Not gunna lie, transitioning to life here has been a bit wonky for many reasons and truthfully, I don’t think the transition period will stop anytime soon.

It’s felt like I’ve blinked and I’m here – trying to figure shit out on my own. And let me tell you, it’s fricken weird. Daily, I have multiple pinch-me-moments. How is any of this real? Did I accidentally take the red pill and chase the white rabbit to Italy? Some days, that’s exactly what it feels like.

Aside from starting a new life from scratch, trying to make friends, spending the majority of my time completely alone and not realizing I was using body soap as a conditioner for two weeks (yes, this is completely true) the anxiety associated with just getting my residency permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) has been a bit of a bitch and has kept my up more times than I’d like to admit. And the reason is that this information is not readily available online when you initially apply for your visa so it’s so easy to get lost in the sauce and feel completely overwhelmed.

For those interested in what obtaining your permesso looks like, here is a brief rundown and please note that each region in Italy has a different process, I can only speak from my experience in the Apulian region.

1. Head to the Questura in the nearest city withinin your region maximum 8 days after you’ve landed. (Police Headquarters = Questura)
2. There you will submit your documents. This includes 4 x passport photos, passport, italian working holiday visa and codice fiscale.
   NOTE: you also need proof that you are actually living here and that could just be an airbnb / temporary living until you find a long term place to live. My landlord was an absolute fprick when it came to providing proof to the Questura so I had to take literally every shred of proof I had and email it in. This was 100% the cause of my anxiety so KEEP YO RECIEPTS, they will come in handy.
3. Once you submit, you’ll get your fingerprints taken and then receive a text letting you know that in 20 days your permit will be ready for pick up.
   This is the current stage I am in – the waiting game.

On top of this transition period of getting my residency permit is finding a place to live which, in this exact moment of writing I won’t have in 6 days. Daunting to say the least but there is an odd sense of calmness that what is meant to be will be and I know things will work out.

It’s strange. In Canada, I rarely felt content in such whirlwind situations. Anxiety pumped through my veins when faced with a dilemma or a problem. I felt it pulsate in my chest, paralyzing my actions.. It was horrible. But since the moment I decided to leave Canada and move to Italy all of those feelings of anxiety have completely vanished.

With that being said, I don’t think I was destined to continue living in Toronto. My body and soul knew that. I truly believe that I was meant to come here and uncover a new path. I have no clue what that is going to look like but I am here for the ride, the bollocks and the journey.

If you are interested in knowing more about the permesso, codice fiscale or need guidance on anything else moving to Italy related, hit me up in my comments!

Written by Jaid.

May 26th 2024