Moving To Italy

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Moving To Italy

Italy was one of the founding members of the European Union and is heavily involved in the expansion and development of the Union. The country itself is renowned for its exquisite architecture, and is a popular country for romantic breaks. The climate and terrains of Italy are one of he most varied in Europe with a climate and landscape for all tastes.

Italy seems to be attracting more and more foreign nationals, with official figures showing some 2.6 million Expats living in Italy at the beginning of 2006. The country is proving ever more popular with the likes of Moroccan, Romanian, Chinese and Ukrainians who often emigrate from their own countries for employment.

The influx of migrant workers has led to a number of problems with the economy, and while it is steady at the moment, there have been historic bouts of high inflation. Political instabilities of the past have not helped the situation either.

Content: Culture in Italy | Employment in Italy | Property in Italy | State Benefits in Italy | Key Facts on Italy

Italian Culture

Italy has perhaps one of the most varied cultures of the world, having been heavily involved in art, languages, poetry and architecture - leaving a lasting impression on all who visit the country. It has often been at the centre of radical movements such as the Renaissance and Baroque who’s history and emergence can be traced back to the many wars and conflicts in and around the country of Italy.

Italy seems to be forever known as the city of romance (although it has strong competition from France for this title)attracting visitors from far and wide.

Employment in Italy

While offering a variety of employment opportunities, Italy is renowned for motor vehicles, clothing and luxury goods to name but a few - hence the large migrant worker population. The country is however moving into a new stage of development with technology and media becoming more prominent in the Italian business community.

Unfortunately unemployment is fairly high in Italy (with some areas showing figures of 19%) and while there are opportunities in up and coming industries such as media and technology, these tend to be reserved for graduates and highly qualified personnel.

As you would expect, you need to have an official tax reference to work in Italy, which can be obtained from the local tax office. As Italian financial regulations are changing on a regular basis, it is strongly advisable to consult with your employer before taking up a position. General income tax is deducted at source for salaried workers, however self-employed workers need to arrange payment of their own income tax liabilities.

Italy has some of the tightest working regulations in Europe, with the government recognising the close relationship between employment and everyday life. Upon the payment of taxes from any Italian employment, you are automatically integrated into the system, and covered by numerous protection laws.

Property in Italy

The Italian property market has been in something of a catch up period over the last decade, as this is a country which has dragged behind the rest of Europe for some time. Compared to places such as France, UK and Spain, Italian properties are very much cheaper, with a similar cost of living. This has resulted in a very active overseas investment market, with overseas investors looking to take advantage of the ongoing price catch-up.

Italian State Benefits

The Italian benefit system is slightly different to the European norm with a greater emphasis on protecting and assisting workers of the few multi-nationals which operate in the country. The same benefits, only to a lesser extent, are afforded to workers of medium-small sized employers in a country where employers are very much expected to contribute heavily to the social benefits system

Sickness benefit, maternity benefit, family allowances and income support are just a few of the major benefits available to those resident in the country. The cost of the system is set to increase even further with Italy amongst one of the fastest aging populations of the developed world. The pensions system is creaking under the weight of expectance, and if current trends continue many experts expect the population of the country to reduce by 25% by 2050 - not before a major hike in the cost of state pensions.

Conclusion

Italy is a stark mixture of beauty, culture and varied landscapes, set against what has often been a difficult economic and political background. However there are signs that economic targets are being met and the political situation is beginning to calm down - leading to more consistency. All parties know that they have to act together to increase the attractions of the country to foreign nationals and investors.

For those looking to the future, Italy offers plenty of intrigue if not a little more risk than many other countries. However, if the current trend of improvement continues, now may be an opportune moment to take a closer look.

More facts about Italy :-

Capital : Rome

Official Language : Italian

Government : Parliamentary Republic with President and Prime Minister

Size : 301,318 km2

Population : 58.8 million

Currency : Euro

International Dialling Code : +39

Economy : 7th largest in the world (4th largest in Europe)

Religion : Predominately Roman Catholic

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Italian Culture

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