Navya's Tastes & Tales

  Moving to Italy is exciting, but one of the first things expats need to understand is how healthcare works . Italy has a strong healthcare system, but should you rely on public healthcare (SSN) or get private insurance ?   Public Healthcare in Italy (SSN) Italy’s public health system is called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) . Once registered, you receive a tessera sanitaria (health card) , giving access to doctors, hospitals, and subsidized medicines. Costs of SSN Employees: Public healthcare contributions are automatically deducted from your salary, usually around 10% of your gross income , partly paid by you and partly by your employer. For example, if you earn €1,500/month, roughly €150–€200 is deducted for healthcare and social security. Self-employed (Partita IVA): You pay INPS contributions yourself, typically 24–26% of income , which includes healthcare. Students, unemployed, or dependents: You can register with SSN by paying a flat annual fe...

 Finding a place to live in Italy is one of the first challenges for students, expats, and newcomers. Whether you plan to stay short-term or long-term, understanding the rental process, required documents, and hidden costs will save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, you’ll learn about the documents you need, deposits, rental contracts, useful tips, and even alternatives like living as a paying guest with families .  Documents Required to Rent an Apartment in Italy Before signing a rental contract, most landlords or agencies will ask for certain documents. The most common ones include: Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code) A must-have for almost every official process in Italy. You can get it for free from the Agenzia delle Entrate (tax office). Valid ID or Passport For EU citizens: a national ID card is enough. For non-EU citizens: a passport and residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) may be required. Proof of Income Job contract, salary ...

  i f you’ve just moved to Italy for studies, work, or a long-term stay, opening a bank account will make your daily life so much smoother. From receiving your salary to paying rent and utility bills, an Italian account is essential. Here’s a clear and simple guide to help you get started including student-friendly options and online banks you can open without leaving your home . Why You Might Need an Italian Bank Account Receive payments (salary, scholarship, freelance work, etc.) Pay rent and bills without high transfer fees Save money on international transfers Build your credit history in Italy Documents You’ll Need Before you head to the bank (or apply online), keep these ready: Valid Passport or ID Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code – easy to apply for at the local Agenzia delle Entrate) Proof of address (rental contract, university dorm letter, or utility bill) Proof of enrollment or employment (for student or worker accounts) Residence perm...

  The Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) is an essential document for non-EU citizens who want to stay in Italy for more than 90 days. It gives you the legal right to live, work, or study in Italy according to the purpose of your visa. Who Needs It Non-EU citizens staying in Italy for more than 90 days. Those who entered with a visa for work, study, family reunification, or other long-term reasons. Even if you have a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of arrival. Types of Permesso di Soggiorno Work permit (Lavoro subordinato / Lavoro autonomo) Study permit (Studio) Family reunification (Ricongiungimento familiare) Medical treatment Asylum / refugee status Long-term EU residence permit (after 5 years) Where to Apply First application: At Poste Italiane (Post Office) with the Kit . Certain cases (like asylum): Apply directly at the Questura (Immigration Office of the Police). Documents Required (Requirement...

 If you live in Italy and want to access social benefits, discounts, or public services, you’ll most likely need the ISEE ( Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente ). It’s an official certificate that shows your family’s economic situation. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for ISEE , how much it costs , and what benefits you can get with it . What is ISEE? ISEE is a document used by public institutions to evaluate your financial situation. It helps decide if you qualify for various economic supports, such as reduced school fees, social housing, health benefits, and more. Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents Before applying, collect the following: Identity card or passport of all family members Codice Fiscale (tax code) of each family member Proof of residence (residence certificate or utility bills) Income declarations (CUD, 730, Modello Redditi) from the previous year Bank and savings account statements as of December 31 of the previous yea...

  If you use public transport in Italy regularly, getting a bus pass (abbonamento) is the most convenient and cost-effective option. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for: A regular bus pass directly from your city’s transport company A regional discounted pass offered each year through your comune The costs for an annual bus pass in different parts of Italy 1. Regular Bus Pass – Apply Anytime Where to Apply Each city or region has its own transport company: Rome – ATAC / Cotral Milan – ATM Florence – Autolinee Toscane Veneto – ACTV / Busitalia Veneto Naples – ANM You can apply: In person at main ticket offices or authorized resellers Online via the transport company’s official website or app Documents Needed  Valid ID card or passport   Codice fiscale (Italian tax code)  Passport-size photo  Proof of eligibility for discounts (student card, age certificate, disability proof, if applicable) Application...