In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving straight into a topic I know so many of you are curious about. Opening a business in Italy. Living here. Working here. Figuring out how to blend the life you want with the work you love. This one comes up in my inbox almost every single day, so let’s break it all down together.

I start by clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. Yes, almost anyone can open a business in Italy. Truly. But if you actually want to live here and work in that business, that’s where visas come into play. There’s a big difference between forming a company on paper and being legally allowed to work inside it. I walk you through that distinction in a really simple way.

From there, I get into the fun part. The types of businesses people just like you are already running here. Everything from travel planning and photography to online consulting, content creation, digital nomad businesses, even innovative startups. And honestly, the best ones are usually a blend of your past experience and the life you want to build in Italy. When those two pieces come together, magic happens.

I also talk about the practical side of things. What it looks like to run a business in Italy versus running one from abroad. We go over the basics like legal structures, VAT numbers, tax regimes, the difference between a sole proprietorship and an SRL, and what you actually need to get set up. By the end, you’ll understand the moving pieces without feeling overwhelmed.

And you know me. I can never talk about Italian business life without mentioning the people you'll need in your corner. A good commercialista is gold. A notary who explains things clearly is a lifesaver. Having local support truly makes the entire process smoother and a lot less stressful.

A big part of the episode is also dedicated to visas. I walk you through the Digital Nomad Visa, the Investor Visa, and a few other pathways so you know which options might actually fit your life and your goals. Spoiler. There are more possibilities than most people think.

Toward the end, we get into the emotional side of this journey. Because starting over in Italy is not just a logistical decision. It’s a heart decision. And you absolutely do not have to choose between living the life you’ve been dreaming about and building a meaningful career. You get to have both.

And of course, I wrap up by answering your listener questions. Everything from Digital Nomad Visa confusion to whether there’s ever a perfect time to move to Italy to how to build a social circle when you’re brand new here.

So if you’ve been craving clarity around working or starting a business in Italy, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it and help you take that dream one step closer to reality.

Resources:

Smart Move Italy

Innovative Start Up Visa for Italy

Visa Guidebook

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I, Samantha Wilson, explain why a visa is much more than just an entry ticket—it’s your first step toward long-term residency, EU rights, and even Italian citizenship.

I start by breaking down the role of a visa: it gives you official permission to enter Italy for purposes like retirement, work, study, or family reunification. But a visa is just the first step. Once you arrive, you apply for a permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay), which allows you to legally remain in Italy. After that, you can register your residenza (residency), which is necessary for accessing benefits like healthcare, banking, and other local services.

From there, I outline the main paths toward citizenship. Marriage to an Italian citizen can shorten the timeline to as little as two years of residency. For others, changes in the law now allow certain residents with Italian ancestors (either a parent or grandparent) to apply for citizenship after just two years, rather than three.

I also cover the five-year milestone, when you can apply for an EU long-term residence permit, giving you rights similar to Italian citizens, including healthcare and work across Europe.

Finally, I discuss the long-term path to full Italian citizenship after ten years of continuous residency, including the requirements for language, taxes, and documentation. While it’s a lengthy process, it’s achievable for anyone committed to living in Italy.

Throughout the episode, I show how different visa types can be used strategically to move from temporary permission to established life in Italy. I also answer listener questions about working remotely on a tourist visa, the importance of learning Italian, and how buying property can impact your visa and residency status.

Listen in to learn how your visa can open the door to stability, community, and the life you’ve been dreaming of in Italy.

Resources:

Download the Visa Guidebook

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

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If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

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Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explores one of the biggest questions for anyone thinking about a move to Italy: Is now a smart time financially? With global economic and political uncertainty, it’s normal to hesitate before making such a big life change. But as Samantha explains, the timing might actually be better than ever for relocating—whether for retirement, remote work, or property investment.

She highlights four key reasons why moving to Italy isn’t just a dream—it can be a smart financial move. First, the tax incentives for new residents are hard to beat. Italy offers some of the best breaks in Europe, including a flat 7% tax for retirees with foreign pensions, 5% for self-employed individuals earning up to €85,000, and even a flat €200,000 tax option for high earners—making Italy feel like a mini tax haven for newcomers.

Next, the cost of living in Italy is considerably lower than in major cities like London, New York, or Toronto. From affordable housing to groceries and dining out, euros go further here, offering a higher quality of life without compromise.

The property market is another big draw. Prices have been low for years, but there are still incredible opportunities to buy beautiful homes at a fraction of what they cost in other European countries. Acting now is key, as more international buyers are entering the market.

Finally, new visa options make it easier than ever to relocate. With pathways for retirees, remote workers, and investors, moving to Italy is far less daunting than it used to be.

Samantha also answers listener questions on practical topics like converting a UK driver’s license and investor visa requirements.

If you’ve been thinking about making the move, this episode lays out the financial advantages and shows why Italy could be one of the smartest decisions you ever make.

Related Recommendations:

• GC Partners – for currency exchange and financial transfers.
• Italian Commercialista – schedule a consult to start assessing your Italian taxes.
• Smart Move Italy – explore our website for resources and guidance on making your move.