Guide: Relocating to Italy: Steps for Americans

Guide: Relocating to Italy: Steps for Americans

Moving to Italy: A Guide for American Dreamers*Elaine Allaby*

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Fancy a change from the US and dreaming of Italian pasta and piazzas? Consider giving Italy a shot! Many of our US readers living in Italy have blessed us with their first-hand insights on the reasons, challenges, and rewards of moving to this Italian paradise.

Why Italy?

With a population of 16,534 officially resident Americans in Italy as of 2024 (up from 15,582 in 2023 and 14,496 in 2022), it's certainly not unheard of. Our readers have cited reasons such as an improved quality of life, affordable cost of living, and concerns over gun culture and political climate in their home country to inspire their move.

But, first things first - the visa

Unless you're lucky enough to hold dual nationality with an EU country, a visa is necessary to move to Italy. The type of visa depends on your individual situation, such as whether you're retired, planning to work in Italy, or a student. So, the first step is identifying your visa type.

For a comprehensive selection of visa options for US citizens moving to Italy, check out our article, The Visa Options Americans Can Apply for to Move to Italy

Remember, visas must be applied for at your nearest consulate in the U.S. Avoid making long-term financial commitments before you know your visa application has been successful, especially when it comes to finding a place to live.

Get a residence permit, stat!

Once your visa is secured, you'll need to apply for an Italian residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). This multi-step process varies depending on your visa type, starting with filling out a form at your local Italian post office and trips to your nearest Questura police headquarters.

Under Italian law, authorities have 60 days to process residency permit applications. However, some applicants have described it as the "most frustrating experience ever," with some facing wait times of over a year for appointments at the local Questura.

Find a place to lay your hat

Looking for a place to call home in Italy? Whether you're buying or renting, keep in mind that mortgage approval for non-EU nationals can be challenging, with stricter requirements and background checks due to the perceived higher risk.

If you're opting to rent, be aware that housing shortages in major cities can make it tough to find a suitable place, especially in Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.

Bank on it

Time to open a bank account in Italy? Weigh the pros and cons between traditional banks and digital platforms. While digital options offer convenience, traditional banks can provide greater trust, face-to-face dealings, and specialized services for foreign nationals.

Health and happiness

It's time to breathe easy knowing that Italy's national healthcare system (SSN) offers the same health services at the same rate as Italian citizens for basic services with co-payments for diagnostic tests and complex forms of care.

Registering with the SSN can be free for certain categories of residents, such as employees of Italian companies, the self-employed, and those on family permits. For others, there is a small annual fee, calculated based on financial means.

Hit the road, Jack - literally

Will you need a car to get around Italy? Unfortunately, there's no US-Italy agreement enabling Americans living in Italy to convert their licenses to Italian ones.

Driving with your US license is allowed for up to 12 months from the date you officially become a resident, but you'll need an International Driving Permit or a certified Italian translation during that period.

Taxaconundrum

It's less pressing but worth understanding that Italian and US tax laws interact in a way that often forces Americans living in Italy to complete two sets of tax declarations each year. However, a reciprocal treaty between Italy and the US aims to minimize double taxation.

The fun stuff - meeting people and learning Italian

Moving to Italy isn't all about admin and tax challenges! It's an exciting opportunity to make new friends and learn a new language, if you're not already fluent in Italian. Here are our readers' top tips for learning Italian and integrating into your Italian community.

Is this the life for you? Well, that's up to you to decide. Just keep in mind that branching out from the states could lead to experiences, adventures, and a lifestyle change that will take your breath away.

**Additional Reading**

• How to avoid being scammed when looking for a property to rent in Italy
• What are some ways Italy celebrates Labor Day on May 1st?
• The ultimate Italian tax guide for 2025
• Italy's Cala Goloritze crowned 'world's best beach'

Join the discussion below, share your experiences, and ask any questions or suggestions for our journalists. Don't forget to read our terms of use before diving in!

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1. With an increasing number of Americans choosing Italy as their new home, one might ponder the allure of Italian culture and healthcare.
2. For those considering the move, obtaining a visa is the first hurdle to overcome, especially if you're not a dual citizen of an EU country.
3. The type of visa depends on factors like retirement, employment, or education, so it's essential to determine your visa type beforehand.
4. Once your visa is secured, the next step is obtaining an Italian residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), a crucial requirement for residency in Italy.
5. The residence permit application process varies based on visa type, typically involving forms at the Italian post office and visits to the Questura police headquarters.
6. Despite the law mandating a 60-day processing time, some applicants have experienced wait times exceeding a year for Questura appointments.
7. Finding a place to live can be a challenge, with stricter mortgage approval criteria for non-EU nationals and housing shortages in major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.
8. For those opting to rent, it's advisable to understand the housing market and methods to avoid scams.
9. Opening a bank account in Italy requires weighing the advantages of traditional banks versus digital platforms, keeping in mind that traditional banks may provide more specialized services for foreign nationals.
10. Italy's national healthcare system offers equal services to Italian citizens at comparable rates for basic healthcare, although diagnostic tests and complex forms of care have co-payments.
11. Driving in Italy with a US license is allowed for up to 12 months, but an International Driving Permit or certified Italian translation is necessary during this period.
12. Double taxation between Italy and the US presents challenges when it comes to filing taxes each year, but a reciprocal treaty aims to minimize this burden.
13. Moving to Italy offers opportunities for new experiences, friendships, language learning, and a lifestyle change that could prove rewarding, provided one is willing to navigate its bureaucracy and climate requirements.

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