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Catherine, with all due respect, there is a big difference between patriotism and jingoism. All countries have their pros and cons;  however, if you are going to spend the rest of your life missing all the idealised things that you left in your country of origin... you are going to have a miserable life. Italy does not seem to be the place for you. Either you love it or you hate it, warts and all. Because those of us who love Italy, are able to recognize that nothing is perfect. My sincere advice would be to find yourself a nice place in Florida. To come to Italy will prove an exercise in futility.

Just follow Charlotte Oliver's advice. She really knows what she is talking about. There must be a legal record of your acknowledgement of the situation and that you are taking the necessary  steps. This type of problems cannot be solved by talking. 

We do not live permanently in Italy. We come here twice a year but we live 6 months of the year in Spain  and the rest of the time in San Francisco, where our daughters live. I should add that  that we have also lived in different countries and continents and that we adapt very easily to different environments, as we speak several languages. We find Italy a great place to live in and the advantages are greater than the problems. In that respect, I would agree with most of the positive comments made by other members. Services and facilities may be different according to the particular region and the same would apply in any country in the world. When looking for a house, we fell in love with Bagni di Lucca as it had everything we wanted and more. Now, 7 years later, we still feel the same. In any case, it is a personal choice and it is worthwhile to spend time which is the right place for you. As for health services and facilities, I think that countries such as France, Italy or Spain can teach a few lessons to the world. Do not beliieve everything that the lobby machine says. Statistics are more reliable than vested interests..

Hi! We own the miller's house, which is part of a very old chestnut and grain mill on the Lima River in Bagni di Lucca. We do not know the exact date of construction; however, we do know that it was up and running in the 17th Century and that part of it is possibly older. There was an old bridge located where the courtyard is and this was destroyed back in 1733. When we bought it, some 7 years ago, it had already been through some restructuring by the former owner. The windows had been replaced by double-glazed PVC windows, which look and feel like wood, but insulate the house. The original openings had been respected and there are no two windows of the same size and height. This is one of the basic conditions of all "vincolati" buildings. Don't do anything that may alter the original appearance of the building, although you may use modern materials to get the best of both worlds. Fortunately, my husband is a retired architect and he goes and discusses everything with the local council whenever we need to do something (like adding ventilation for the boiler, etc. Never had a problem with them, on the contrary, they were happy to help. In any case, this type of projects is not for everyone. In any case, good luck and enjoy it!

Congratulations on your new venture ! 

Hi GPJ, in Northern Tuscany I can fully recommend Toscana Verde.From her small office in Ponte a Seragio, Rina, a lovely and very knowledgeable Italo-American lady, will be able to help you We rented several times from them when we were looking for property in the area and she was very helpful. Bagni di Lucca is ideally located, 25 minutes away from Lucca and with two international airports, Pisa and Florence nearby. You can go on day trips to Florence, Pisa, the Versilia Coast, the Cinque Terre, Umbria, Siena, Cortona and even Bologna. We do it all the time. There is also a train station and the area is beautiful and friendly. Best wishes with your future plans! 

Further to my previous post, here is the official information 

Ugo, if you carefully read Elisabetta's post, she is talking about at least a temporary residence with a possible permanent one. In that case, she should get a temporary visa and apply for the "permesso" at the local "questura". And yes, an officer from the local police will come to check details. At least, that is done in Tuscany (Lucca Province), I cannot confirm what is done elsewhere. In any case, Elisabetta mentions that their cousin lives in Tuscany. My husband is an Australian citizen and has had to do this. And a few Australian friends in Tuscany have gone through the same procedures. So I should know what I am talking about. In any case, it is better to request a temporary visa for more than 90 days in Australia, before they leave. And the ½ûÂþÌìÌà authorities have accepted letters from relatives or even friends as proof of domicile. They would check it, though.

Elisabetta, The above information may confuse you a bit as it is mainly related to EU or USA citizens seeking  permanent or long term residency in IItaly. You are doing the right thing by obtaining your temporary residency through the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Consulate in Australia, as a change of status from the 3 month tourist permit may be more complicated than applying for a longer stay from your present country of residence. In any case, you will have to contact the local "questura" (the nearest to your relative's stated residence) within a week from arrival and they will send a police officer to verfy. EVen if you are not there when the police arrives, any relative or neighbour may declare that you are living there, but absent at that particular time. Once the police has granted the "permesso", you will be able to change your address by contacting the nearest "questura", but the police will ask for some proof of residence (letting contract, letter from the owner of the property, or similar). Keep in mind that they will again send an officer to verify that you are living at the given address. Every time when you change addresses, the procedure will have to be repeated. I am certain that the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Consulate will ask you for all necessary paperwork and certainly for comprehensive health insurance. Enjoy your stay in Italy!

Some good information here, as well