Visa applications, engage real estate agent, begin decluttering, storage quotes, travel insurance, Power of Attorney
Month 3–6: Sale & Booking Phase
House sale settles, items go into storage, book Airbnbs, confirm travel, finalise visa paperwork
Month 6–9: Pre-Departure
Visas approved, accommodation confirmed, medical/dental, pack, farewell, depart Australia 🎉
Europe: Genoa (4 months)
Settle in, explore Liguria, day trips to Cinque Terre, Portofino & the Italian Riviera. Weekend trips to Milan, Turin, Monaco
Europe: Bavaria (4 months)
Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein, Munich, Christmas markets (if timing allows), Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Weekend trips to Salzburg, Vienna, Prague
Europe: Amalfi Coast (4 months)
Positano, Ravello, Praiano — best in spring or autumn. Day trips to Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Rome, Sorrento
Day trips & weekend adventures throughout
Each base is a launchpad — explore the surrounding region freely without needing to pack up and move
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Critical: Schengen Visa Warning
As Australians, Jill & Rod are only entitled to 90 days visa-free across the entire Schengen Area (which includes both Italy and Germany) in any 180-day window. Since they plan 9+ months across these countries, long-stay national visas are required. See the Visas tab for details — this needs to be organised at least 6 months before departure.
Jill & Rod's Task Progress
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🛂 Visas & Travel Documentation
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💳 Financial Preparation
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🏥 Insurance & Medical
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🏠 Accommodation Research & Booking
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Dale, Paul & Scott — Your Roles While Mum & Dad Are Away
Between the three of you, these tasks cover everything that needs to be set up and known before they leave — so nothing falls through the cracks back home for 12 months.
Dale, Paul & Scott's Task Progress
⚖️ Legal & Financial Oversight
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📦 Storage & Property
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📞 Communication & Welfare Checks
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Accommodation Tip: Airbnb monthly discounts are typically 20–40% off the nightly rate. Always filter by "Monthly stays" and message hosts directly to negotiate. Budget target: under $3,000 AUD/month (≈ €1,740 at current rates).
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⏳ Fetching current weather…
Genoa
Liguria, Northern Italy — 4 months
🏠 2BR Est. (Airbnb)€1,100–1,700/mo
🍽️ Dining (2 pax)€50–80/day
🌡️ Best MonthsApr–Jun / Sep–Nov
✈️ Nearest AirportGenoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA)
🏘️ Best AreasNervi, Boccadasse, Albaro
🚂 From SydneyVia Milan or Frankfurt
Why Genoa? One of Italy's most underrated cities — a maze of medieval caruggi (alleyways), fresh pesto at the source, and day trips to Cinque Terre (45 min by train), Portofino, and the Italian Riviera. Significantly cheaper than Rome, Florence, or Milan.
Accommodation tip: Look at Nervi or Boccadasse — seaside neighbourhoods that are calm, charming, and great value. The old city (Caruggi) is atmospheric but busier.
Munich vs. Small Towns: Munich is wonderful but €2,000+/mo for a 2BR. Consider Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Alpine, stunning), Füssen (near Neuschwanstein), or Regensburg (medieval city, cheaper). All have excellent rail connections.
Winter tip: If timing lands Nov–Dec, Bavarian Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt) are world-famous — Munich, Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
⚠️ Seasonality matters: July–August prices are 2–3× more expensive and very crowded. April–June or September–October offer the best balance of weather, price, and atmosphere. For the budget, aim for spring or autumn.
Best base:Praiano is quieter and cheaper than Positano, with stunning views. Maiori has a beach and is the most affordable. Ravello is elegant and peaceful up in the hills.
Genoa → BavariaTrain: Genova → Milan → Munich (~5.5 hrs, from ~€60) | Fly: GOA/MXP → MUC (~1.5 hrs, from ~€50)
Bavaria → AmalfiFly: MUC → NAP (~2 hrs, from ~€60) — then ferry/bus to Amalfi Coast (1.5 hrs)
Within AmalfiSITA buses (the main local transport) or boat. No car needed — parking is extremely difficult
Booking tipsBook rail via Trenitalia (IT) or DB (DE). Compare flights on Google Flights. Book 3–4 months ahead for best prices.
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CRITICAL — Read This First
Australia is in the Schengen Visa Waiver Program, which means Jill & Rod can enter Italy and Germany without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period — across all Schengen countries combined. Their plan involves ~9 months in Schengen countries. This far exceeds the 90-day limit. They must obtain appropriate long-stay national visas before departure.
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Good news: A valid Italian national "D" visa (Type D long-stay visa) exempts the holder from the 90/180 Schengen rule while in Italy. This means time spent in Italy on a D visa does not eat into their 90 Schengen tourist days — those remaining days can then be used for Germany (Bavaria).
ITALY — Elective Residency Visa (Type D)
🇮🇹 Italian Elective Residency Visa
What it is
A long-stay national visa for people who wish to live in Italy without working — ideal for retirees or financially self-sufficient travellers
Valid for
12 months, renewable annually in Italy
Where to apply
Italian Consulate-General in Sydney or Melbourne (Australian residents apply in their jurisdiction)
Apply how early
At least 3–6 months before departure — slots can be limited
Income required
Approx. €31,000/year per person (subject to change — confirm with consulate). Can include pension, superannuation, investments, property income
Key documents
Valid passport, proof of income/funds, proof of accommodation (Airbnb booking or rental contract), travel insurance, photos, completed application form
After arrival
Must register with local municipality (Comune) within 8 days of arrival and obtain a "permesso di soggiorno" (residence permit)
Covers
All of Italy — both Genoa and Amalfi Coast stays are covered under one visa
Once an Italian D visa is in place, the holder's time in Italy does NOT count toward the Schengen 90/180-day limit. This means Jill & Rod would have a full 90 days of Schengen tourist allowance available for Germany (Bavaria)
4-month Bavaria stay
4 months = approximately 120 days — this exceeds the 90-day Schengen tourist limit. A separate German National Long-Stay Visa is now required, regardless of the Italian D visa. Apply at the German Consulate-General in Australia before departure.
German National Visa
Apply for a German National Visa (§ 25 AufenthG — financially independent persons) at the German Consulate in Sydney or Melbourne. Requires proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and health insurance. Apply at least 3–4 months before the Bavaria start date.
Key point
Do NOT enter another Schengen country for extended periods between stays, as this will eat into the 90-day allowance
Important: Visa rules and income thresholds change. The information above is a guide only. Contact the Italian and German consulates directly and consider engaging an immigration specialist to map out the exact sequence. Getting this wrong could result in deportation or being barred from re-entry.
EU Entry System (EES)The EU's biometric entry/exit system may be operational by late 2025 — check status before travel
ETIASEU travel authorisation system (like Australian ETA) — expected to launch; check if required before departure
Passport validityMust be valid for full stay + 6 months beyond. Renew now if close to expiry
Australian Embassy ItalyVia Antonio Bosio 5, Rome — +39 06 852 721
Australian Embassy GermanyWallstrasse 76-79, Berlin — +49 30 8800 880
Estimated Total Trip Cost (12 months, 2 people)
$80,000–$110,000 AUD
All figures are estimates — actual costs will vary with timing, exchange rates, and lifestyle
💰 Income While Away
Australian Age Pension (Jill & Rod)Pension continues while overseas — Centrelink generally pays for up to 26 weeks abroad, then at a 'outside Australia' rate. Confirm exact entitlements with Centrelink before departure.
Ongoing
Interest on House Sale ProceedsMoney from the house sale can be placed in a high-interest savings account or term deposit. At current rates (~4–5% p.a.), significant interest income is possible — e.g. $700,000 invested at 4.5% ≈ $31,500/year or ~$2,625/month AUD.
Ongoing
💡 Key action: Before departure, consult your accountant and a financial adviser to decide the best home for the house sale proceeds — high-interest savings, term deposits, or a mix — to maximise income while keeping funds accessible. Also confirm with Centrelink exactly how long the pension pays at full rate while overseas, and what documentation they need.
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Exchange rate note: 1 AUD ≈ 0.58 EUR (as of mid-2025). So $3,000 AUD ≈ €1,740 per month for accommodation. Use Wise.com for competitive rates on transfers.
🏠 Accommodation (Per Month, 2BR Airbnb)
Genoa (4 months)Nervi, Boccadasse area — very achievable within budget
€1,200–1,700/mo ≈ $2,070–2,930 AUD
Bavaria (4 months)Smaller towns like Garmisch or Füssen recommended for budget
€1,300–2,000/mo ≈ $2,240–3,450 AUD
Amalfi Coast (4 months)Spring/autumn strongly recommended — summer is 2–3× more expensive
€1,500–3,000/mo ≈ $2,590–5,170 AUD
💡 Airbnb monthly discounts of 20–40% make a big difference. Always check the monthly rate and contact hosts directly. Off-peak timing on the Amalfi Coast is key to staying within budget.
✈️ Travel Costs (One-Off)
Flights: Australia → Genoa (return)Sydney/Melbourne to Genoa via hub. Return leg from Naples
$4,000–7,000 AUD
Genoa → Bavaria (rail or fly)Train Milan–Munich or budget flight
Day trips & local transport (12 months)Rail passes, buses, ferries, taxis
$3,000–5,000 AUD
🍽️ Living Costs (12 Months, 2 People)
Food & diningMix of cooking at home + eating out (Italian/German dining is excellent value)
$25,000–35,000 AUD
Groceries & householdSupermarkets in Italy: Esselunga, Conad; Germany: REWE, EDEKA
$8,000–12,000 AUD
Travel insurance (12 months, 2 pax)Comprehensive cover with unlimited medical — essential for Europe
$3,000–5,500 AUD
Entertainment, museums, excursionsCinque Terre, Neuschwanstein, Pompeii, Capri, etc.
$4,000–7,000 AUD
Visa fees & adminItalian D visa + any German visa applications + translations
$500–1,500 AUD
Phone / SIM / dataEuropean SIMs are cheap — €10–20/month for data
$600–1,200 AUD
Miscellaneous & bufferUnexpected costs, gifts, splurges, medical copays
$3,000–5,000 AUD
💡 Money-saving tips: Cook at home several nights a week (Italian and German supermarkets are excellent). Use Wise or Revolut cards to avoid foreign transaction fees. Book accommodation and flights well in advance. Travel off-peak where possible, especially on the Amalfi Coast.