Complete Guide to Moving to Italy (2026)

Italy is one of those destinations that needs no introduction — but moving there is a different story entirely. The cobblestone streets, the afternoon espresso, the pace of life that prioritizes living over productivity — it all sounds perfect in a travel essay. The reality of navigating Italian bureaucracy, understanding the tax system, and choosing between a €600 apartment in Bologna and a €1,800 one in central Milan requires a very different kind of guide.

Italy has seen a surge of interest from American expats in recent years, driven by the country’s generous flat tax regime for new residents, the affordable cost of living outside the major northern cities, and the sheer quality of daily life. The Italian healthcare system ranks among the top 10 globally, the food is self-evidently extraordinary, and the cultural depth is unmatched anywhere in Europe. For people with remote income, a pension, or Italian ancestry (which may unlock citizenship by descent), Italy is a genuinely compelling option.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a move to Italy in 2026: visa pathways, tax implications, cost of living by city, healthcare enrollment, housing, language, and the practical steps to make it happen. At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions using institutional sources. You can explore the full Italy country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the comprehensive breakdown.

See how Italy compares in our best countries in Europe rankings, or check persona-specific rankings for retirees, digital nomads, and families.

Why Italy? The Data Behind the Dream

Italy is not just a lifestyle choice — it scores remarkably well across the metrics that matter most to people considering an international move. Here is how Italy performs on the key dimensions.

Those scores are aggregated from the WHO, Global Peace Index, Numbeo cost data, and immigration policy databases. Italy is one of the few countries that combines world-class healthcare and lifestyle with genuinely affordable living — provided you choose the right city.

Visa Types: How to Legally Move to Italy

Italy offers several visa pathways, and the right one depends on your income source, employment status, and long-term goals. Here is a breakdown of the main options for 2026.

Elective Residence Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva)

The elective residence visa is the most popular pathway for retirees and people with passive income. It is designed for individuals who can support themselves financially without working in Italy. There is no formal minimum income threshold set by law, but Italian consulates typically expect applicants to demonstrate at least €31,000 per year for a single person (roughly €2,580 per month), with additional amounts for dependents. The income can come from pensions, Social Security, rental income, dividends, or investment returns.

The visa grants an initial one-year residency permit, renewable in two-year increments. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for a permanent EU residence permit. After ten years, you are eligible for Italian citizenship — which also grants EU citizenship and the right to live and work in any EU member state.

Key requirements: proof of adequate financial means, proof of accommodation in Italy (rental contract or property deed), health insurance valid in Italy, a clean criminal record, and a valid passport. Processing time at Italian consulates ranges from 30 to 90 days.

Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa

Italy launched its digital nomad visa in 2024, joining the growing list of European countries courting remote workers. The visa targets people who work remotely for employers or clients based outside Italy. The minimum income requirement is €28,000 per year (roughly €2,333 per month), making it one of the more accessible programs in Europe.

The visa grants a one-year stay, renewable for an additional year. Holders can convert to a standard residence permit after the initial period, which then feeds into the standard five-year path to permanent residency. You must have health insurance, a remote work contract or proof of freelance activity, and accommodation in Italy.

Work Visa (Visto di Lavoro)

If you have a job offer from an Italian company, the employer must apply for a nulla osta (work authorization) on your behalf. Italy allocates a limited number of work permits each year through the Decreto Flussi (flow decree), and competition for these spots is intense. The process is notoriously slow — expect 3 to 6 months from application to approval. EU Blue Card holders with highly skilled roles may qualify for a faster track.

Student Visa

Italy’s student visa is an underutilized pathway. Tuition at Italian public universities is remarkably low — €500 to €3,000 per year depending on the institution and your income bracket. Private universities like Bocconi and LUISS charge more (€10,000–€15,000 per year) but remain cheaper than comparable US institutions. The student visa allows part-time work of up to 20 hours per week.

Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

If you have Italian ancestry, you may already be an Italian citizen. Italy recognizes citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) with no generational limit, provided no ancestor in the chain formally renounced Italian citizenship. This means if your great-great-grandfather emigrated from Italy and never renounced, you may qualify. The process requires gathering vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates) for every generation in the lineage and submitting them to an Italian consulate or commune. Processing takes 1 to 3 years depending on the consulate, but the result is full EU citizenship. For more detail, see our citizenship by descent guide.

Italy’s Flat Tax for New Residents

Italy’s most powerful financial incentive for expats is the flat tax regime for new residents, introduced in 2017 and still active in 2026. Under this program, individuals who transfer their tax residency to Italy can pay a flat annual tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced worldwide income, regardless of the amount. Family members can join the regime for an additional €25,000 each.

This is extraordinarily attractive for high-net-worth individuals. If you earn €500,000 per year from foreign sources, your effective tax rate drops to 20%. At €1 million, it is 10%. The regime lasts for 15 years and covers all foreign income — dividends, capital gains, rental income, business income, and pensions sourced from outside Italy.

For people with more modest incomes, Italy also offers a 7% flat tax for retirees who move to a municipality in southern Italy with a population under 20,000. This applies to all foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. Qualifying regions include Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia. For a retiree receiving $3,000 per month in Social Security and pension income, the annual Italian tax bill would be approximately €2,520 — far less than what most US states charge.

Important for Americans: you will still file US taxes regardless of where you live. The FEIE allows you to exclude over $126,500 of foreign-earned income in 2026, and the US-Italy tax treaty prevents double taxation. Consult an international tax advisor before making the move.

Cost of Living: Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Palermo

Italy’s cost of living varies dramatically between the prosperous north and the more affordable south. The difference between Milan and Palermo can be 50% or more for rent. Here is a realistic breakdown of the five most popular expat cities.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s economic powerhouse and its most expensive city. A one-bedroom apartment in the center runs €1,200–€1,800 per month, with areas like Brera, Navigli, and Porta Venezia commanding premium prices. Outside the center, expect €800–€1,100. Total monthly budget for a single person living comfortably: €2,200–€3,200. Milan compensates with the strongest job market in Italy, world-class fashion and design scenes, and excellent international connectivity.

Rome

The capital is more affordable than Milan while offering unparalleled cultural immersion. A one-bedroom in the center averages €900–€1,400. Neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Testaccio are popular with expats. Total monthly budget: €1,800–€2,600. Rome’s public transport is less efficient than Milan’s, and the bureaucracy can be particularly slow, but the lifestyle payoff is extraordinary.

Florence

Florence strikes a balance between cultural richness and manageable size. Rent for a one-bedroom in the historic center runs €800–€1,200. The city is walkable, stunningly beautiful, and home to a large English-speaking expat community (particularly American). Total monthly budget: €1,600–€2,200. The trade-off is Florence’s smaller size — it can feel limiting after a year, and summer tourism makes the historic center chaotic.

Bologna

Bologna is Italy’s best-kept secret for expats. Home to Europe’s oldest university, the city has a young, energetic atmosphere combined with what many consider Italy’s best food scene. Rent for a one-bedroom: €650–€950. Total monthly budget: €1,400–€2,000. Bologna has excellent rail connections (high-speed trains to Milan in one hour, Florence in 35 minutes, Rome in two hours) and a thriving local economy.

Palermo

Palermo represents the southern Italy experience at its most affordable and authentic. A one-bedroom apartment in the center costs €400–€650 — less than half of Rome. Total monthly budget: €1,000–€1,500. The food is exceptional, the climate is warm year-round, and the cost of living qualifies under Italy’s 7% flat tax program for retirees. The trade-offs are fewer English speakers, less reliable public infrastructure, and a smaller international community.

Healthcare: The SSN System

Italy’s Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The WHO ranks Italian healthcare 2nd globally — ahead of every English-speaking country and most of Europe. As a legal resident, you have the right to enroll in the SSN, which provides universal coverage including GP visits, specialist care, hospital treatment, emergency services, and prescription medications at heavily subsidized rates.

Enrollment requires your codice fiscale (Italian tax code), residency registration at your local anagrafe(registry office), and a visit to your local ASL (health authority). Once enrolled, you choose a medico di base (family doctor) who serves as your primary care gatekeeper. GP visits are free. Specialist visits carry a small ticket (co-pay) of €15–€50 depending on the service. Emergency room visits are free for genuine emergencies.

Wait times for specialist appointments can be long in the public system — weeks to months for non-urgent care. Many expats supplement with private health insurance, which costs roughly €100–€250 per month and provides access to private clinics with shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors. Popular providers include UniSalute, Generali, and Intesa Sanpaolo.

For Americans spending $600+ per month on premiums with $5,000+ deductibles, Italy’s system is transformative. The combination of universal public coverage and affordable private supplementary plans delivers better healthcare at a fraction of the cost.

Finding Housing in Italy

The Italian rental market operates differently from the US or UK. Understanding these differences will save you significant frustration and money.

Rental contracts come in two main types: the contratto libero (4+4 years, market-rate rent) and the contratto concordato (3+2 years, below-market rent set by local agreements, with tax advantages for landlords). Many landlords prefer the contratto concordato because of the tax breaks, and the lower rent benefits you as the tenant.

Security deposits are typically 2–3 months of rent. Expect to pay the first month plus the deposit upfront. Most apartments are rented unfurnished in Italy — a furnished apartment commands a premium of 20–30%.

Key platforms for finding rentals: Idealista.it and Immobiliare.it are the two dominant portals. Facebook groups like “Expats in Rome” and “Americans in Italy” also list rentals regularly. Hiring a local real estate agent (agente immobiliare) is common and costs the renter a fee of one month’s rent.

Language: Do You Need to Speak Italian?

Yes, more than in most European countries. Italy has lower English proficiency than the Netherlands, Germany, or Scandinavia. In Milan and tourist areas of Rome and Florence, you can handle basics in English. But government offices, healthcare appointments, banking, and landlord interactions often require Italian — or at least someone who speaks it on your behalf.

Learning Italian is not just practical; it is essential for integration. Italian people are warm and welcoming, but they respond far more positively to foreigners who make the effort. Even basic conversational Italian opens doors that remain firmly closed to English-only speakers.

Resources: Italian language schools are abundant and affordable (group courses run €200–€500 per month). The Dante Alighieri Society offers courses worldwide and online. Apps like Pimsleur Italian and italki for conversation practice are excellent supplements. Budget 6–12 months of serious study to reach conversational fluency.

Climate and Regions

Italy spans multiple climate zones, which directly affects your lifestyle and where you should settle.

• Northern Italy (Milan, Turin, Bologna): Continental climate with cold, foggy winters (0–5°C / 32–41°F) and hot, humid summers (30–35°C / 86–95°F). Milan can feel grey from November through February.
• Central Italy (Rome, Florence): Mediterranean climate. Mild winters (5–12°C / 41–54°F) and hot, dry summers (30–38°C / 86–100°F). Rome averages 250+ sunny days per year.
• Southern Italy and Islands (Naples, Palermo, Sardinia): Warm Mediterranean to semi-arid climate. Winters rarely drop below 8°C (46°F). Summers are hot (32–40°C / 90–104°F). Over 300 sunny days per year in Sicily. This is where the stereotypical Italian lifestyle truly shines.

Safety in Italy

Italy is broadly safe for expats. Violent crime is rare. The primary concerns are petty crime — pickpocketing on public transport in Rome, Naples, and Milan, bag snatching in tourist areas, and car break-ins in some southern cities. Organized crime exists in southern Italy but does not typically affect foreigners going about daily life.

Women generally report feeling safe in Italy, though catcalling is more common than in Northern Europe. Solo female expats in Rome, Florence, and Bologna consistently describe positive experiences. For context, Italy ranks in the top 35 on the Global Peace Index — safer than the United States and comparable to France.

Practical Steps: Your Moving to Italy Checklist

1. Get your codice fiscale: Apply at the Italian consulate before departure or at the Agenzia delle Entrate upon arrival. This tax identification code is required for everything.
2. Apply for your visa: Submit your application at the Italian consulate in your home country. Processing: 30–90 days.
3. Secure accommodation: Book short-term housing for the first month while searching in person. Do not sign a long-term lease sight unseen.
4. Register your residency: Within 8 days of arrival, register at the anagrafe (municipal registry) in your commune.
5. Enroll in the SSN: Visit your local ASL with your residency registration and codice fiscale to activate healthcare coverage.
6. Open an Italian bank account: UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and digital options like N26 or Revolut are popular with expats. You will need your codice fiscale and residency certificate.
7. Register with the questura: Apply for your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) at the police headquarters within 8 days of arrival. Bring all documents.
8. Set up utilities: Enel (electricity), ENI or Iren (gas), and TIM or Vodafone (internet/phone). Fiber broadband is widely available in cities at €25–€35 per month.

For a complete pre-move checklist covering documents, finances, and logistics, see our moving abroad checklist.

Is Moving to Italy Right for You?

Italy is ideal for:

• Retirees with passive income who want world-class healthcare, extraordinary food, and a warm climate — especially those who qualify for the 7% flat tax in southern Italy
• Remote workers earning in USD or GBP who want a European base with a high quality of life at moderate cost
• People with Italian ancestry who can claim citizenship by descent
• Anyone who values culture, history, food, and community over efficiency and convenience

Italy may not be ideal for:

• People who need fast, efficient bureaucracy — Italian government processes are legendarily slow
• Those who do not want to learn Italian — English alone is not enough for comfortable daily life
• People seeking ultra-low cost of living — even southern Italy is more expensive than Southeast Asia or Latin America
• Those who need a strong local job market — Italian salaries are low by Western European standards, and youth unemployment is high

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to move to Italy?

For the elective residence visa, you need to demonstrate approximately €31,000 per year in passive income. In practical terms, budget €1,000–€1,500 per month in southern Italy or €1,800–€3,000 in northern cities for a comfortable life. Include 3–4 months of rent upfront (first month plus security deposit) plus visa application costs (€116 consular fee plus document translations and apostilles).

Can I work remotely in Italy?

Yes. Italy’s digital nomad visa (launched 2024) allows remote workers earning at least €28,000 per year from foreign clients or employers to live legally in Italy for up to two years. The elective residence visa also permits remote work, though it is designed for passive income holders.

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship?

Through residency: 10 years of continuous legal residence. Through marriage to an Italian citizen: 2 years of residency in Italy (or 3 years abroad). Through descent (jure sanguinis): processing takes 1–3 years but grants immediate citizenship once approved, with no residency requirement.

Is Italy safe for Americans?

Yes. Italy ranks in the top 35 on the Global Peace Index. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft in tourist areas is the primary concern. Americans report feeling significantly safer in Italian cities than in most US cities.

Does Italy have good internet for remote work?

In cities, yes. Fiber broadband (100–1,000 Mbps) is available in most urban areas. Rural areas and some southern regions have slower connections. Coworking spaces in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna offer reliable high-speed internet. Italy’s 5G coverage is expanding rapidly in major cities.

The best way to decide is to compare Italy directly against other countries that interest you. Our personalized quiz generates a custom country ranking based on your specific priorities.