Italian Law and You

Imagine sipping an espresso on your sun-drenched terrace in Puglia, reading your latest copy of the soon to be released digital version of Fra Noi, and thinking, “I could get used to this.” If you’re an Italian-American considering moving to Italy for retirement, there’s a special tax regime that might make the decision even sweeter — a flat 7% tax on all your foreign income, including pensions. But before packing up and heading south, it’s important to understand who qualifies and how the regime works. Here’s a clear, friendly guide to help you navigate Italy’s 7% flat tax for foreign …

It’s a common — and unfortunately frustrating — story for many who rent property in Italy. The lease ends, the keys are returned, everything seems in order … and then the landlord vanishes, or worse, claims you’re not getting your deposit back. No damages? No unpaid rent? Still no refund. What can you do? And what does Italian law really say about security deposits? Let’s break it down. Under Italian law, the security deposit (deposito cauzionale) serves one purpose: to guarantee the landlord in case of unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. According to Article 11 of …

October is often a time for fresh starts — new routines, new projects, and the return of structure after the haze of summer. If you’re an Italian citizen living abroad, this might also be the right moment to check whether your relationship with Italy is in good legal and bureaucratic shape. And right at the center of that relationship is AIRE: the Registry of Italians Residing Abroad. What is AIRE, really? And what can it do for you — not just in theory, but in practice, today, in 2025? Let’s start with the basics. AIRE stands for Anagrafe degli Italiani …

Imagine waking up to the sound of church bells in a Tuscany hill town, sipping espresso on your balcony, and knowing your global income is neatly covered under a flat, predictable tax. For many who dream of moving to (or back to) Italy, that fantasy is now backed by something very real: a tax regime that rewards long-term planning and international mobility. October in Italy marks the return to full rhythm after the summer holidays. The end of the year is still a distant blur, but plans begin to take shape — new routines, future moves, long-term decisions. And for …

You will remember in my article some months ago of the possible changes in obtaining Italian citizenship for the Italian-American community. Now, a major change to Italian citizenship law is here — and it’s official. On May 23, Italy’s Gazzetta Ufficiale published Law No. 74, converting Decree-Law No. 36 into law, with immediate effect starting May 24. What does this mean? For many Italian Americans dreaming of reclaiming their ancestral roots through jure sanguinis (literally, by right of blood), the landscape has just shifted — dramatically. The new law introduces a generational limit on the transmission of Italian citizenship for …

Picture this: you’ve just arrived on the Amalfi Coast. The sun is blazing brightly, painting everything in dazzling shades of white, yellow and Mediterranean blue. The scent of lemons drifts through the air, carried by the breeze from a nearby terrazza. You step into your boutique hotel where the lobby smells faintly of old stone and fresh coffee. Your sandals tap against hand-painted tiles worn smooth by decades of guests. Paolo at the front desk greets you with a warm “Benvenuta,” and hands over a heavy brass key. You reach your room, fling open the shutters and take in that …

  Italy: the land of Lamborghinis, espresso, romance and, yes, celebrity weddings. From George Clooney’s Venetian fairytale to Jeff Bezos’s anticipated Venetian extravaganza this summer, Italy remains a top choice for couples looking to add a touch of elegance and “la dolce vita” to their vows. But before you start imagining yourself cruising the Grand Canal in matrimonial bliss, there’s some serious Italian bureaucracy you’ll need to navigate. Here’s are some essential legal basic for Italian Americans dreaming of the perfect Italian wedding that’s both legally valid and wonderfully Instagrammable. What kind of wedding are we talking about? Italy offers …

Many readers of Fra Noi have ancestors who left Italy generations ago in search of better opportunities, making this topic especially relevant. For those whose families emigrated long before World War II, the connection to Italy may feel more like a matter of heritage than daily life. Yet, despite the distance, the thread of Italian descent remains a powerful symbol of identity and pride with many of our U.S. clients seeking our assistance in citizenship recognition. However, with ongoing global migration and shifting perspectives on citizenship, it seems that Italy is beginning to implement stricter rules regarding the recognition of …

For many Italian Americans with personal or business interests in Italy, a pressing concern is the length and cost of litigation when disputes arise. Italian litigation is infamous for its protracted timelines and substantial expenses. Court cases can drag on for years, accumulating hefty legal fees, administrative costs, and — if you are based abroad — the additional burden of international travel. However, few people realize that Italy, like the U.S., has embraced alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures that, in some cases, are not just advisable but mandatory. When mediation is legally required, parties involved in certain types of disputes …

Italy’s new Road Traffic Code, approved in late 2024, introduces substantial changes for drivers nationwide. Effective Dec. 14, 2024, the updated rules aim to enhance road safety, regulate emerging transportation modes like e-scooters, and implement stricter penalties for common violations. Here’s what drivers — both residents and visitors — should know about this reform. Stricter Penalties for Dangerous Behavior — One of the most significant updates is the increased penalties for using mobile phones while driving. Drivers caught texting or calling without a hands-free system face fines ranging from €250 to €1,000. Additionally, license suspension for at least one week …