Living in Italy can be a great experience. The country has plenty of sunshine all year round, amazing beaches, an ancient history, and enough social security to allow for a stable life.
Still, the process of moving to Italy can be a long and complicated one. So, here, you can learn how to go about it in three easy steps.
Step 1. Understanding Your Immigration Options
You must have a valid reason for wanting to move to Italy, so you can obtain the proper residence permit and stay in the country long-term. This could be anything from the following options:
- You have found a job in the country.
- You are a digital nomad who wants to work and live in Italy.
- You want to retire in Italy.
Moving to Italy for Work
To move to Italy for work you must have a valid work visa, which can be one of the following depending on the type of work you do:
- General employment visa. For a work visa, you need to have an Italian employer sponsoring you, and you have to apply for the visa when the Flow Decree “Decreto Flussi” is open. This is a yearly quota determined by the government on how many non-EU workers can get a work visa.
- Italy EU Blue Card. This visa is issued to highly skilled workers who have a higher education and adequate professional qualifications. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a job offer and an income of at least €33,500 per year (as of 2024).
- Self-employed/freelancer visa. For a self-employment visa, you need to have a sponsor in Italy to start your application on your behalf. Because you don’t have an employer in this case you need to hire legal consultants to initiate the process for you.
- Youth mobility visa. Previously this visa was known as a “Working Holiday Visa”, and it’s issued to applicants between the ages of 18 to 35 from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Please note that to work in Italy you need to obtain a “Nulla Osta” or a work authorization. This is obtained in Italy so someone needs to apply in your behalf. In this case you must consult with legal professionals, who can help you obtain the work authorization and other legal documents for your visa application.
Where to Find Jobs?
If you are still in the process of looking for a job in Italy, you can use the following search sites to help you:
Private sector job search sites:
Public sector job search sites:
English-speaking Jobs in Italy
To find English-speaking jobs, check out the following sites:
List of Professions in Demand in Italy
Some of the most in-demand job sectors in Italy according to a EURES report include the following:
- Healthcare assistants.
- Food service counter attendants.
- Computer network and system technicians.
- Bakers, pastry cooks, and confectionery makers.
- Medical imaging technicians.
- Personal assistants and service workers.
- Welders and flame cutters.
- Cybersecurity experts.
- Data analysts.
- Hospitality.
- Teachers.
- Driving instructors.
Moving to Italy as a Digital Nomad
Italy recently launched a digital nomad visa that allows digital nomad workers to stay in the country for one year and extend their stay. To qualify for a digital nomad visa, you must be either an independent worker, such as a freelancer, or a self-employed person who can work remotely or work for a company from remote locations.
Moving to Italy to Retire
If you want to retire in Italy, you can apply for an elective visa, also known as a retirement visa. However, to be eligible for the visa, you must have enough financial means to support yourself as you’re not allowed to work under this visa.
The Italian immigration authorities do not specify any amount, but most online sources quote a minimum amount of €32,000 required per individual or €38,000 for couples. Your means of subsistence can be your life-long savings, proof of pension, or evidence of some kind of passive income (from business ownership and such).
Step 2. Applying for a Visa
The next important step in your moving plan is to apply for a visa. Depending on where you’re from this process can change as follows:
- If you’re from an EU country— you don’t need to apply for a visa, but you need to register your new residence after moving to the country.
- If you’re from the any of the countries that have a Schengen agreement with Italy (e.g., US, Australia, Japan, UK, Canada, etc)— you don’t need a visa to enter the country for 90 days. Still, you must apply for a residence permit after arriving in Italy.
- If you’re from any other country— you need both; a visa and a residence permit. You must initiate the process in your home country at an Italian consulate or embassy.
If you don’t need a visa to enter the country, you can skip this step and continue with the next section, “Settling in Italy.” However, you must verify whether you need a visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Process
Here’s how you can apply for a visa to move to Italy:
- Find an embassy/consulate. Locate the nearest consulate or embassy in your country that accepts visa applications. You can search for a consulate/embassy here.
- Fill out the application form. The form can usually be found on the websites of the Italian embassy or consulate. You must download and complete it, and remember to sign it.
- Make an appointment. You must make an appointment at least one month in advance to apply for your visa.
- Prepare your documents. You need to prepare the required documents for the application, such as your passport, bank statements, proof of employment, and so on (see the list below).
- Submit your application. On the day of your visa appointment, submit your application, pay the visa fee, and sit down for a short interview regarding your reasons for applying.
- Obtain your visa. Once your application is processed, you will be issued a national D visa to allow you to enter the country. After this, you must immediately apply for your residence permit at a local immigration office.
Documents
The list of documents for your application includes the following:
- Valid passport.
- Passport photographs.
- National D visa application form.
- Proof of travel insurance.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial means, e.g., bank statements.
- Proof of work contract.
- Proof of professional and educational qualifications.
Fees
The application fee for a national D visa to Italy is €116. This does not include any service fees or any additional fees you have to pay for your residence permit after entering the country.
Step 3. Settling in Italy
As soon as you arrive in the country, there are a few things you need to complete to help you settle down. The most important is to obtain your residence permit and find a long-term place to live.
Within eight days of arriving in Italy, you have to sign up for your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). To do this, you have to follow the steps listed here below:
- At the local post office (Poste Italiane) obtain the application package “yellow envelope”.
- Fill out the application form, and follow the instructions in the application package.
- Submit it at a designated post office in your area.
- Retrieve your receipt (Ricuveta) with a date for an appointment at the local police headquarters (Questura).
- Visit the police station nearest to you on the specified date to submit your fingerprints.
- After you are notified when it is completed, obtain your residence card (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the police station.
Get Your Fiscal Code (Codice Fiscale)
As soon as you obtain your residence permit, you must apply for your Codice Fiscal which is essentially a personal identification number. You will need this for many other processes such as registering your residence, registering a business if you’re self-employed, paying taxes, renting out a property, etc.
Some embassies/consulates allow you to initiate the process for your Codize Fiscal in your home country and then get in person after arriving in Italy, but this depends on the embassy/consulate.
If you apply for it after your arrival, you must visit the nearest Revenue Agency office (Agenzia delle Entrate) in your city. After filling out the form, the code is issued immediately.
Find Accommodation
Long-term accommodation in Italy will most likely be an apartment depending on which city you’re living in. To help you find all kinds of options for long-term renting you can use the following sites:
Please note that for your initial stay, you can stay in a hotel or hostel and use your reservation as proof of residence when you apply for your residence permit. The reservation must be valid from the day you apply for the permit until you retrieve it.
Register Residence
Within 20 days of obtaining your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), you must register your residence at a local registry office (Anagrafe) in your local municipality (Comune). For this you’ll need your passport, residence permit, proof of accommodation, and “Codice Fiscale.”
Obtaining Italian Citizenship
You can obtain Italian citizenship after living in the country for 10 years. However, this requirement is lowered to 5 or even 3 years for those who are direct descendants of an Italian citizen or marry an Italian citizen.
You must also show you have a yearly income of no less than €8.263 for applicants who are not married and without children. For married applicants, the amount is increased to €11,362 with an additional of €516 for each dependent.
To help you with your citizenship application you should consider consulting with professionals in the field so the process can be stress-free and fast.
Moving to Italy as an EU Citizen
If you’re an EU citizen and want to move to Italy, you don’t need a visa or a residence permit, however, you must register your new residence in the country.
To complete the registration process follow the steps listed below:
- Visit a local police station in your area within 8 days of entering the country and fill out a “Declaration of Presence” form.
- Obtain your “Codice Fiscale” at a local Revenue Agency office (Agenzia delle Entrate).
- Apply for registration in the public records office of the nearest municipality of your city.
The whole process can take between two to three months depending on the number of applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Italy?
The cost of moving to Italy can range from €5,000 to €10,000 depending on where you’re moving from, how much you’re taking with you, and whether you need to apply for a visa or not, as its actual cost can go up to €200 with the services fees included. You have to pay for your residence permit (€80–€200), and any additional costs for legal consulting assistance, service fees, and so on.
What Is the Living Cost in Italy?
The living costs in Italy for a person per month can go up to €900 without including rent.
It all depends on which city in Italy you’re living in, whether you’re living in the center or more in the countryside, whether you’re sharing your rent, and so on.
- Rent— €900-€1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment
- Utilities— €150-€200
- Groceries— €300-€400
- Transportation— €40-€50 for a monthly pass
- Internet— €30-€40
What’s the Average Salary in the Country?
As of 2024, the average salary in Italy is around €35,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on the industry, whether you’re self-employed, your experience, and other factors.
Is Italy a Safe Country to Move In?
Italy is a relatively safe country to live in. In 2024, it ranked among the top 30 safest countries according to the Global Safety Index, with an overall score of 61. As in other countries, crimes are prevalent in bigger cities, and petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common, particularly in tourist areas and crowded places.
Always be safe, stay alert, have caution, and always let someone know where you are.
What’s the Work Culture Like?
Italian work culture favors work-life balance to allow you to have a personally fulfilled life, but that does not mean Italians don’t value hard work. There is an emphasis on hierarchical structures, and employees are expected to dress elegantly, be respectful to their colleagues, and have great interpersonal relationships to foster teamwork and collaboration.
Do I Need to Know Italian?
You can get away with moving to Italy first without knowing much Italian, but if you’re determined to make that country your new home you should put a lot of effort into learning the language.
It will make it easier for you to find work, succeed in your workplace, and make new friends.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Italy?
Yes, you must pay taxes in Italy if you live there long-term, but if you are employed, taxes are automatically deducted from your salary.
However, as a self-employed person, you are responsible for calculating and paying your taxes. This includes:
- Personal Income Tax (IRPEF – Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche)
- Regional and Municipal Taxes
- VAT (IVA – Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto), if applicable
- Social Security Contributions (INPS – Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale)
Self-employed individuals typically pay taxes quarterly and must file an annual tax return.
Social Security Registration
You must also register with the National Institute of Social Security (Istituto Nazionale della Previdenza Sociale— INPS) if you are self-employed. Other employed persons are registered automatically via their employer.
This allows you to access other benefits such as unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, sick leave payments, disability benefits, and so on. It’s particularly important you complete this registration to access pension contributions if you plan on retiring in Italy.