New members of the Italy forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025

Hi everyone! My name is Rogers, and I'm brand new here. I jumped at a job opportunity in Italy and recently settled in. It's a big change, so I'm still adapting to the local life and the city. So far, I'm really enjoying it, but I'm excited to learn more about the local customs. I'm happy to be among you!

Ciao a tutti!

We are Jill & Danny.  We are healthy mid 60's Americans going through retirement and plan to move to Italy no later than April 2027.  We are currently looking at Genoa for our elective residency and plan to rent rather than own property for the simple life. We are doing our best to learn the language.  Duo Lingo, watching Italian videos, movies and shows, following social media to learn words and phrases, and taking some online lessons and reading books. We plan to take official language classes when we land.  We are coming to Genoa the last week of April to learn more about this beautiful spot in northern Italy.  This is our second trip to Italy having already seen Rome, Florence and Venice.  We are looking to meet up with any English speaking expats for a coffee or aperitivo to begin our journey.  We hope you will reply as we'd love to meet you and hear about your experience to learn more!  Grazie Mille!!

Jill & Danny

Hello to the community…

We are Jesse and Kathy and working towards a move to Central Italy targeted at Fall of 2025. Making a scouting trip in February, and just finalizing the details. As many have mentioned, we are struggling with gaining the attention of realtors, so any advice or contacts along those lines are welcome. We are focused on Umbria, but open to Tuscany and Le Marche…

We’d also love to hear about your experiences with leasing property for the visa process. We’re hearing it’s quite difficult to obtain a lease, and wondering if we have to go straight to buying, which is not ideal as we’d love to have the time to really figure out the right property before we commit.

@Julien

Hi everyone!

I’m Jonathan, and last year I made the move from the UK to Sicily, where I’m in the middle of restoring an abandoned villa that had been empty for over 20 years—no mains power, no water, completely off-grid. It’s been a wild ride so far, but I haven’t looked back since!

I’m documenting the entire renovation journey on my YouTube channel, Operation Sicily, where I share everything from DIY renovations to insights on buying property in Italy and adjusting to life here. The plan is to create a beautiful home while embracing the Sicilian lifestyle, and so far, I’m loving the weather, the food, and the people.

Would love to connect with others who have made the move or are thinking about it! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about buying, renovating, or living in Sicily—happy to share what I’ve learned.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

Jonathan

Hi everyone & ciao a tutti!

My name’s Florian. My family and I just moved to Vicenza this week from Germany. When I’m not trying to get back into running or pick up on local dialects, I ghostwrite marketing content, mostly for US software companies.

This made the transition fairly easy in terms of job security (that and the fact that we sold our house in Germany). Right now, we’re still waiting on our furniture to be delivered and staying at an Airbnb, so the biggest struggle is that in-between situation.

Looking forward to connect with other folks on the forum!

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Expat.com 😀

Have you had the chance to explore the different options available on the website?

I recommend starting with our Living in Italy guide for expats, which contains informative articles on a variety of topics.

If you would like to discuss something specific, feel free to start a new thread on the Italy forum to connect with other members.

All the best,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

@jillfolsom

hi there, how lovely. I’ve been in Italy off and on for 25 years…

great plan you have!!!

Hi

We are Helen and Alistair and we are originally from the UK but we have been living in Canada for the last 18 years. We are looking for a semi retirement in Puglia while running a small historic house as a b&b. We will do a holiday next spring for my 60th to check out the small towns. Any information on this route would be very welcome.

After many years living in the US, Africa and Spain I moved back to my Country, Italy. I am a life coach and I  decided, considering my experience in foreign Countries, to work in this field, helping foreigners to adjust to their new spot in the world (as I did in the past and even if I loved it it doesn't mean it was easy!). So, happy to read your stories on this forum

Hi!

I am a Dutch citizen preparing to move to the Castiglione del Lago area in September with my two dogs.

Let me know if you know of any available pet-friendly rentals!

I work remotely and just need a wifi connection. Getting excited to move!

@Peace Pseeker

Hello and welcome !

Feel free to post an advert in the housing section to receive offers : https://www.expat.com/en/housing/europe/italy/

All the best

Bhavna

My name is Giuseppina, I’m 21 years old and I’m from Italy.

I decided to join this forum because I’ve been struggling with social anxiety for quite a while. I often find it hard to start conversations or be around groups of people, and sometimes I feel like I’m the only one going through this.

Aside from that, I love reading novels and listening to music—it really helps me calm down. I also enjoy taking long walks by myself, it’s my little way of recharging.

I hope to find people here who understand what it feels like, and maybe make some friends who can relate. Thanks for reading my little introduction. Looking forward to talking with you all!

@giuseppina rinaldi

Thank you for introducing yourself.

You're absolutely welcome here, and I hope the forum will be a comforting and positive space for you. Many members join for connection and support.

Feel free to post your questions, if you have any.

We also have an Italian version of the forum should you want to have a look : Forum |Italia

Best wishes

Bhavna

Thank you so much for the kind welcome!

I'm Asafa Habeeb Ayodeji, and I truly appreciate being part of this forum. I'm here to learn, connect, and contribute positively to the community. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and sharing experiences with others.

I'll explore the Italian version of the forum as well.

Hi everyone! My name is Silvia, and I'm a development worker with a passion for travelling. My work has taken me around the world, and I’ve been lucky to spend a lot of time surrounded by friends from all over the globe. I work in an international environment, which I truly enjoy. While I love discovering new places, I’m also deeply in love with my home country, Italy—its landscapes, culture, and unique charm. I'm always happy to connect, exchange views, and share tips with fellow international friends. Looking forward to being part of this group!

Hello everyone, I am also delighted to join this forum in order to meet new people and make new friends. I will be very happy to participate in a discussion. I am 34 years old, I am from Morocco and I am available for any exchange of information.

Hello everyone, I am also delighted to join this forum in order to meet new people and make new friends. I will be very happy to participate in a discussion. I am 34 years old, I am from Morocco and I am available for any exchange of information. - @safaasolbi

Hi . Tanks

Hi everyone! My name is Claudio, born in Milan, but I lived 13 years in Australia.***

Hi everyone,

I am looking to relocate to Italy from New York City, I'm and artist and entrepreneur, have a Maltese ESA dog Lizzie.  I am looking at Lecce or safe town nearby such as Martha Franca, Monopoli, Trani.  I am a dual citizen, speak Italian and have a lawyer, but will need a very good realtor that can work with finding me a rental long term, around 650 - 700 square feet utilities included for maximum of $750.  Any leads would be welcome.  I would likely be moving February or March 2026.  I'd like to lock in a lease before moving out there.

Hi I'm Gloria, born in California, U.S

I will be relocating from the U.S. to Italy and am very excited about this new chapter in my life. I am especially drawn to Trieste for its climate and character, and I would love to make it my first home base while I travel around Italy and get to know its many beautiful towns and villages once I have received my citizenship.

In addition to finding a rental, I am also looking for assistance with my citizenship. I have gathered all the required documents, but I would like to work with an attorney who specializes in citizenship matters as well as a separate attorney who focuses on real estate. If you are able to recommend trusted professionals in these areas, I would be most grateful.

For housing, I am seeking a FIAIP-approved agent who can kindly assist me in finding a rental in Trieste for my scheduled trip in March 2026. I will be spending that month between Trieste and the Lake Garda area, and then I plan to move permanently at the end of May 2026.

Here’s what I’m hoping to find:

1. At least 100+ sq. meters
2. Minimum of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
3. A view of the sea, a garden, or something pleasant beyond the window (not just another building)
4. Outdoor space such as a large balcony or patio
5. Fully furnished, including dishes, laundry, and a well-equipped kitchen
6. In good condition (new is not essential, but well-kept is important)
7. An elevator if there is more than one flight of stairs

Thank you so much in advance for your assistance. I truly appreciate your guidance in helping me make this transition as smooth as possible.

Warm regards,

@jimds

Hello and welcome !

In regards to assistance with citizenship, I would suggest that you contact our partner : https://www.expat.com/en/immigration/eu … rtner.html

Regards

Bhavna

Thank you Bhavna

They ignored my requests more than once