Relocating to Italy: The Essential First Steps

Whether it has been your dream to live in Italy for a lifetime, or you are moving for work, retirement, or personal reasons, careful planning will ensure that your relocation is as smooth as possible. Below is a detailed guide on essential steps to take before and after your move.

Before You Arrive

Your Legal Status: EU citizens can live and work in Italy without a permit, making relocation much easier. However, if you do not have a job, you may need to provide proof of financial self-sufficiency. Non-EU citizens will need a visa to live and work legally in Italy. While some can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, staying beyond this limit requires proper authorization. Overstaying can lead to deportation and bans from the Schengen area, with stricter passport checks in countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany.

Visa options for non-EU citizens include:

• Elective Residency Visa — for retirees or those with independent financial means.
• Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers meeting specific income and employment criteria.
• Self-Employment Visa — for freelancers, entrepreneurs, or business owners.
• Employment Visa — for those with a job offer under Italy’s annual work quota system or skilled positions handled outside the quotas.

Each visa has strict eligibility requirements, so proper planning is essential.

Personal Documents: Before relocating, ensure that essential documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, degrees, and health insurance policies are translated, legalized, and apostilled, if needed. Italian authorities will not accept vital documents older than six months, so obtain updated versions. Prepare multiple copies of these documents for residency, employment, healthcare registration, and property rental or purchase. It is highly recommended to store electronic backups securely online to prevent complications in the event of document misplacing.

Vendor Selection: Work with local reputable professionals, including accountants, lawyers, and realtors, for a smooth relocation. Professional services can ensure that you comply with Italian laws and avoid potential pitfalls.

Health Coverage (Form E106 or S1): EU retirees should obtain Form E106 or S1 from their home country’s health authorities to access Italian healthcare. Request this form well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy. If obtaining these forms proves difficult, consider private health insurance in Italy to facilitate residency registration. Understanding the Italian healthcare system, including the public SSN and private insurance options, is essential for seamless access to medical services.

Language Skills: While some Italians speak some English, especially in major cities, knowing Italian is essential for daily life, especially in smaller towns. Consider enrolling in language classes before and after your move. Language proficiency will help with bureaucracy, social integration, and employment. Immersing yourself in the local culture and practicing Italian daily will accelerate your language learning and enhance your experience. If you do not speak Italian, it is highly advisable to take a 90-hour intensive course before you relocate to Italy.

Cost of Living: Italy’s cost of living varies significantly. Major cities like Rome and Milan are expensive, especially regarding rent and utilities. Air conditioning usage is often limited due to high electricity costs. Dining out can be affordable, particularly if you avoid tourist hotspots. Budget for at least six months of living expenses, including the first month’s rent, two to three months’ deposit, and realtor fees, which can range from one- or two-month’s rent to 10–18% of annual rent in cities like Milan. Additional costs include utilities, internet, transportation, and groceries, which vary based on location. Exploring smaller towns and suburban areas can offer lower living costs and a more relaxed lifestyle.

When You Arrive

Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): Obtain your Italian Tax Code as an EU citizen with your passport immediately upon arrival, as it is necessary for opening a bank account, signing a lease, obtaining a SIM card, and other local registrations. The tax code is generated using your name, birthdate, and place of birth. If you are a non-EU citizen, the local Tax Office (Agenzia delle Entrate) processes it with your passport and relevant visa. Understanding the process for obtaining and using your Codice Fiscale is essential for all official transactions in Italy.

Home Search: Finding a home in Italy can be challenging. Realtors often do not have exclusive rights to properties, so listings can disappear quickly. Work with multiple agents for broader options but be prepared for competition and potential disappointment. Realtors disclose full property details, including the address, only at the final stage to prevent direct landlord deals. Fees typically include one month’s rent, but in Milan, expect up to two months’ rent, or 10–18% of the annual rent. Researching the different regions of Italy can help in deciding where to live based on cost, amenities, and lifestyle preferences.

Town Hall Registration: EU citizens must register at the local Town Hall if they stay longer than 90 days. Non-EU citizens need to register after obtaining a work permit and a stay permit. Residency is required for registering with the Italian Health Service, buying a car, or opening a resident bank account. Understanding the registration process, required documents, and timelines is crucial for avoiding delays.

Banking and Finances: Opening a bank account requires a tax code, passport, and proof of address. Resident accounts offer more benefits than non-resident accounts, such as lower fees and additional services. Consider opening an Italian bank account even if you maintain accounts in your home country for easier financial management. Understanding the Italian banking system, including fees, online banking options, and international transfer costs, will help manage finances efficiently.

Healthcare Registration: Enroll in the Italian Health Service (SSN) after obtaining residency. Public healthcare is comprehensive and affordable but waiting times can be long in some areas. Private insurance offers faster access to specialists. Research local doctors, hospitals, and English-speaking medical services before you need them. Familiarizing yourself with emergency services, pharmacy locations, and specialist availability in your area is highly recommended.

Cultural Integration: Adjusting to Italian culture involves more than learning the language. Familiarize yourself with local customs, business etiquette, and social norms. Join local clubs, expat groups, and community events to build a network and ease the transition. Understanding Italian traditions, holidays, and everyday life can enrich your experience and help you feel more at home. Participating in festivals, local markets, and cultural activities can provide deeper insights into Italian life.

Relocating to Italy offers exciting opportunities and new experiences, but it also comes with challenges. Thorough preparation, local support, and flexibility will help you navigate the transition successfully. Researching, planning, and seeking assistance when needed will make your move to Italy a rewarding and enriching journey.

With over thirty years of experience as a Global Mobility Expert and Expat Coach in Italy, I specialize in ensuring smooth transitions for both individual and corporate clients adapting to life in Italy. My comprehensive services include immigration and relocation assistance, Italian citizenship acquisition, spousal support, personalized coaching, and entrepreneur mentoring. I am dedicated to providing successful and fulfilling expatriate experiences in Italy. If you’re planning your move or facing challenges while living in Italy, I’m here to help. Feel free to email me directly at inquiry@damienofarrell.com for tailored advice.

Grab your copy of my eBook’ 10 Must-Knows For Moving To Italy’ today and open the doors to a new chapter of your life in the heart of this captivating country. To get your copy, please follow this link for the PDF version or this link for the Kindle version.

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