Americans Moving to Italy: A Complete 2025 Guide for Expats

Americans moving to Italy is becoming more popular every year. According to the Global Intelligence Unit (GIU)  at Global Citizen Solutions, more and more Americans are choosing Italy as their second home. In fact, the GIU showed that at least 5.4 million Americans were living abroad in 2023,  while the U.S. The State Department confirmed the number may be closer to 9 million.

So why are Americans drawn to Italy? Many are looking for a better quality of life, good and affordable public healthcare, a lower cost of living and more. It’s also seen as a worthwhile second residency, especially for those who want to live part-time in Europe or retire abroad.

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about moving to Italy as an American, from visa options and how to apply, to tax implications, renting or buying a home, and more.

Here is what to expect:

• What you Need to know When Traveling to Italy as an American
• How to Move to Italy as an American
• Six Benefits of Moving to Italy
• Italy Type D Visa Application Process
• Buying and Renting Property in Italy as an American
• Taxes in Italy for Americans
• Health Insurance in Italy for Americans
• The Cost of Living in Italy
• 5 Best Cities to Move to in Italy
• The Pros and Cons of Living in Italy

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, because of the visa waiver agreement between the U.S. and the Schengen Area. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Zone.

Starting in 2025, Americans must register online through the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before traveling. This is not a visa, but a travel authorization similar to the U.S. ESTA.

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 (permesso di soggiorno) within eight days at your local immigration office (Questura). Make sure to always carry proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient financial means when entering Italy, even for short stays. The Italian government requires travelers to carry proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient financial means when entering Italy, even for short stays.

How to Move 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 at least €32,000 per year for individuals or €38,000 for couples. You’ll 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 about €24 789  annually (€2,066 monthly). The income requirement increased by $1,550 yearly for every child 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 €1 million in a public-interest project such as culture or education. The visa grants a 2-year residence permit that is renewable for 3 years, 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 called a nulla osta 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, usually 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 Dual Citizenship

Moving to Italy is also possible through dual citizenship, especially if you have Italian ancestry or are married to an Italian citizen. Some Americans may qualify for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) if they have an Italian parent or grandparent, though recent legal changes have introduced generation limits. Another common path is citizenship by marriage, which allows spouses of Italian citizens to apply after two years of marriage or 18 months if living in Italy, provided specific language and residency requirements are met.

Six Benefits of Moving to Italy as an American

1. Rich 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 endless opportunities to explore history and culture every day.
2. 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 Global Citizen Solutions.
3. Affordable and quality 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 U.S.
4. Access to Other European Countries:  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.
5. 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 compared to U.S. prices.
6. 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 in the top 6 in the Global Residency and Citizenship by Investment Report by Global Citizen Solutions. The report aims to provide insights into how investment migration changes, showing how Citizenship by Investment (CBI) and Residence by Investment (RBI) programs adapt to new global trends. It scores 36 programs in 35 countries based on how easy the processes are, travel freedom, taxes, quality of life, and the investment environment.

Italy Type D Visa Application Process

You must apply for your type D visa before arriving in Italy at an Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. This visa does not automatically give you permanent residency, but it allows you to live in Italy legally while working toward that status.

Here is a general overview of the application process:

1. Choose the right visa category: The Type D visa includes several subtypes, 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 in your country to book a visa appointment.

3. Gather all the documents required: 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 for at least €30,000
• 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 2 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. 

Buying and Renting Property in Italy as an American

Buying Property in Italy

Americans can legally buy property in Italy because of the reciprocity agreement (reciprocità) between the United States and Italy. This means that since Italians are allowed to buy property in the U.S., Americans are also allowed to buy property in Italy even if they are not residents. Many Americans use this opportunity to buy homes for vacation, retirement, or long-term relocation.

Buying Italian real estate includes several steps:

• You start by signing a preliminary contract (compromesso) and paying a deposit (usually 10–20%).
• The final deed (rogito) is signed in front of a notary, who verifies the legality of the sale.
• Additional costs like taxes, notary fees, and agent commissions can bring the total cost to about 7–10% more than the property price.
• While owning property does not give you the right to live in Italy long-term, it can support your visa application.

Renting Property in Italy

Renting property in Italy is also simple for Americans. Most people choose to rent before buying, to explore different cities or regions. In cities like Rome, Florence, or Milan, rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from €700 to €1,500 per month, depending on location. In smaller towns, costs can be significantly lower. Long-term rentals usually require a deposit of 1–3 months’ rent, and some landlords may ask for proof of income or a guarantor.

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–U.S. tax treaty helps define which country has the right to tax certain types of income, such as pensions, dividends, and capital gains. U.S. citizens can also use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) when filing their U.S. tax return to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on foreign income.

Italy’s Flat Tax Regime

Fortunately, 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 €200,000 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 may 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. However, the voluntary contribution for access is around €2,000 per year, but the exact amount depends on income and regional rules. 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 €100 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

The Cost of Living in Italy

Living costs vary by city. Rome and Milan are the most expensive, while places like Naples and Florence are more affordable. But there is something for everyone. Remote workers have plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, like The Freelancer’s Island in Milan, TSH Collab in Florence, and Groworking in Rome. Retirees have endless cities to explore, but these costs can add up, so here’s a quick look at the average cost of living in Italy: 

5 Best Cities to Move to in Italy

Here are five 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 and beauty. 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, artists, 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 beautiful 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.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Italy

As with any major life decision, such as moving abroad, there are pros and cons. It’s no different when you move to Italy, so let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of living there:

Frequently Asked Questions about Americans Moving to Italy

Is it hard for an American to move to Italy?

Moving to Italy as an American is manageable but requires careful planning. You must obtain the right visa based on your purpose, such as work, study, retirement, or investment. The application process can be detailed and sometimes slow due to bureaucracy, but with proper preparation and documentation, it is straightforward. Learning some Italian also helps smooth the transition.

Where do most Americans move to in Italy?

Most Americans moving to Italy settle in Rome, Milan, and Florence where most Italians speak English. These cities offer a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities that appeal to expatriates. Rome, as the capital, is particularly attractive due to its historical significance and diverse expat community. Milan draws professionals with its status as a global fashion and business hub, while Florence appeals to those looking for a slower pace of life amidst Renaissance art and Tuscan landscapes.

Is it expensive for an American to move to Italy?

Moving to Italy can be more affordable than living in many parts of the U.S., especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, major cities like Rome and Milan tend to have higher living costs, including housing and daily expenses. Initial moving and visa application costs can add up, but overall, many Americans find Italy’s cost of living reasonable compared to large U.S. cities.

Can an American live permanently in Italy?

Yes, an American can live permanently in Italy by obtaining the appropriate long-term visa and residence permit. After legally residing in Italy for five years, they can apply for a permanent residence permit. Citizenship is possible after ten years of continuous residency, provided all requirements are met.

How can I get paid to move to Italy?

Some towns in Italy offer financial incentives to attract new residents, especially in underpopulated rural areas. These programs may include grants, low-cost homes, or payments to start a business. Examples include the €1 homes initiative and regional relocation schemes in places like Calabria and Sardinia. Eligibility often requires residency and a commitment to renovate or invest locally.

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in Italy?

EU citizens do not need a visa to live in Italy. They have the right to move and reside freely within EU member states under EU freedom of movement rules. To stay longer than 90 days, they simply need to register with the local Anagrafe (residency office) and obtain a residence certificate (certificato di residenza).

How do I move to Italy from the USA?

To move to Italy from the USA, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa, such as an elective residence visa, work visa, or student visa. Once in Italy, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 days. You’ll also need proof of income, health insurance, and a place to live. Planning ahead and meeting all requirements is essential for a smooth move.