UPDATE: Since this article was written the Sentate have now approved the proposed law (on 14 December 2017) On the 13th March 2017, the Italian Senate started discussing a proposed new law regarding the introduction of “Testamenti Biologici”, (“Biological Wills”), the equivalent of what are known as “Living Wills” in the UK. This is a document...
Read MoreCohabitation agreements
The contract of cohabitation (in Italian “contratto di convivenza”) has to be in written form, as a Public Deed (prepared by a Notary Public), or a Private Contract, which is then authenticated by a Lawyer. The Notary or Lawyer will then send the executed document to the Comune, who will transcribe the same in its registers. This...
Read MoreELECTIVE RESIDENCE IN ITALY
An application can be made for an Elective Residence Permit (“Permesso di Soggiorno per Residenza Elettiva”), if the foreign resident wants to live in Italy without carrying out any working activity. Aside from not being employed in Italy, adequate funds must be demonstrated in order to show that the applicant will not rely on the Italian State, for...
Read MorePotential Increase in Inheritance Tax in Italy
When it comes to inheritance tax, Italy currently enjoys somewhat of a “tax haven” status. These particular taxes are some of the lowest in Europe, with the maximum amount payable by an heir currently being 8% of the total value inherited. The percentages are calculated based on the relationship the heir has to the deceased; the spouse and...
Read MoreCivil Unions and Cohabitation Bill
The Senate has approved a new law governing civil unions in Italy and right of de-facto couples, which has been, for a number of years, subject of a fierce debate between politicians, the Church and the media. The first part of this new law allows civil unions, or civil partnerships, between individuals of the same sex, by way of a declaration before a...
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