If you’ve been dreaming of la dolce vita, you’re not alone. Each year, thousands of people relocate to Italy for its rich culture, relaxed lifestyle, fresh food, and growing job opportunities in international hubs like Milan and Rome.
When I moved to Sicily, I was drawn in by the slower pace of life and promise of change. Like many expats, I discovered that while the transition came with its challenges, it was well worth the effort. And with Italy’s economy showing steady growth and renewed momentum behind digital nomad and remote work visa policies, 2025 could be the perfect time for you to make the leap.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to move to Italy in 2025, from legal requirements and housing, to the cost of living, healthcare, and even learning the language.
Why move to Italy?
Over 5 million foreigners already call Italy home, with numbers growing steadily each year, proof that the country remains one of Europe‘s most desirable places to live.
- Culture and lifestyle: With Renaissance art, Roman ruins, and world-famous cuisine, Italy’s cultural richness is unmatched.
- Quality of life: Enjoy a slower pace, community-focused living, and excellent public healthcare.
- Work and education: Italy offers career opportunities in fashion, design, technology, and international business, especially in cities like Milan, Bologna, and Rome.
- Retirement appeal: Due to its affordability, climate and lifestyle benefits, Italy is a top destination for retirees.
Legal requirements and visa types
To stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa. Here’s an overview of the most common visa options and requirements for 2025:
| Visa Type | Who Qualifies? |
| Elective Residency Visa | Retirees and individuals with passive income |
| Work Visa | Individuals with a job offer from an Italian employer |
| Self-Employment Visa | Entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants and artists |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers employed or self-employed by a company outside Italy |
| Student Visa | University, language school or vocational program students |
Elective Residency Visa
This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Italy without working, funded by passive income such as pensions, rental income, or investments.
- Requirements: Proof of financial means, €31,000 for an individual (€38,000 for a couple), private insurance, and accommodation.
- Note: You cannot work or run a business with this visa.
Work Visa
If you’ve received a job offer from an Italian employer, this visa is right for you. It applies for those doing seasonal work, researchers, and skilled workers.
- Requirements: The employer must first request a Nulla Osta (work authorization).
- Note: Only a limited number of work visas are available each year under the Decreto Flussi (immigration quota system).
Self-Employment Visa
This visa is perfect for freelancers, consultants, artists, or entrepreneurs planning to work in Italy.
- Requirements: A Partita IVA (an Italian business tax number and proof of income or client contracts).
- Note: Limited availability each year under the Decreto Flussi.
Digital Nomad Visa
Newly approved in 2024, the Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU digital nomads to legally live and work remotely in Italy.
- Requirements: Proof of remote work (employed or self-employed), sufficient income, and private health insurance.
In addition to the above long-term stay visa, there are three special category and residency visas: EU Blue Card, Investor Visa and Intra-Company Transfer Visa.
Student Visa
Italy’s Student Visa is ideal if you’re attending an Italian university (undergraduate or postgraduate), enrolled in a certified language course, or completing vocational or apprenticeship programs.
- Duration: Valid for the length of your course but can be a pathway to a work visa or permanent residency.
- Note: Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
Other long-stay visas
In addition to the above, there are family and purpose-based visas, and special category visas.
- Family Reunification Visa: For family members of legal residents or citizens of Italy.
- Religious Visa: For clergy or missionaries doing religious work, education, or service with a religious organization.
- Volunteer Visa: For participants of officially recognized volunteer programs.
- EU Blue Card: For highly-skilled non-EU workers with a valid employment contract in Italy.
- Investor Visa: For those investing significant capital in Italy.
Residence permits: applying for a Permesso di soggiorno
After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Permesso di soggiorno (residency permit) within 8 days. Here’s how:
- Pick up a Permesso di soggiorno kit from a qualified post office.
- Complete the application form and gather required documents, including passport, visa, housing contract, insurance, photos, and Codice Fiscale (tax code).
- Submit your application at the qualified post office and pay the fee.
- Attend your appointment at the Questura (immigration police office) for fingerprinting and document review.
- Pick up your residence card at the Questura once approved (processing may take weeks to months).
It’s important to avoid traveling internationally until you receive your physical Permesso di soggiorno. The postal receipt allows you to remain in Italy legally but does not allow you to travel within the Schengen Zone.
Cost of living in Italy
The cost of living in Italy depends entirely on where you choose to live, with northern cities like Milan generally costing more than southern towns.
| Category | Milan | Rome | Florence | Bologna | Turin | Palermo |
| Rent (1 bedroom) | €1,500 | €1,200 | €900 | €850 | €750 | €600 |
| Utilities (monthly) | €180 | €160 | €150 | €140 | €130 | €120 |
| Groceries | €300 | €250 | €250 | €220 | €230 | €200 |
| Transportation | €35 | €40 | €30 | €25 | €30 | €20 |
Living in Sicily, I found my monthly expenses to be much lower than what I was used to in the US. Rent is less than half of what I paid, and eating fresh, local produce and seafood has become my new normal.
Smart budgeting tips
- Shop at local markets for cheaper, fresher food
- Take advantage of Italy’s public transportation system
- Keep track of expenses
- Consider smaller cities or towns for lower rent and a slower pace
- Don’t forget to factor in residency and visa costs
Finding a place to live
Many expats begin with temporary housing on platforms like Airbnb or Spotahome, then look for long-term options.
Navigating the rental market
There are several popular websites and platforms to locate housing:
- Idealista.it: Most widely used platform across Italy
- Immobiliare.it: Another major site for both renting and buying property
- Subito.it: Classifieds site where locals list apartments
- Bakeca.it: Good for student rooms and private listings
- Facebook groups: Look for expat or local housing groups for your target city
Housing options
- Apartments: Most common in cities and towns, but may lack elevator access.
- Villas: More space and found in rural/suburban areas.
- Shared housing: More affordable and flexible with short-term contracts.
Understanding Italian rental contracts
In Italy, there are three standard contracts:
- 4+4: Four-year lease with automatic renewal
- 3+2: Three-year lease with a two-year extension, often with rent control
- Transitorio (transitory): For stays under 18 months, making it ideal for students or temporary work
Working with agents
If you are unfamiliar with the language or the area, it’s a good idea to work with an Agente Immobiliare (real estate agent). Agents will charge a fee, usually a month’s rent plus 22% VAT, but can significantly simplify the process and eliminate stress. Make sure the agent is registered with the Camera di Commercio (Chamber of Commerce).
Tips for long-term rentals
- Clarify what’s included in rent (utilities often aren’t)
- Ask about heating and internet (especially for older buildings)
- Have a bilingual lawyer or consultant review your lease
Buying property in Italy
Foreigners can buy property in Italy, even without residency. Work with a notary, and budget 7-10% extra for taxes and fees.
Learning Italian for a smooth transition
While many Italians speak English, especially in larger tourist-heavy cities, even basic Italian can dramatically improve your experience and integration. Why it matters:
- Builds stronger connections with locals
- Eases bureaucracy and paperwork
- Helps with shopping, travel, and healthcare
Top resources:
- Apps: Babbel, Duolingo, or Tandem
- Online courses: Italiano Automatico, Italki
- Language schools: Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Società Dante Alighieri
Embracing Italian culture is one of the best parts of living in Italy, but it can take some getting used to. Here’s how to ease into the rhythm of everyday life:
- Greetings: Expect la doppia guancia (a double-cheek kiss) and always say buongiorno (morning) and buonasera (evening).
- Communication: Hand gestures and expressiveness are the norm.
- Coffee culture: No cappuccino after 11 a.m. if you want to blend in.
- Riposo: Many shops and businesses close between 1- 4 p.m.
- Dining out: Meals are unhurried, social, and meant to be savored.
- Punctuality: Time is flexible, especially in the south, so expect some delays.
Embracing La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita truly embodies what it means to be Italian. Enjoy long lunches, evening passeggiate (strolls), and weekend getaways to the mountains or sea. Take full advantage of seasonal breaks, August is typically a vacation month and many businesses shut down entirely. In Italy, quality always beats quantity, from food and fashion to friendships and free time.
Healthcare in Italy
Italy’s public healthcare system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is known for low-cost, high-quality care.
Public healthcare is available once you’re a legal resident and requires registration at a local Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL). You will need to complete an application, bring your codice fiscale and residence permit, and copies of your passport and residency card. Once you register, you will receive a doctor in your commune.
Private healthcare is available if preferred and is still quite affordable, especially compared to the US. Private healthcare is useful for faster appointments and access to English-speaking doctors. Private insurance plans start at around €100/month and a doctor’s visit typically costs €30–50.
Making your move
Here’s how to make your move to Italy smooth and organized:
Step 1: Declutter before you pack
Start sorting your stuff 3-6 months before your move.
- Only bring what you’ll truly need or use in Italy. Consider if each item will fit into your lifestyle abroad.
- Italian apartments are smaller, and many are already furnished. Leave bulky furniture behind.
- Sell, donate, or recycle items you won’t bring.
Tip: Scan and store important documents and photos digitally to save space.
Step 2: Hire an international moving company
A good mover can help with shipping, packing, and customs.
- Look for movers with experience in Italy and door-to-door service.
- Ask about insurance and customs support.
- Consider International Van Lines, Sirelo, or UPakWeShip.
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes and check reviews.
Step 3: Understand customs and import rules
To bring things into Italy, you’ll need:
- A full inventory (translated into Italian)
- Passport, visa, and proof of Italian residence
- Declaration that items are for personal use
Step 4: Pack essential documents
Keep both hard copies and digital backups of:
- Passport, visa, birth certificates
- Medical records and insurance info
- Lease agreement or housing contract
- Tax, banking, and school/work records
Tip: Bring extra passport photos. They’re often required for IDs and permits.
Step 5: After arrival and adapting to life
- Within 8 days, apply for your Permesso di soggiorno
- Within 20 days, register your new address at the Anagrafe (city registry)
- Grocery shopping is frequent and local: markets and specialty shops are common
- Waste is separated into color-coded bins and picked up on different days
What to bring vs. buy
Bring laptops, tablets, and phones, clothing for all seasons, and sentimental items and small kitchen tools. You should also ask your doctor for refills of any prescription drugs to ensure you have plenty.
Leave behind big appliances, oversized furniture, pantry items, and liquids. Italy has IKEA, Zara Home, and local shops so many things are easier and cheaper to replace than ship.
Ready to move to Italy in 2025?
With flexible visa options, increasing support for remote workers, and a timeless appeal, now is one of the best times to move to Italy. Whether you’re heading to bustling Rome, or a seaside village in Puglia, your dream life is waiting.
If you’re serious about relocating, start planning today. Research, prepare, and take the leap. La dolce vita is closer than you think.
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FAQs
Do you need a visa to move to Italy?
Yes, unless you’re an EU citizen, you’ll need a visa to move to Italy. The most common visa options include the Elective Residency Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa.
How long does it take to get a residency permit?
Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for your residency permit, or Permesso di soggiorno. Processing times vary but can take a few weeks to several months. You’ll receive a receipt after applying that serves as temporary proof of legal stay until your permanent residency card arrives.
How do you find an English-speaking doctor in Italy?
Private healthcare offers faster access to English-speaking professionals. You can also check expat forums or websites like MioDottore to find English-speaking doctors.