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The Constitutional Court: The Date is Set
The Constitutional Court has set a date for the hearing on jus sanguinis, March 11th 2026. Make sure to save the date and follow along for updates.
Avvocato Alberto Lama
2 hours ago2 min read


Jure Sanguinis Update: Citizenship and Maternal Lines
A Recent Judgment Reaffirms the Centrality of Principles Consolidated in Italian Case Law, Even After the Latest Legislative Reform on Citizenship.
Avvocato Maria Marinello
2 hours ago4 min read


Christmas Traditions: Italian vs Italian American
How do Italians celebrate Christmas? Let’s dive into the festivities to see how Italian traditions compare to their Italian-American counterparts. Buon Natale! Auguri di Buon Natale! Felice Anno Nuovo! Merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
Staff
2 hours ago3 min read


Navigating the Spanish Visa: The Legal & Bureaucratic Reality
Spain offers a beautiful lifestyle, but the path to residency is paved with bureaucracy. For non-EU citizens, success depends on a clear strategy and a deep understanding of the country's unique legal and administrative landscape. This is where the journey from dream to resident begins, often with a Paperwork Mountain to climb.
Staff
Nov 214 min read


Spain: The Expat Reality Check— Costs, Contracts, and Culture
Moving to Spain is a dream for many, conjuring images of affordable tapas, endless sun, and a laid-back lifestyle. While much of this is true, the notion of "Spain is cheap" is a myth that requires a Financial Reality Check. From wildly fluctuating costs of living to nuanced legal contracts and banking hurdles, success as an expat depends on being prepared for the country's unique realities.
Staff
Nov 215 min read


What Comes Next: The Unfiltered Journey of Settling into Italy
The suitcases are unpacked, the prosecco has been popped, and the initial euphoria of receiving that coveted Italian visa or citizenship has started to settle. You’ve found your charming apartment, signed the lease, or perhaps even bought a little piece of Italian heaven. This is it, right? The dolce vita begins!
Jennifer Sontag
Nov 1410 min read


The Sweetness of Never Stopping: An Early Retirement Love Affair with Sicily
For Melanie and Brent, early retirement wasn't the slow, quiet chapter they initially anticipated. It was a catalyst for a vibrant, travel-filled life, centered in the sun-drenched beauty of Sicily, Italy. They’ve swapped the daily grind for an Elective Residency Visa (ERV) lifestyle that keeps them constantly moving—between new friends, family visits, and exploring ancient history—proving that retirement, especially in Italy, is anything but boring.
Staff
Nov 143 min read


The Real Cost of Living: Italy
Here’s the breakdown between the monthly expenses of two residents living in the same, medium sized, seaside town in Sicily. One embraces a Minimalist lifestyle focused on simplicity and local resources, and the other leaning into a more "Bougie" approach, prioritizing convenience, premium goods, and frequent travel.
Staff
Nov 144 min read


A Dream Realized: Melanie & Brent’s Quick Pivot to an Italian Visa
Melanie and her husband Brent had their timeline set for January 2025 to move to Italy. Their original dream was to apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent. After years of planning, they were ready. Then came the October 2024 Circolare which presented the "Minor Issue". This unexpected legal development put their citizenship application on hold just weeks before their scheduled departure. With their established plan suddenly in jeopardy, they had a choice: postpone their dre
Staff
Nov 73 min read


Frequently Asked Questions: Italian Property, Tenancy & Law
Check out our FAQ on all things Italy.
Jennifer Sontag
Nov 74 min read


Moving After Citizenship: Paola's Journey to La Dolce Vita
Paola's goal wasn't just to be an Italian citizen; it was to live as one. The move from recognition of her Italian citizenship to living as an Italian citizen and resident is a pivot from immigration law to local bureaucracy and, most importantly, lifestyle integration. This phase is about finding a "forever home" and establishing a permanent, high-quality life.
Staff
Nov 74 min read


From Consulate Backlog to Citizen: Vivian's Path to Italian Citizenship via Residency
For many descendants of Italians, the dream of European citizenship is stalled by one major obstacle: the wait. Applying through an Italian consulate often means facing backlogs that stretch from 2-5 years just for an appointment. The solution is highly strategic, but complex: bypass the wait entirely by moving to Italy and pursuing citizenship recognition via the local Comune while establishing legal residency. This is the accelerated path chosen by Vivian, a 3rd generation
Staff
Nov 74 min read


The ViaMonde Relocation Playbook: Your 12-Month Checklist for Roots, Ready, and Reality
Moving abroad isn't a quick change of address; it's a marathon, not a sprint. It’s roughly a 12-month process divided into two critical phases that determine your success. My own journey—from securing my citizenship to renovating my home in Sicily and now closing on a property in Guillermo’s hometown in Spain—has shown me that the difference between an exciting adventure and overwhelming stress is preparedness.
Jennifer Sontag
Oct 313 min read


The Logistics of Hyper-Local Travel: Navigating the Untouristed Towns of Your Ancestors
You’ve spent years piecing together the family tree. You've uncovered the manifests, the birth certificates, the names. And now, you have it—the town. The name of the tiny paese your great-grandparents called home. You’ve done the hard part, right? Now what?
Staff
Oct 313 min read


The 'Trial Run' Advantage: Why an Immersive Stay is Crucial Before You Make the Move
The quest to plant roots abroad is often fueled by a powerful, beautiful vision. On vacation, or even through a screen, it’s easy to find yourself entranced by sunny piazzas, the relaxed pace, and the novel charm of starting a new life. But here’s the crucial distinction: a short trip shows you the beautiful façade; an immersive stay reveals the soul of a place.
Staff
Oct 314 min read


Meet the Team: Alberto, Italian Avvocato & Legal Advisor at ViaMonde
For Alberto, the most fulfilling aspect of his profession is "being able to advise and support clients in their legal needs and making a positive difference in their lives.” This deep-seated passion for law has been a lifelong pursuit. Despite being the first in his family to enter the legal sector and having no prior connections, he never doubted that it was the right career path for him.
Staff
Oct 313 min read


Beyond Portugal: Reconsidering the Expat Dream
Portugal has long been a siren call for those seeking a new life in Europe, with its alluring coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, recent shifts in its immigration policies, particularly concerning the Golden Visa program and the path to citizenship, warrant a closer look for would-be expats. The landscape has evolved, and what was once perceived as an easy gateway to European residency and citizenship is now a more complex and potentially less appealing pro
Staff
Oct 273 min read


Considering Moving Abroad?: Why Portugal isn't the best move for Expats
For those who started with a dream of life on the Iberian Peninsula but faced the reality check in Portugal, Spain frequently emerges as the logical and more satisfying choice. It offers a compelling, well-established alternative for happy expats, digital nomads, and families alike.
Staff
Oct 274 min read


Spanish Gastronomy: A Tapestry of Heritage, Innovation, and Unique Habits
Spanish food has garnered global recognition, consistently demonstrating consistency, innovation, and avant-garde techniques. The country's prominence on the world stage is highlighted by having the same number of 3-Star Michelin restaurants (15) as the US and strong representation in the Top 50 Best Restaurants worldwide over the last two decades.
Staff
Oct 273 min read


Italian Parliament Advances Bill to Restructure the Citizenship by Descent Process
On October 13, 2025, the Italian Chamber of Deputies—one of the two houses of Parliament—approved legislative bill 2369-A. This bill, which now awaits final approval from the Italian Senate, proposes a major centralization of all jure sanguinis applications.
Guillermo Iso
Oct 172 min read
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