I've searched but not found an answer, so here goes: First of all, hello everyone! This is my first post on this forum and I'm happy to have found you! I'm Barbara, and my husband is Art. We currently live in Florida but previously we lived in Umbria for 7 years, from 2003 until 2010. The only reason we moved backed to the states was because it was impossible to be retired in US$ and living in euro! When the exchange rate hit $1.60 we had throw in the towel and reluctantly returned to the U.S.
We now think it might be possible to spend 6 months in Italy, so we're trying to update ourselves on the current ER requirements. One thing I learned very quickly is NOT to say we only want to stay for 6 months! For the purpose of our ER Visa we will state that we want to move to Italy indefinitely, as it is our intention to return year after year, and yes, we might even move back permanently if the stars align correctly!
When we moved to Italy in 2003 we bought a house so we had no problem satisfying that requirement. This time will prove more challenging. Initially, and possibly for the entire 6 months, we will stay with a dear friend, our 'adopted' daughter, who has lived there for 20 years.
I read on a blog ( https://rickzullo.com/) that in addition to proof of ownership and a registered rental agreement, we could also write a letter stating that we will be hosted by a friend in Italy. I'm sure it would be better if our friend were an Italian rather than a fellow expat, but It is what it is.
I haven't seen this option discussed anywhere else and hoped someone here might have some insight. I don't want to show up at the consulate and blow our chances by submitting documents that might not work, and that might also prevent another request from being approved.
We have the income covered, the health insurance is taken care of, we'll be getting our car thru the Peugeot buy-back program, so the housing situation is really the only hurdle we still have to figure out.
Thank you all so much for any and all advice!
We now think it might be possible to spend 6 months in Italy, so we're trying to update ourselves on the current ER requirements. One thing I learned very quickly is NOT to say we only want to stay for 6 months! For the purpose of our ER Visa we will state that we want to move to Italy indefinitely, as it is our intention to return year after year, and yes, we might even move back permanently if the stars align correctly!
When we moved to Italy in 2003 we bought a house so we had no problem satisfying that requirement. This time will prove more challenging. Initially, and possibly for the entire 6 months, we will stay with a dear friend, our 'adopted' daughter, who has lived there for 20 years.
I read on a blog ( https://rickzullo.com/) that in addition to proof of ownership and a registered rental agreement, we could also write a letter stating that we will be hosted by a friend in Italy. I'm sure it would be better if our friend were an Italian rather than a fellow expat, but It is what it is.
I haven't seen this option discussed anywhere else and hoped someone here might have some insight. I don't want to show up at the consulate and blow our chances by submitting documents that might not work, and that might also prevent another request from being approved.
We have the income covered, the health insurance is taken care of, we'll be getting our car thru the Peugeot buy-back program, so the housing situation is really the only hurdle we still have to figure out.
Thank you all so much for any and all advice!
