Anne-Lise Mty

If you have decided to settle in Italy, you may need to apply for a visa, especially if you come from a country outside the European Union. Did you know that even if you are an EU citizen, you are required to apply for a residence permit in the city where you want to live? This residence permit is different from all other permits. In this article, we explain the difference and give you an overview of the permits and visas you will need for your long-term stay in Italy.

If you have decided to move to Italy, the question of a residence permit arises first. Depending on your nationality, your current country of residence, and the purpose and duration of your stay, you may need to apply for a visa. In this article, we provide you with some basic information on the procedures and steps you need to take to obtain your long-term residence permit and settle in Italy.

If you have decided to stay in Italy for 90 days or less, depending on your nationality, your current country of residence, and the purpose of your trip, you may need to apply for a short-term visa for Italy, also known as a Schengen Uniform Visa. In this article, we explain what this residence permit is, what the conditions are for obtaining it, and how to apply for it.

Are you planning to move to Italy? Before arriving in Italy, whether you are a student, a worker, or a job seeker, make sure you have initiated and/or completed certain formalities, and prepared all the necessary documents in order to comply with all the entry requirements. In addition, it is useful to find out about the procedures to follow once you are here in order to save time. In this article, we will try to give you some useful tips for a successful move to Italy.

Italy is the romantic country par excellence, when you think of Venice, Rome or Florence. And the idea of getting married there is cherished by many expats, whether both spouses are of foreign origin or not. If you plan on having a civil or a religious wedding in Italy, you will need to be aware of the formalities, as the country is as administrative as it is traditional. 

Once you have settled in Italy, you will be subject to personal income tax (Imposta sul reddito - IRPEF), in addition to corporate tax (if you have set up your own business), VAT, and property taxes if you are a homeowner. In this article, we will give you a general framework of the Italian tax system. However, it's recommended that you contact a professional tax advisor who will be able to guide you and answer any questions you may have on the subject.

Find all you need to know about New Zealand as an expat.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. As well as being the seat of the New Zealand Government, it is also home to a wide range of industries, many of which require skilled workers from overseas. The capital is also known for being a great place to head to as an entrepreneur, with plenty of support for self-starters in the city.

Christchurch, or Chch, as the locals like to say, is one of the major South Island cities in New Zealand. It is the capital of the Canterbury province and is slowly rebuilding itself after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Although more than ten years have passed since the devastating earthquakes, the city is still in a transitional period, which means there are many opportunities for growth as the city re-establishes itself and seeks to attract new residents.  

Located in the Waikato region, just over 100 kilometers from Auckland, Hamilton is a city on the rise. It is the fourth largest city in the country, with nearly 179,000 inhabitants and more coming in every day thanks to educational and professional opportunities available. With a diverse and growing economy, Hamilton is at the heart of a rich agricultural and pastoral area with a large dairy industry and a number of scientific research facilities. This area of New Zealand is very open to welcoming new residents from all cultures and backgrounds.

Dunedin is one of New Zealand's most iconic cities, and it is becoming increasingly popular with expatriates due to its economic development and prosperity. It is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, the Otago region's main city, and is ranked seventh among the largest cities in all of New Zealand.  

Whatever your lifestyle and living preference, you can find a place that suits you in the wide-ranging and diverse city that is Auckland. All of Auckland's neighborhoods have a distinct feel to them but are generally split by their geographical location.

Being New Zealand's biggest city means that Auckland has the most opportunities for employment but also the most competition. Finding a job in Auckland can take a while, depending on where your skills lie. Here are some things you can do to get ahead in the job market.

As a bustling center of commerce and finance, there are plenty of businesses in Auckland looking for experienced and enthusiastic workers. However, it is always a good idea to have a good grasp of the labor market in the city before you begin your search for work. Like many countries, New Zealand is experiencing labor shortages following the Covid-19 pandemic, and Auckland has also been affected. For a list of those industries most urgently needing workers, expats can consult New Zealand's Green List.

Aucklanders tend to take their work seriously but also enjoy a fun and supportive environment. If you're concerned about how to fit in as an expat, here is some advice for what to expect in an Auckland workplace.

New Zealand has a large economy that requires an extensive workforce. This, combined with a relatively small population, means New Zealand can't rely on its own people alone to get the work done, so New Zealand is dependent on expatriate workers to help sustain some of its industries. Added to this is the propensity of Kiwis to become expatriates themselves – New Zealanders are second only to the Irish in terms of the expatriate diaspora in the developed world. Currently, approximately 1 million New Zealanders, around 14%, live overseas.

If you are looking to settle in Auckland, but can't afford the ever-inflating prices, then Hamilton - or “the tron”, as the locals call it - is a great alternative. Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth-largest city and the third fastest-growing area, with 180,000 residents as of 2022. Hamilton is located on the Waikato River, and 16km of this mighty river pass through the city. It is known for its beautiful gardens and parks, including the Hamilton Gardens and the Waikato River Walk. The city is also home to the University of Waikato and the Waikato Institute of Technology, which contribute to its vibrant student population.

New Zealand has a unique Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) system available to all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, which means if you are injured in an accident, you will be covered, regardless of your immigration or insurance status. New Zealand also has excellent ambulance and rescue services and first aid providers if you do get into a scrape. Read on to discover what you need to know about accidents and emergencies in New Zealand.  

Expecting a baby in New Zealand can be a wonderful experience, with a high standard of maternal and infant care, as well as a supportive culture for new families. Read on to discover some key things that expats should know about pregnancy in New Zealand.

New Zealand's healthcare system is a complicated one, relying on both a public health system and a private health system. To be eligible for public healthcare, you have to meet a range of criteria, so travel insurance and/or private health insurance is highly recommended for non-residents, especially when you first arrive.

New Zealand is ranked as one of the best countries in the world to start a business in. Indeed, for several years in a row, the country ranked number one in the world for ease of doing business.

You may not want to jump straight into buying a house or finding a long-term rental when you arrive in New Zealand. The best option is to find some temporary accommodation, like a cheaper hotel/motel or Airbnb so you can get a feel for different neighborhoods and see where you would like to settle. Other great options are serviced apartments, hostels, or even renting out university accommodation throughout the summer.

Over the years, New Zealand has become a top destination for foreign professionals looking to boost their careers abroad. Working in New Zealand may be different from working in your home country, but finding a job can be easy with a little guidance. Here is an insight into the local labor market.  

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the second largest in the country, home to almost 400,000 people. The city was struck by a chain of earthquakes between 2010 and 2012 and is still rebuilding over a decade later.  

New Zealand's capital Wellington is home to a wide range of things - the Government (located in the famous ‘Beehive'), a well-known coffee culture, and Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop - where films like The Lord of the Rings were filmed. Throughout the city, you will spot movie crews and maybe even a Hollywood star - Wellington is often referred to as ‘Wellywood'.

Dunedin is home to around 130,000 people and is one of the southernmost cities in New Zealand, located on the Otago Peninsula. Besides its human population, Dunedin is famous for its nearby albatross, sea lion and yellow-eyed penguin colonies.

Auckland is a beautiful coastal city with mild weather and a diverse population. It's also the biggest city in New Zealand and the country's commercial center, providing more job opportunities in a wide range of fields than elsewhere. Of course, this draws people from around the world to live there, so finding a place to live while staying within budget can be challenging.

Having a home to call your own is one of the biggest dreams many of us share. While Auckland has its challenges, you could grab a little slice of paradise to call your own. Here are some tips to owning a property in Auckland.

New Zealand is a great place for further studies, whether you are looking to attend a university, polytechnic or vocational school, learn English, or study as a foreign exchange student. Before you move to New Zealand, you will need to research where you would like to study and decide what will be best for you.

Auckland is a city brimming with university students, both local and international. There are two leading universities in Auckland that are covered in this article, but also a range of technical institutes and other tertiary organizations. If you are interested in going to New Zealand as an international student or moving there with an aim to study in the future, find out what to expect below.

If you are looking to study in a unique location, close to natural beauty and boasting world-class universities, then Christchurch, New Zealand, is worth your consideration. Here is everything you need to know as an international student in Christchurch.

New Zealand is famous for its work-life balance and often tops lists of the most desirable countries to emigrate to. However, if you want to stay in New Zealand for more than a few months, then you will need to apply for a visa. This can be a daunting process; there are many work visa options in New Zealand, and you must determine which visa best suits your skills, as well as the purpose and duration of your stay.  

No matter how you earn money in New Zealand or what kind of visa you are on, you will need to pay some of your income into the New Zealand tax system. As with most countries, New Zealand has a progressive tax arrangement, which means that tax rates increase as income increases.  

Internships are a popular work experience tool worldwide, but these roles are still relatively new in New Zealand. In general, internships in New Zealand are tended for students, both domestic and international, though they are also sought out by those wishing to gain experience in a particular field.

There's no point going all the way to New Zealand and not exploring it as much as possible once you're there. Whether you're in the country for a few months or planning to stay longer, there are some unique things to consider when figuring out how to get around New Zealand.

Whether you are coming to New Zealand for a few weeks or hoping to stay a little longer, there are many options available for visiting New Zealand as a tourist. For citizens of many countries, you can travel to New Zealand without a visa for up to three months – though you will need to apply for an NZeTA prior to your arrival. If your country does not have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa to New Zealand.

Banking in New Zealand is almost always electronic, so it is important to have a bank account locally. This is how you will receive your salary, pay any bills and rent, and almost everywhere will accept EFTPOS (debit card) transactions. Unlike other countries, banking in New Zealand is pretty straightforward, and it is easy to open an account.

There's no denying New Zealand is a fantastic place to get married. Whether you want a dream destination wedding on one of New Zealand's world-famous beaches or you're a resident planning to get married at home, here is what you need to know about marriage and weddings in New Zealand.  

Driving in New Zealand may sound easy, but once you factor in different road rules and the varying terrains and driving conditions, it can be daunting for some expats. Here are some tips to help you get started.

More and more tourists and expats are heading to New Zealand every year, thanks to its natural beauty and opportunities for world-class outdoor adventures. From the North Island's central plateau and volcanoes to the South Island's Alps and glaciers, there are countless breathtaking landscapes to be explored. The country is also home to flora and fauna that you won't find anywhere else in the world, and a unique cultural background, thanks to the country's combined European and Maori cultural influences.  

Sport is an important part of the culture and national identity of New Zealand. Many New Zealanders participate in sports and follow sporting events, and there is generally great respect for athletes and athletic achievements.  

New Zealand's relaxed culture, strong healthcare system, and focus on outdoor activities make it an excellent place to raise a family. However, moving to a new country with children isn't always easy. Parents are often juggling multiple requirements when they emigrate, such as settling into a new job, finding accommodation, and dealing with the stress of adapting to a new culture.

Different people relocate in different ways. Some sell up everything at home and move with only a suitcase or two in tow, some will hire a moving company to take care of everything, and others will pack up only their most necessary items and ship them in a container.  

Thanks to New Zealand being a remote island nation, it has a unique ecosystem that can be quickly thrown out of balance by the introduction of plants and animals from elsewhere. In the 19th century, rabbits, rats and stoats were introduced, quickly devastating native species. These days, the introduction of exotic species is tightly controlled, and those arriving in New Zealand will encounter rigorous customs and biosecurity measures, especially when it comes to bringing in food, plants, animals, and any organic materials.  

If you are moving to New Zealand long-term, you are probably not willing to leave any member of your close family behind. For many of us, this includes our beloved pets. Thankfully, you are allowed to bring your pet with you to New Zealand, provided you are willing to pay the costs and meet the strict formalities imposed by the New Zealand authorities regarding the importation of animals.

Internet speeds and connectivity vary all across New Zealand, thanks to its mountainous and remote regions. However, as technology is improving, so are internet speeds. According to the 2021 Akamai State of the Internet report, New Zealand ranks 27th in the world for average internet connection speed, with an average speed of 26.7 Mbps (megabits per second). In 2022 the government completed its Ultrafast Broadband Plan (UFB), which has greatly increased internet speeds in most parts of the country.

Being able to connect with your family worldwide is important, especially when you have moved overseas - and you really can't get further away than New Zealand! Luckily, it's getting easier and easier to stay connected. New Zealand has reliable mobile phone coverage over most of the country, but you may have limited connectivity in rural areas.

Auckland has a strong food and drinks culture with influences from the West, Asia, the Pacific Islands and indigenous Māori. Whatever your budget or preference, you will be able to find some delicious kai (food) - and be sure to try the local favorites during your stay in Auckland!

The biggest city in New Zealand always has something to do of an evening. So whether you want a big night out, some romantic couple time, or a family experience, here is a non-exhaustive list of things to do in Auckland during the week.

The biggest city in New Zealand is full of exciting things to do and places to explore. In the evenings, you may only have a little time to spare, but when the weekend or holidays hit, here are some leisure options for you, your family, your partner and your friends in Auckland.