Ciao a tutti! Samantha here. I’m thrilled to announce the latest episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, which is dedicated to those of you who dream of calling Rome home or simply want to experience the city in a more authentic way.

Author of "Italy Made Easy", Doug Morris, joins today's episode, sharing his insight after spending a decade in the adored Eternal City.

We start by discussing the unique charm of Rome, where ancient history seamlessly intertwines with modern life. Doug shares what it truly means to wake up in Rome, from knowing your local barista to discovering hidden piazzas that most visitors overlook. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the city's rhythm, which is not always dictated by the clock but by the simple things in life, whether it's sipping cappuccini or listening to the sounds of bustling streets.

Tune in for his top neighborhood recommendations, favorite local eateries, tips for adapting to the Roman way of life, and more! There's nothing quite like seeing a famous city in a new light through the eyes of a local.

To close out the episode, I answered three new questions about renting in Italy, running an online business on a visa, and integrating into local communities without fluent Italian. Do you have questions? Send them our way via the contact form linked here.

👉 Links mentioned in the episode:

• Doug's guidebook: Rome Made Easy
• Our website: Smart Move Italy
• Move to Italy Bootcamp: Click to grab your spot!

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Ciao for now!

-Samantha

Mentioned in this episode:

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I sit down with Jaid, a fellow Canadian who traded life in Toronto for a fresh start in Bari just one year ago.

Jaid opens up about her solo trip to Puglia in 2023 that completely changed her path, leading her to take a leap of faith and move to Italy. She shares the highs and lows of that journey—culture shock in Palermo, the charm of Lecce and Monopoli, navigating Italian bureaucracy, and finding her place in a country where friendships often span decades.

We talk about what it’s really like to work in hospitality here compared to Canada, how the warmth and family-like atmosphere helped her settle in, and even how an unexpected connection at work turned into a romantic relationship.

Jaid’s story is full of practical advice and heartfelt inspiration for anyone considering a move abroad. She reminds us that while starting over isn’t always easy, believing in yourself and taking that first step can lead to a life richer and more authentic than you ever imagined.

Follow Jaid’s journey on Instagram at Jaid in the Life and get ready to feel inspired to create your own new life in Italy.

Resources:

Jaid in the Life

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

APP Link

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Hey everyone, it’s Samantha Wilson with a special breaking news episode of Your New Life in Italy.

On today’s show, I’m unpacking a landmark court ruling that could completely change how families apply for one of Italy’s most challenging visas—the Elective Residency Visa (ERV).

Here’s the big news: For years, consulates (especially in the US and UK) have insisted that each adult applying under the ERV prove their own independent passive income of over €31,000 per year. So if you were a couple? That meant €62,000 total—and from separate sources.

But a recent ruling by the Regional Administrative Court in Lazio just struck that down. A British couple who were denied their visa in 2022 because they applied jointly—using shared income—just won their case. And the implications are huge.

In this episode, I explain:

• What the court actually said (and why it matters)
• The real income thresholds families now need to meet
• What this means for couples who applied before—and got denied
• What we still don’t know (yet) about how this applies if one spouse has no income
• Why this is about more than money—it’s about how Italy defines family

If you’ve been told “no” before because your income was shared, or you were applying as a couple—this could be your chance to reapply, with the law now on your side.

📎 I’ve linked the full court ruling in the show notes for those who want to dig into the details.

Let’s be clear—this doesn’t mean everyone gets an automatic approval. But it does mean the consulates can’t make up rules that aren’t supported by Italian law. And that’s a big win.

Ciao for now!

Samantha

Resources:

Download the Ruling

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Ciao friends — it’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re talking about something that no one tells you enough about when buying property in Italy: how to actually move your money… without losing your mind, your deal, or your savings.

You’ve probably been dreaming about that hilltop farmhouse or beachy little pied-à-terre. You find the one, make the offer… and boom. Things get real. Fast.

But here’s the thing: Italy isn’t going to sit around and wait while your bank tries to figure out how to send euros across the ocean. If you don’t plan ahead, you could miss out entirely. I’ve seen it happen—more than once.

In this episode, I sit down with my go-to currency expert Rachel Canalis from GC Partners. She’s helped tons of our clients transfer big sums securely, quickly, and—bonus—usually with a way better exchange rate than their bank.

We share some real-life stories, including one (ouch) where a couple lost their dream home in Umbria because their money didn’t land in time. Spoiler: their bank caused all the drama, and the backup buyer got the house.

Rachel and I talk about what to do instead—like opening a currency account early, locking in your exchange rate, and working with someone who actually knows the process inside and out. We also cover how to handle deposits if you don’t have an Italian bank account (hint: your notaio can help with that), and why compliance checks are no joke when sending large international transfers.

If you’re even thinking about buying property in Italy, this is the stuff that will save you time, stress, and possibly thousands of euros. I promise, it’s not just boring money talk—this is the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes or breaks your dream.

So grab your espresso, and let’s talk about how to avoid the currency traps and get those keys in your hand—with confidence.

Ciao for now! 🇮🇹✨

Resources

GC Partners Free Account

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Hey there, it’s Samantha!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead.

I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to prep, not pounce.

Let’s talk Ferragosto. It’s that magical (and maddening) stretch in August when Italy basically hits pause. Offices shut down, real estate agents disappear, and even the most basic bureaucratic tasks suddenly become impossible. In the episode, I share the story of a lovely Canadian family who learned this the hard way—they tried to move in August and ran straight into a wall of closed doors (literally and figuratively). It was chaos.

So, what should you do instead?

Summer is your secret weapon for getting organized. I walk you through three essential things to focus on right now:

1. Gather your documents
2. Decide which visa path is right for you
3. Set a realistic budget (because spoiler: Italy is dreamy, but it still comes with bills)

I also break down the 7 Key Decisions you’ll need to make to move to Italy successfully—things like where to live, whether to rent or buy, how to support yourself, and more. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is going to help you slow down and get strategic.

You’ll also hear me answer some great listener questions—about the timing of visa applications, whether summer scouting trips are worth it (they are!), and how to gear up for a September start when everything in Italy comes back to life.

If you’re dreaming of Italy, now’s the time to start planning—not panicking.

🎁 And don’t forget to grab your free guide:

The Seven Key Decisions to Plan Your Move to Italy

This checklist is your roadmap to turning “someday” into a real, doable plan.

So pour yourself a cold spritz, take a breath, and let’s get planning.

Ciao for now!

— Samantha

Resources:

Download the 7 Key Decisions Free Guidebook

Book a Tax Evaluation Call

Listen to Episode Save Money On Your Move to Italy

Numbeo Cost of Living Tool

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

How Fast Can You Really Move to Italy? Let’s Talk Timing.

Hey there, it’s Samantha! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how soon can I actually move to Italy?—this episode is for you.

I’m diving into what the timing really looks like depending on your situation. Whether you’re dreaming of moving in six months… or six days, I break down the fastest paths (and the not-so-fast ones), so you know what to expect.

If you’ve got Italian or EU citizenship, good news—you’re already ahead of the game. But even then, there are things to think about, especially if you’re moving with a non-EU spouse or partner. You’ll still need a home lined up and documents like the idoneità alloggitiva before you pack your bags.

For everyone else, I walk through visa options—like the Elective Residency Visa, which can be surprisingly quick if your finances are straightforward. I also explain why the Investor Visa might be a smart (and fast) alternative, especially since you don’t need to secure housing before applying.

Then, we shift gears and talk about the slower routes—like the Digital Nomad Visa or Student Visa—where bureaucracy can drag things out. I share what to avoid, what to prepare early, and why August and December might not be the best times to make your big move.

And of course, I answer your questions—about property, visas, documents, and all the nitty-gritty you’ve been asking me in emails, DMs, and calls.

So if Italy’s calling and you’re trying to figure out how soon you can answer, this episode will give you a clear roadmap. Grab a notebook and let’s walk through it together.

Ciao for now!

—Samantha

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Ciao! It’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m sharing my personal favorites — the tools, places, and little life-savers that make living in Italy easier, more beautiful, and a lot more fun.

From my go-to Italian language teachers to where I escape the summer heat (spoiler: not Florence), the restaurants I return to again and again, and even the apps I use daily — this episode is full of real, honest recommendations. No sponsors, no affiliates — just what I actually love and use.

I’ll also talk about how I shop for furniture, which real estate sites I trust, and why the Smart Move Italy app is always open on my phone. Plus, I answer your questions about healthcare, taxes, and budgeting for a home here.

Grab a coffee and join me — this one’s all about making life in Italy a little smoother, a little tastier, and a lot more fun.

Ciao for now!

Sam

Resources:

Download the Smart Move Italy APP

My Favorite Language Teachers

Lorella Frederico (Private Italian teacher)

Italy Made Easy (Language membership)

Italian Matters (Language courses)

My Favorite Services

Subito (Italian craigslist)

Pronto Pro (Italian Angies list)

Facile (Insurance)

My Favorite Furniture

Maison du Monde (furniture)

Westwing (furniture)

Redute (furniture)

Tikamoon (furniture)

My Favorite Places to Eat

L’Ortone (Florence where to eat)

Osteria Merlo (Cetona where to eat)

Newbridge Pizza (Florence pizza)

Ristorante Cateni (Orgia where to eat)

Vanelli (Best cappuccino)

Trattoria Toscana (Cortona where to eat)

La Loggetta (Cortona where to eat)

La Puntabella (Best Veggie Lago Trasimeno)

Sotto Vento (Seafood Passignano)

U Curdunn (Locorotondo Puglia - must go!)

La Tavernetta (San Teodoro Sardegna where to eat)

My Favorite Sites for Real Estate

Smart Move Italy Property

Idealista

Immobiliare

Casa

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Move to Italy Bootcamp

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into a question I get all the time from clients, members, and listeners: “If I get the Digital Nomad Visa… can I bring my spouse? What about my kids?”

The short answer? Yes—you can.

But (you knew there’d be a but, right?)… it’s not always as straightforward as people expect.

So today, I’m walking you through what it really looks like to bring your family with you when you’re making the move to Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa. We’ll talk about what’s possible, what the law says, and what you can actually do to keep your family together during the move.

I’ll break down what qualifies as a family member in Italy’s eyes (spoiler: you need to be legally married or in a registered civil union—common-law relationships don’t count here). And I’ll explain the difference between bringing children versus bringing a spouse, especially now that Italy has introduced a two-year wait for spouses under family cohesion. Yep, that’s new—and not great—but there is a workaround.

I’ll walk you through the steps you need to follow, like:

• Getting your own Digital Nomad Visa approved first
• Securing a long-term lease in Italy
• Applying for the Nulla Osta (a critical clearance document)
• And gathering all the paperwork—like marriage certificates, birth certificates, and apostilles—that you’ll need to submit on your family’s behalf

I also talk about some of the real challenges people face once they’re in Italy—like how different every Questura (immigration office) is, and why that can seriously affect your timeline. It’s one of those things no one tells you about until you’re already in it, so I’m telling you now.

And of course, I answer some of your listener questions—like whether your spouse can work on the family visa, what happens if you're not married, and how the process looks different for other visas like the Elective Residency Visa.

This episode is packed with the practical, behind-the-scenes info you need to make sure you’re not caught off guard. If you’re planning to move to Italy and want to bring your partner or kids, this episode will help you plan it the right way—without the panic, delays, or unnecessary heartache.

So grab a coffee, maybe a notebook, and let’s get into what it really takes to move to Italy with your family. You don’t have to do it alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.

Ciao for now!

— Samantha

Resources

The Family Visa

Smart Move Italy

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

Ciao friends—Samantha here!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the biggest (and most confusing) decisions you can make when moving to Italy: buying a home.

If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through dreamy Italian property listings online and thinking, “I’ll just message the agent and go from there,”—I’m going to stop you right there. Because the truth? The buying process in Italy isn’t as simple—or as straightforward—as it might be in your home country. But don’t worry, I’m breaking it all down for you step-by-step.

We’ll talk about:

• How to properly search for property without falling into the “perfect listing” trap
• What really happens during negotiations (hint: it's not always quick or clear-cut)
• Why having your own representation is not just helpful—it’s essential
• What to expect at the final deed signing, and what comes after you get the keys

And to make it even more real, I’m joined by one of our wonderful clients—and now friend—Sarah Wheeldon, a fellow Canadian who made the leap and bought her dream home in Pitigliano. You might’ve seen her on our YouTube channel, but today you’ll hear the full story: the highs, the nerves, the lessons, and what life is like now that she’s living in the home she once imagined.

We also tackle some common myths (like “It’s cheap!”—well, not always), some behind-the-scenes truths (like what happens when the listing is no longer available), and how to avoid wasting time or money on your buying trip.

If you’re dreaming about buying a home in Italy—whether it’s now or five years from now—this episode is full of insights to help you plan smarter and feel more confident.

And if you want support through the process? You know where to find us—SmartMoveItaly.com 💛

Ciao for now!

— Samantha

Resources:

Property Purchase Assistance BOOK A CALL

Episode 44 How to plan a perfect buying trip

Episode 18 How to save money with currency exchange

Dott Simone Magherini (Senior Commercialista)

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m getting honest about something I think too many people overlook when planning a big move: the emotional side of starting over in a new country.

Yes, Italy is beautiful. Yes, the lifestyle shift can be amazing. But today, I want to talk about what doesn’t always make it onto Instagram—the reality of what happens when you move your entire life, your identity, and your sense of home to a place where everything is different.

I’ve seen it time and time again: people show up full of excitement and plans, only to find themselves totally unprepared for what happens after the paperwork is done and the boxes are unpacked. The truth is, living in a new country—especially alone, or as a couple who might not be on exactly the same page—can shake up everything you thought you knew about yourself.

In this episode, I talk about the quiet parts of this journey: the grief of leaving behind people who really knew you, the frustration of starting from zero, the moments where you second-guess whether you made the right decision. I share a story from a woman in our community who found herself unexpectedly overwhelmed with loneliness in her first Italian winter. She wasn’t expecting how hard it would be to not share a language—or a history—with anyone around her.

But I also want to show you what’s on the other side of that discomfort. There’s something incredibly freeing about being unknown in a new place. It gives you a chance to rebuild—not from scratch, but from experience. You get to choose what you carry forward and what you let go of.

Later in the episode, I’ll give you some practical suggestions for making the transition smoother—especially if you’re doing this solo. We’ll talk about what helps, what usually takes longer than expected, and what it really means to give yourself time and space to settle in.

And of course, I’ll answer some listener questions too—from managing the language barrier to what timeline you should expect for feeling “at home” in Italy.

If you're in that in-between place—planning your move, freshly landed, or a few years in but still adjusting—I hope this episode makes you feel seen. You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. You’re just finding your way.

—Samantha

Resources: Join our Membership

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!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

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! 

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Move to Italy Bootcamp

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Move to Italy Bootcamp

Sentire Media Website