Italy is THE choice for your escape:

Imagine waking up to Venice every morning?

What Happens When You Return Home?

Upon returning home, I guarantee you won't view things in the same way anymore. You'll find yourself feeling much calmer, at peace, and capable of shrugging off narrow-minded expectations and the anger of others.

However, here's the thing—you may discover that the life you left behind no longer satisfies you. I've experienced this myself, and I've heard countless similar stories. For instance, a dear friend of mine visited Positano from the UK and never went back.

Then there's the tale of a courageous mother of three boys who decided to leave her old life behind and start anew on the charming Cilento Coast in southern Italy. She described waking up one morning to the warm sunlight streaming through her shutters, the aroma of freshly brewed espresso, and the pleasant sound of Italians conversing beneath her balcony. This became her new home—a place where she could begin a fresh chapter as a wife and mother.

In many cases, what was initially intended as a year in Italy turns into a lifelong journey. Will this be the case for you? Unless you muster up the courage to start planning you will never know. So start planning today, and if you need more convincing, here are 12 more reasons why Italy is a great choice for your escape. 

FAQ About Moving to Italy

Q: Can I claim Italian Citizenship by Descent?

A: Got Italian roots? You might qualify for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). However, it can be broken by the naturalization of your parents or ancestors under certain conditions. Here’s a deeper look at how this process works and why naturalization affects eligibility, it should help you establish if you can claim Italian citizenship:

1. How Jure Sanguinis* Works

Italian citizenship law allows individuals to inherit citizenship if they can trace their lineage back to an Italian ancestor. This form of citizenship is based on descent rather than place of birth. As a result:
- Citizenship can pass down through generations as long as each ancestor in the line maintained Italian citizenship until their child turned 18.
- Place of Birth: Unlike countries like the U.S., which grant citizenship based on birth within the country (jus soli or right of soil), Italy does not automatically grant citizenship if you are born in Italy. Instead, it relies on jus sanguinis (“right of blood”).

But, being born outside of Italy to Italian ancestors doesn’t automatically grant citizenship unless certain criteria are met.

2. Impact of Ancestor's Naturalization

- If your Italian ancestor naturalized in another country, such as the U.S., this may have meant they gave up their Italian citizenship. If an ancestor lost their Italian citizenship before their child turned 18, they no longer had Italian citizenship to pass down, breaking the line of inheritance for future generations.

3. Key Points to Check

To determine your eligibility:
- Date of Ancestor’s Naturalization: Check if each Italian-born ancestor was still an Italian citizen when their child was born.
- Date of Parents’ Naturalization: Verify if your parents naturalized before or after you turned 18. If they naturalized after, you might still qualify for Italian citizenship through them.

5. The Application Process

This lineage verification process requires substantial documentation to trace Italian citizenship back to your Italian-born ancestor without any breaks due to naturalization. You will need:
- Certified copies of naturalization records and certificates (or lack thereof) for each ancestor to confirm if and when they lost their Italian citizenship.
- Birth, marriage, and death records for each person in your line to establish the family relationship.

If any breaks occurred due to naturalization, it may mean Italian citizenship is no longer inheritable through that line.