A New Life in Italy

If you want to move to Italy in 2027, now is the time to start figuring out what would actually have to happen to make that possible.

In this episode, Samantha breaks down the five things you need to figure out first, and what you can leave for later.

Because you don't need to know everything. You just need to know what to figure out next.

Resources:

Samantha's free Move to Italy Bootcamp takes place September 15, 16, and 17.

www.smartmoveitaly.com/movetoitalybootcamp

Smart Move Italy offers guidance...

Twenty-two years ago, Samantha came to Italy with her mother, who was turning 60. She had no idea that the trip would change the course of her life.

Now, one week away from turning 60 herself, Samantha is thinking about that first trip, the life she built in Italy, and what it means to reach an age you once thought meant you had already lived most of your story.

Because she doesn't feel finished. Not even close.

In fact, this is only just the beginning...

Resources:

Smart Move Italy offers guidance...

What does it really mean to experience Italy through a local lens?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha speaks with Martina Arezzini, a licensed tour guide and founder of SunFlorence Tours, about the people, customs, and everyday moments that reveal the character of Italy.

Born in Tuscany and based in Florence, Martina shares why Italy cannot be understood from the outside alone. She explains how local knowledge, cultural context, and personal connections help us see a deeper side of everyday life in Italy.

Together, Samantha and Martina explore how...

Italy has a way of making us see our own lives differently.

People visit for a week and come home asking questions they weren’t asking before.

Not just about Italy, but about themselves.

Why am I always in such a hurry?

Is this really how I want to spend the next twenty years?

When did life become something to manage instead of something to experience?

In this episode, Samantha explores why Italy has a way of making us reflect on time, success, connection, and the kind of...

Most people don’t start by making a plan to move to Italy. They start with a Google search.

Questions about Italian visas, cost of living in Italy, healthcare, residency, and whether moving to Italy is actually possible. But those aren’t the real questions.

In this episode, Samantha breaks down the stages people move through before deciding to relocate, and what they’re actually trying to figure out at each step.

If you’re somewhere between dreaming and doing, this will help you understand where you are and what comes next.

In Thi...

Can You Grow Old in Italy? The Question Nobody Wants to Ask

Most people spend years planning how to move to Italy.

They research visas, property, healthcare, taxes, and where they want to live.

But very few people ask the question that may matter most:

What happens twenty years later?

In this episode, Samantha tackles a topic that is rarely discussed among expats and future retirees: growing older in Italy.

What happens if you can no longer drive? What if your spouse passes away? What if your...

Thinking about retiring to Italy in 2026? Before you sell everything and book the one-way ticket, this episode is your reality check.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson breaks down what she would personally do right now if she were planning a retirement move to Italy from scratch today.

Not the fantasy version.

Not the Instagram version.

And definitely not the “figure it out later” version.

After a recent situation where a client became completely derailed by misinformation they read online about the Elective Residency Visa...

The world feels uncertain right now, and for many people dreaming about Italy, that uncertainty is creating one very big question:

Is this actually a smart time to buy property in Italy?

In this episode, I’m taking a realistic look at what’s really happening in both the U.S. economy and the Italian property market, why foreign buyers are still purchasing homes in Italy despite global uncertainty, and how buying property in Italy is often more about lifestyle than speculation.

We’ll talk honestly about:

Well hello there, and welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy. I’m your host, Samantha Wilson.

Today’s episode is one of those that might completely change how you see Italy.

Because if you’ve ever tried to apply for a visa, buy a home, or deal with a comune… and walked away thinking “what is going on here?”… you are not alone.

So today we are unpacking why Italy feels so complicated and what is actually happening behind the scenes.

This episode is for anyone who...

Thinking about retiring in Italy or reducing your tax burden? Italy’s 7% tax regime sounds almost too good to be true… and for some people, it is incredible. But for others, it can lead to the wrong move for the wrong reasons.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson breaks down exactly how the 7% flat tax works, the recent expansion that added 74 new towns, and the lifestyle trade-offs most people don’t consider until it’s too late.

This is not just about saving money. This is about choosing a life that act...

Thinking about moving to Italy but not planning to retire?

Then at some point, probably soon, you'll face the question: what am I actually going to do for work?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson sits down with Aisling, an Irish expat who moved to Italy, changed careers in her late 30s, and built a successful freelance business teaching English to corporate clients.

If you’ve ever considered teaching English in Italy, freelancing, or starting over in a new country, this episode gives you a real, honest look at...

You’ve planned it, dreamed about it, and finally made the move to Italy.

But what happens next?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson shares the real experience of the first 30, 60, and 90 days after arriving in Italy. This is the phase no one fully prepares you for and where most people feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure if they made the right decision.

If you are planning your move to Italy, currently applying for a visa, or have recently arrived and feel like things are harder than expected, this ep...

Have you ever noticed something strange when you visit Italy?

You eat pasta.

You eat bread.

You eat pizza.

And somehow… you feel better.

People say this to me all the time. The bread doesn’t bother their stomach. The pasta doesn’t leave them bloated. They feel healthier even though they feel like they’re eating more.

So what’s going on?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha talks with Dr. Anna Toker, a board certified colorectal surgeon with nearly 30 years of e...

What if you are not actually short on time… you are just investing it in the wrong places?

In this episode, I sit down with international time management specialist, best-selling author, and life designer Kate Christie for a conversation that is about so much more than productivity.

We talk about ownership. About intention. About what happens when life cracks you open and forces you to reassess everything. And about why “later” is a dangerous word.

Kate shares how she walked away from corporate law, rebuilt her life after profound personal loss, and now helps...

No one really talks about this until it happens to you. You wake up sick in Italy and suddenly everything feels heavier. New system. New language. New rules. And a lot of what you think you know about healthcare no longer applies.

In this episode, Samantha records in real time, still in pajamas and actively sick, to walk you through what actually happens when you get sick in Italy. Not the official version. Not the perfect government website version. The real life, boots on the ground experience.

This is a must listen if you already...

Planning a move to Italy with your spouse or children can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to visas. One of the biggest mistakes families make is assuming Italy offers an automatic family visa or that loved ones can simply arrive together without careful planning.

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson walks you through how family visas in Italy actually work, why so many families get delayed or separated, and what you need to know before you make a single move.

Italy’s family visa system is not intuitive. Timing, el...

How much does it really cost to move to Italy?

In this episode, we break down the real cost of moving to Italy so you can understand what to expect financially and emotionally before making a big decision. Not the Instagram version. Not extreme worst case scenarios you find online. Real numbers, real planning, and the real life behind the move.

In the first episode of Season 4 of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson walks you through the true costs of relocating to Italy, including one time moving expenses, ongoing monthly living costs, visa...

This season finale is a look back at the questions that mattered most. The ones you saved, shared, and replayed because they helped you make smarter decisions about moving to Italy.

In this episode, I revisit our most popular topics from the true cost of living in Italy and whether €2,000 a month is realistic, to buying property, renovation surprises, investor visa rules, document apostilles, and what foreigners really need to know before making a move.

It is also a thank you. Your messages, voice notes, and stories shape this show, and being part of your jo...

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening in Italy’s rental market right now — the good, the bad, and the red flags you need to know before you commit to a property.

More people are searching for rentals from outside Italy than ever before, and with that has come a noticeable rise in scams, misleading listings, and contracts that can’t support residency. While there are absolutely excellent properties, owners, and agencies out there, there are also situations where things aren’t what they seem. My goal in this episode is to help you understa...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving straight into a topic I know so many of you are curious about. Opening a business in Italy. Living here. Working here. Figuring out how to blend the life you want with the work you love. This one comes up in my inbox almost every single day, so let’s break it all down together.

I start by clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. Yes, almost anyone can open a business in Italy. Truly. But if you actually want to live here and work in t...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I, Samantha Wilson, explain why a visa is much more than just an entry ticket—it’s your first step toward long-term residency, EU rights, and even Italian citizenship.

I start by breaking down the role of a visa: it gives you official permission to enter Italy for purposes like retirement, work, study, or family reunification. But a visa is just the first step. Once you arrive, you apply for a permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay), which allows you to legally remain in Italy. After that, you can...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explores one of the biggest questions for anyone thinking about a move to Italy: Is now a smart time financially? With global economic and political uncertainty, it’s normal to hesitate before making such a big life change. But as Samantha explains, the timing might actually be better than ever for relocating—whether for retirement, remote work, or property investment.

She highlights four key reasons why moving to Italy isn’t just a dream—it can be a smart financial move. First, the tax incentives for new resi...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens after you get your Elective Residency Visa. Everyone celebrates when that visa finally arrives in their passport — and rightfully so. It’s a huge accomplishment. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize: getting the visa is just the beginning. The real adventure (and sometimes, the real frustration) starts once you land in Italy.

I talk about that mix of excitement and nerves when you first arrive, ready to start your new Italian life, and then — boom — you’r...

Before you even start a visa application for Italy, it’s important to know what to look out for. This episode explores the often-overlooked complexities of choosing the right visa and how to avoid frustration, delays, or unexpected roadblocks, with the help of Host Samantha Wilson.

Many visa challenges arise long before a visit to the consulate. They often stem from selecting the wrong visa based on incomplete information or unrealistic expectations. The episode highlights four major red flags that indicate a visa choice may not be the right fit, along with actionable steps to course-correct.

...

You don’t have to move to Italy to start living like an Italian.

In today’s episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, I’m joined by Amy Lamparelli, travel planner and founder of Away to Italy. Amy has created a step-by-step approach to planning a trip that’s just right for you—one that also embraces the art of slow travel.

This topic resonates with countless people, and struggling to put slow travel into practice is completely understandable.

For many, Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and of course you want to see all...

Ciao a tutti! In this episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re delving into a crucial topic that often causes hesitation for those dreaming of moving to Italy: finances. From money management to taxes, investments, and retirement planning, these elements can significantly influence your decision to relocate.

I am joined by Alex Ingrim, co-founder and president of Liberty Atlantic Advisors, a cross-border financial planning firm that specializes in helping Americans navigate the complexities of managing their wealth while living abroad. With his extensive experience, Alex provides invaluable insights into avoiding double taxation, managing investments, and pl...

Ciao, friend—and welcome back.

This week’s episode is a special one, because it follows our biggest event of the year—the Move to Italy Bootcamp. Thousands of you joined me, and let me tell you... reading your stories, your fears, your dreams—it reminded me of something I say all the time: moving to Italy isn’t just about documents and checklists. It’s about creating a life.

And if there’s one place where life in Italy truly lives, it’s the kitchen.

So in this episode, I want to explore how lear...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m back with something really exciting — it’s Bootcamp season! Every year around this time, my inbox fills up with questions from people just like you who are dreaming about making the move to Italy. So I thought, why not answer some of the biggest ones right here on the podcast?

I’m diving into all the essentials you need to know if Italy is on your horizon. Things like visas (yes, including the tricky elective residency visa for retirees), what kind of income you really need to show...

Ciao a tutti and welcome back to A New Life in Italy podcast! With today’s special topic and guest, it’s only fair that we bring some Italian words (parole) into the mix.

Have you ever wondered how to combine travel with language learning? And have you fallen for the myth that there’s an age limit when it comes to effective language learning? Well, keep reading, because in just a moment, you’ll not only gain insight, but also encouragement.

After all, learning Italian isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about making connections...

Ciao a tutti! Samantha here. I’m thrilled to announce the latest episode of A New Life in Italy podcast, which is dedicated to those of you who dream of calling Rome home or simply want to experience the city in a more authentic way.

Author of "Italy Made Easy", Doug Morris, joins today's episode, sharing his insight after spending a decade in the adored Eternal City.

We start by discussing the unique charm of Rome, where ancient history seamlessly intertwines with modern life. Doug shares what it truly means to wake up in Rome, fr...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I sit down with Jaid, a fellow Canadian who traded life in Toronto for a fresh start in Bari just one year ago.

Jaid opens up about her solo trip to Puglia in 2023 that completely changed her path, leading her to take a leap of faith and move to Italy. She shares the highs and lows of that journey—culture shock in Palermo, the charm of Lecce and Monopoli, navigating Italian bureaucracy, and finding her place in a country where friendships often span decades.

We talk ab...

Hey everyone, it’s Samantha Wilson with a special breaking news episode of Your New Life in Italy.

On today’s show, I’m unpacking a landmark court ruling that could completely change how families apply for one of Italy’s most challenging visas—the Elective Residency Visa (ERV).

Here’s the big news: For years, consulates (especially in the US and UK) have insisted that each adult applying under the ERV prove their own independent passive income of over €31,000 per year. So if you were a couple? That meant €62,000 total—and from separate sources.

But a recent...

Ciao friends — it’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re talking about something that no one tells you enough about when buying property in Italy: how to actually move your money… without losing your mind, your deal, or your savings.

You’ve probably been dreaming about that hilltop farmhouse or beachy little pied-à-terre. You find the one, make the offer… and boom. Things get real. Fast.

But here’s the thing: Italy isn’t going to sit around and wait while your bank tries to figure out how to send euros...

Hey there, it’s Samantha!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead.

I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to prep...

How Fast Can You Really Move to Italy? Let’s Talk Timing.

Hey there, it’s Samantha! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how soon can I actually move to Italy?—this episode is for you.

I’m diving into what the timing really looks like depending on your situation. Whether you’re dreaming of moving in six months… or six days, I break down the fastest paths (and the not-so-fast ones), so you know what to expect.

If you’ve got Italian or EU citizenship, good news—you’re already ahead of the game. But eve...

Ciao! It’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m sharing my personal favorites — the tools, places, and little life-savers that make living in Italy easier, more beautiful, and a lot more fun.

From my go-to Italian language teachers to where I escape the summer heat (spoiler: not Florence), the restaurants I return to again and again, and even the apps I use daily — this episode is full of real, honest recommendations. No sponsors, no affiliates — just what I actually love and use.

I’ll also talk about how I shop for f...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m diving into a question I get all the time from clients, members, and listeners: “If I get the Digital Nomad Visa… can I bring my spouse? What about my kids?”

The short answer? Yes—you can.

But (you knew there’d be a but, right?)… it’s not always as straightforward as people expect.

So today, I’m walking you through what it really looks like to bring your family with you when you’re making the move to Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa...

Ciao friends—Samantha here!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m taking you behind the scenes of one of the biggest (and most confusing) decisions you can make when moving to Italy: buying a home.

If you’ve ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through dreamy Italian property listings online and thinking, “I’ll just message the agent and go from there,”—I’m going to stop you right there. Because the truth? The buying process in Italy isn’t as simple—or as straightforward—as it might be in your home country. But don’t wor...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m getting honest about something I think too many people overlook when planning a big move: the emotional side of starting over in a new country.

Yes, Italy is beautiful. Yes, the lifestyle shift can be amazing. But today, I want to talk about what doesn’t always make it onto Instagram—the reality of what happens when you move your entire life, your identity, and your sense of home to a place where everything is different.

I’ve seen it time and time again: people s...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into one of the most common—and important—questions I get: how much does it really cost to live in Italy?

Now, I know it’s easy to fall in love with the idea that Italy is some dreamy, budget-friendly paradise. And in many ways, it can be more affordable than other countries—but I’m here to give you the honest truth about what it actually costs to live here long term.

We start with the big one—housing. Whether you’re buying or rentin...