FAQ
Practical and honest answers. If your question is not here, the intake form accepts questions as well as applications.
Is this only for the ultra-wealthy?
No. The Departure Briefing is accessible to anyone seriously considering a second base who wants an accurate, professional assessment of their options. Full planning and execution support is more complex — and costs more — but entry to the process is not gated behind extreme wealth. What matters is that you are serious about it.
I am not sure I even want to do this. Is the Briefing still useful?
Possibly yes. If you have been thinking about this for months and cannot get clear on whether it is worth pursuing, a structured consultation with someone who understands the full picture is often exactly what is needed. You are not committing to anything by booking a Briefing. You are paying for an honest picture of your options and the obstacles specific to your situation.
My situation is complicated — family, business, assets in multiple states. Is that a problem?
No. Complicated situations are the norm, not the exception. The Briefing is specifically designed to address the complexity of your full situation. Family structure, business ownership, professional licenses, real estate, investment accounts — these are exactly the variables that need to be on the table.
I have a spouse who is skeptical. Can I include them in the Briefing?
Yes, and if your spouse is involved in the decision, their presence is encouraged. The Briefing is most useful when both decision-makers are in the room.
Does this mean renouncing my US citizenship?
No. Establishing a second residency is legally and practically distinct from renouncing citizenship. Nothing we do requires or recommends renouncing US citizenship. Renunciation is a separate, extreme step with permanent tax consequences that most people are not prepared for. This is about building options, not burning bridges.
Does establishing a second residency affect my US taxes?
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they reside. Establishing a second residency does not eliminate your US tax obligations. What it may affect is how you structure certain assets and income streams. This is one of the core areas addressed in the Briefing — the specific tax implications of your situation are a central part of the consultation.
Is this legal and compliant?
Yes. Every engagement involves coordination with licensed legal and financial professionals in the relevant jurisdictions. We do not operate in gray areas. The legal pathways we use are documented, tested, and compliant with both US and Italian law. FBAR and FATCA obligations are addressed directly.
Is this the same as digital nomad programs I have seen?
No. Digital nomad visas are short-term, typically tied to remote employment, and do not generally confer the kind of permanent residency status that constitutes a functioning second base. The pathways we work with are more substantive and more durable.
Why Italy first?
Italy currently offers the most practical combination of legal access, cost structure, infrastructure, and established precedent for Americans looking to establish a second base in Europe. The bureaucratic complexity is real, but the pathways are tested and the legal framework for foreign residents is developed. We go where the operational logic points.
Do I need to speak Italian?
No. Italy has a large population of English-speaking foreign residents, and the professional advisors we work with are all English-speaking. Competence in Italian is useful over time but is not a prerequisite for establishing residency or functioning as a resident.
How long does this process take?
From decision to functioning residency: typically nine to eighteen months, depending on your legal pathway, your situation, and how quickly you can move on the required steps. Some elements can be accelerated; others are governed by Italian government processing timelines. The Briefing will give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation.
Do I have to move permanently?
No. The foothold model is specifically designed to not require permanent relocation. You establish legal standing, a base, and a functional presence. You use it when you want to. You maintain your US life. The whole point is optionality — not a forced choice.
Is this handled discreetly?
Yes. We do not disclose client relationships. All intake is private. We do not maintain public client lists or testimonial pages. The intake form does not ask for more than we need to assess fit. Discretion is not a feature we offer — it is a basic operating principle.
How do I know this is legitimate?
We do not publish testimonials or client lists. What we do is explain our process, our philosophy, and our approach in specific terms — without the promotional language, without the inflated claims, without the lifestyle photography. If the tone of this site feels different from what you have seen elsewhere in this space, that is intentional. Judge us by what we tell you and whether it is accurate.
Still have questions?
The intake form accepts questions as well as applications. We respond to all serious inquiries personally.