Italian Law and You

For the July issue, there’s no better setting than a postcard-perfect Positano. 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. …

  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 …

Italy’s 1-euro homes captured global attention a few years ago. For Italian Americans, this initiative sparked dreams of owning a piece of their heritage — a villa nestled among olive groves or a rustic home in a quaint medieval village. But as the dust settles, many are asking: What happened to these homes? Were they the bargain of a lifetime, or too good to be true? The story begins in the early 2010s. Facing depopulation, many small Italian towns — borghi, as they’re affectionately called — decided to tackle the problem creatively. They offered abandoned homes for as little as …

With the 2024 Budget Law, the Italian government is looking to launch a package of tax incentives aimed at encouraging the return of Italian manufacturing activities from non-EU and non-EEA countries. This initiative is part of a broader reform of international tax policy designed to make conditions more competitive for Italian businesses and strengthen the national industrial base. These measures are especially focused on incentivizing “reshoring,” meaning the return to Italy of companies that had previously offshored production. The main goal of these incentives is to bring back to Italy parts of production that, over recent decades, had moved abroad …

Italian citizenship is in high demand, especially for individuals with Italian ancestry. Many people, upon discovering an Italian ancestor in their family tree, seek to apply for citizenship. While the application process itself is relatively straightforward, delays have become common, especially when applying through Italian consulates abroad, which are often overwhelmed with requests. As a result, applicants can face waiting times of several months or even years. With the rise of remote work, some individuals are choosing to move to Italy and apply for citizenship directly at a local City Hall (Comune). While this can sometimes expedite the process, it’s …

If you own a property in Italy, this article may be of interest to you, even more so if your property is vacant. Recent changes in Italian law aim to protect property owners from unauthorized occupation, a concern for many, especially those living elsewhere or abroad. On Sept. 10, Italy’s Parliament (Camera dei Deputati) approved a proposed law focused on enhancing urban security and reinforcing property rights. A key issue addressed by this legislation is unauthorized occupation, which has been on the rise. The new law introduces provisions to ensure quicker recovery of properties and stronger penalties for illegal occupants. …

As the American presidential election approaches, some may wonder how the posts differ in America vs. Italy. How does the election work in Italy? What powers does the president have?  Is the position as high-profile as it is in America? While the U.S and Italian presidents share a title, their roles and powers are worlds apart, reflecting the distinct ways Italy and the United States have structured their political systems In Italy, the president of the republic is largely a ceremonial figure. Serving a seven-year term, the president is selected by an electoral college of Parliament members and regional representatives. …