How To Move to Italy (2024 Guide)
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Moving to Italy can be an exciting adventure filled with picturesque landscapes, world-famous cuisine, and a lower cost of living. However, it does come with some challenges. As a U.S. citizen, you can move to Italy if you secure the proper visa, find a job, have enough savings to relocate, and hired experienced international movers. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to explain how to move to Italy, the cost of living there, and other important considerations.
Moving to Italy as an EU Citizen
According to the Polizia di Stato, the Italian National Police, European Union (EU) nationals and their family members do not need a residence permit if they stay in Italy for 90 days or less. After three months, EU citizens have the right of residence in Italy if any of the following apply to them:
- They are workers or self-employed in Italy
- They have sufficient financial resources for themselves and their family
- They have comprehensive sickness insurance coverage or equivalent
- They are enrolled at a private or public establishment for a course of study, including vocational training
- They are a family member accompanying or joining an EU citizen with the right to reside in Italy for over three months
EU nationals must register with the Anagrage (Register Office) of the municipality where they reside. You must provide documentation with your application that verifies that you are eligible to stay in Italy.
Visas for Americans Moving to Italy
Under the Schengen Borders Agreement, Americans can visit Italy for up to 90 days as tourists or for business purposes without a visa. But if you plan to stay in Italy for longer than three months, you’ll need to get an Italian long-stay visa.
Americans planning to stay in Italy for over three months must get an entrance visa at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy. According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy, this can take several weeks, so apply well in advance of your departure date. Americans already in Italy without a visa will have to leave the country to obtain one before gaining resident status.
Under Italian law, Americans who request an Italian residence permit for more than one year must sign an integration agreement at the local prefecture or at the provincial police headquarters. This agreement lists specific integration goals, such as learning the Italian language and culture.
Here are acceptable long-term visas for Americans:
Finding Employment in Italy
If you’ll be relying on employment to support yourself, you need a job before you move to Italy. Your employer must apply for your work visa in Italy, and you must obtain a work visa from the Italian Consulate before coming to the country.
The Italian government issues a certain number of work visas to non-EU workers and self-employed individuals each year. This happens during a set period of time known as Decreto Flussi. Non-EU citizens can only apply for an Italian work visa when Decreto Flussi opens.
Applying for an Italian Residence Permit
Upon arrival, Americans have eight days to obtain a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit). Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Request a permesso di soggiorno application kit from a Poste Italiane (Italian National Post Office).
- Fill out the application and make copies of your passport, proof of health insurance, and documents verifying why you’re in Italy.
- Purchase a bollo (stamp) for the application.
- Take the forms, photocopies, and bollo back to the post office.
- Pay the application fee and keep all receipts.
- Pick up your permesso di soggiorno when it’s ready.
- Within 20 days of receiving the permit, visit the local Register Office to apply for residency. It can take up to two months to receive your Certificato di Residenza (certificate of residence) after you apply.
Italian Cost of Living
Before coming to Italy, you’ll likely pay thousands of dollars in moving expenses, as you’ll likely have to hire international movers and move your belongings through customs. Hiring an international moving company isn’t always necessary, but its agents can help you obtain the proper documentation and customs clearance required for transporting your valuables. Then, once you and your items arrive in Italy, you can enjoy a lower cost of living.
- Consumer prices in Italy are 20.3% lower than in the United States, not including rent. Rent prices are 60.5% lower in Italy, grocery prices are 27.1% lower, and restaurant prices are 20.3% lower. However, local purchasing power in Italy is 43.8% lower than in the United States.*
There are still substantial differences in the cost of living city by city. For example, consumer prices (including rent) in Rome are 49% lower than they are in Washington, D.C., and 51.9% lower in Florence than in New York City. Even a popular tourist destination such as Venice is 20.9% less expensive than Kansas City, Missouri.*
Here’s a chart comparing the cost of living by category in the United States and Italy:
Living Expense* | Cost in U.S. | Cost in Italy |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic utilities |
$192.09 per month |
$206.62 per month |
|
Childcare |
$1218.63 per month |
$495.07 per month |
|
Gasoline |
$3.81 per gallon |
$7.66 per gallon |
|
Internet |
$70.96 per month |
$29.23 per month |
|
Mobile phone plan |
$47.45 per month |
$14.74 per month |
|
Public transport (monthly pass) |
$70 per month |
$36.92 per month |
|
Rent (one bedroom, city center) |
$1835.76 per month |
$701.50 per month |
|
Restaurant meal |
$20 per meal |
$15.82 per meal |
* Note that these costs and percentages are subject to daily fluctuations.
Italian Housing Market
Buying a house in Italy as an American may be more affordable than in other European countries. Similar to the United States, Italy has a range of properties in cities, towns, and rural areas for all types of budgets. Homes in major cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence may cost more than those in the countryside, but homes in general are often cheaper per square foot than in American cities. Before you jump into the market, find a reputable real estate agent and learn more about local laws, taxes, and regulations.
Italy also has a One Euro House program used to stimulate the economic development of certain municipalities. As younger Italians move to urban areas, many smaller, remote villages experience population declines. The biggest downside is that you won’t be buying a new villa, and most homes selected for the program need substantial work and structural improvements.
Additional Factors To Consider Before Moving to Italy
Before moving to Italy, you’ll need to open a bank account and learn about your new tax obligations as an expat. The health care and schooling systems work differently from the United States, too, and you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared for driving in Italy.
Health Care System
According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, Italy’s health care system is decentralized, and each region is responsible for its own health care delivery and organization.
Italy has a tax-funded universal health care system, but you must purchase an international health plan before applying for a visa. Once you finalize your residency status and have an Italian identity card, you can access coverage through the Italian health care system.
To receive an Italian insurance card (tessera sanitaria), you’ll need to visit a health authority office (ASL) and apply for the card with supporting documentation. This includes your residency permit, tax number, identity card, and proof of employment. If you want to include family members, you must also bring a family status certificate.
Another option is private health insurance, which is more affordable than in the United States.
Schooling System
Public education is state-funded and free in Italy for citizens and noncitizens. The school system is split into five levels: kindergarten, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and university. Public schooling is in high demand, but you can also access private and international schools across the country.
Banking in Italy
Expats can open a bank account when they move to Italy regardless of their immigration status, but it can be difficult if you don’t know the language. Some banks offer a range of products for nonresidents, while others may only offer basic accounts. Requirements can vary from bank to bank or from branch to branch, but here are the standard document requirements for expats:
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)
- Proof of address
- Proof of employment or student status
- Valid ID or passport
Taxes
You’re required to pay taxes in Italy if you’ve been a resident for more than 183 days during the tax year and you qualify in one of the following categories:
- You are registered in the Records of the Italian Resident Population
- You have a domicile in Italy
- You have a residence in Italy
Italy not only has a national, regional, and municipal income tax but also a wealth tax, value-added tax (VAT), inheritance tax, property tax, and corporate taxes. Nonresidents must pay tax on income received in Italy—ranging from 23% to 43%—and may be subject to property taxes. Once you’re a resident, you must pay income tax on all earnings, inside and outside of Italy.
Driving in Italy
Before moving to Italy, you will need an International Driving Permit. You can apply for a permit in person at a AAA Travel office or by mail. You’ll need to fill out the application, provide two original passport pictures, present a valid U.S. driver’s license, and pay the $20 permit fee. This allows you to drive in Italy as a tourist, but once you register as a resident, you must apply for an Italian license within one year of registration.
Italy also has ZTLs (zona a traffico limitato), which are limited traffic zones in historic downtown areas of cities and towns that require special permits, similar to the E-ZPass system in the United States.
How Can I Live in Italy Permanently?
After five continuous years of living in Italy, foreigners can apply for permanent residency either at the post office, the designated comune (municipal office), or other authorized offices. A long-term residence permit allows you to enter Italy, work, and enjoy social benefits without a visa. Your application must include the following:
- A copy of your income tax statement that shows you have an income higher than the social allowance
- A copy of your valid passport
- An existing long-term residence permit
- Copies of pay stubs from the current year
- Criminal records and pending charges
- Electronic revenue stamp
- Evidence of appropriate accommodation
- Postal receipt for payment of the residence permit
- Proof of passing an Italian language test at the A2 level or higher
- Residence and family certification
Acquiring Italian Citizenship
You can become an Italian citizen through descent, by marrying an Italian citizen, or by naturalization. Non-EU residents can apply for Italian citizenship after living in Italy for 10 years, while EU citizens can apply for citizenship after living in Italy for four years. If you’re the child of an Italian citizen, you can qualify for citizenship after three years of residence.
Our Conclusion
You can live la dolce vita if you follow the Italian government’s step-by-step process on how to move to Italy. If you’re moving from the United States, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of moving to another country and shipping your belongings.
We recommend getting several quotes from international movers, packing up your house as efficiently as possible, and searching for a place to live before you travel to Italy.
FAQ About How To Move to Italy
Is it easy to move to Italy?
Moving to Italy can be a simple process, yet it’s easier for EU citizens to move to Italy than residents of other countries. No matter where you come from, you’ll need to meet the requirements to get a residence visa.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Italy?
According to International Van Lines, the cost of moving a one- or two-bedroom home to Europe is $3,500–$7,000. This doesn’t include rent, which is about $700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a city center, or other costs associated with moving to a different country.
Can I move to Italy with my pets?
You can move to Italy with pets, but you must obtain a European Community veterinary certificate for each pet you bring. Additionally, pets must have a valid rabies vaccine, microchip, and cage or carrier, and they must be more than three months old.
What are the disadvantages of living in Italy?
There are disadvantages when moving to Italy. For example, Italy has a lower purchasing power compared to the United States, and there’s a language barrier. This can make it more difficult to do certain things, such as renting an apartment or setting up a bank account.
What are some in-demand jobs in Italy?
There are several in-demand jobs with skill shortages in Italy. Some of these include business consultancy, IT, and health care, as well as teaching subjects including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
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