Your Expat Community in Italy

If you're considering a move to Italy as a new or soon-to-be expat, you may be curious about what life will be like in this captivating country. To help you get a better understanding, we've answered seven common questions about living in Italy. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, a community of expats who love to support each other.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While many Italians speak English, particularly in tourist areas and larger cities, learning Italian will greatly enhance your experience in the country. Being able to speak the local language will help you connect with locals, navigate daily tasks, and fully immerse yourself in the Italian culture.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Rome:

• Single-room flat: 700–1,200 EUR (790–1,350 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,600–3,000 EUR (1,800–3,390 USD) per month

Milan:

• Single-room flat: 800–1,400 EUR (900–1,580 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,800–3,200 EUR (2,030–3,610 USD) per month

Florence:

• Single-room flat: 600–1,000 EUR (680–1,130 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,300–2,500 EUR (1,470–2,820 USD) per month

3. How safe is Italy for expats?
Italy is generally a safe country for expats. However, it's important to practice common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, being cautious with your belongings, and staying informed about local security updates.

4. How does the healthcare system work in Italy?
Italy has a public healthcare system called Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides free or low-cost healthcare services to residents. Expats with a residence permit are eligible to access the SSN. Private healthcare is also available, offering shorter wait times and more specialized care. Many expats choose to have private health insurance to access private facilities.

5. How can I open a bank account in Italy?
To open a bank account in Italy, you will typically need to provide identification (such as a passport), proof of address (such as a utility bill), a tax identification number (Codice Fiscale), and a valid visa or residence permit. Some banks may require additional documentation, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Italy?
The cost of living in Italy varies depending on the location, with larger cities like Rome and Milan being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Housing, food, and transportation are relatively affordable, but imported goods can be more expensive. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Italy?
Foreigners can drive in Italy using their foreign driver's license for up to one year. After that period, you'll need to obtain an Italian driver's license. This process may require taking a driving test, depending on your nationality and the type of license you hold.

Italy is famed for its beautifully picturesque landscape. From the famous slopes of the snowy Alps on its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia in the north to the sun-kissed blue sea of the Mediterranean in the south, it will enchant you every step of the way. Italy has something for everyone and often tops the lists of most desirable locations for travelers with a sense of adventure, as well as a penchant for culture. The largest proportion of expats who currently reside in Italy have chosen to do so because of the employment opportunities that it offers to international workers. Many different industries thrive across the country. Italy is the world’s sixth-largest manufacturing country, with activity mostly clustered around several industrial districts. The automotive industry in Italy is world famous thanks to the brilliant red Ferraris and sleek white Lamborghinis and it is an industry now dominated by the famous Fiat group. Italy has the eighth-highest standard of living in the world, and being an expat there will have great rewards.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Bahrain or France, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Each InterNations member goes through a careful approval process and respects our guiding principles of open communication, helpfulness, and embracing differences. At InterNations, nobody stands alone! Honesty, respectful behavior, and a friendly and welcoming attitude are therefore required components of the InterNations community. For new members, this means that you will feel safe and secure when interacting with fellow expats online and offline. Ask them anything that is on your mind about your new home and life in Italy. You should also keep up with your hobbies and joining one of the many real-life groups organized regularly in your community is a great way to do just that. Whether you live in Rome, Milan, or Venice, there will activities that interests you. Italy has a rich cultural heritage in opera and cinema, a famous wine and culinary tradition and all of these interests can be developed with fellow expats in one of our groups. It's easier to adjust to life abroad if you continue taking part in your favorite activities after your move. You can also attend our larger community-wide social events to meet expats and global minds from around the world. Join InterNations now to start living like a true Italian with the help of the community of expats available at your fingertips!