MOVING TO ITALY FROM THE US

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is predominantly a large peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, accompanied by two major islands – Sicily and Sardinia. It shares its land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north, with the Alps running along its northern boundary. Italy holds the historic heart of the Roman Empire, the center of Catholicism, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Its rich heritage in art, history, religion, cuisine, architecture, and fashion has deeply shaped Western cultural tradition.

Italians are widely recognized for their flexibility, confidence, and charm. Their lively and playful communication style often leads foreigners to perceive them as enthusiastic and appreciative of life's offerings

Italy Quick guide

Best places to go:

Tourists and travel experts have long agreed that Italy is a special place, so much so that the country has become a de facto bucket list destination for just about everyone.

Famous for its incredible food, rich historical sites, highly regarded art, charming small towns and picturesque cities, countryside’s and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched.

Some of the best places to live in Italy include:

Rome: The capital city is steeped in history, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City.

Florence: Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is renowned for its art and architecture, including Michelangelo's David and the Florence Cathedral.

Venice: Famous for its canals, Venice exudes a romantic charm, with attractions such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Grand Canal.

Tuscany: Known for its scenic landscapes, Tuscany features historic cities like Siena and Pisa, as well as world-class wineries.

Amalfi Coast: This coastal paradise offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, with picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello.

Cinque Terre: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cinque Terre comprises five colorful villages perched along the rugged Italian Riviera, offering hiking trails and breathtaking coastal views.

Sicily: Italy's largest island boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty, including Mount Etna, ancient ruins, and pristine beaches.

Milan: A global hub for fashion and design, Milan also features impressive architecture such as the Duomo di Milano, along with upscale shopping and dining experiences.

These destinations are just a glimpse of what Italy has to offer, with each promising unique experiences and unforgettable memories.

Best places to move in:

Italy, renowned as one of the world's most beautiful countries, attracts approximately 100,000 migrants annually. Among them are a significant number of individuals from Egypt, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Syria, and Afghanistan. Representatives from various EU member states are also frequently encountered in Italy.

Il Sole 24 Ore has published its quality of life ranking for the 33rd consecutive year. The assessment is based on 90 factors, which are grouped into six categories: business and work, demographics and society, environment and services, level of safety, income and cost of living, and available entertainment. Using this analysis, they compile a ranking of the best places to live.

1st Place – Bologna

Bologna, located in northern Italy, is renowned for its historical architecture, cultural richness, and exquisite cuisine. Home to the University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities globally, the city is also celebrated as Italy's culinary capital, famous for its pasta, cured meats, and cheese.

With excellent transportation connections and a hub for the automotive and engineering industries, Bologna excels in various aspects. In the quality of life ranking, the city scored highest in indicators such as income level, ease of doing business, safety, healthcare, and demographics.

Expats in Bologna
While not as populated by expats as Milan or Rome, Bologna, being a medium-sized city, hosts a considerable number of foreign residents, primarily students.

Quality of Life
Bologna offers a high quality of life, blending historic allure with modern amenities. Renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is also cyclist-friendly, with numerous cycle paths. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Bologna boasts many parks and green spaces.

Cost of Living
Compared to other Italian cities, the cost of living in Bologna is relatively lower. Rental prices vary by area but are generally more affordable than in Rome, Milan, or Florence, with apartments renting for 900-1000 euros per month. Additionally, food costs are lower, and the majority of the local population uses bicycles for transportation.

Security
Bologna is considered a safe city with a low level of violent crime. However, like any urban area, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur.

2nd place – Bolzano

Bolzano is a multicultural Italian city, which is the capital of the province of South Tyrol. It is known for its picturesque location in the Italian Alps, a well-preserved historic center with Gothic architecture and a unique combination of Italian and Austrian cultures. The city's attractions include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Castle of Marecchio and the South Tyrolean Archaeological Museum, home to the famous Ezi Iceman.

Expats in Bolzano Thanks to a developed economy and excellent living conditions, the population of Bolzano has been growing steadily for the past 70 years. The city is bilingual, the official languages here are Italian and German, which is why a large percentage of the German-speaking population lives in the city - Austrians and Germans.

Quality of life: Bolzano offers a high quality of life in a picturesque location surrounded by mountains and a pleasant climate. Bolzano is known for its excellent healthcare system, quality education and has good transport links with the train station and the nearest airports.

Cost of living: Bolzano is known to be one of the most expensive cities in Italy, especially when it comes to housing. The average cost of renting an apartment here is more than 1,300 euros per month.

Security: Bolzano is a safe city with a low crime rate.

3rd Place - Florence

Florence, often referred to as the pearl of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, resembles an open-air museum. The city boasts numerous attractions, including the iconic Piazza del Duomo, the historic Ponte Vecchio, the picturesque Arno River, and a plethora of museums. Florence is also renowned for its world-class art galleries and museums, notably the Uffizi Gallery. Today, it stands as Italy's primary tourist destination and economic hub.

Expats in Florence
As a popular tourist destination, Florence attracts visitors from around the globe. With a population of approximately 380,000, the city has a significant foreign population, accounting for about 14% of its residents, leading to a high level of English proficiency.

Quality of Life
Florence offers a high quality of life, with an economy centered around tourism, heavy industry, and manufacturing. The city is renowned for its cuisine, leather goods, and high-end fashion. Florence boasts excellent transportation links, including a major airport and high-speed rail connections to other Italian cities. It is also a hub for education and research, with several international schools, top universities, and research institutes.

Cost of Living
The cost of living in Florence can be relatively high, especially in the historic city center, which ranks among the most expensive areas in Italy. However, there are more affordable neighborhoods outside the center where housing and other expenses are lower. On average, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs 1,400 euros, a studio apartment costs 920 euros, and a room can be found for 500 euros.

Security
With a safety index of 70, Florence is considered slightly safer than Milan. Given that tourism is a significant source of income for the city, most crimes are related to it. Florence has a relatively high risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas.

4th Place - Milan

Milan, situated in northern Italy, is renowned for its fashion, design, art, and architecture. The city is home to prestigious fashion houses like Prada and Armani, and it hosts Milan Fashion Week.

As the second-largest city in Italy, Milan boasts a population of approximately 1.4 million people and is recognized as one of Europe's four economic powerhouses.

Expats in Milan
Milan is a hub of international business, with around 277,000 foreigners residing in the city as of 2022, accounting for almost 20% of the total population. The city boasts a sizable English-speaking community, with thousands of British and American expats calling Milan home.

Quality of Life
Milan offers a high quality of life, characterized by robust economic development, a commitment to sustainability, and an increasingly diverse cultural and demographic landscape. The city is teeming with cultural institutions, restaurants, and shops, and is renowned for its world-class museums and galleries, such as the Pinacoteca Brera. Milan also boasts a vibrant nightlife and excellent transportation links, including three international airports and high-speed rail connections to other Italian cities. Several international schools in Milan offer education in English.

Cost of Living
Milan has a relatively high cost of living compared to other Italian cities, particularly in terms of housing. According to HousingAnywhere's apartment rental index, Milan ranks fifth among the most expensive cities in Europe, with an average rental price of $2,070 per apartment.

Security
Milan is generally considered a safe city, with a low rate of violent crime. However, certain neighborhoods are more susceptible to petty crimes like pickpocketing. It is advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding your belongings.

5th Place - Siena

Siena, a quaint Italian city in Tuscany, is renowned for its historic architecture, medieval cityscape, and the famed Palio race, which takes place twice a year in the city's central square. Key attractions include the Piazza del Campo and the Gothic Siena Cathedral.

Expats in Siena
While Siena may not attract as many expats as larger Italian cities, it boasts a small yet vibrant international community, largely due to the significant number of international students enrolled at the University of Siena.

Quality of Life
Siena is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The city boasts numerous museums, art galleries, and historical sites, and is home to one of Italy's oldest universities, the University of Siena.

Cost of Living
Siena is considered relatively expensive, especially when compared to other Italian cities. The high demand for housing, particularly in the historic center, contributes to the city's higher cost of living.

Security
Siena is generally considered a safe city, although incidents of petty crime do occur occasionally.

6th Place - Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is renowned for its rich history, ancient ruins, and artistic treasures. The city boasts numerous world-famous attractions, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. As the political capital of Italy, Rome is one of Europe's most densely populated cities. It offers expats a Mediterranean lifestyle infused with millennia of history, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and economic opportunities.

Expats in Rome
With a population of almost 3 million, Rome ranks as the third-largest city in Europe. The city is home to approximately 300,000 expats and foreign students, with many international organizations, including the United Nations, based here. Rome also hosts several top universities attracting foreign students.

Quality of Life
Rome boasts a high quality of life, characterized by its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The city's economy is driven by tourism, the financial sector, technology, and construction. However, challenges such as traffic congestion, high tourist numbers, and frequent strikes exist.

Cost of Living
Living in Rome is undeniably expensive, despite a steady decline in real estate prices over the past seven years. The average cost of purchasing one square meter in the historic district is €7,369. Rental prices have also increased by almost 13% since 2021, with the average cost of renting an apartment being $1,811.25.

Security
With a safety index of 64, Rome is considered relatively safe. However, like any major city, petty crime, particularly pickpocketing, can occur, especially in tourist areas and on public transport.

7th Place - Turin

Turin, the former capital of Italy and now the focal point of the northern province of Piedmont, sits on the west bank of the Po River, surrounded by the Western Alps. While its political significance has waned over time, Turin remains Italy's third-largest city in terms of economic influence, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Expats in Turin
Turin serves as a European hub for international industrial commerce and trade, attracting many immigrants. The city, home to approximately 850,000 residents, boasts a 14% expat population.

Quality of Life
Turin's thriving technology and innovation sector offers ample job opportunities for expats. The city is renowned for its historic districts, opulent palaces, picturesque squares, opera houses, and galleries. Turin also hosts world-class universities and renowned sports teams like Juventus.

Cost of Living
Compared to other major Italian cities, Turin offers a lower cost of living. The average monthly rent for an apartment in the city is around $1,116.5.

Security
Turin boasts a high level of security, providing residents with peace of mind.

Requirements for moving to Italy from the US:

Documents required for removal goods:

Cuss form Mod. F-01A (“istanza senza garanzia”) which implies the penal responsibility of the declarant/importer.

Copy of the residence registration application, so called “Avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica”, submitted and acknowledge by the Italian city hall.

ATTENTION: a residence registration can only be applied if the applicant provides the city hall with a lease contract signed and registered or with an ownership deed of the Italian house.

If shipment is imported after 45 days from the release of the “Avvio di procedimento” the customs authorities will require an official “certificate of residence”

In case the “Avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica” didn’t become available on time, Italian customs can accept the evidence that the application has been submitted accompanied by the ownership certificate of the house.

Evidence of the residence in the origin country for a period longer than 12 months (this can be provided through a consular declaration, where obtainable, or AIRE certification (for Italian returning residents) or employer’s declaration, or lease contract or copies of utilities in the origin country for 13 months)

Passport Copy

Photocopy of the Italian fiscal code issued by the “agenzia delle entrate’
“Dichiarazione di libera importazione” (declaration to confirm thet imported goods are not among the ones whose importation is forbidden).

List of the household goods.

Visa:

Americans must have an entrance visa which should be obtained at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy, in order to remain in Italy more than three months and gain resident status. This procedure will take several weeks to complete so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the departure date.

Americans in Italy are considered either a “non-resident” or a “resident.”
Each of these classifications carries a different set of privileges and responsibilities:

Non-Resident

Americans staying or traveling within Italy for less than three (3) months are considered non-residents. This includes persons on vacation, those taking professional trips, students registered at an authorized school, or persons performing research or independent study.

As of May 28, 2007, under Italian law, all non-residents are required to complete a dichiarazione di presenza (declaration of presence).

Tourists arriving from a non-Schengen-country (e.g. the United States) should obtain a stamp in their passport at the airport on the day of arrival. This stamp is considered the equivalent of the declaration of presence. Tourists arriving from a Schengen-country (e.g. France) must request the declaration of presence form from a local police office (commissariato di zona), police headquarters (questura) or their place of stay (e.g hotel, hostel, campgrounds) and submit the form to the police or to their place of stay within eight business days of arrival. It is important that applicants keep a copy of the receipt issued by the Italian authorities. Failure to complete a declaration of presence is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

Tourists may bring motor vehicles bearing non-Italian license plates for no longer than six (6) months without paying customs duties. At the expiration of this period the motor vehicle must be re-exported or registered and Italian license plates obtained. If it is not registered, the violator can be charged with smuggling and is subject to penalties.

Resident

Americans staying in Italy for more than three (3) months are considered residents. This includes Americans who will work or transact business and persons who want to simply live in Italy.

Americans must have an entrance visa which should be obtained at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy, in order to remain in Italy more than three months and gain resident status. This procedure will take several weeks to complete so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the departure date. The visa will be granted only for the time indicated on the application. Americans already in Italy without a visa will have to leave Italy to obtain one before they will be able to gain resident status.

Upon arrival in Italy, the American must obtain a permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay). As of December 11, 2006, an application “kit” for the permesso di soggiorno may be requested from one of 14,000 national post offices (Poste Italiane). The kit must then be returned to one of 5,332 designated Post Office acceptance locations. It is important that applicants keep a copy of the receipt issued by the Post Office. Additional information may be obtained from an Italian immigration website via Internet at: http://www.portaleimmigrazione.it. Within 20 days of receiving the permit to stay in Italy, Americans must go to the local Vital Statistics Bureau, Anagrafe of the Comune, to apply for residency. It generally takes one to two months to receive the certificate of residence (Certificato di Residenza).

In addition, as of March 10, 2012, under Italian law (Presidential Decree no. 179 of September 14, 2011) all American citizens who request an Italian permit of stay for more than 12 months are required to sign an “integration agreement” (accordo di integrazione) at the local prefecture (sportello unico per l’immigrazione) or at the provincial police headquarters (questura). By signing this agreement, Americans are compelled to achieve specific integration goals (e.g. acquire an adequate knowledge of the Italian language, of the Italian civil structure and culture) and accumulate a total of thirty credits. Simply signing the agreement will secure the first sixteen points.

The remaining fourteen points must be earned over the next two years by taking classes or passing a test in the Italian language, on the civil structure and culture, and by successfully completing a variety of other requirements. Failure to complete the integration agreement with the required credits is punishable by expulsion from Italy.

If the American wishes to relinquish Italian residency, he/she must apply at the Anagrafe for cancellation of residence and get a written statement that will allow them to take household goods out of Italy without difficulty and without the assessment of taxes after departure.

A motor vehicle may be imported duty-free within six months of receiving the certificate of residence from the Anagrafe and if owned for a period more than one year. Imported vehicles must be registered and Italian license plates obtained. For more detailed information, contact the vehicle registration office, Pubblico Registro Automobilistico (PRA).

Household goods may be imported duty free within six months of receiving the certificate of residence from the Anagrafe. An experienced and reliable shipping agent can simplify customs-free importation of household effects.

While in Italy, lost/stolen items should be reported to the local police and to the U.S. Consulate.
If the following documents are lost, replacements should be obtained from the offices indicated:

Permission to Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno) -from- Police Department (Questura)
Residence Permit (Certificato di Residenza) -from- Vital Statistics (Anagrafe)
Motor vehicle documents registered in Italy -from- Ispettorato della Motorizzazione Civile and Italian Automobile Club (ACI)
Passport or other identification issued by the U.S. Government -from- U.S. Consulate General

Work Permits

American citizens who have a job offer in Italy, or wish to work in Italy, either temporarily or permanently, must be provided with a work permit obtained by the prospective employer, and must obtain a work visa from the Italian Consular authorities BEFORE coming to Italy.

A written job offer or an employment contract is not regarded as a valid document for working in Italy: the prospective employer is required to apply for preliminary clearance from the provincial employment office (Ufficio Provinciale del Lavoro e della Massima Occupazione) in the proposed city of employment by submitting evidence that persons qualified for the position offered to a non-resident foreigner are not available in the local labor market. If clearance is granted, the prospective employer is further required to obtain a work permit with the approval of the regional and central authorities.

The permit is then sent to the worker so that he or she may apply for the entry visa.

There are Italian consular offices in most major cities in the U.S. The procedure for professional and self-employment is basically the same as that described above. A permit to reside in Italy for the purpose of employment is obtained after arrival in the country from the central police office (Questura) having jurisdiction. To apply for permit, you must submit a valid Italian visa and work permit.