How to Live in Venice

Venice is one of the largest cities in Italy and one of the most visited by tourists, both local and international. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice has become a popular destination for those who want to live in a place where culture, history and commerce converge. If you are planning on moving there, however, there are some technicalities to keep in mind.

Instructions

1. Decide in advance how long you want to live in Venice. This will affect your choice of visa and your stay requirements. Most nationalities outside of the European community are allowed to stay in Italy for 90 days on a tourist visa and then supposed to leave the country after that. If you plan on living in Venice for longer than three months, you will need either a student or a work visa.

2. Get a student's visa if you have a hard time finding a job. There are lots of places where you can study in Venice, including the Terrafirma University, the Venice Summer International Law Institute and the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica. Many American universities also have international exchange programs with Venice institutions, so you may be able to transfer automatically. Student visas allow you to work part-time while living in Italy.

3. Learn to speak Italian. While Venice is a cosmopolitan city, most locals speak only Italian or at least prefer it. Unless you work for an international company, you will need to speak Italian to better appreciate the cultural aspects of the city.

4. Get into the spirit of the city. Venice is well known not only for its channels but also for its cultural and historical landmarks. If you want to live in Venice, make it a goal to get to know the city and the history behind it, including exploring the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge, the many museums and libraries (especially the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana) and St Mark's Square.

5. Look for an apartment in advance. Empty homes are hard to come by in Venice, especially in the main parts of the city. Searching for a place in advance will help you land a cheaper place to live, as well as facilitate your visa papers, as embassies may require a lease in order to give you a long-term visa. Places such as Craigslist.org are great to get you started (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Venice is a great starting point to explore other areas in Italy. If you’re living there, take advantage of the many transportation options and explore other cities as well.

Resources

• Apartments in Venice