Hello everyone,
I'm wondering if anyone can answer my question or point me to a good source. I am married to an Italian woman, and living in Rome. I have a carta di soggiorno, allowing me to work and live here. It expires in 2016. Howvever, due to not being able to find a job I'm happy with, I will be going back to the U.S. for a while. We will stay together and we hope that someone in the future to come back to Italy. I know the carta di soggiorno expires after a period outside of the country. Does anyone know how long it is? Is there any problem when you come back and want to apply for a new one? My wife will be heading to the appropriate bureau or whatever you call it this week to ask. I just want to confirm on this site, just to be safe
Thanks
I'm not sure about the CdS itself -- perhaps someone else can chime in -- but as an Italian citizen she is obliged to register in AIRE via the local consulate within one year of relocating abroad. So that's probably the outside limit since your status is contingent on hers.
As long as you're married and living together, no, there's no problem whatsoever reestablishing residence with your wife in Italy. Assuming you're a U.S. citizen, you can just get up and go together at any time since you don't need a visa to enter Italy.
If you've been married and resident in Italy for two years (half that if you have a child together), you can now apply for Italian citizenship via marriage. That takes about two years from application to naturalization, during which you must remain married and living together. You would then have the independent ability to live and work in the EU/EEA/Switzerland, including Italy. That's important in the unfortunate event your spouse were to predecease you, and if you have family and friends in Italy or at least a life there you'd otherwise like to resume at some point. So I would recommend at least considering that option.
On edit: The AIRE registration deadline is a bit weird. Legally it's within 90 days for those intending to live abroad (outside Italy) for a minimum of 12 months.
Just to let everyone know. I was told that the permesson di soggiorno will not expire if I am outside Italy for under a year.
If you have any other questions please fell free to ask
Best
When I left (6 years ago that is), I was told to turn my permesso in when leaving. I asked at the the Rome airport and they knew that this was the policy and took it. I was especially concerned since I didn't want to be taxed by Italy and had to prove complete departure. I also had to go to the Commune and turn in my residency. After moving to the US, my Italian wife registered with the consulate and that's how we get official communications. I will be able to renew my drivers license there too I'm told (I'm never giving that up!!!!!).
Jim in Baltimore