Italian Language and Life

Moving to Italy as a woman from an English speaking country often triggers a identity crisis. Should you use your married name or your maiden name for the CILS exam and citizenship? Before you spend thousands on legal fees or hours at the social security office, here is the truth about why your passport is your North Star and how to handle the "middle name trap."

Taking an official exam is an inevitable reality of living in Italy. Whether you need the B1 for citizenship or the Patente B to drive, most people underestimate the preparation involved. We break down the "sweet spot" for study timelines and why general language classes might not be enough to help you pass.

Imagine owning a home and paying €0 in property tax every year. In Italy, this is reality for primary residents. From the 2% purchase tax to the IMU exemption, here is why the Italian system favors buyers.

Mandatory driving hours have increased and costs are up. Read our full guide to the 2026 Italian license reforms and discover how Ready Set Italia allows you to study at your own pace, track your progress, and pass the theory exam without stepping foot in a classroom.

Whether you are applying for Italian citizenship , a long-term residency permit , or you need an official certificate for university admission or employment , your 2026 planning starts now. The University for Foreigners of Siena has released the official 2026 CILS exam schedule. However, finding the date is the easy part. The real challenge is choosing the right exam center and the right version of the test . This guide covers the official calendar, the "hidden" costs of priv

7,147 questions. 30 chances. 3 mistakes allowed. The Italian Patente B theory exam is a mathematical paradox that stops thousands in their tracks. But why is it structured this way, and why does the "Question Bank" feel impossible to master? We’re pulling back the curtain on how the Italian Road Code is actually weighted and why traditional schools often miss the mark. Stop "brute-force" studying and learn how to focus on the sections that actually matter for test day.

The countdown to the 2026 Decreto Flussi has begun. With nearly 165,000 visas available this year, the competition is fierce. Are you prepared for what happens after you arrive? From mandatory language certificates to the dreaded Italian driving test, here is everything you need to stay "Ready" for your new life in Italy.

Already know how to drive? Don't go back to school. Learn how to hack the Italian bureaucracy, skip the mandatory theory classes, and get your Patente B for a fraction of the cost.

Rumors of a universal, English-language driving test in Europe have been spreading for years. With the publication of the new EU Directive 2025/2205, we finally have the official verdict. We broke down the legal text to explain the new "Single Digital License," the mandatory new safety questions coming to Italy, and why the "English Exam" proposal was officially rejected.

If you have moved to Italy, you might be driving on borrowed time. Learn which foreign licenses can be exchanged, the penalties for driving illegally, and how our new program helps English speakers pass the difficult Patente B theory exam.

In the US, our lives were defined by three cars, school scheduling chaos, and the healthcare deductible chase. In Italy, our kids are on a path to a debt-free education, we traded our vehicles for public transport, and we spend less on a full year's worth of healthcare than we did on one month of insurance back home. This is the difference between surviving and truly living

The visa rules for non-EU spouses of Italian citizens changed significantly in June 2024. If you plan to move for longer than 90 days, the old practice of entering as a tourist is now illegal. Learn the only correct way to get your long-term residency card by applying for the mandatory Type D visa at your consulate.

If you've moved to Italy permanently, stop using the "expat" label. The author argues why the term is flawed, exposing the social bias and the deep commitment required for life in Italy as an immigrant.

Married to an Italian? Your path to residency does not require the B1 language exam. This definitive guide, based on a real-life application at the Questura, cuts through the confusion, debunks financial myths, and provides the exact documents you need for your Permesso di Soggiorno.

Is Halloween in Italy a big deal? Not compared to the days that follow. Discover the cultural contrast between Dolcetto o scherzetto and Italy's solemn traditions: the festive All Saints' Day and the reflective Giorno dei Morti (All Souls' Day).

Document translation scams are everywhere. Learn how to prepare, authenticate, and translate your documents correctly so your Italian citizenship application gets accepted without delay.

Before relying on the B1 exemption for Italian citizenship, understand the narrow legal definitions for disability, illness, and advanced age. Avoid long delays and denial.

When my family moved to Italy, I learned quickly that the first headache was the banking system. Many Italian agencies only accept local accounts, creating an impossible loop for new residents. Here's my personal dual-banking strategy using the free accounts from Revolut and Wise to get the local ‘IT’ IBAN you need, plus the amazing perk of teaching my kids about money with the Revolut <18 accounts. This is how we beat the bureaucracy!

Forget the crowds of Rome and Florence. When we decided to establish our new, permanent life in Italy and launch Ready Set Italia, we found a vibrant, affordable, and family-friendly home in Torino (Turin). Discover why this city at the foot of the Alps is the smart choice for new residents. Plus, learn how living here inspired our dedicated programs to help you efficiently pass the Italian exams required for long-term residency and citizenship.

Living and working in Italy means accepting that public actions, known as the sciopero (strike) and manifestazione (protest), are regular occurrences. While these actions are a deeply protected part of the country's democratic tradition, they can be a major source of stress and confusion for anyone relying on transport or public services... which is the point. After living in Italy for over a year now, have learned to understand and navigate these disruptions while also resp