Hercules Moving Company Background Image
Moving from Canada to Italy
Your Moving Journey Starts Here!
Move to Italy Now
Hercules Moving Company Background Image
Sofia
Feb 27, 2023·0 min read
590

Moving from Canada to Italy

No wonder why many Canadians move from Canada to Italy - it has some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Europe. Italy is the world's largest treasure trove of history, culture, and art, with a favourable warm climate and delicious authentic cuisine.

If you are guessing about how to move to Italy from Canada, we reassure you that it is easier than you thought. Prior to getting into all the immigration details, you need to understand that the experience of moving to Italy to live and work there differs a lot from being there for a vacation.

Canada vs. Italy

Canada and Italy are two complete opposites with only a few things in common. Canadians visiting Italy fall in love with the country for its exuberant temperament, reckless disposition, pleasant weather, delicious food, and unique architecture. After leaving, all that remains are warm memories and a desire to return.

However, Italy is not as perfect as it looks. Its historic cities and antiquities suffer from modern development, the infrastructure is working at its peak, and there are multiple economic and social problems. Take a look at the following 6 major aspects comparing two countries to identify whether moving to Italy from Canada is what you need.

Canada
Italy
Geography and Climate
Ethnicity, Religion and Language
Lifestyle and mentality
Education System
Cost of Living
Immigration System

Canada is famous for its large size and diversity of landscapes. More than 40% of the North American continent is covered by Canadian territory which is about 9.98 million km2. Canada is divided by 10 provinces and 3 large territories. Ottawa is the capital city of Canada located in the province of Ontario.

The climate in Canada is extremely diverse. The average temperature ranges between provinces from +18°C to +30°C during the summer with high humidity along the coast. During the winter, the average temperature ranges from -15°C to - 40°C during the winter, so the farther north you go, the colder it gets.

Canada is a country of immigrants. Here you can meet people from a variety of cultures and learn about their traditions. Only about 32% of the population identify as Canadian and about 4,9% are indigenous. The next minor ethnic groups are from England ( 18%), Scotland (14%), France ( 13.6%), Ireland ( 13.4%), Germany ( 9.6%), and China ( 5.1%).

About 63.2% identify themselves as Christians, 3,7% are Muslims, 1.7% are Hindu and about 23.9% are irreligious. In Canada, you have the right to practice any religion as long as it does not harm anyone. The official languages of Canada are English and French.

Individuals immigrating to Canada are looking for new beginnings and opportunities. The overall market competition is low, thus, many have a chance to succeed with a new business idea. Average Canadians do not strive to live a luxurious lifestyle, but they do take 2-3 vacations a year to Europe or Caribbean.

In Canada, the most popular word you will hear is 'sorry'. Although it might seem like another stereotype, it is quite true that Canadians are generally polite. Here it is customary to apologise for the slightest inconvenience caused to another person. And you will be helped by strangers on the street and do it with a smile.

All Canadian citizens and PR holders are eligible for free primary and secondary education. Unfortunately, the only option for ex-pats to educate kids in Canada is through private schools.

Canadian higher education is known to be one of the best in the world. Some of the most famous universities are the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

The average annual tuition fee for domestic students in Canada is about $3,800 CAD for a diploma, $6,500 CAD for a bachelor’s degree, and about $9,500 CAD for a Master’s degree. International students should expect to pay on average $14,000 CAD, $38,000 CAD and $45,000 CAD.

The cost of living in Canada is at a higher rate than the average living expenses in the rest of the world. The 4 of the most expensive cities to reside in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Calgary, mainly due to the high real estate prices and density of the population. On average, expect to pay about 1,200 - 1,600 for a 1-bedroom apartment and 2,300 - 3,000 for a 3-bedroom apartment in Canada.

A single person living in Canada would need a minimum of $800 - $900 CAD per month ( without rent) for public transportation, utilities, phone bill, groceries, and entertainment. For a family of 4 estimated monthly costs would range from $3,500 - $4,300 CAD (without rent). The minimum wage in Canada, depending on the province, ranges from $11.95 - $16 CAD per hour, and the average annual salary is about $55,000 CAD.

Canada is the first country to launch a points-based immigration system that allows the state to segregate and process applications faster. This change allowed Canada to shift from country and race preference selection to prioritize skilled professional workers from all other the world.

You can obtain Canadian permanent residency directly from your home country if you qualify for one of the immigration programs. Another way, done by many, is by completing a minimum of a 2-year program in an accredited Canadian institution and working for a year in a managerial position through a work permit.

Geography and Climate
Ethnicity, Religion and Language
Lifestyle and mentality
Education System
Cost of Living
Immigration System

Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula, surrounded on three sides by water. The mainland, in the shape of a boot, points west, toward the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. The Italian Republic is divided into 20 regions and 5 autonomous regions. The total area of the country, including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, covers 301,500 km2.

The climate in Italy can be very different from the Mediterranean in some regions. Most summers are hot and dry, and July is the hottest month.

Autumn is usually rainy. Winters are cool and humid (hence frequent fog) in the north and milder in the south. In the provinces, which are located in the foothills of the Alps, the climate is mountainous.

Today the predominant ethnic group is native Italians, according to censuses, about 94% of the inhabitants consider themselves Italians. The rest 6% are immigrants, small groups of Germans, French and Slovenes in the north, Albanians and Greeks in the south.

About 96% of the population in Italy are Catholics. Traditionally in Italy, all believers are divided into Catholics and non-Catholics, including Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Protestants, and Jews. But under the Constitution, they all have equal rights and can perform their religious rites according to the traditions and canons of their religion.

The official language is Italian. German is also spoken in Bolzano and South Tyrol, Slovenian in Trieste, and French in Aosta.

Cultural life in Italy is what a lot of migrants go for. Stunning architecture, rich museums, theatrical performances, festivals, events, numerous urban beauties, and more: in Italy, you will always find something to occupy yourself. A lot of interesting people live here, there's always something going on, you won't get bored.

Italians themselves are open, friendly, very temperamental, and emotional. There is a distinct difference between the northern and southern Italians. In Northern Italy, people are more closed, punctual, and pragmatic, while in the South it's just the opposite.

Italians are very traditional and proud of their country and their cuisine. The rhythm of life here is quite different from what you can observe in the CIS countries.

The education system in Italy is state-controlled and directly dependent on the Ministry of Education, which financially maintains schools at all levels and monitors education in private institutions. Both citizens and immigrants living in Italy have rights and are obliged to receive free public education till high school.

Some of the most famous Italian Universities are the University of Bologna, the University of Padua, the Sapienza University of Rome, and the University of Milan. The average price in public universities for domestic students/citizens of the EU and EEA depends on family income. The cost varies from €500 to €4,000 per year in public and €6,000 to 20,000 in private. International students do not qualify for domestic student rates.

Living costs in Italy are about 25% lower than in Canada. Rent is the biggest expense in Italy, on average the majority who rent accommodation in Italy spend about 40-56% of their salary on rent. A single person living in Milan would need about €800 - €915 per month without rent, and a family of 4 would spend a minimum of €2,900 - €3,000 per month without rent. Divide this number by 1,5 - 2 for the cost of living in smaller Italian cities.

On average, a couple living in Italy would spend a minimum of €320 - €380 per month on groceries, about €180 - €250 on utilities, and up to €50 ( per one) for a monthly public transportation pass. The average salary ranges from €22,000 - €28,000 per year.

Immigration to Italy for non-EU and EEA citizens has become more challenging over the past few years, however, still easier than in other European countries. Individuals willing to move to Italy must obtain one of the visas provided by the National Immigration Law. Moving to Italy permanently is easy if you have a reasonable motive to do so.

In order to obtain permanent residence in Italy 'Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo', you must comply with the requirements. The prescribed amount of time of the stay will depend on your reason for immigration: employment, family reunion, business, investment, etc. After gaining permanent residency, after 5 years you will be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship.

Immigration to Italy as a Canadian Citizen

When moving to Italy from Canada, there are a couple of useful details to know:

  1. Canada and Italy have signed a Youth Mobility agreement that allows citizens from both countries from 18 to 35 years old to work and travel for 12 months between two countries.
  2. Canadians can travel to Italy for up to 90 days without a visa.
  3. Canadians can use their driver’s license in Italy for up to a year.

Moving from Italy to Canada

Many Italian citizens choose to move from Italy to Canada for a better life. More than 1,5 million people in Canada claim Italian ancestry and thousands of Italians immigrate to Canada yearly. Although Canada is not famous for original meals or unique architecture, the one thing that this country is not deprived of is opportunities.

Moving to Canada from Italy is easy due to the simply structured Canadian Immigration system allowing young and skilled individuals to live and work in Canada. After 2 to 3 years of working in Canada, Italian citizens are eligible to apply for a Canadian permanent residency allowing them to freely enter the country for the next 5 years. Within the next 3 -5 years you could apply for Canadian citizenship.

Hercules Movers are carrying Furniture
Testimonials
0 / 0
Valery Shchurok
I've moved around quite a bit in the last while, and have used a couple of different moving companies. I also have experience with having furniture and other things broken. Hercules was very careful with my stuff, and wrapped all of my furniture with blankets. The movers were on time, and the move was done in the same time as estimated by George. Happy to have found you guys, I will recommend you to anyone who's moving.
Donald Quan
I used Hercules for a non-piano move for the first time from their Storage Toronto. I expected only the best service from them as I’ve experienced how they treat Concert pianos and they delivered 100%. The time and cost they quoted was exactly what it took. They really know how to quote their services. No surprises....so rare in a moving company. They came over-prepared with blankets, stair coverings, wrappings, mega tape. They were not about to let anything happen to my valuable stuff. Best movers I’ve ever used.....they almost take moving to an art form.
I was very worried when I knew I had to move my piano and I did some research online to see how can I get it done and I found Hercules Moving Company and I decided to give them a try. I was astonished how quickly and easy they did that without leaving a single mark on it. I was pleased and surely will call again!!!
The team came in and did a great job moving our grand piano from the second floor to the main level. It took a while for the team to assess how to do it but when they brought in the cavalry to help out it was quite impressive to see them get the job done. I would definitely recommend this happy bunch!
Vivid Reflection
With short notice, Hercules Moving Company was able to book my piano moving during a time that worked well for me. Other companies I had looked into were not as flexible and were more expensive. They were very professional. I would definitely use Hercules Oshawa Moving Company again, and would absolutely recommend them.
You guys were totally amzing, I had hired two other piano movers prior and both companies had difficulties moving the piano. But your crew had no difficulties. They were very carful, fast clean and so nice to talk too. I did post pictures on Face Book and people wanted your number from me. I will highly recommend you GREAT JOB.Thank You
This is a very heavy old piano. Came out of a house in Oakville and was delivered to my house in Toronto. These guys did a great job, went above and beyond to make sure there was no damage to the piano or either of the houses. I was not looking forward to this day, however hiring these professionals made this a great experience! I live in a townhouse with an awkward entrance and tight hallways and these guys ensured they didn't damage anything!From what I saw today, I will definitely recommend these experts to move anything and everything for anyone.A+++++
Candice Singlair
These Guelph movers were the nicest movers and so efficient. I highly recommend them to anyone. Even my interior designer complimented them. Thanks Hercules.
Our piano was recently moved for the first time after having been in our house for 30 years. I was very impressed with the movers' professionalism, their friendliness and for being patient in their handling of the piano and its delivery to Mississauga. They took their time to use extra padding on this big instrument and also used extra floor covering so as not to scratch the hardwood flooring.I would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone!
Michaelnth
Absolutely professional, details such as lift it up and not just tip it over. Well packing, cover floor during the placing, clean and tidy.
Best moving company I ever used. Reliable and very efficient. Worry free service. I definitely recommend them to my friends and colleagues.
Professional and hardworking. I’ve used them many times and would highly recommend for storage Toronto services and moving services! They’re the best in Toronto.
Leandro Baldassarre
They showed up on time and worked ultra quick. We had a lot of sensitive equipment and they took extra care to ensure it was all moved safely. I highly recommend them for any commercial move.
It was great to work with Hercules moving company. They arrived on time, had a team of very competent and friendly guys who treated our possessions with respect, including our grand piano. They were quick in disassembling and wrapping our furniture and seemed to have a lot of experience. They worked hard and kept us within the budget. I highly recommend them to everyone.
This company to put it simply was AMAZING! The initial call to Hercules went extremely well from that moment I knew this was the company I would use. Walter who made the booking was efficient and quick in meeting all my needs. The day of the move the team worked very well wrapping all of my furniture securely preventing any damage. The workers and entire staff were friendly very fast and clearly enjoy there job. I will definitely recommend Hercules moving company to all my friends and family for there moving needs. Special thank you to Vidas and his team of workers! Great job guys!
The crew that came to move us were amazing! From their first step in the door they had to I mats down. =M Every thing was wrapped with care for all the corners and the feet. Their care of my baby grand was excellent. Both my husband and I would highly recommend them!
Gentle Giant
We initially hire Hercules to move our piano, but after our bad experience with our previous mover we hire them for our 2nd move with our entire household content. They were efficient, helpful and most importantly stronger than over mover. They blanketed old furniture and disassembled and reassembled the furniture back in place. They were accommodating and had stair mats and cover on the floor so that we didn't have to do major clean up after the move. We really appreciated their patience in positioning our grand piano into the exact angle we needed in the room. I will recommend them. My elderly mother also hired them and they took care of her move as well. She really appreciated the hassle free experience.
Thank you so much Hercules! I contacted them on a Friday, and Monday 8 guys showed up and put together everything I had in one day! This is not our first time using Hercules Moving, it's actually our third. They are kind, understanding and professional. Most importantly, they get the job done in an efficient manner. Thanks again from this repeat customer!
Private User
These Burlington movers did a great job moving my wife and I out of our downtown condo. Took care of everything they moved, and did things quickly and efficiently. The quote itself was reasonable and compared well to others. Will use them again for future moves.
I hired this company about month ago to move me into new house. 3 athletic looking guys arrived on-time and did a very good job. Whatever I did not finish packing -they did it for me. Then loaded all my staff into big truck and moved into new house. They were working nonstop. Everything was done very accurately within promised time. Very responsible and polite guys. If happens to move again I certainly will hire them again and of course will recommend this company to my friends. Greater job guys. Thanks a lot.
Ready to Move?
Get a Quote Now
World Map Dots
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Raising Roof
Moving to Australia
If someone offers to “slip an extra shrimp on the barbie” for you, do not rush to call the police. It is just friendly Australians inviting you for a fun social gathering on a warm, crisp and clear Australian December.
Moving to Belgium - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Belgium
Belgium is a rare cocktail of castles, Brussel waffles, comic books, finest diamonds and peeing statues. And these are yet not the main reasons why thousands of foreigners from all over the world are moving to Belgium today.
Moving to Finland - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Finland
Finland is a peaceful country known by many as a state with the highest standards of living in Europe. This country is the second most socially secure state in the world after New Zealand and Norway.
Moving to France - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to France
After moving to France you will learn a lot more about the unique culture and history of the land. At Hercules Moving Company we have compiled this guide to help you get ready for the move. Moving overseas can become the most effortless move if hiring a professional international moving company.
Moving to Germany - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Germany
1,200 kinds of sausages, 300 kinds of bread, and 7,000+ kinds of beer are at the bottom of what this country has to offer. Free-tuition education, one of the best healthcare systems and a diverse population awaits you in Germany.
Moving to Iceland - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Iceland
Planning to move to Iceland? Did you know that the central part of the island is so rugged in winter and so much like the lunar landscape that NASA practised lunar landings here with its astronauts?
Moving to Ireland - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Ireland
With a whimsical lunar landscape, a mighty Atlantic ocean, labyrinthine caves, and crystal clear water, Emerald Isle's diverse landscape is sure to cause you to hold your breath with excitement.
Moving to Malta - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Malta
The enthralling island of Malta is located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, making it a unique travel spot for thousands of tourists every year. Moving to Malta seemed to be only achievable in dreams, however, the time has changed and today it is a reality for many.
Moving to New Zealand - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to New Zealand
Have you ever dreamed of being a part of a movie scene? In New Zealand, you will not only visit Hobbiton from the Lord of the Rings but can witness an actual giant bat. In fact, it is so huge that they called it a flying fox. With open wings their diameter reaches 5’6 feet (152 cm), so do not be surprised if one visits you on your balcony.
Moving to Poland - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Poland
The Republic of Poland is located in central Europe and is the largest state in the region. Poland is bordered by the Baltic Sea to the north and the Carpathian Mountains to the south.
Moving to Portugal - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Portugal
Have you ever wondered what those yellow circles on the Portuguese flag mean? It is none-other but a navigational device called an armillary sphere that helped Portuguese sailors to find their way in the endless sea. They were the first to open the way to India, circumnavigate Africa, and Globe in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Moving to Qatar - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Qatar
“Small rain lays great dust”, a phrase that ideally describes Qatar with it's not-so-large territory but remarkable ambitions. The country is most known for its riches and 5-star Airline - Qatar Airways, owned and maintained by the government. Qatar, as we know it today, started only a couple of decades ago. Prior to that, the people of Qatar earned their living by finishing and collecting pears.
Moving to Spain - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to Spain
Visiting Spain once, you are doomed to fall in love with temperamental Spaniards, outrageously delicious cuisine, and unforgettable beach parties in Ibiza. The standard of living in Spain is one of the highest in the EU. The mild, warm Mediterranean climate provides comfortable living almost all year round.
Moving to the United Kingdom - Hercules Moving Company
Moving to the UK
Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwyrndrobwlllllandysiliogogogoch. Wait, what? This seemingly randomly typed set of letters is none other than the second-longest city name in the world located in the United Kingdom. The land of castles, royal family, black cabs, Shakespear, fish & chips, rainy weather and the list goes on and on, and on…

Frequently Asked Questions

Show More