Move to Italy: Complete 2026 Guide

Last updated: February 2026. Sources: Italian Ministry of Interior, Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency), ISTAT, Numbeo, PWC Tax Summaries, Henley & Partners.

Can Americans Move to Italy Without a Job?

Yes. According to the Italian Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Elective Residence Visa allows Americans with passive income to live in Italy without employment. The minimum threshold is approximately €31,000 per year (about $32,500 USD) for a single applicant, plus 20% for a spouse and 5% per child. This visa prohibits employment in Italy — you must live on savings, pensions, investments, or rental income.

Which Italy visa is right for me?

According to immigration specialists, your profile determines the best visa:

• High net worth investor wanting EU access: Golden Visa (€250K startup route) — no minimum stay, includes family, path to citizenship
• Retiree with pension income: Elective Residence — lowest cost, straightforward, but no work allowed
• Remote worker with foreign clients: Digital Nomad — requires €28K/year income, 6 months work history, health insurance
• Tech founder with innovative business: Startup Visa — fast-track (30-60 days), requires Italia Startup Hub approval
• Freelancer serving Italian clients: Self-Employment — requires Nulla Osta, quota availability, longer process

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Italy vs Portugal?

According to Expatistan's December 2025 data, Italy is approximately 13% more expensive than Portugal overall. According to LivingCost.org, the average cost of living in Italy is $1,616/month compared to $1,424/month in Portugal — a 13% difference. However, costs vary dramatically by region: Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia) can be 40-50% cheaper than Milan or Rome.

What is the rent in Italy's major cities?

According to Numbeo data (January 2026), rent varies significantly by city. Milan is Italy's most expensive city at €1,050/month for a 1-bedroom in the center. Turin offers the best value among major cities at €790/month — nearly half the Milan rate.

Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Index, January 2026

What is the monthly budget for living in Italy?

According to Global Citizen Solutions, a single person needs approximately €855/month for essentials (excluding rent) in Italy. With rent included, expect €1,400-1,700/month for a comfortable lifestyle outside Milan. In Milan, budget €1,800-2,200/month.

• Complete Italy Cost of Living Breakdown →

How Do I Get an Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)?

According to the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency), the Codice Fiscale is a 16-character alphanumeric code required for nearly all transactions in Italy — bank accounts, rental contracts, utility connections, healthcare registration, and employment. You can obtain it free of charge at any Italian consulate before arriving, or at Agenzia delle Entrate offices in Italy.

What should I do in my first 30 days in Italy?

How do I open a bank account in Italy as a foreigner?

According to Italian banking regulations, you'll need: Codice Fiscale, valid passport, proof of Italian address (even a hotel booking initially), and proof of income or savings. Per the Italian Deposit Guarantee Scheme, deposits are protected up to €100,000. Fineco Bank is popular with expats for its low fees and English-language app. Traditional banks like Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit offer dedicated expat services but may charge €5-10/month.

• How to Open an Italian Bank Account →
• Complete Codice Fiscale Guide →

Is Italy's Healthcare System Good for Expats?

Yes — Italy's Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is ranked #2 globally by the World Health Organization for overall health system performance. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, legal residents can access the SSN by registering at their local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). Non-EU residents with Elective Residence visas pay an annual contribution of approximately €2,000, which can be reduced to €388-700 for students or those with limited income.

• Italy Healthcare System for Expats →

How Much Does the Italy Golden Visa Cost?

According to the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, the Italy Golden Visa (officially "Investor Visa for Italy") requires a minimum investment of €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup — the lowest threshold among major EU Golden Visa programs. Processing takes 3-4 months according to Henley & Partners, and the visa grants a 2-year residence permit renewable for 3 additional years.

What are the Italy Golden Visa investment options?

What are the total costs for Italy Golden Visa?

According to Global Citizen Solutions, total costs include the investment plus approximately €11,250-15,000 in legal fees and €126 in government permit fees. Here's the full breakdown:

• Complete Italy Golden Visa Guide →
• Best Italy Golden Visa Law Firms →

What Are Italy's Tax Rates for Expats?

According to the Agenzia delle Entrate and PWC Tax Summaries, Italy uses a progressive income tax system (IRPEF) with rates from 23% to 43%. The 2026 Budget Law reduced the middle bracket from 35% to 33%. Additionally, regional surcharges of 1.23-3.33% and municipal surcharges of 0-0.9% apply, bringing the effective maximum rate to approximately 47%.

What are Italy's income tax brackets in 2026?

Source: Agenzia delle Entrate, PWC Tax Summaries 2026. Regional/municipal rates vary by location.

What is Italy's 7% flat tax for retirees?

According to Taxing.it and Italian tax law, foreign retirees relocating to Southern Italy (municipalities under 20,000 population in regions like Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, or Molise) can pay just 7% tax on all foreign-source income for 10 years. Requirements:

• Must not have been Italian tax resident in the previous 5 years
• Must receive pension income as defined under Italian rules
• Must relocate to a qualifying Southern Italian municipality
• Regime lasts 10 years from first year of Italian tax residence

• Complete Italy Tax Guide for Expats →

What Are the Best Cities to Live in Italy?

According to Il Sole 24 Ore's 2025 Quality of Life Index, Trento ranks #1 in Italy for overall quality of life, followed by Bolzano and Udine. Bologna ranks #4. For expats, Milan offers the most international environment but highest costs. Bologna provides excellent schools, food culture, and central location. Turin delivers the best value among major cities.

• Complete Guide: Best Places to Live in Italy →
• Rome vs Milan: Which Is Better? →

How Does Italy Compare to Portugal and Spain for Expats?

According to Expatistan, Italy is 13% more expensive than Portugal overall. However, Italy offers the #3 most powerful passport globally (vs Portugal #4), the cheapest Golden Visa minimum (€250K vs €250K minimum for Portugal funds), and citizenship by descent opportunities unavailable in Portugal. Spain ended its Golden Visa in April 2025.

Sources: Henley Passport Index 2025, Global Peace Index 2025, LivingCost.org, official government sources.

Can I Get Italian Citizenship Through Ancestry?

Potentially yes. According to Italian nationality law, citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) allows individuals with Italian ancestors to claim citizenship regardless of how many generations have passed — there is no generational limit. However, significant law changes in 2025 restricted this pathway.

What are the Italian citizenship requirements?

• How to Get Italian Citizenship →
• Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis) Guide →
• Citizenship by Marriage →

Guides by Nationality

According to Italian consular data, Americans are the fastest-growing group of long-term visa applicants to Italy. UK citizens face post-Brexit visa requirements but retain strong pathways through Elective Residence and Golden Visa options.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Italy?

Italy offers an unmatched quality of life — world-class food, culture, and history — but bureaucracy, language barriers, and the long citizenship path can frustrate newcomers. Here's an honest assessment based on expat surveys and expert analysis:

Pros

• Healthcare excellence: WHO ranks Italy #2 globally for health system performance
• Food and culture: UNESCO recognizes the Mediterranean diet; Italy has 61 World Heritage Sites (most in the world)
• Lower cost than US/UK: 40-50% cheaper overall according to Numbeo
• Powerful passport: #3 globally with 189 visa-free destinations (Henley 2025)
• Climate diversity: From Alpine skiing to Mediterranean beaches
• EU access: Live and work anywhere in the European Union
• Ancestry citizenship: Jure sanguinis offers citizenship without residency
• Tax incentives: Multiple flat tax regimes for new residents

Cons

• Notorious bureaucracy: Permit processing can take months; offices often have limited hours
• Language barrier: Less English spoken than Portugal, Netherlands, or Scandinavia
• Long citizenship path: 10 years residency requirement (longest among major EU countries)
• Economic challenges: High youth unemployment (~23%), lower average salaries than Northern Europe
• Infrastructure gaps: Southern Italy less developed than North
• Chaotic driving: Especially in Rome, Naples; parking is difficult
• Summer heat: 35-40°C common in July-August; no AC in many older buildings
• Expat concentration: Popular areas (Florence, Amalfi) experiencing overtourism and gentrification

Your First 90 Days in Italy: Complete Checklist

Before Arrival

• Get Codice Fiscale — Visit Italian consulate (free, 10 minutes)
• Gather apostilled documents — Birth certificate, criminal record, marriage certificate if applicable
• Arrange health insurance — Required for visa; private plan or travel insurance initially
• Book short-term accommodation — 2-4 weeks while finding long-term housing

Days 1-8 (Critical Period)

• Get Permesso di Soggiorno kit — Available at Poste Italiane; submit within 8 days of arrival per Italian law
• Get Italian SIM — Iliad (€8/month) or TIM/Vodafone at any electronics store
• Start bank account process — Book appointment with Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or Fineco

Weeks 2-4

• Find long-term accommodation — Sign contratto di affitto (rental contract)
• Register residence (Anagrafe) — Required within 20 days of finding permanent housing
• Complete bank account — Typically requires in-person verification
• Set up utilities — Enel (electric), Eni/Edison (gas), local water company

Months 2-3

• Register with SSN healthcare — Visit local ASL office with Permesso ricevuta
• Get internet installed — TIM, Vodafone, or Fastweb fiber (€25-40/month)
• Start Italian lessons — Required for citizenship (B1 level); recommended for daily life
• Attend Permesso appointment — At Questura when scheduled (2-3 months after application)

Education Options for Expat Families

According to the Italian Ministry of Education, public schools are free for all residents regardless of nationality, with lessons taught in Italian. International schools offer British, American, German, and IB curricula in English. Italian universities are affordable (€200-4,000/year) compared to US/UK costs.

• International Schools in Italy →
• International Schools in Milan →

Moving with Pets to Italy

Italy is pet-friendly, with dogs welcome in many restaurants and public spaces. Per EU Regulation 576/2013, pets entering from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with valid rabies vaccination. From non-EU countries (US, UK), you need: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), EU health certificate (USDA endorsement for US pets).

Find an Italy Immigration Expert

For Golden Visa or citizenship by descent applications, use a specialist immigration lawyer registered with the Italian Bar Association (Consiglio Nazionale Forense). Budget €3,000-8,000 for standard visa applications and €5,000-15,000 for citizenship cases.

• Best Italy Golden Visa Law Firms →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move to Italy without a job?

Yes. The Elective Residence Visa allows residency with passive income (pension, rental income, investments, dividends). According to Italian consular guidelines, you need approximately €31,000/year minimum passive income for a single applicant. You cannot work on this visa.

How much money do I need to move to Italy?

For Elective Residence: €31,000+ annual passive income demonstrated through bank statements. For Digital Nomad: €28,000+ annual income from foreign sources. For Golden Visa: €250,000-2,000,000 investment plus €10,000-15,000 in fees. For general living: budget €1,500-2,000/month for a comfortable single lifestyle outside Milan.

Does Italy have a Golden Visa?

Yes. According to the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Italy's Investor Visa (Golden Visa) offers residency for investments starting at €250,000 (innovative startups). Unlike Portugal or Greece, real estate is NOT a qualifying investment.

How long until I can get Italian citizenship?

Per Italian nationality law: 10 years of legal residency for non-EU nationals, 4 years for EU citizens, 3 years if born in Italy, 2-3 years if married to an Italian citizen. All paths require B1 Italian language proficiency. Processing currently takes 2-4 years due to backlog.

What is the cost of living in Italy?

According to LivingCost.org, Italy averages $1,616/month (excluding rent) — 13% more expensive than Portugal. A single person can live on €1,400-1,800/month outside Milan. Couples budget €2,000-2,600/month. Milan is most expensive; Southern Italy is 40-50% cheaper.

Do I need to speak Italian?

Not initially for daily survival in tourist areas, but it helps significantly. English is less widely spoken than in Portugal, Netherlands, or Scandinavia. B1 Italian is required for citizenship. Most expats achieve conversational Italian within 18-24 months with consistent study.

Is Italy safe?

Generally yes. According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Italy ranks #33 globally. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft exists in tourist areas (Rome, Florence, Naples). Organized crime presence in Southern Italy rarely affects expats directly.

What are the downsides of living in Italy?

According to expat surveys: notorious bureaucracy (slow permit processing), language barrier, 10-year citizenship path, low average salaries (€30K/year), summer heat (35-40°C), chaotic driving in cities, and infrastructure gaps between North and South.

Can I work remotely for a US/UK company while living in Italy?

Yes. Italy introduced the Digital Nomad Visa in 2024. Per the official requirements, you need €28,000/year minimum income from non-Italian sources, 6+ months of proven remote work history, health insurance, and accommodation. The visa allows 1-year stay, renewable.

What is Italy's healthcare quality like?

Excellent. The WHO ranks Italy's SSN #2 globally for health system performance. According to the Italian Ministry of Health, residents can enroll by paying €388-2,000/year or get free coverage if employed. Wait times for specialists can be long; private insurance (€50-150/month) provides faster access.

Can I get Italian citizenship through ancestry?

Potentially yes. Italy allows citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) with no generational limit. However, 2025 law changes (Decree-Law 36/2025) limited eligibility. Consular applications now require the Italian ancestor to have emigrated after January 1, 1948. Pre-1948 cases required judicial submission by March 27, 2025.

What is Italy's flat tax for retirees?

According to Italian tax law, foreign retirees relocating to Southern Italian municipalities (under 20,000 population) can pay 7% flat tax on all foreign-source income for 10 years. Requirements: foreign pension income, no Italian tax residency in prior 5 years, relocation to qualifying region.

How do I get a Codice Fiscale?

Visit your nearest Italian consulate before moving — it's free and takes approximately 10 minutes. Alternatively, obtain it at Agenzia delle Entrate offices in Italy. Per Italian regulations, you need this tax code for: bank accounts, rental contracts, utility connections, healthcare registration, employment.

Can I buy property in Italy as a foreigner?

Yes. Most nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, EU) can buy without restrictions under reciprocity agreements. Budget 10-15% of purchase price for transaction costs (registration tax, notary fees, agent commission). €1 home schemes exist but require €50,000-150,000+ renovations.

What is the best city for expats in Italy?

According to InterNations surveys, Milan ranks #1 for expats (international community, English spoken, job opportunities). Bologna ranks #1 for quality of life (Il Sole 24 Ore). Florence has the largest American community per capita. Turin offers best value among major cities.

How hard is it to learn Italian?

According to the US Foreign Service Institute, Italian takes 600-750 hours to reach conversational level for English speakers — categorized as a "Category I" (easiest) language. Italian pronunciation is more phonetic than English. Most expats achieve B1 in 18-24 months with consistent study.

Can I open a bank account before moving to Italy?

Difficult with traditional banks. Most Italian banks require in-person visits and proof of Italian address. Get your Codice Fiscale at the consulate first. Digital banks (N26, Wise, Revolut) work immediately but may not satisfy visa requirements for proof of Italian banking.

What documents do I need to move to Italy?

Essential documents: valid passport (2+ years remaining), criminal background check (apostilled), proof of income/savings (3 months bank statements), health insurance, Codice Fiscale. For specific visas: additional documents per type. All non-English documents need sworn Italian translation (traduzione giurata).

Is Italy good for retirees?

Excellent, according to International Living. Benefits include: lower cost of living vs US/UK, world-class healthcare (WHO #2), rich culture, excellent climate (especially South), 7% flat tax regime for qualifying retirees in Southern Italy, and strong expat communities. The Elective Residence Visa is the typical pathway.

Can I get a mortgage in Italy as a foreigner?

Yes. According to Italian banking regulations, non-residents can typically get 50-60% LTV (loan-to-value). Residents can get 70-80% LTV. Interest rates in 2026 average 3.5-4.5%. You'll need: Codice Fiscale, proof of income (2 years tax returns), employment/pension documents. Process takes 2-3 months.

How long can I stay in Italy without a visa?

Per Schengen regulations: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. After 90 days, you need a visa. The 90-day clock resets only after being outside the entire Schengen Area for 90 days.

What is the Italy Digital Nomad Visa?

Introduced in 2024, per the Italian Ministry of Interior, the Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Italy while working for non-Italian companies. Requirements: €28,000/year minimum income (€24,800 according to some sources), work contract with foreign company or 6+ months freelance history, health insurance, proof of accommodation. Valid 1 year, renewable.

Are there American expat communities in Italy?

Yes, substantial ones. According to the US Embassy, approximately 100,000 Americans live in Italy. Florence has the largest American community per capita. Rome and Milan have significant communities. Facebook groups, InterNations, American Citizens Abroad, and professional associations provide community support.

What happens if my Italy visa application is rejected?

Per Italian administrative law, you can appeal within 60 days through either administrative appeal (ricorso gerarchico) or judicial appeal (ricorso al TAR). Common rejection reasons: insufficient income documentation, incomplete paperwork, missing health insurance, criminal record issues. Many rejections are fixable by resubmitting with corrected documentation.

Is it hard to rent as a foreigner in Italy?

Challenging but manageable. Italian landlords typically require: Codice Fiscale, proof of income (ideally 3x monthly rent), Italian guarantor (fideiussione) OR 3-6 months rent upfront. Tips: short-term accommodation first to build local credentials, direct landlord contact often works better than agencies, Facebook expat groups have rental listings.

What are the best cities for families in Italy?

According to quality of life surveys: Bologna (#1 for demography and education per Il Sole 24 Ore), Milan suburbs (Monza, Bergamo — good international schools), Rome suburbs (EUR district — more space, good schools), Tuscany countryside (peaceful but requires car and Italian schooling).

When is the best time to move to Italy?

September-October or April-May. Avoid: August (everything closes for Ferragosto, extreme heat, peak tourist prices), December-February (coldest months, shorter business hours). Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, lower rents, and fully-staffed government offices for administrative tasks.

How does the Permesso di Soggiorno work?

The Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) is required for non-EU citizens staying over 90 days. Per Italian immigration law: apply within 8 working days of arrival via Poste Italiane kit (~€100). Processing takes 2-3 months. You receive a ricevuta (receipt) serving as temporary permit. Questura appointment scheduled via SMS. First permit typically 1-2 years, renewable.