Italian Language and Life

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...

Considering a move to Italy? The dream is more affordable than you think. But before you pack your bags, it's crucial to understand the real costs of living. We're breaking down a realistic budget, from rent and groceries to that all-important espresso, to help you plan your Italian adventure.

The path to Italian citizenship by marriage is often the most direct route to your passport. But the journey is full of hidden threats...

The dream of a €1 home in Italy is everywhere. But what are the real costs and challenges? Find out if this viral trend is right for you, or if a more affordable and practical path to Italian homeownership exists.

Living in Italy is a dream, but the reality is a mix of cultural surprises. I share my journey of embracing the slow pace of life, the battles I’ve defeated, and the differences I still face. It’s an honest look at the pragmatic art of making Italy work for you.

Moving to Italy with children can be an adventure, but the biggest question mark is always school. From navigating the differences between public, private, and international options to understanding age requirements and language learning, it's a lot to take in. Our family's first-hand guide demystifies the Italian school system, so you can make the best choices for your kids and start your new life with confidence.

Are you looking for the official CILS exam dates for 2026 ? The wait is over! The University for Foreigners of Siena has officially...