Saluti! If the charming allure of Italy – its incredible cuisine, exquisite wines, historic art, and trend-setting fashion – is tempting you to pack your bags and move from the Great White North, you’re in for an exciting ride! But, oh boy (or should I say oh, ragazzo?), there’s more to moving from Canada to Italy than just trading maple syrup for Nutella.
This guide is here to illuminate the journey ahead, filled with 12 essential things to know about moving from Canada to Italy. The keyword here, dear reader, is “preparation”.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of visas, international moving companies, language barriers, healthcare, and more. This ain’t just any La Dolce Vita, it’s YOUR Dolce Vita, and we’re here to make it as sweet as possible!
So, you’ve decided to shake things up a bit and exchange your hockey stick for a plate of spaghetti. Bold choice! The first question that likely pops into your mind is, “How on earth do I move from Canada to Italy?”
You’ll need a visa, of course. Italy, being the gracious host that it is, offers a range of visas, much like the variety in a box of Italian chocolates. Whether you’re heading there for work, studies, or to reunite with your loved ones, Italy has got you covered.
The visa application process is easier than pronouncing some Italian wines. Just visit the Italian Consulate or Embassy nearest you. Be it the Work Visa, Joining Family Visa, or Study Visa, each starts with the completion of a visa entry request form, a valid passport, and approval from the SUI (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
For the young and the restless, the Canada-Italy Youth Mobility Agreement lets you blend travel, work, and study into one delightful Italian mix. Salute to that!
When you arrive in Italy bring the entry visa to your local post office (Poste Italiane) to apply for a Permit of Stay.
About 20 days after the reception of your Permit of Stay, you must visit the Vital Statistics Bureau (Ufficio di Stato Civile) to apply for residency.
Then follows your visit to a local Tax Office (Agenzia delle Entrate) to get your tax code.
And then your driver’s license (visit your local Agency of Ministry of Transport (Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile) by choosing your province here) as well as bank accounts (popular Italian banks are Unicredit, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, and Deutsche Banks Italia)
When it comes to moving your life from Canada to Italy, you can’t just cram everything into your hockey bag and jump on a plane. Shipping your belongings requires a reliable international moving company that packs a punch.
A company that’s fully insured (just like a good Italian espresso is fully caffeinated), reasonably priced, and prioritizes customer service is a must. Plus, nothing screams “trustworthy” louder than a heap of 4-star Google reviews.
Do your homework and compare quotes, because no one wants their precious belongings bobbing around in the Atlantic, right? The good news is, if the company ticks all the right boxes, your personal effects should arrive in Italy faster than you can say “Ciao, Italia!”
Here are a couple of moving companies that are considered experts in International Moving:
You love your car. You’ve named it. You’ve had deep conversations with it. But let’s face it unless it’s a Transformer, most Canadians leave their vehicles behind due to high shipping costs and a lengthy vehicle inspection process in Italy.
If you can’t part ways with your four-wheeled friend, brace yourself for some action. Start by getting quotes from top-notch car shipping companies that treat your car like a VIP – offering good insurance, rave reviews, and the kind of customer service that makes you feel like you’re the one being chauffeured.
Once you’ve decided on your ports of departure and destination, give your car a spa day, cleaning it and reducing the fuel tank to just 1/8th full to avoid additional fees upon arrival. Remember, car shipping isn’t a joyride, but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to be a rollercoaster either!
If you’re moving from Canada to Italy, it’s time to bid adieu to the Canadian Dollar and say “Buongiorno” to the Euro! Italy’s been rolling with the Euro since the Lira bowed out in 2011.
The Euro notes come in a rainbow of denominations – €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10, €5, while the coins jingle in your pocket in €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c.
Getting Euros is as easy as getting an espresso. Just head to the nearest bank ATM.
Do keep some cash on hand because, while Italy is the land of pizza and pasta, not all places are keen on cards, especially smaller restaurants, and shops.
So, keep your cash flow healthy and your experience will be molto bene!
Italian: the language of love, opera, and that pizza you love. Don’t worry, you won’t need to sound like Pavarotti or recite Dante’s “Divine Comedy” from memory, but picking up a bit of Italian will make your new life molto più facile (much easier). The Italians appreciate even the most rudimentary attempts at their language, so start with the basics.
Brush up on essential phrases and greetings, with bonus points if you manage to gesticulate like a true Italian. Remember, language learning isn’t a sprint, it’s a delightful amble through the idyllic Tuscan countryside. There are countless apps and language schools to help you, but the best way to learn Italian?
Chat up with your local barista, make small talk with the pizzaiolo, or join a local club. After all, there’s nothing like practicing while waiting for your gelato to be scooped up, right?
So, you’ve decided to set up shop in the land of da Vinci and Fellini. But how far will your loonies stretch in Euro land? Well, it’s not quite like living in a Fellini movie. Costs vary like the types of pasta on a menu, depending on your region and lifestyle.
Rome, Milan, and Florence are the high-rolling cities, demanding more dough, much like their famous pizzas. Living in the countryside or less touristy cities like Turin or Bologna, you’ll find your Euro stretches farther than a slice of gooey mozzarella.
Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and let’s not forget, espresso costs should all be factored into your budget. The overall cost of living is lower than in many Canadian cities but remember, Italy’s average salary is also lesser.
So, before you dream of sipping Limoncello by the Amalfi Coast, make sure your budget can handle the sweet Italian lifestyle!
Income and Expense Comparison: Canada and Italy
| Canada (CAD) | Italy (EUR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | 3120 | 1500 |
| Monthly Rent (1 bedroom in city centre) | 1200 | 800 |
| Monthly Rent (1 bedroom outside city centre) | 900 | 600 |
| Price per square meter to buy (city centre) | 6000 | 3000 |
| Price per square meter to buy (outside city centre) | 3500 | 2000 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | 150 | 120 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | 70 | 30 |
| Basic (Normal) Restaurant meal for 1 | 20 | 15 |
Job hunting in Italy can sometimes feel like trying to find a parking spot in Rome – challenging but not impossible! Italy’s job market is highly competitive and the unemployment rate is generally higher than Canada’s, so roll up your sleeves and get ready for some action.
Professions like teaching English, hospitality, IT, and fashion design are sectors where you might find the welcome mat. Fluency in Italian will give you an edge, so consider investing in some language classes (or charming an Italian to teach you!).
Networking is key in Italy – many job openings are filled by word-of-mouth. And don’t forget, first impressions matter in Italy, so suit up and show up!
Ah, Italian food! Let’s just say, if food is a religion, Italy is its Vatican. Italians take their food seriously, and so should you.
From the North’s creamy risottos and hearty polenta dishes to the South’s tangy tomato pasta and crispy pizzas, there’s a world of gastronomic wonders to explore.
Dining out can be as casual as grabbing a slice at a pizzeria or as fancy as a multi-course meal at a ristorante. Supermarkets are great for basics, but for fresh produce, nothing beats local markets.
Just remember, Italian food is regional. So, whether it’s pizza in Naples, pesto in Genoa, or ragù in Bologna when in Rome, eat as the Romans do!
Relocating to Italy doesn’t just mean embracing la dolce vita, it also means taking care of your health and wellbeing. Italy’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is accessible to all residents.
Once you’ve obtained your Italian health insurance card (tessera sanitaria), you’re eligible for subsidized healthcare. Public hospitals and clinics provide free or low-cost care, while private facilities are more costly.
However, don’t neglect your well-being while admiring Michelangelo’s David, always travel with good international health insurance. And remember, moderation is key, even when you’re feasting on gelato!
Canadians are known for their friendliness, but Italians are famous for their warm hospitality.
Once you’ve relocated to Italy, getting out and meeting people is a must. Italians are sociable creatures who love their food, wine, and, of course, football.
Join local clubs or groups that match your interests. Try out a language exchange meetup or a cooking class.
And don’t be shy about striking up a conversation with the locals. A shared passion for espresso or Serie A can lead to friendships and a deeper understanding of Italian life.
You’ve got the basics covered, but the real magic of Italy lies in its history and culture. Every cobblestone, church, and café holds a story.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a culture vulture, there’s no shortage of museums, galleries, and historic sites to quench your thirst for knowledge.
But remember, culture in Italy is not just about the past. Italy is also home to contemporary art, innovative design, and an evolving music scene.
So, while you’re busy deciphering the secrets of ancient Rome, don’t forget to tune into the vibrant and modern rhythm of Italy today.
The weather in Italy can be as diverse as its pizza toppings. Italy has a largely temperate climate, but it varies from the Alpine conditions in the North to the Mediterranean warmth in the South.
In the North, think Canada-like winters with snow and biting winds, while summers are warm and humid. Central Italy has a milder climate, with hot summers and cool, wet winters. The South and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia enjoy long, hot summers and mild winters.
Understanding Italy’s weather patterns will help you plan better, whether it’s for your wardrobe or travel itineraries. After all, you wouldn’t want to find yourself in a fur coat on a Sicilian beach in August!
Alright, so now you’re equipped with a suitcase of knowledge on moving from Canada to Italy. We’ve navigated the labyrinth of visa types, demystified the art of choosing an international moving company, and shared the lowdown on everything from currency to healthcare.
We’ve given you a sneak peek into the Italian way of life – the beauty of its language, the public health system that’s waiting to embrace you, and the cost of living that you need to brace yourself for.
Remember, moving to Italy is not just a change in address but a wonderful, life-altering experience. As you venture into this new phase, be prepared for a bit of turbulence but remember to relish the rewarding journey ahead. Buona Fortuna!
And remember, there’s nothing a plate of pasta and a glass of Chianti can’t fix! Life in Italy is bound to be Bellissima! Welcome to your own version of “Eat, Pray, Love”, minus the midlife crisis. Moving from Canada to Italy is an exciting adventure, make the most of it. As they say, “A presto, amici!”
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