Succession
Estate Planning and Wills
Moving to Italy or purchasing property here often raises an important question: “What happens to my assets and my family if something happens to me?”
Many foreign nationals assume that an existing will drafted in their home country will automatically solve everything.
In practice, things are often more complicated once Italian assets, Italian authorities, and Italian succession law become involved.
At BDB Relocation & Legal, we assist international clients with estate planning connected to Italy, helping them structure things clearly and reduce future complications for their families.
Our Assistance Includes:
Drafting Italian Wills
We assist clients in preparing wills valid and effective under Italian law, tailored to their personal and family situation.
This may include:
- wills concerning Italian property and assets
- coordination with existing foreign wills
- planning involving spouses, children, and blended families
- guidance on how Italian succession rules may affect the estate
The objective is not simply to “have a will,” but to make sure the estate can actually be managed smoothly in Italy when the time comes.
Cross-Border Estate Planning
International families often face legal systems that do not perfectly align with one another.
We help clients understand:
- whether their current estate plan works effectively in Italy
- whether an additional Italian will may be advisable
- how European succession rules may apply
- how to minimize practical and legal conflicts between jurisdictions
This is particularly important for individuals who:
- own property in Italy
- are relocating permanently
- are retiring in Italy, or have family members living across multiple countries
Renting
Renting in Italy can be challenging.
First of all, it is quite important to know that the law in Italy is very protective of tenants, therefore landlords are always very cautious when renting out. They want to be reassured that prospective tenants can keep up with payments, so the prospective tenant should be ready to show proof of income.
The first obstacle that prospective tenants may encounter when looking to rent is that estate agents and landlords don’t usually return emails. Also, differences in language and customs can form significant barriers: therefore, it could happen that you are turned away even if calling by phone. In that case, someone who speaks the language and can engage easily with them could certainly facilitate the hunt for a suitable apartment. Also, it’s important that your situation is properly represented to landlords, who are more willing to rent if they know something about the prospective tenant and can feel reassured that they would be good tenants.
In these regards, we can help with contacting the landlords/agents and properly representing your situation. We can assist you step by step, we deal on your behalf with the landlords/agents until the signing of the contract. We also follow up until the contract is properly registered with the relevant authority.
And, if you need, we can also search and shortlist properties for you.
Do not hesitate to contact us for an informative consultation or for full support throughout the process.
More info on renting in Italy here.