Americans moving to Italy will need a visa, and fortunately, there are several options available that cater to investors, retirees, and digital nomads. On top of this, Italy is home to many expat communities from around the world and Americans will be comforted to know that over 17,650 US citizens live in the country, drawn from the latest 2025 ISTAT data. In addition to visa options, Italy also boasts flat tax regimes on foreign income for eligible expats.
Our guide will explore if moving to Italy is right for you by describing the moving process, benefits, practical tips, taxes, cost of living, and more. All of these insights are delivered with Americans in mind, so that we can help you with your move.
Americans Moving to Italy: Key Takeaways
What you Need to know When Traveling to Italy as an American Expat
American citizens can travel to Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or short visits without a visa. This is because of the visa waiver agreement between the US and the Schengen Area. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone.
US citizens should be aware of ETIAS and EES as both apply to Americans. ETIAS is pre-travel authorization that Americans will need for traveling to Italy. Importantly, ETIAS is not a visa and is not yet in operation, although the EU has stated that the system will be in place by the fourth quarter of 2026. ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires and have a cost of €20.
EES is the entry and exit system that the EU made for non-EU citizens, including Americans. The system collects biometric data like fingerprints and photos, is currently active, and has no charge. EES began on 12 October 2025, and was progressively rolled out over 6 months.
If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa (also called a national visa or type D visa) before your trip. The common long-stay visa types include the Elective Residence Visa, Student Visa, Work Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa.
Upon arrival in Italy for a long-term stay, you must apply for a residence permit within eight working days at your local immigration office (Questura). The Italian government requires travelers to carry proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient financial means when entering Italy, even for short stays.
Visas for Moving to Italy
As highlighted, if you’re an American citizen planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay visa, also known as a national visa or type D visa, before entering the country. After arrival, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within eight working days. Italy offers a range of visa options for different purposes.
Italy Elective Residence Visa
The Italian Elective Residence Visa is ideal for Americans who want to live in Italy without working. To qualify, you must prove you have stable, passive income from pensions, investments, rental properties, or savings of at least €32,000 per year for individuals or €38,000 for couples. You will also need proof of long-term accommodation in Italy and private health insurance that covers at least €30,000 annually.
This visa does not allow employment or freelance work and is best suited for retirees and financially self-sufficient expats. The residence permit is renewable yearly and can eventually lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens who work remotely to live legally in Italy for up to one year, and the permit is renewable. Applicants must be highly skilled professionals with a steady income of €28,000 per year. The income requirement increases for every family member added to the application.
Applicants must work for a non-Italian company or clients, and show proof of remote work, qualifications, accommodation in Italy, and international health insurance. This visa is great for American freelancers, remote employees, or digital entrepreneurs looking for long-term stays in Italy.
Italy Golden Visa
Italy’s Investor Visa, also known as the Italy Golden Visa, is designed for non-EU citizens who invest a significant amount in the country. You can qualify by investing €250,000 in an Italian startup, €500,000 in an Italian company, €2 million in government bonds, or donating €1 million to public-interest projects such as culture or education. The visa grants a 2-year residence permit that is renewable in 3 years increments, and holders are not required to live in Italy full-time.
Work Visa
To obtain a work visa in Italy, you must have a valid job offer from an Italian employer and obtain a work permit before applying. Italy sets annual quotas for work visas, which vary by job type and nationality. There are different types of work visas for permanent jobs, seasonal labor, or self-employment. Self-employed individuals must show proof of business activities, qualifications, and financial means. Once granted, the visa allows you to live and work in Italy and can lead to long-term residency if renewed consistently.
Student Visa
You’ll need a student visa if you plan to attend university, a language course, or an accredited academic program in Italy for more than 90 days. To apply, you must show proof of enrollment, financial means to support yourself, valid health insurance, and accommodation in Italy. This visa lets you stay for the duration of your studies and often allows part-time work, up to 20 hours per week. After completing your studies, you may be able to convert your visa into a work permit if you secure a job in Italy.
Italian Visa Comparison
| Visa | Best For | Minimum Income/Investment | Work Allowed in Italy? | Family Included? | Path to Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elective Residence | Wealthy retirees or financially independent people relying on passive income. | €32,000 per year for individuals or €38,000 for couples of passive income | No, employment or self-employment in Italy is not permitted. | Yes, in many cases, subject to proof of adequate funds for dependants. | 5 years of continuous legal residence for long-term residence, then standard naturalisation timing applies. |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers employed by or contracted to non-Italian companies who want to live in Italy. | €28,000 per year from companies or clients outside of Italy | Yes, for remote work tied to non-Italian employers or clients. | Yes, spouse and dependent children are allowed with additional income requirements | 5 years of legal residence for long-term residence, if conditions are met. |
| Investor Visa | High-net-worth individuals making qualifying investments in Italy. | €250,000 for an innovative company, €500,000 for an innovative startup, or some routes use higher investment levels. | Yes, applicants and their families may work and start companies. | Yes, spouse and dependent children are eligible, with no extra investment. | 5 years of legal residence for long-term residence, subject to maintaining status. |
| Work Visa | People with an Italian job offer or an approved self-employment route. | No single universal minimum; it depends on the contract, permit type, and in some cases proof of funds or business resources. | Yes, for the specific authorised employment or self-employment activity. | Yes, family reunification is possible, subject to salary and housing requirements. | 5 years of continuous legal residence for long-term residence. |
| Student Visa | Non-EU students enrolled in an Italian study program. | Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs; no single fixed nationwide floor | Limited. Part-time work is allowed within student permit limits; full work requires a status change. | Only in specific cases and with consular approval. | Indirect. Student status is usually a stepping stone to a work permit, which then can lead to PR after the usual residence period. |
How to Apply for an Italian Visa as a US Citizen
You must apply for your type D (long-term) visa before arriving in Italy at an Italian Consulate or Embassy in the US. A visa does not automatically give you permanent residency, but it allows you to live in Italy legally while working toward the status. The following is a general overview of the application process:
1. Choose the right visa category: The Type D visa includes several sub-types, such as the Elective Residence Visa, Student Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Work Visa, and Investor Visa. Select the one that matches your purpose for moving to Italy.
2. Schedule an appointment: Contact the nearest Italian consulate or embassy to you and book a visa appointment.
3. Gather all the documents: Documents will vary slightly by visa type, but they commonly include:
- A valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of purpose (e.g. work contract, school acceptance letter, proof of pension or income)
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Health insurance coverage of at least €30,000 per person, per year
- Visa fee payment
4. Attend the visa appointment: Submit your documents in person and attend an interview if required.
5. Wait for processing: Processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your visa type and consulate.
6. Enter Italy and apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno): After arriving in Italy, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno within eight working days at your local post office or immigration office. This permit allows you to legally reside in Italy beyond your visa’s initial entry.
7. Obtain your Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale): The Codice Fiscale is required for many activities in Italy, including signing a rental contract, registering for healthcare, and opening a bank account. You can apply for it at an Agenzia delle Entrate office in Italy or request one through the Italian consulate before arrival.
8. Open a bank account (if needed): Depending on your visa type, you may need to open an Italian bank account. This is especially important for visas like the Elective Residence Visa or Investor Visa, which often require proof of local financial assets. Once you have your Codice Fiscale and receipt of your residence permit application, most banks in Italy will allow you to open an account.
Top 6 Benefits of Moving to Italy as an American
- Culture, history, and UNESCO sites: Italy is famous for its art, historic landmarks, and beautiful cities. It has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, offering opportunities to explore history and culture every day.
- High quality of life: Italians enjoy a slower, more relaxed lifestyle focused on work-life balance, good food, family, and outdoor living. American retirees especially love this slow-paced life, which is reflected in Italy’s ranking in the top 6th of the Global Retirement Report created by our Global Intelligence Unit.
- Quality, affordable healthcare: Italy has a public healthcare system that provides high-quality care at a low cost once you’re registered. The healthcare in Italy is cheaper than in the US, with the public SNS costing €2,000 per year for the whole family. An equivalent plan in the US would cost $6,850 per year or more.
- Access to the Schengen Area: Living in Italy allows easy travel to other European Union countries within the Schengen Area without needing extra visas or border checks, which makes it simple to explore Europe.
- Lower cost of living in many regions: While some cities can be expensive, many smaller towns and southern regions offer affordable housing, food, and daily expenses, especially when compared to US prices.
- Multiple visa options: Italy offers several visa types for Americans, including retirement, remote work, study, work, and investment. Italy’s numerous visa options helped it rank 6th in the Global Residency by Investment Report by Global Citizen Solutions. by Global Citizen Solutions.
Finding a Job in Italy
For Americans, finding a job in Italy starts with securing the right to work, since most employers will expect you to already have the necessary visa or permit in place. English-language roles are more common in tourism, education, international business, tech, and some consulting fields. However, competition can be strong and many positions still require at least conversational Italian.
Networking, LinkedIn, and Italy-focused job boards are often more effective than cold applications alone. It also helps to tailor your CV to Italian expectations and be clear about your availability to start, relocation plans, and work authorization status. In many cases, demonstrating flexibility, local connections, or specialized skills makes a big difference.
Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist
Before departure
- Confirm visa/entry status and keep passport, visa papers, apostilles, and certified translations.
- Set up mail forwarding and update your US address with banks, cards, and insurance.
- Decide what to ship, sell, or store. Book movers early and keep a carry-on file of documents and essentials.
Banking
- Keep one US bank account open for transfers and backups.
- Notify your bank you’ll be abroad to avoid card blocks.
- Gather passport, Codice Fiscale, proof of address, and proof of income for opening an Italian account.
On arrival
- Get your Codice Fiscale first because you will need it for banking, leases, and most administration.
- Secure housing and sign the lease once you have the required documents.
- Register your residence with the local Comune/Anagrafe.
- Enroll in the SSN, if eligible, and choose a local doctor.
First week
- Open an Italian bank account.
- Set up utilities and a local SIM/eSIM.
- Keep copies of all receipts, forms, and appointments.
- If non-EU and required, continue Permesso di Soggiorno steps promptly after arrival.
Priority order
- Visa and documents
- Mail forwarding and shipping decisions
- Arrival essentials and temporary housing
- Codice Fiscale
- Lease and residency registration
- Healthcare and banking
Taxes in Italy for Americans
Italy taxes residents on their worldwide income once they become tax residents. You’re considered a tax resident in Italy if you live there for more than 183 days in a year, are registered at your local Anagrafe (residency office), or have your main economic and personal interests there. Taxes in Italy apply based on residency status and the source of income.
To prevent double taxation, the Italy-US tax treaty helps define which country has the right to tax certain types of income, such as pensions, dividends, and capital gains. US citizens can also use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) when filing their US tax return to reduce or eliminate US tax on foreign income.
Americans should be aware of their obligations under FBAR and FATCA. FBAR is for aggregate bank account balances over $10,000, and FATCA (Form 8938) is for higher-value assets like Italian investment accounts and private pensions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| IRPEF brackets | Italy’s personal income tax, IRPEF, is progressive and applies to Italian tax residents on worldwide income. As of 2026, it is reported in three brackets at 23%, 33%, and 43%, with regional and municipal surtaxes added on top. |
| US obligations | Americans living in Italy must still file a US federal return on worldwide income each year, and may also have to report foreign accounts and assets under FBAR and FATCA/Form 8938 rules if thresholds are met. |
| Social security | The US-Italy totalization agreement helps determine whether social security contributions are paid into US Social Security or Italy’s INPS, depending on the work arrangement. |
| Other taxes | Americans in Italy may also face regional and municipal surtaxes, tax on rental income, capital income taxes, and account or asset reporting obligations depending on the type of income and holdings. |
Italy’s Flat Tax Regime
There is also Italy’s flat tax regime. This is a special program that aims to attract high-net-worth individuals who move their tax residency to Italy. Under this regime, eligible individuals pay a fixed annual tax of €300,000 on all foreign-sourced income, no matter the amount. It provides a simple and predictable tax system, with exemptions from wealth, inheritance, and foreign asset reporting.
Health Insurance in Italy for Americans
Italy has a public healthcare system called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides universal healthcare to all residents, including foreigners who meet residency requirements. As an American moving to Italy, you can access public healthcare after becoming a resident, but private insurance will be needed during the transition.
1. Accessing the Public System (SSN)
Once you’re officially a resident and registered at the local Anagrafe, you can enroll in the SSN. Enrollment is either free for certain groups, like employed persons or spouses of Italian citizens, or paid for others, like retirees or digital nomads. The voluntary contribution for access is €2,000 per year, per family. After enrolling, you choose a family doctor (medico di base) and receive access to hospitals, specialist visits, diagnostics, and prescriptions at minimal cost.
2. Private Health Insurance
Before registering with the SSN, Americans often need private health insurance, especially for visa applications. Private plans should meet minimum coverage requirements and be valid throughout Italy. Prices or private health care can range from €500 to €1,000+ per year, depending on your age, coverage level, and health condition. But many expats keep private insurance even after SSN enrollment to avoid wait times and access English-speaking doctors.
3. Healthcare costs
| Category | SSN (public) | Private care |
|---|---|---|
| GP visit | Usually free or very low cost, depending on registration and region. | Between €50 and €100. |
| Specialist consultation | Typically, €20 to €50 in copay. | Between €80 and €150, depending on specialty and city. |
| MRI/imaging | Often a small copay, with waits that can be much longer than private care. | Often several times the public copay, but usually with much faster access. |
| Prescription medication | Essential medicines can be very low cost, often around €1–€5 per prescription. | Full self-pay price unless covered by private insurance. |
| Dental cleaning | Often not covered in the SSN for adults. | About €60 to €150. |
| Health insurance/annual access cost | Voluntary SSN enrolment may involve a flat annual fee of €2,000 for some residents. This cost covers the whole family. | Private insurance commonly ranges from about €500 to €5,000 per year, depending on age and coverage. |
The Cost of Living in Italy
Living costs in Italy vary heavily by city. Rome and Milan are the most expensive, while places like Naples and Calabria are more affordable. The following is an average cost of living in Italy:
| City | Family of four, excluding rent | Single person, excluding rent |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | €3,800–€4,800 | €1,700–€2,200 |
| Rome | €3,500–€4,500 | €1,500–€2,000 |
| Florence | €3,200–€4,200 | €1,400–€1,900 |
| Palermo | €2,500–€3,200 | €1,000–€1,400 |
| Naples | €2,800–€3,600 | €1,100–€1,600 |
| Calabria towns | €2,200–€3,000 | €850–€1,300 |
Safety in Italy
Italy is considered a safe county, particularly for Americans moving there who live in large cities or established expat communities. Safety in Italy will, as with any country, depend on area and taking basic precautions. The Global Peace Index 2026 ranked Italy 35th out of 163 countries, implying a stable and peaceful environment overall.
For Americans, the biggest practical safety issues are more about petty theft like pick-pocketing in tourist zones, than about serious crime. It also helps to learn the local emergency number, keep copies of passports and visa documents separate from originals, and register your presence with the US system that supports citizens abroad so you can receive official alerts while living in Italy.
6 of the Best Cities to Move to in Italy
The following are six of the best places to live in Italy:
1. Rome
Rome is known as the Eternal City and is full of ancient ruins, famous landmarks, and lively squares. It is a great place for history lovers, workers, and expats who want a big city with lots to do but also a relaxed lifestyle. Rome has good international schools, English-speaking services, and friendly expat groups, so it’s ideal for families and retirees. Its central location also makes it easy to visit other parts of Italy.
2. Florence
Florence is famous for its beautiful old art and buildings. It is a great city for students, artists, and remote workers who like to live somewhere full of history. The food in Tuscany is excellent, and there are many markets and cozy wine bars to enjoy. Florence is smaller and quieter than Rome or Milan but still provides good healthcare, transport, and schools.
3. Milan
Milan is Italy’s center for fashion and business. It is perfect for young workers, business people, and digital nomads looking for jobs in finance, technology, or fashion. The city has great public transport, international universities, and big nightlife. Milan is close to the Alps and Switzerland, making it easy to travel for outdoor activities.
4. Naples
Naples is a lively city that many visitors miss, but it has a lot to offer. It is famous for its delicious pizza and beautiful coast. Naples is near Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. The cost of living is much lower here than in other big Italian cities. This makes Naples a good choice for retirees and people who want to live on a budget.
5. Palermo
Palermo is the capital of Sicily and has a mix of history, culture, and coastal views. It is a good choice for retirees and budget-conscious expats because the cost of living is lower than in many northern cities. Palermo’s markets, historic churches, and seaside lifestyle make it a charming place to live.
6. Calabria Towns
Small towns in Calabria, southern Italy, offer some of the most affordable living options in the country. These towns are perfect for retirees, artists, and anyone looking for a quiet, slow-paced life. Calabria has beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes, and a strong local culture.
Italian Permanent Residency and Citizenship
For those planning to move to Italy long term, permanent residency and citizenship are objectives worth pursuing. Italy allows dual citizenship, which means that after you have naturalized, you can retain your original passport as well.
Those pursuing dual citizenship should be aware of Law No. 74/2025 (converted from Decree-Law No. 36/2025, or the “Tajani Decree”). This law deems anyone born abroad, who holds another citizenship, as never having acquired Italian citizenship. The effect is that there is now a generational cap on Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). Italy’s Constitutional Court upheld the law in a March 2026 ruling, cementing it into place.
Permanent Residency
To qualify for permanent residency in Italy, you will need to have lived in the country legally and continuously for a period of 5 years. Additionally, you will need to be able to pass an A2 level Italian language test, show stable income, and prove adequate housing. With permanent residency you are able to live in Italy indefinitely, and enjoy social services like healthcare and education.
Citizenship
To qualify for citizenship by naturalization in Italy, you will need to have lived in the country legally and continuously for 10 years. Additionally, you will need to pass a B1-level Italian language test, and be able to prove that you do not have a criminal record in Italy or your original country. Italian citizenship allows you freedom of movement throughout the Schengen Area as well as the right to vote. In June 2025, there was a failed referendum to reduce the naturalization timeline to 5 years instead of 10.
