An Expat Guide to Living La Dolce Vita!
Ever wondered what it’s like to teach English in Rome, research art in Florence, or work in Milan’s high-powered world of fashion or finance? Many expats find moving to Italy to be one of the best decisions of their lives.
The country is bursting with opportunities. Not only is it rich in history and culture, but it also has a low cost of living and one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
If you’re ready to pack your bags for this Mediterranean paradise, here’s an expert overview of everything you need to know about Italy before you move.
Find the Best Travel Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Legal Requirements For Moving to Italy
If you’re a member of the European Union, moving to Italy is easy. You are free to live and work there without a visa. However, most non-EU citizens must obtain the proper visa and meet other requirements before moving.
Health Insurance Requirements for Italy
Depending on the type of visa you’re eligible for, you may need to provide proof that you have private health insurance. Even if you become an Italian resident and have access to the national public healthcare system, international private health insurance will give you greater access to medical providers and pay for services not covered under the public system.
Visa Requirements by Type
Work Visas
If you’ve received a job offer in Italy, you can apply for a work permit or visa. You’ll need to provide your visa application, a letter of invitation from your Italian employer, and a copy of the company’s business license.
Retirement Visas
Those who wish to retire in Italy should apply for a long-term elective residency visa. With this application, you’ll need to provide proof of health insurance, proof of stable income and finances, and a registered lease or deed to the property where you plan to live.
Study Visas
Those who have been accepted into an Italian study program may qualify for a student visa. Study visas require proof you were accepted into an academic program, as well as proof you have the financial means to support yourself while in the country.
Self-Employment Visas
Digital nomads, freelancers, artists, entrepreneurs, and other self-employed persons may be eligible for an independent work visa. Partners and chairmen of Italian companies, translators, professors, interpreters, and managers of employees of companies based in Italy may also qualify for an independent work visa.
Read: Work Visas in Italy
Safety in Italy
According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Italy is ranked the 34th safest country in which to live. Expats from the United States, which ranks closer to the bottom of the list at number 131, are likely to feel very safe in Italy.
Although financial crimes like corruption and extortion occur in Italy because of organized crime, violent crime is rare. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common, especially in tourist areas.
Data from the Numbeo Safety Index indicates that the city of Naples is considered the least safe, with a safety index of just 37.3. The city of Florence has far less crime and boasts a safety index of 60.2. The larger cities of Milan and Rome have safety indices of 48.5 and 50.3, respectively. (Note that the higher the safety index number, the safer a city is considered to be.)
Where to Move To in Italy
From major metro areas and small cities to rustic villages and coastal towns, Italy has something for everyone. Here’s a snapshot of some of the best cities to live in Italy.
Rome
Approximately half a million immigrants from around the globe live in Rome. Rome is Italy’s most populous metro area, and it’s both safer and more affordable than many of the country’s smaller cities.
High-quality private and international schools make it a top choice for families. Ancient landmarks, countless art museums, world-class restaurants, great nightlife, and nearby Vatican City make it an ideal destination for those who love arts, culture, food, history, and entertainment.
Florence
Italians affectionately call this city Firenze, not Florence. But no matter what you call it, it’s an incredible place to live. The city is home to some of the world’s most historic churches and works of art. It’s also a beautiful, walkable city with endless narrow streets where you can explore restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.
The cost of living is higher than most Italian cities, but the crime rates are some of the lowest in the country. Another benefit of living in Florence is that it feels like a small village while offering big-city amenities like good public transport. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination for expats who dream of living under the Tuscan sun.
Bologna
Bologna is a charming city in the north of Italy. Culturally rich, this recognized UNESCO City of Music attracts both families and students, as -Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world. The local cuisine, neighborhood delis, and warm atmosphere can make even the newest immigrant feel right at home.
With a population of less than half a million people, Bologna is small, walkable, and safe. However, its cost of living tends to be higher than other Italian towns.
Trieste
Located in northeastern Italy, the port city of Trieste is consistently ranked one of the safest – and most affordable – cities in Italy.
It’s also walkable, thanks to several pedestrian-only and limited traffic areas that promote a healthy lifestyle. Cafe culture, incredible seafood restaurants, and excellent local wines make it a top choice for foodies. Many of the friendly locals speak English, so immigrants in Trieste find it easy to connect with the community.
Get our monthly newsletter filled with tips and information for people living, moving, and traveling outside of their home country.* *By submitting your email, you agree to receive monthly updates for expats, digital nomads, retirees, and more.
Cost of Living in Italy
If your home country is the USA or a country with a similarly high cost of living, you’ll find it’s easy to live well in Italy for very little money.
Of course, Italy’s big cities tend to be more expensive than its small towns. Yet it still costs an average of 42% less to live in Italy than it does to live in the United States. Monthly living expenses, including rent, average about $1,565 per month per person.
Learn more about the cost of living in Italy.
Finding a Place to Live in Italy
The cost of renting an apartment or house in Italy runs an average of $650-$850 USD a month for a one-bedroom apartment, as of May 2024 data.
In a more expensive city like Milan, monthly rent and utilities for one person average about $1,275 per month, while smaller and less expensive cities in the Abruzzo and Calabria regions cost about $500-$600 per month.
A local real estate agent can help you find the right rental accommodation for your needs, but another good way to search is to check out English-language newspaper ads, online expat forums, and local community bulletin boards. You might even see signs posted in property windows.
It’s rare to find a short or month-to-month lease in Italy, where a temporary lease for a non-Italian citizen or short-term resident can last up to 18 months. Standard leases average a minimum of three years, sometimes four. Breaking a lease can be costly and difficult, so many foreigners opt to rent a spare bedroom from another immigrant for 6 to 12 months to get a sense of where they want to live before settling in one locale.
Approximately 70% of Italians own their own homes, and smaller communities tend to focus more on owners than renters. U.S. citizens, as well as immigrants from other countries that have a “reciprocity” treaty agreement with Italy, can easily purchase property.
Immigrants from non-reciprocity countries may purchase property, too, but will need to obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) first. Before buying a home, know that some Italian communities may require new owners to make investments that improve local property values.
Finding a Job in Italy
Italy has one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe, but the economy has significantly improved over the last decade. The country’s unemployment rate – 7.2% as of March 2024 – is much lower than it was ten years ago when it was 12%. Still, because the unemployment rate is higher than in most European countries, it’s best to find a job before you move.
Many expats notice Italy has a distinct work culture. In the private sector, long days are the norm. Standard work hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The upside is that lunch hours are long and leisurely (and sometimes filled with wine!).
In the public sector, the average work week is 36 hours. However, the work week runs from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Banking and Finances in Italy
Like most countries in the European Union, Italy’s standard currency is the Euro.
It’s easy to set up a bank account in Italy. There are three types of financial institutions from which to choose: credit banks, cooperative banks, and cooperative credit banks.
In order to open an account, you must visit the bank in person. Bring your passport, proof of address in Italy, and residence card or employment contract. You’ll also need a tax identification number.
As with all banking systems, there are several options for bank accounts. Common bank account types include:
- Conto corrente. An account for day-to-day transactions.
- Conto corrente cointestato. Similar to the condo corrente, except it’s a joint account to be shared with someone else.
- Conto di risparmio. A standard savings account.
- Conto di deposito. A high-interest savings account.
You’ll need a tax identification number to do everything from filling out a rental application to getting a local phone number. New Italian residents sometimes overlook the importance of having a tax identification number or codice fiscale.
We recommend that all new foreign residents visit their local Italian police headquarters or the Italian Revenue Service to apply for a codice fiscale right away.
Education in Italy
Public education in Italy is free and known for excellent standards. Children begin compulsory primary school at the age of six, but many parents put their children in kindergarten when they are younger.
Italian high schools are very different from American schools. For example, the Italian curriculum focuses on specialized tracks. The upside is that students have excellent preparation for their future. The downside is that they face the challenge of making serious decisions when they’re just young teenagers. High school students must choose from one of the following streams:
- Liceo (Lyceum): Specializes in theoretical knowledge. Students can choose from subjects in the humanities, sciences, languages, or arts.
- Istituto tecnico (Technical Institute): Emphasizes a mix of theoretical knowledge and specialization in a certain field. Topics include economics, administration, law, technology, and tourism. Studies are often integrated with an internship for practical experience.
- Istituto professionale (Professional Institute): Focuses on practical subjects, including engineering, agriculture, gastronomy, and handicrafts. As a result, students are often prepared to enter the workforce without the need for further studies.
Italian schools are considered to be highly progressive. In 2019, the education minister announced that studying climate change would be mandatory for all Italian students. Italy is the first country in the world to do this.
Italian Culture and Language
Nearly all Italian residents speak Italian, while only one-third speak English. It’s wise to learn the language if you’re planning to move to Italy.
Keep in mind that in major cities like Rome, you’ll overhear people speaking in a variety of Italian dialects that sound like languages of their own. Even if you’re fluent in Italian, it can take time to become familiar with regional dialects.
Italians also practice a rather slow-paced way of life. If you move here from a faster-paced culture, the laid-back Italian lifestyle can feel like a culture shock.
It helps if you learn to appreciate the influence of family and food on everyday Italian life. It’s common for more than one generation to reside under the same roof, and meals are social events that last for hours.
Health Care in Italy
The Italian healthcare system is one of the best in the world in terms of patient outcomes. Nearly all medical costs are covered by the public healthcare system, the SSN, with few out-of-pocket costs.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and plus optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage areas and deductibles
- Freedom to choose your health care provider
However, expats who are new to the country cannot access the system until they establish legal permanent residency. Italy also requires all new immigrants to provide proof of private insurance coverage.
Although the SSN provides high-quality health care, Italy’s hospital wait times are often long. It can take several months to get an appointment to see a specialist, especially in rural areas.
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
To comply with Italy’s immigration requirements and ensure the best possible care, many expats purchase an international private medical insurance plan. These plans can help you avoid long wait times and gain access to medical centers that are more likely to have English-speaking doctors.
Learn more about health insurance for foreigners in Italy.
Ready to Call Italy Home?
Like any country, living in Italy has its pros and cons. Do as much research as possible to prepare yourself before the move.
If you’re eager to learn more about expat life in Italy, dive into our guides for popular Italian cities like Milan and Rome. Or, familiarize yourself with the best jobs in Italy, which includes sectors like IT, hospitality and tourism, education, and health care.
Related:
- Hospitals in Italy
- Difference Between Visas and Passports
- Safest Places to Live in Italy
- Schengen Visa for Europe
