How to move to Italy

Italy is rightfully considered one of the most popular countries among tourists. Ancient cities, varied and delicious food, breathtaking natural landscapes, low cost of living and cheerful people are just some of the features of this amazing state. Italy is a member of the European Union, which allows residents to freely move around the Schengen area and freely conduct labor and commercial activities. The country is overflowing with opportunities and this is what attracts relocators from all over the world.

Moving to Italy from other countries in 2024 for permanent residence is due to a number of key factors, among which we can also highlight:

• A high standard of living.
• The climate is wonderful.
• Broad prospects for business and employment.
• Social stability and security.
• Rich cultural heritage.
• High level of education and healthcare.

Important

For citizens of a number of countries, Italian citizenship can diversify the risks of political and economic instability.

More than 70,000 emigrants come to the Republic every year. This fact indicates a growing interest in the country as a place of permanent residence. In 2024 and beyond, experts expect a further increase in the flow of relocants, which makes the direction a really attractive choice.

Key stages of moving to Italy

Moving to a foreign country always involves careful planning. Having missed important points or forgotten to issue the necessary documents, you are guaranteed to face problems. Having studied the entire process, Global Relocate experts have prepared a checklist that can be used in preparing for the move.

• To study the cultural and legal foundations of the Republic.
• Choose the basis for registration of your stay.
• Choose a city to live in.
• Calculate your budget to see if there is enough money for a comfortable life.
• To familiarize yourself with the requirements for obtaining a visa.
• Prepare personal documents and send an application for the appropriate type of Italian visa.
• Find a place to live.
• Arrive in the country.
• Register your arrival and place of residence.
• If the requirements are met, send a request for a residence permit.
• Get an Italian tax number.
• Get medical insurance.
• Open an account at a local bank.

Important

Immigration specialists or lawyers can help with most issues, who will help with the preparation of documents and navigation through bureaucratic processes. The help of experts can greatly simplify the process of obtaining a residence permit in Italy.

In addition to preparing the grounds and documents, it is necessary to assess the financial possibilities. Below are the main items of expenditure that will help you estimate some of the upcoming expenses:

• A national visa – from 50 to 116 euros.
• Residence permit – 30.46 € (fee), 40/50 € (card).
• Permanent residence – 30.46 € (fee), 100 € (card).
• Rental of housing – from 200 to 600 € per month, depending on the region and type of property.
• Utilities – 100-150 €/month.
• Meals – 300-500 € per month per person.
• Public transport – 35-60 € per month.

Important

In addition to these costs, additional costs for realtor services, medical insurance, etc. should be taken into account.

In general, it should be assumed that the minimum budget for moving one person is up to 10,000 €, for a married couple from 40,000 €. A family of 3-4 people will need from 100,000 €.

Popular cities to move to

Almost every city in Italy boasts a rich architectural heritage, museums, charming landscapes, mouth-watering Italian cuisine, fine wine and much more. Since you can get special experiences in each of them, it can be difficult to decide which city to move to. Next, we gathered several cities that provide the best living conditions for immigrants.

Rome

is a fantastic place to stay, regardless of the age of the tenant. The city offers an amazing mix of history, art, culture and life and career opportunities.

On average, the monthly expenses of one person in Rome range from 800 to 1,500 euros. For a family of four, these costs can reach €2,988. The main items of expenditure include:

• Rental of housing – from 700 to 2000 €.
• Utilities – 200 € for an apartment of 85 m2.
• Meals – from 170 to 300 € per month per person.
• A monthly ticket on public transport is 35-50 € (from 230 to 360 € per year).
• State medical insurance – 150 € per year.

Milan

It is considered the world capital of fashion and design, a financial center. It is also known for its high-end shops and restaurants. One of the most expensive cities in Italy, which implies significant financial expenses when living in it. Monthly expenses involve spending from 1,500 to 7,000 euros per person.

• Rental of housing – from 700 to 5000 €.
• Utilities – 250 € for an apartment of 85 m2.
• Meals – about 450 € per month per family.
• A monthly ticket on public transport is 39 € (from 230 to 360 € per year).

Turin

The chocolate capital of Italy. In addition to the famous chocolate, the city has a rich architectural heritage, a wide selection of restaurants and cafes and excellent employment opportunities. Compared to other cities, Turin offers a more affordable standard of living. For one person per month, 700-1200 € will be required (for a family, almost 3,000 €).

• Rental of housing – from 700 to 1800 €.
• Utilities – 150 € for an apartment of 85 m2.
• Meals – about 200-300 € per month for 1 person.
• A monthly ticket on public transport is 39 € (from 230 to 360 € per year).

Immigration programs

Foreign citizens planning to live in the Republic for more than 3 months are required to apply for an Italian long-term type D visa and subsequently a residence permit. A residence permit allows you to stay in the state from 1 to 5 years. After five years of permanent residence, a foreign citizen can apply for permanent residence.

Italy has several immigration programs, each of which has its own requirements for the applicant and sets special conditions.

• A visa for digital nomads. It is intended for people who are financially independent and who are able to provide evidence of stable income. At the same time, the applicant cannot work directly in Italy. When applying, you will need to prove an income of € 31,160 per year.
• The Golden Visa program. It opens the door to obtaining a temporary residence permit for investments in the economy. It involves investments from € 250,000 in a new organization, €500,000 in an existing Italian company, from 1 million. € to a socially significant project or 2 million. € in government bonds.
• A work visa. For people who have received a job offer from a local employer. You must provide an employment contract and proof of your qualifications.
• A study visa. For those who plan to study at an Italian university. It is necessary to provide evidence of enrollment in an educational institution and the availability of funds for self-sufficiency.
• Family reunion. Allows family members of residents to obtain a residence permit. The grounds are the presence of close relatives (spouses, children) with permanent residence.

Types of visas and permits

Italy offers various possibilities for obtaining entry permits and legal residence on its territory. The main permit for a long stay in the country is a type D national visa. Allows you to live in the Republic for more than 3 months. It can be issued for various reasons:

• For employment in a local organization.
• For students applying to an accredited educational institution.
• For family members of permanent residents.
• For investors.

A program for digital nomads

In addition to the standard grounds for granting visas, Italy has opened up the possibility of legal residence and work for freelancers and remote employees working for foreign companies since April 2024. Among other privileges, the permit allows you to freely move around the countries of the Schengen Agreement. The detailed process of obtaining a visa and the conditions that must be met are discussed on the website visa-digital-nomad.com.

The conditions for obtaining such a visa are:

• Confirmation of remote earnings.
• Income from 2,700 € or savings from 30,000 €.
• Medical insurance covering insurance risks.
• Criminal record.

Having received a digital nomad visa, a freelancer can convert it into a temporary residence permit issued for 12 months and assuming the possibility of extension.

Residence permit

A temporary residence permit is provided for a period of 6 months to 3 years with the possibility of extension for a similar period. The grounds for registration are:

• Availability of a valid D visa.
• Financial viability.
• Availability of a place for permanent residence.

You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence in the Republic with a temporary residence permit. Additional requirements include:

• Stable income exceeding the minimum social benefit (about 6080 € per year).
• No criminal record.
• The level of knowledge of the Italian language is at least A2.

Additional features

If you are seriously considering moving to Italy through obtaining a residence permit, then we recommend that you read the detailed material on the profile page, which is completely dedicated to the residence permit in Italy.   

Documents and requirements

To obtain a permit to enter and stay in Italy, it is necessary to prepare an appropriate set of documents. The standard list of personal documentation always includes:

• A passport valid for at least 3 months after the end of the visa.
• Medical insurance with risk coverage from 30,000 €.
• Confirmation of financial viability.
• Transport tickets.
• Proof of permanent residence is a hotel reservation, a rental agreement or an invitation from an Italian citizen.
• Additional papers may be required depending on the type of program (for example, an employment contract or a certificate from a university).

When transferring personal documents for approval of the application, it is necessary to provide receipts for payment of public services. Upon entry to the Republic, the following fees must be paid:

• Visa fee. For a Schengen visa, about 80 €. For long-term permits, the amount may vary depending on the type of visa and the purpose of arrival.
• Tourist tax. In some Italian cities, a tourist tax is charged upon check-in at the hotel, which varies from 1 € to 5 € per night, depending on the category of accommodation.
• Customs clearance fees. Customs fees may apply when importing personal items.

Important

By decision of the authorities, the checklist of documents may be expanded depending on individual circumstances and changes in legislation. It is recommended to check the relevant information before traveling on the official resources of the Italian government.

Step-by-step process

In general, the process of moving to the Republic can be divided into 2 stages: obtaining an entry permit and a residence permit card, which can later be converted into the right of permanent residence. If we consider all the processes step by step, then the following main steps can be distinguished:

Reviews of the relocators

Life in Italy has both positive and negative aspects that should be taken into account when planning a move. Based on the feedback and personal experience of the relocators, the following pros and cons of emigration to this country can be distinguished.

Positive:

• Climate and nature.
• High-quality medicine.
• Culinary traditions.
• Social guarantees.
• Business prospects.
• Cultural heritage.

Minuses:

• The unemployment rate is high (about 7.4%).
• Bureaucracy.
• The language barrier.
• The high cost of living.
• Complex procedures for obtaining citizenship.

Before deciding to emigrate to Italy, it is important to carefully weigh all aspects of life in the country, taking into account both personal preferences and financial opportunities.