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At Viamonde, our Roots and Immersion tourism isn’t about ticking boxes. It is about understanding that your Italian citizenship is more than a binder of documents; it is a living, breathing culture. We take you down the dirt roads to meet the vignaioli (winemakers)—the families who have tended the same soil for generations.

The planning for this trip has been a labor of love, but as the pieces come together, I know the two weeks we’re spending together will be one of the most fulfilling experiences of our family’s life. With my father and his three sisters in their late seventies, and my siblings and I in our fifties, this roots tour—a journey to both his family's past in Germany and my late mother’s roots in Sicily—feels like it could be the last major trip we all take together.

The Christmas season in Spain is a time of rich tradition, celebration, and deep connection with family and friends. The season spans from Christmas Eve through the Epiphany on January 6th. Arguably the most important part of the holiday season is food. Our resident Spaniard, Abogado Guillermo Iso, has filled us in on the juicy details of Spain’s most well-loved Christmas delicacies.  

The Constitutional Court has set a date for the hearing on jus sanguinis, March 11th 2026. Make sure to save the date and follow along for updates.

A Recent Judgment Reaffirms the Centrality of Principles Consolidated in Italian Case Law, Even After the Latest Legislative Reform on Citizenship.

How do Italians celebrate Christmas? Let’s dive into the festivities to see how Italian traditions compare to their Italian-American counterparts. Buon Natale! Auguri di Buon Natale! Felice Anno Nuovo! Merry Christmas! We wish you a merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

Spain offers a beautiful lifestyle, but the path to residency is paved with bureaucracy. For non-EU citizens, success depends on a clear strategy and a deep understanding of the country's unique legal and administrative landscape. This is where the journey from dream to resident begins, often with a Paperwork Mountain to climb.

Moving to Spain is a dream for many, conjuring images of affordable tapas, endless sun, and a laid-back lifestyle. While much of this is true, the notion of "Spain is cheap" is a myth that requires a Financial Reality Check. From wildly fluctuating costs of living to nuanced legal contracts and banking hurdles, success as an expat depends on being prepared for the country's unique realities.

The suitcases are unpacked, the prosecco has been popped, and the initial euphoria of receiving that coveted Italian visa or citizenship has started to settle. You’ve found your charming apartment, signed the lease, or perhaps even bought a little piece of Italian heaven. This is it, right? The dolce vita begins!

For Melanie and Brent, early retirement wasn't the slow, quiet chapter they initially anticipated. It was a catalyst for a vibrant, travel-filled life, centered in the sun-drenched beauty of Sicily, Italy. They’ve swapped the daily grind for an Elective Residency Visa (ERV) lifestyle that keeps them constantly moving—between new friends, family visits, and exploring ancient history—proving that retirement, especially in Italy, is anything but boring.

Here’s the breakdown between the monthly expenses of two residents living in the same, medium sized, seaside town in Sicily. One embraces a Minimalist lifestyle focused on simplicity and local resources, and the other leaning into a more "Bougie" approach, prioritizing convenience, premium goods, and frequent travel.

Melanie and her husband Brent had their timeline set for January 2025 to move to Italy. Their original dream was to apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent. After years of planning, they were ready. Then came the October 2024 Circolare which presented the "Minor Issue". This unexpected legal development put their citizenship application on hold just weeks before their scheduled departure. With their established plan suddenly in jeopardy, they had a choice: postpone their dre

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Paola's goal wasn't just to be an Italian citizen; it was to live as one. The move from recognition of her Italian citizenship to living as an Italian citizen and resident is a pivot from immigration law to local bureaucracy and, most importantly, lifestyle integration. This phase is about finding a "forever home" and establishing a permanent, high-quality life.

For many descendants of Italians, the dream of European citizenship is stalled by one major obstacle: the wait. Applying through an Italian consulate often means facing backlogs that stretch from 2-5 years just for an appointment. The solution is highly strategic, but complex: bypass the wait entirely by moving to Italy and pursuing citizenship recognition via the local Comune while establishing legal residency. This is the accelerated path chosen by Vivian, a 3rd generation

Moving abroad isn't a quick change of address; it's a marathon, not a sprint. It’s roughly a 12-month process divided into two critical phases that determine your success. My own journey—from securing my citizenship to renovating my home in Sicily and now closing on a property in Guillermo’s hometown in Spain—has shown me that the difference between an exciting adventure and overwhelming stress is preparedness.

You’ve spent years piecing together the family tree. You've uncovered the manifests, the birth certificates, the names. And now, you have it—the town. The name of the tiny paese your great-grandparents called home. You’ve done the hard part, right? Now what?

The quest to plant roots abroad is often fueled by a powerful, beautiful vision. On vacation, or even through a screen, it’s easy to find yourself entranced by sunny piazzas, the relaxed pace, and the novel charm of starting a new life. But here’s the crucial distinction: a short trip shows you the beautiful façade; an immersive stay reveals the soul of a place.

For Alberto, the most fulfilling aspect of his profession is "being able to advise and support clients in their legal needs and making a positive difference in their lives.” This deep-seated passion for law has been a lifelong pursuit. Despite being the first in his family to enter the legal sector and having no prior connections, he never doubted that it was the right career path for him.

Portugal has long been a siren call for those seeking a new life in Europe, with its alluring coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, recent shifts in its immigration policies, particularly concerning the Golden Visa program and the path to citizenship, warrant a closer look for would-be expats. The landscape has evolved, and what was once perceived as an easy gateway to European residency and citizenship is now a more complex and potentially less appealing pro