Living in Europe, move to Venice, Italy: here are the steps

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Hey traveler, do you dream of a floating life among gondolas, bridges and sparkling water? Venice, the city on water, is not just a tourist destination but a place many people want to call home. So you’re wondering how to live in Europe, maybe move to Venice, Italy.

If you’re thinking of taking the big leap and live in this Italian gem, you’re in the right place.

Here’s welcome to this new episode where we talk about moving to Venice, Italy, Europe by Venice Insider Guide.

In this article we’ll discover everything you need to know about moving to Venice, Italy: the steps, pros and cons, and even the burning questions about the future of this city.

How to move to Europe

Let’s start from the basics: moving to Europe is not always easy, especially if you’re not from the European Union.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Find the right visa

If you’re an EU citizen, you’re lucky you don’t need a visa to move to Venice in Italy or any other European city. But if you’re from outside the EU, the first step is to request the right visa. For Italy, the most common are:

  • Work visa: if you have a contract in Italy.
  • Study visa: if you want to attend a university in Venice.
  • Family reunification visa: if you have close relatives living here.

2. Gather documents

Make sure you have:

  • A valid passport.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
  • Health insurance.

3. Get the residence permit

Once in Italy, you’ll need the residence permit, which you can request at the police station. It’s a crucial step to live legally in the country.

Living in Italy is a nightmare?

Wait, you read that right? “Living in Italy is a nightmare”? Don’t let the title scare you: living in Italy can be a dream or a challenge.

Here are some difficulties to consider:

  • Bureaucracy is complex: From long queues to public offices to required documents, you need to be patient.
  • Cost of living is high in some cities: Venice for example is known to be more expensive than the Italian average.
  • Logistical issues: In Venice, moving around means walking or taking a vaporetto. Forget your car!

But for every downside, there’s an unbeatable charm that will make you fall in love with this land.

Can I live in Europe permanently?

Yes, you can, but it depends on your citizenship and personal situation. If you’re an EU citizen, living permanently in Italy is easy. If not, you’ll need a long-term visa or residence permit. Want to know the secret? Investing in learning the language and integrating into the local community will make all the difference.

Most important question: Can I move to Venice?

Short answer: yes, move to Venice Italy is possible. Long answer: you need to be prepared. Venice is not just any city and living here has some peculiarities:

  • Historic houses: Often charming but small and with high maintenance costs.
  • Mass tourism: The city is crowded, especially during peak season.
  • Unique lifestyle: There are no cars, but walking through calli and bridges can be magic.

Steps to move to Venice Italy:

Here are the steps for moving to Venice.

  1. Find a house: Start online on sites like Idealista or contact local agencies.
  2. Plan your budget: Include rent, moving costs and daily expenses.
  3. Arrange for transportation: In Venice, moving around requires adaptation: vaporetto, traghetti or legs!

Is it worth living in Venice?

This is the big question! Is it worth living in Venice? The answer depends on what you’re looking for in life.

  • Pro:
  • Romantic atmosphere and unique.
  • Culture and art everywhere.
  • Slower and more fascinating lifestyle.
  • Versus:
  • High cost of living.
  • Tourism can be overwhelming.
  • Logistical limitations, like moving and supplies.

Spoiler: If you’re willing to compromise, living in Venice can be unforgettable.

When will Venice be unlivable?

Many ask: does Venice have a future? Climate change studies raise concerns. By 2100, the sea level could rise to the point where the city becomes unlivable. But the MOSE project and other local initiatives are trying to save Venice. For now, the future is uncertain, but Venice is still alive, beating and welcoming.

Is it expensive to live in Venice?

Yes, living in Venice is not cheap. Here’s a breakdown of the main costs:

  • Rent: For a small apartment in the historic center, you can pay between 700-1,500 euros per month.
  • Daily expenses: Food can be expensive, especially if you shop at touristy places.
  • Transportation: Moving around by vaporetto costs around 1,50-7,50 euros per ride, but there are resident discounts.

Pros and cons of living in Venice, Italy

Quick summary:

Pro:

  1. Uniqueness: There’s nothing like living in a city on water.
  2. Culture and history: Every corner tells a story.
  3. Relaxed lifestyle: No rush, only charm.

Versus:

  1. Cost of living: Venice is not cheap.
  2. Logistics: Deliveries and transportation can be tricky.
  3. Tourism: Can be hard to feel “local”.

So, can you move to Venice?

Can you move to Venice Italy? Yes, but you need to plan. It’s not a city for everyone, but for those who love art, history and Italian charm, Venice is a dream that can come true. If you’re ready to take the leap, start planning now.

Daily life in the one-of-a-kind City of Venice, Italy

When you move to Venice, Italy, you enter a city like no other. Imagine waking up next to the Grand Canal, walking through the narrow streets, and buying fresh produce from the local market under the Rialto Bridge. There’s nowhere else in the world like this small city surrounded by the Adriatic Sea where you can find art, history and the venetian way of life.

While the idea of living here is tempting, it’s a challenge—the cost of living is high and mass tourism dominates many areas. Piazza San Marco and the San Marco district, for example, are always full of tourists, leaving only a few spots for locals to enjoy the city’s charm. Most people walk or use a vaporetto for transportation, as cars are left on the mainland, reminding you that this isn’t just a city; it’s an island.

Building relationships with local friends will help you adapt to the venetian way of life and daily life, from navigating acqua alta to finding the low cost options for restaurants or shops outside the tourist areas. The Italian embassy can help you with visa and work processes if you’re moving from your home country, but jobs are competitive.

Despite all this, you’ll find moments you’ll love Venice. Whether you enjoy the peacefulness of the Lagoon at night, the food or the streets, Venice Italy is more than a beautiful city – it’s a way of life. And once you really get to know this town you’ll understand why most Venetians wouldn’t trade their venetian way for anything.

Piazza San Marco

The heart of Venice, this square is home to the Basilica di San Marco and has the best views of the Lagoon.

Historic City

Venice is history itself, with its canals, palaces and churches a reminder of its glorious past.

Visit Venice

Mass tourism is a reality, but there’s still much to discover beyond the crowds: hidden streets, quiet squares and local secrets.

Grand Canal

The lifeblood of Venice, this iconic waterway connects the city’s past and present, with great views and easy transportation by boat or vaporetto.

Living and move in Venice, Italy

To move to Venice in Italy means to embrace a new way of life. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the gondolas and the sun on the water. Yes, there are challenges, but that’s what makes Venice unique. It’s not a city for those who want modern comfort, but for those who are willing to live an authentic, rich, overwhelming, unrepeatable experience.

So, hey traveler, ready to take the leap and move to the most magical city in the world?