How to move to Italy

Thinking of moving to Italy? Whilst undoubtedly exciting, you’ll have to think about more than booking a flight and imagining la dolce vita.

To make the move successfully, you’ll need both inspiration and a clear roadmap.

The good news is that you’re not alone. We’re here to walk you through the process, and lend a helping hand where things get tricky.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The most common reasons people move to Italy
• The different long-term visa options available (and who needs them)
• How to prepare in the months leading up to your move
• What to expect once you’ve arrived in Italy
• What to do after settling down in Italy
• Long-term steps toward permanent residency and citizenship

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to turn your Italian dream into reality.

Ready?

Why move to Italy?

It comes as no surprise that Italy is a prime destination for both tourism and long-term stays.

Employment opportunities in science, engineering, business and trade are especially attractive for newcomers.

Education is another big plus. Italy’s public universities remain among the most affordable in Europe, often offering low or no tuition.

Inexpensive and accessible universal healthcare is also a major factor for many newcomers. Whilst quality and wait times do vary, overall coverage remains a strong benefit.

Finally, who could forget that famous Italian lifestyle! From a Mediterranean diet and scenic coastlines to UNESCO-protected heritage sites, Italy blends culture with quality of life admired around the world.

Who needs a visa?

The first step on your journey to Italy is to figure out whether you need a visa.

If you’re a resident of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you’re in luck: Free movement regulations mean that you can live, work, or study in Italy for as long as you like without a visa.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the USA also benefit from bilateral agreements allowing them to enter without a visa for short periods (up to 90 days).

However these agreements don’t allow you to work in Italy, so if you’re planning to settle down long term you’ll likely need to apply for a long-term visa.

For all other countries, visas are required for both short visits and longer stays.

Visa and immigration options

Applying for the correct visa is one of the most important steps for newcomers, so it’s worth taking the time to explore your options.

Applications are typically submitted through your local Italian consulate, and the required documents depend on the type of visa.

Once approved, you enter Italy with the visa and must then apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura within eight days of arrival.

Italy offers:

• Employment visas for non-EU nationals with a confirmed job offer. To qualify, you must have a signed job contract with an Italian employer willing to sponsor your application.

• EU Blue Cards for highly qualified professionals meeting salary and skill criteria. These provide increased mobility within the EU, and a quicker path to long-term residency.

• Self-employment visas, which require early preparation. They are subject to strict quotas, and applicants must show proof of professional qualifications and financial resources.

• Student visas for those admitted to Italian universities. Applicants must present proof of enrollment, financial security, accommodation, and health insurance.

• Family reunification permits for spouses, children, or dependent relatives of residents. Applicants must show proof of stable income, adequate housing, and family relationship.

• Elective residency visas for retirees or financially independent individuals able to prove sufficient income.

• Au pair visas for individuals aged 18 - 30 who live with an Italian host family in exchange for childcare and light household duties.

• Startup visas for entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses with financial backing.

• Investor visas for those committing significant capital (minimum €250,000 - €2 million, depending on the sector).

Each option has distinct requirements and waiting times, so planning ahead and securing documents early is crucial!

Changing visa status within Italy is possible but tightly regulated. If necessary, we recommend starting the process early, having documents ready, and preparing for delays.

Learn more about how to apply for a visa in Italy.

Preparing for your move to Italy

Financial expectations

Official visa requirements often set minimum income thresholds, which vary by permit type. To be safe, we recommend budgeting beyond the legal minimum to cover any unexpected expenses.

A good place to start is rental deposits and living expenses.

Deposits usually range from 2 to 3 months’ rent, depending on the location and size of the accommodation.

To ensure you’re financially secure on arrival, it’s also a good idea to set aside roughly 3 months of living expenses, ranging from €6,000 to €8,000, depending on the city.

Finding a job in Italy

Securing work once you arrive in Italy is easier if you’ve prepared in advance.

Major platforms like LinkedIn, InfoJobs, and Monster Italy list vacancies across industries, while specialized boards focus on fields like healthcare or IT.

Networking through professional associations and building relationships through internships, local courses, or volunteering also increases your chances.

Securing accommodation (and avoiding scams)

The Italian rental market can be competitive, especially in larger cities.

Tenants should ensure contracts are officially registered and, where possible, benefit from the cedolare secca tax regime, which helps stabilize rent costs.

Scams often target newcomers unfamiliar with local practices. To stay safe, avoid wiring money before signing an official contract, and never pay deposits for apartments you have not personally visited.

Trusted platforms like Immobiliare.it, Idealista, and Casa.it, as well as licensed estate agencies, are the safest entry points.

Short-term health insurance

Health coverage is required for all visas.

Until you qualify for the public system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), you need another type of private health insurance. Applicants must show proof of insurance valid in Italy at least for the initial stay.

Expat insurance plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide access to healthcare from day one, serving as a bridge until you are eligible for the SSN.

Preparing essential documents

Before arriving in Italy, it’s worth taking the time to collect all the documents you’ll need.

Many official documents (birth/marriage certificates, and academic diplomas) must be apostilled (or legalized) and translated into Italian by a certified translator.

Timelines can be lengthy, and securing an apostille can take several weeks depending on your country’s procedures.

We recommend starting the process at least three to four months before your intended move, to ensure documents are ready by the time you apply for your visa.

Getting your things, car, or pets to Italy

Making sure your life follows you over to Italy can make a huge difference as you settle in.

New residents can often import household goods duty-free. Customs clearance typically involves presenting your residence permit and a detailed inventory of goods.

Bringing a car is more complicated. Vehicles must meet EU emission and safety standards, and you’ll need to register the car in Italy within 12 months of arrival.

For pets, the EU Pet Passport (or equivalent veterinary certificate) is mandatory. Animals must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by official health documentation.

Your first month after arriving in Italy

Moving in and setting up utilities

Once you’ve found a new home, the next step is arranging utilities.

Electricity and gas are usually provided by national or regional suppliers such as Enel Energia, Eni, or Hera, whilst water services are managed locally by municipal providers.

Setting up utilities typically requires your rental contract, identification documents, and your codice fiscale.

For phone numbers and internet connection, providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Fastweb offer a range of packages. Wifi installation can take some time, so we recommend arranging early.

Registering your address

As soon as you’ve moved in, you must register your address at the local anagrafe (registry office).

This step is crucial for confirming your residency and obtaining an official residenza certificate, which you’ll need to apply for healthcare, residence permits, and for other important administrative tasks.

You’ll need your lease agreement, identification, and sometimes proof of income. The municipality may also arrange a home visit to verify your address.

Opening a bank account

Banking is essential for paying rent, receiving a salary, or setting up utilities.

Traditional banks like Unicredit and Intesa Sanpaolo offer full services, though opening an account may involve long wait times and fees.

To open an account, you’ll generally need a codice fiscale (tax number), proof of residence, and a valid ID.

Online banks such as N26, Revolut, or Wise offer faster, more flexible options, often with English interfaces.

Important insurances for expats

Insurance is a critical part of settling in. The three most important types for newcomers are:

• Liability insurance: Protects you if you accidentally cause damage to others or their property. This is often required for rental contracts.

• Car insurance: Mandatory if you plan to drive, with costs depending on region and driving history.

• Health insurance: Essential for visa applications and initial months before gaining access to Italy’s public system.

Starting work or studies

Before you can legally begin work or studies in Italy, a few key documents are required.

The codice fiscale (tax code) is essential for everything from signing an employment contract to receiving a salary or scholarship.

Employees must have a registered work contract, and in some cases, the employer handles additional documentation, such as social security registration.

For students, universities typically require your residence permit application receipt and proof of health insurance before finalizing enrollment.

Transport and mobility

Italy’s transport system is well developed, widely available, and affordable in most cities.

In major cities, monthly passes for buses, trams, and metros significantly reduce costs compared to single tickets.

Driving requires extra care. EU and EEA licenses are valid in Italy, but non-EU citizens may need to convert or retest after 1 year, depending on bilateral agreements.

Bringing your family after arrival

Once you are legally settled, you may apply for family reunification to bring dependents to Italy.

The process requires proof of adequate income, suitable housing, and official relationship documents legalized and translated into Italian.

Applications are submitted through the local immigration office, with timelines varying widely by region.

Starting early will help avoid unnecessary delays in reuniting with your loved ones.

Your first year living in Italy

Learning Italian

Language learning is one of the most important investments you can make in your first year. Speaking Italian can make long-term integration, employment, and navigating bureaucracy much easier.

There are several effective methods:

• Integration courses offered by municipalities or cultural centers provide structured lessons at low cost.
• Private language schools in most major cities offer intensive programs tailored to professionals or students.
• Tandem exchanges connect you with Italians who want to learn your language in return.

Public healthcare

Once you have your residence permit, you can register with the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), Italy’s public healthcare system.

Registration usually takes place at your local ASL (health authority office), where you’ll need your residence certificate, codice fiscale, and proof of address.

After registering, you choose a general practitioner who will serve as your main contact for referrals and prescriptions.

Learn more about public healthcare in Italy.

Culture and workplace habits

Adapting to Italian workplace culture is key to success, helping you build trust and integrate smoothly into professional environments.

Many companies maintain a clear hierarchical structure in which respect for managers and seniority is important.

Employment contracts typically include 4 weeks of paid vacation, and it is common for many businesses to slow down in August during the summer holidays.

Building a social network

Forming a community in Italy takes time, but opportunities are everywhere!

Many newcomers join expat groups, language exchange events, or platforms like Meetup, which host gatherings for sports, networking, or cultural activities.

Volunteering offers another avenue to integrate while contributing to the community.

Making connections with both expats and locals gives you support and authentic cultural immersion, helping you feel truly at home.

Taxes and social contributions

Once you’ve spent more than 183 days in Italy, you’re legally considered a tax resident and must file your first dichiarazione dei redditi (tax return) the following year.

In addition, employees automatically contribute to INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale), which provides pensions, unemployment benefits, and other benefits.

Contributions are usually deducted from your salary by your employer; however, freelancers and self-employed workers must register with INPS directly.

Childcare and education

Italy offers both public and private options for education:

• State schools are free of charge and follow a national curriculum
• Private and international schools charge tuition and offer bilingual programs, alternative teaching methods, or curricula aligned with those of other countries.

Childcare begins with asili nido (nurseries) for children up to age three, followed by scuola dell’infanzia (kindergarten).

Monthly costs in private nurseries range from €300 to €700, with enrollment requiring proof of residence and vaccination records.

Long-term residency and citizenship in Italy

Permanent residency

After five years of continuous legal residence, non-EU citizens can apply for an EU long-term residence permit.

This permit grants almost the same rights as Italian citizens, including free movement across most EU countries and easier access to jobs and benefits.

Applicants must demonstrate stable income, adequate housing, and proof of integration. The latter often involves passing an Italian language test at A2 level or higher.

Citizenship

Italian citizenship offers full rights in Italy and the European Union, including voting and unrestricted work across member states.

The most common path for expats is naturalization after 10 years of legal residence, with reduced periods for those with an Italian spouse or Italian ancestry.

Processing often takes 3-4 years, though reforms aim to streamline procedures. Applicants must demonstrate income stability, integration, and proficiency in Italian.

Italy is among the countries that allow dual citizenship, which can be a major advantage for expats who want to maintain ties with their home country while enjoying EU rights.

Long-term financial planning

Settling permanently in Italy requires thoughtful financial planning for the future.

Contributions to INPS (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale) build toward state pensions, with benefits depending on years of contributions and income level.

Real estate is a popular investment, but ownership comes with property taxes such as IMU (municipal tax on second homes) and transaction fees.

Conclusion

Moving to Italy shouldn’t have to feel scary. It’s an exciting life experience, and bureaucracy doesn’t have to get in the way!

Whilst there’s a lot to think about, the best advice is to take things slowly, step by step. Preparing in advance is also key, but not everything needs to be handled at once.

Follow the steps we’ve outlined here, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Italian embassy or consulate for any questions specific to your situation.

Once you’ve got all your bases covered, it’s time to book that flight!

Ci vediamo presto!