Italian Exam Prep Blog -
Citizenship, Driving License & Life in Italy

Not every B1 exam is the same. If you are moving to Italy for work or university - not citizenship - the CILS B1 Standard is the exam you need. Here is who requires it and why.

The official 2027 CILS exam calendar from the University for Foreigners of Siena, which levels run at each session, and how registration actually works at exam centers.

Buying property in Italy? The Prima Casa tax break drops your registration tax from 9% to 2% - but only if you establish residency within 18 months. Here's how to manage the countdown, navigate court auctions, and prepare for the Patente B before your foreign license expires.

Can't convert your US license? You have 12 months after residency to pass Patente B. Native English program, DIY registration, mastery tracking. €99/month.

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.

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.

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.

Are you looking for the official CILS exam dates for 2026? The wait is over! The University for Foreigners of Siena has officially released the exam schedule. For anyone on the path to obtaining Italian citizenship or a long-term residency permit, this is a crucial piece of information for planning your preparation. Planning further ahead? The 2027 CILS exam dates have now been released, including which levels run at each session and when to start preparing. This guide will p

Dreaming of a new life in Italy? You’re not alone. The allure of historic streets, incredible food, and a vibrant culture is strong. But the path to getting there, whether through a visa or claiming your Italian citizenship, can seem like a maze of bureaucracy. It's a process that leads many to ask: "Should I hire an attorney?" Many people believe that hiring an expensive lawyer or solicitor is the only way to navigate the paperwork, making the process faster or easier. We're

If you've spent any time dealing with Italian bureaucracy, you've probably been asked for a codice fiscale... sometimes even before you've officially moved to Italy. But what exactly is it, and why does everyone from your landlord to the pharmacy want to see it? What Is a Codice Fiscale? Codice fiscale (pronounced CO-dee-chay fis-cal-eh) literally means “fiscal code” in Italian. The plural form is codici fiscali. It’s Italy’s version of a tax identification number, similar in

There are a lot of ways to move to Italy (citizenship, digital nomad visas, elective residency, student visas) but the real question is how do you actually do it? From experience, I can tell you: the hardest part is not getting a visa, it’s getting a residence. Finding housing from abroad feels nearly impossible. Whether you’re renting or buying, it’s best to be in Italy when you do it. Yes, you could hire someone to help, but agent fees often run into the thousands, and doin

If you're applying for Italian citizenship, a long-term residency permit, or need to meet the requirements of the integration agreement (accordo di integrazione), the CILS exam is one of the most widely accepted Italian language tests. But the registration process can be confusing, especially if you're outside of Italy. CILS is an official Italian language certification recognized worldwide. Click the logo to visit the official site. Here's a clear step-by-step guide to help