A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Italy

Jump right in:

• Relocating your household goods and pets
• Visa types & work permit requirements
• Finding a new home in Italy
• Health insurance & healthcare in Italy
• Opening a bank account & managing your taxes in Italy
• Education & international schools in Italy
• Jobs & finding work in Italy
• Cost of living & helpful facts about life in Italy

All you need to know about relocating your household goods and pets

When it comes to moving your goods to Italy with you, you have a lot of options. Depending on where you’re moving from, you can have your belongings shipped by road, air, or sea.

This relocation guide covers all the customs allowances and forbidden or restricted items which you should keep in mind before you start packing for the land of the Romans. You can also find more information about your shipping options and companies.

As for required vaccinations to move to Italy, you should have nothing to worry about if you have all your routine vaccines up to date — these are the ones you should have gotten as a child in most countries.

If your four-legged friend is coming with you, you should get acquainted with the requirements for moving to Italy with pets. As long as your pet has the necessary vaccination, pet passport, and microchip, you should have no trouble crossing Italian borders with your furry one.

Once you know what to bring and what to leave behind, it’s time to start packing.

Andiamo!

Read our complete guide on relocating to Italy

The guide to visa types & work permit requirements

To know how to get an Italian visa and work permit, you’ll want to do some reading ahead of time. Italy has a quota on how many foreigners can work in the country, and this will depend on the kind of work you’re looking to do. This is, of course, if you’re a non-EU national. Citizens of the European Union can enjoy the rights to free movement and live, work, and study in Italy without the need for visas and permits.

You can find information on Decreto Flussi and the visa application processes for each of the most popular visas, along with their requirements in our complete guide on visas & work permits in Italy.

Everything you need to know about finding a new home

In this section, get to know all the types of houses you can find in Italy, from the common city apartment to the more typical  casale or villa.

We give you all the information on how to rent a house or apartment in Italy, and the average rent. We help you set up your utilities in Italy by guiding you through the process, documents, and requirements.

If, on the other hand, you want to know how to buy a house in Italy as a foreigner, it's a good idea to start by consulting a lawyer or a real estate agent. This avoids confusion regarding taxes, leases, or any possible hiccup that could be associated with your future property. Read our complete guide on housing in Italy.

Health insurance & the healthcare system of Italy explained

Make sure to check out our healthcare section to learn everything you need about the healthcare system and health insurance in Italy.

The Italian healthcare system is advanced, with trained, qualified professionals. You can rely on their public healthcare services to cover any serious or minor medical needs, for little to no cost.

However, it’s not uncommon for residents to take out private health insurance in Italy. These are mostly supplemental to public services, which can come with inconvenient waiting times and slow diagnostics.

You can also find practical information on how to find a doctor. Public doctors are listed with your local health agencies, the ASL, which is also where you will be carrying out all the procedures to register with the public healthcare system.

If you plan to give birth in a public hospital in Italy, the state will cover all medical and care costs. You can also choose a private option for comfort or a more personal experience. In addition, benefits such as maternity and paternity leave and child allowance are also provided by the state.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Italy.

Opening a bank account & managing your taxes in Italy

Opening a bank account in Italy is usually straightforward, but requirements can vary depending on your residency status. You’ll generally need to provide a Codice Fiscale (tax ID), valid ID, and sometimes proof of address or employment.

As for taxes, your obligations will depend on how long you stay in the country and whether you become a tax resident. If you live in Italy for over 183 days a year or register officially, you’ll be considered a tax resident and taxed on worldwide income. Italy has a progressive income tax system, and expats may be eligible for certain tax breaks or special regimes. Knowing what income must be declared and how to stay compliant can help avoid complications later on.

To learn more about how to open a bank account, and understand Italy’s tax system as a foreigner, read our complete guide on banking and taxes in Italy.

Education & international schools in Italy

Italy offers a clear education system, starting with optional preschool and extending through mandatory schooling from ages 6 to 16. Public schools are free for residents of all nationalities and follow a national curriculum, while private and religious schools provide alternatives with similar academic standards.

For families seeking international or bilingual options in larger cities like Rome, Milan, or Naples, there are schools offering English, French, German, and other curricula. These schools typically charge tuition and require more extensive documentation.

If you’re planning to learn Italian, you’ll find many language schools across the country offering flexible course options. Some also include cultural activities, and many prepare students for official certifications like CILS or CELI.

Whether you’re choosing a school for your child or exploring university options, we explain how the system works and walk you through the different schooling options.

Read our complete guide on education in Italy.

Jobs & finding work in Italy

Working in Italy means understanding both the practical steps and the cultural aspects involved. If you’re an EU citizen, you can live and work freely, while non-EU nationals usually need a valid work visa and a confirmed job offer before relocating. Salaries and wages are generally defined through national or sector-specific collective agreements, which can differ by industry and region — so it’s helpful to research standards in your field.

If you’re considering self-employment or freelancing, keep in mind that the registration process and social security contributions are different from those of salaried employees. Italy’s social security system covers healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions, with costs shared between employers and workers. Parental leave is also protected, with paid maternity and paternity leave available.

Read our complete guide on working in Italy.

Cost of living & helpful facts about life in Italy

Living in Italy offers a different experience depending on where you are — daily life in a small southern town can feel very different from that in a northern city like Milan. Regardless of where you settle, there are some practical things it helps to understand early on.

This section of our [Living in Italy guide](https://www.internations.org/italy-expats/guide/living] covers the basics that shape everyday life. You’ll find an overview of the cost of living and what to expect when it comes to common expenses like rent, groceries, or transport. We also explore how to get around, whether you plan to drive or rely on Italy’s public transport system.

Understanding local culture and social etiquette is another key part of adapting to life in Italy. From greetings and small talk to how Italians approach time and social events, we help you understand the unwritten rules that shape everyday interactions.

Read our complete guide on living in Italy.