What do I need to do to secure a job and find a nice, affordable apartment in Florence?

Question

Hi All. I'm from San Diego, CA and looking to move to Florence and use it as a base of operations for traveling. I love traveling and in the past 2 years, I've lived in 3 countries - Switzerland, Germany, Russia. In America, I was a personal trainer, but because of the language barrier in these countries, I began work as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language.

I'd like to move by Jan. or Feb. of '07. Is that realistic? Does that give me enough time for processing all the necessary paperwork and anything else involved with living in Italy?

Any advice on how to plan this move would be much appreciated!

Also, I'd like to get an "insiders" view of Florence, and Italy in general, from both Italians and foreigners already living there. If you feel comfortable communicating more in-depth information by email (anything from political, economic, and social climate to good clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and other "hotspots"), PLEASE do so.

Thanks!

By the way, I'm also considering Amsterdam as a place to settle in (you've probably already seen my question, worded exactly as this one but with Amsterdam instead of Florence). Just tryin' to keep my options open. If you know anything about either city, please let me know.

Answer 1

My husband and I are Americans who own a company in Italy, about an hour from Florence. It is extremely difficult to get a work permit for an American. First, the company must demonstrate that there are no Italians that can do the required work. Second, now that the EU exists, citizens from other EU companies are supposed to be able to freely cross borders and work in other countries, but even that isn't so simple. We have tried to get work permits for an Australian (not EU) and for a British citizen (EU), and we were not successful with either. We have now gotten a work permit for a Romanian (not yet EU), but it is seasonal work only and he must return to Romania and we must file all the documents again for the next year, hoping that he'll be among the few to get a work permit. You might want to explore attending one of the many universities that admit foreigners instead--schools can help you get a "Permesso di Soggiorno" which is required for any non-EU person to stay in Italy for more than a certain period. Your other option would be to buy property! Even then, you'd still need to file for a "Permesso" if you wanted to stay in the country for any length of time.

Answer 2

Sell your soul to the devil? Seriously... finding a cheap appartment in Florence is nearly impossible... my suggestion is you share one with someone...as for finding a job, you need a letter of employment from an Italian Employer before applying for a Working VISA. Even then, it is quite hard getting a visa at the moment. I'm sure things would be easier if done from the US. January or February 07 is quite close... I really don't know if it is feasible. Contact the Italian consulata ASAP and ask them. They will be able to give you a better idea of the timing of the operation... I lived in Florence for 4 years, but that was back in the 90s. In any case, if you want more information, write me!

Answer 3

So, you aren't sure if you are moving to Florence or Amsterdam or-exploring a variety of options. Why even bother renting an apartment anywhere if you want to be traveling all over the place. Europe has gotten very expensive in regards to housing now that the Euro is there and the dollar has weakened in comparison. You might just want to stay at hostels along the way.

Answer 4

Well, since you are from San Diego you will relate to the reality that "a nice, affordable apartment in Florence" would be comparable to the cost of one in San Diego, so affordable is all relative-San Diego is expenisve and so is Florence.

Answer 5

MM, extremely difficult!

I tried but the Immigration laws & documents are a pain in the head.
About a sure job in Florence, well, even more difficult.