Moving to Italy: The Complete Guide

Are you thinking of moving to Italy? This comprehensive guide walks you through all the key steps—from visas and registration to housing, work, and taxes, as well as healthcare, transportation, choosing the right region, and settling into daily life. Each section links to a detailed guide, so you can work your way through the process step by step.

First Steps: Registration and Paperwork

No matter where you're from, there are a few basic steps you'll need to take at the beginning of almost any move to Italy. It's best to follow this order:

• Apply for a Codice Fiscale – the Italian tax ID number, which is required for almost everything.
• Register for Residenza – the official place of residence registered with the municipality.
• Register with the Health Service (SSN) and open a bank account.
• Apply for a SPID – digital identity for government services.

You can find the complete schedule in the Moving Checklist; this guide shows you how to navigate government agencies Navigating Bureaucracy in Italy.

Visas and Residence (for Non-EU Citizens)

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa and are free to settle in the country. Those coming from a third country should plan ahead:

• What kind of visa do I need for Italy? – The Decision-Making Guide.
• Apply for a Residence Permit – the residence permit after entry.

Where to Go in Italy? Regions and Cities

North or south, city or countryside, mountains or sea? Italy is incredibly diverse. Our Regional Comparison helps you find the right area and compiles its own guides on all 20 regions and the major cities—from Rome and Milan about the Tuscany and South Tyrol until after Apulia and Sicily. Compare your preferred region with the Cost of living from.

Living

Rent or buy, register, and maintain—everything related to your home:

• Rent an Apartment and Buy a House (as well as Sell a Property).
• Sign Up for Electricity, Gas, and Internet.
• Utilities and Condominio understand.
• Home Bonus – Tax incentives for renovations.
• One Rent Out a Vacation Rental (Airbnb, CIN, short-term rentals).

Work and Self-Employment

From a salaried job to your own Partita IVA:

• Find a Job and Work and the Labor law (Contract, Wages, Termination).
• Register for a VAT number – become self-employed.
• As a Remote Worker / Digital Nomad or as an entrepreneur / founder.
• NASpI (Unemployment Benefits) and Pensions in Italy (INPS).
• Digital Requirements for the Self-Employed: PEC and Electronic Invoicing. And the Professional Recognition foreign degrees.

Taxes and Finance

Italy's tax system has its quirks—but it also offers attractive benefits for newcomers:

• Taxes – The Basics and the Tax return (730 / PF Income).
• The Accountant (tax advisor) and the Double Taxation with the DACH region.
• Tax benefits: the Lump-sum schemethat Impatriate System and the 7% Tax for Retirees.
• IMU (Property Tax), Inheritance and Wills and the ISEE.
• For foreign assets, the IVIE and IVAFE and for landlords, the flat-rate tax.
• Banking: Top Banks and Fintech Companies and Transfer money abroad.

Health and Insurance

Italy has a good public health care system—here's how to use it:

• Health Insurance (SSN, voluntary, private) and at the doctor's office in Italy.
• The Digital Health Record Electronic Health Record.
• Elder Care and Disability and Law 104.
• For vehicles: the Automobile Insurance (RCA).
• Special Topics: Dentist in Italy and mental health.

Mobility

Traveling in Italy—by train, car, or RV:

• Public Transportation and Driving in Italy (Rules, ZTL, tolls).
• Buy a Car and Transfer a Driver's License / Re-register a Car.
• Traveling Through Italy in a Motorhome.

Family and Life Situations

Whether you have children, are a couple, or are retired—there’s a guide for every stage of life:

• Emigrating with Your Family and Children and emigrate as a retiree.
• Getting Married in Italy and Divorce in Italy.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth, Daycare (asilo nido), Enrolling Children in School and Studying in Italy.
• Family Benefits: the assegno unico (Child benefit).

Daily Life and Integration

Here's how to fit into everyday life in Italy and make friends:

• Learn Italian and Making Friends and Integrating.
• SIM Card and Cell Phone Plan, Poste Italiane and Waste Separation.
• Holidays, Culture, and Etiquette and Shopping and Cooking.
• Bringing Pets Along, Emergencies and Safety and the Voting Rights for EU Citizens.
• In-Depth Language Study: The Italian language certificates (CILS, CELI, PLIDA) and the Dialects in Italy.
• Stay informed: An overview of the Media in Italy and News from Italy in German.

Italian Citizenship

There are several ways to obtain an Italian (and thus EU) passport:

• Citizenship by Descent (jure sanguinis).
• Naturalization Through Residence or Marriage.

Guides by Country of Origin

Depending on where you're from, different rules and tips apply:

• From Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
• As British (post-Brexit) or American.

What You Need to Do Next

Use this guide to get an overview, first clarify your residency status (EU or visa), and choose your preferred region. Then, work through the initial administrative steps in order—Codice Fiscale, Residenza, health insurance, and bank account—and learn more about housing, work, and taxes using the linked guides.