Episode 2: Moving to Italy with Giancarlo Ostetto

In this episode of The Geostrata Podcast, Andrew sits down with Giancarlo Ostetto, Italian immigration lawyer, Head of Lexidy’s Italian office, and Geostrata’s legal partner in Italy, to discuss what Americans need to know about moving to Italy in 2026.

From choosing the right Italian visa to navigating housing, residency, and citizenship, Giancarlo explains how the process works in practice and some of the challenges Americans encounter when relocating to Italy.

In this episode, we discuss:

🇮🇹 Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa and who may qualify

🏡 Elective Residence Visa for retirees and financially independent applicants

💶 Italy’s Investor Visa and available investment pathways

📄 The realities of the Italian visa application process and working with Italian consulates

🔑 Italian lease agreements and the complexities Americans should understand before signing

🌍 Adjusting to life in Italy and the importance of cultural adaptation

🇮🇹 Pathways to Italian citizenship

🌳 Italian citizenship by ancestry (jure sanguinis) and the changing rules surrounding eligibility

Whether you’re planning to retire in Italy, work remotely from Italy, invest in an Italian business, pursue Italian citizenship, or simply exploring your options for moving abroad, this conversation provides practical insight into the legal and cultural realities of relocating to Italy.

Learn more about moving to Italy: https://www.geostrata.net/move-to-italy

About The Geostrata Podcast: The Geostrata Podcast is your trusted source for expert insights on moving to Europe. Featuring immigration attorneys, relocation professionals, and local experts from across Europe, we cover visas, residency, breaking immigration updates, and practical guidance to help you relocate with confidence.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

06:50 Typical Timeline for Moving to Italy

09:14 Cultural Prep and Importance of Early Planning

12:13 Common legal misconceptions About Moving to Italy

13:54 Differences Between Visa and Citizenship Process

18:39 Life for Americans in Italy and Cultural Integration

27:17 Popular Paths for Americans Moving to Italy

29:10 Investor Visa

31:41 Digital Nomad Visa and Retirement Visa Minimum Stay Requirement and Taxes

36:05 Global Taxation and Bilateral Treaty with Italy

38:39 Investment Options for Italy’s Golden Visa

41:02 Legal Challenges and How to Avoid Them

49:00 Housing, Lease Agreements, and Key Information on Securing Proof of Accommodation

54:33 Realities of the Digital Nomad Visa in Italy and “expat housing”

56:07 Common Documentation Mistakes for Retirees and How to Avoid Them

1:02:00 Investor Visa Qualifying Start-Ups

1:06:00 Income Requirements for Retirement Visa

1:17:00 Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry Eligibility Criteria and Rules

1:36:07 One Thing All Americans Should Consider