The sun, the good food and stunning landscapes are guaranteed when you decide to move to Italy. However, there is also a lot of paperwork involved.
Italy is famous for the tangle of bureaucracy, which, for foreigners, can be even more challenging than for Italians themselves. Although some processes are being simplified and migrated to the digital world, it is still true that Italian bureaucracy can test the patience of even Catholic saints.
As foreign residents in Italy say, in the end, all the effort is worth it to be able to live, work or retire in one of the most fabulous countries in the world. However, that doesn't mean it's simple.
Here are some essential documents you will actually need upon arrival. To help you get started, let's take a look at the first things that should be on your to-do list when planning your move.
Visa
if you don't have Italian citizenship or European, you will need to apply for a visa if you plan to stay in Italy for more than three months.
There are different types of visas, depending on the reason for your visit. The most common visas are: study visas, visas for research in Italy, work visas and investment visas. Remember that you must apply for these visas while still in Brazil and make sure to apply in advance.
The embassy, or consulate Italian, you must provide details of the application process and the requirements for the type of visa you need.
And don't forget that the most important document of all is, of course, your passport. This may seem obvious, but make sure it is up to date and valid for the duration of your stay in Italy, whether it's six days or six months. It's also not a bad idea to make and keep hard and digital copies of your passport and visa if they are lost or stolen.
Residence permit or certificate
If you plan to stay for more than three months and have already received a visa, you will need to register with preccint (police headquarters) and request the residence permit (residence permit).
The process varies by province, but involves paying fees of €100-200, having your fingerprints taken and presenting various documents.
It typically takes around three to six months to complete, although there are reports that in some parts of the country the process can now take nine months or more.
While waiting for approval, be sure to carry the receipt of the residence permit, that is, the registration receipt, as this document proves that you are legally in Italy.
Once you have your permit, you will have full access to public health, social assistance and education services. So make sure your permit is valid, and if it's about to expire, prepare to renew it in advance.
After five years of legal residence in Italy, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, which needs to be renewed every ten years.
ID card
After obtaining the residence permit, authorities expect you to obtain an Italian identity card (identity card) at the local records office, or Anagrafe.
You will receive a plastic card with a chip that stores information electronically. You must always carry your identity card with you in Italy, as the law requires you to present it to authorities if requested.
You can also use this card to access certain government services online.
Fiscal Code
A codice fiscale (tax code or taxpayer number) is a personal identification number similar to a CPF number in Brazil. The bad news is that you'll need it for pretty much everything in Italy, from shopping online to getting a job or signing a lease.
The good news is that it is relatively easy to obtain. You will likely get this code the same day you request it.
Health card
Italy has a comprehensive public healthcare system that most foreign residents can access if they choose, although they may be required to pay a fee for care or tests.
Residents of European Union countries visiting Italy can also access emergency medical treatment with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available through the healthcare system of their home countries.
No matter where you are from, if you are in Italy for more than three months you should consider signing up for National Health Service (Italian National Health System, or SSN).
After signing up, you will receive a health insurance card, or health insurance card. Some people find that they have to pay quite high contributions, or they may not actually be eligible to apply.
For these reasons, many non-Italian residents opt for private health insurance. And many people take out private coverage for the first year in Italy anyway, because to apply for the health card you will need to already be a resident of Italy with the residence permit to prove it (see above). Until you have at least requested this, your registration cannot proceed.
Keep in mind that the sanitary tessera cannot be ordered online. You need to appear in person at the ASL office, or Agenzia Sanitaria Locale (local health authority).
For many foreigners, in fact, the process requires not just one, but two trips to ASL, plus a stop at the post office.
Once registered with the SSN, you will also be able to register with a local GP. In fact, some ASL offices will simply assign you a doctor. You will need to show the card when seeking medical treatment or purchasing discounted medicines, and it also serves as an EHIC, entitling the holder to urgent care in any EU country.
Newer versions of the card also have a chip and PIN that allow access to certain online public services.
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