Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Care lettrici e lettori, saluti da Roma! My name is Claudia Bortolani and I’m an attorney licensed to practice law in Italy and California. I’m a partner in Aliant Law, an international firm that provides assistance with all aspects of Italian law for its clients in Italy and abroad, including the U.S.
Fra Noi has invited me to launch a column in which I answer question that Americans commonly ask about Italian law, whether they’re vacationing in Italy or buying a home there. I look forward to sharing my expertise with you. Let’s start with a basic question in real estate law.
Can I buy real estate in Italy as a non-citizen?
Yes, you can buy and own an Italian home as a non-citizens but requirements and restrictions vary. If you are an EU or EEA citizen, there are no limits to your ability to purchase real estate in Italy. If you are a foreigner legally residing in Italy, you will need to show your permesso di soggiorno or carta di soggiorno (proof of legal residency) and your codice fiscale (tax ID).
If you are a foreign citizen with no resident status in Italy, you may be able to buy Italian property if Italy has a “reciprocity agreement” with your country of origin. These agreements grant citizens of both countries equal rights to buy the same type of property.
Italy and the U.S. have such an agreement, meaning that U.S. citizens may buy real estate property in Italy without limitations. Please bear in mind though, that your visits to Italy will be limited to 90 days within a 6-month period unless you have EU citizenship or a permit/visa, even after you take possession of the property.
Send your questions regarding Italian law to cbortolani@aliantlaw.com and I’ll be glad to answer them.
The content provided in this Q&A column is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The information presented here is not tailored to any specific situation or transaction and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel. Legal issues can vary widely based on individual circumstances and jurisdictional nuances. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a qualified legal professional regarding your specific case or concerns. Please be aware that no attorney-client relationship is established by accessing or interacting with the information provided in this column. The column’s author and publisher disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information contained herein.
