Moving to Italy is one of the most significant transitions you will make, and the difference between a smooth landing and months of frustration comes down to preparation. Whether you are relocating after obtaining Italian citizenship by descent or arriving on a visa, this guide covers every practical step: what to do before you leave, what to handle in your first weeks, and how to build your life in Italy over the months that follow.
Before You Leave: Planning Phase
Timeline
Start planning 6 to 12 months before your move. Some steps (shipping household goods, obtaining apostilled documents, securing housing) have long lead times. A realistic timeline: 12 to 6 months out, research cities/regions, begin document preparation, and start language study. 6 to 3 months out, secure housing (at least temporary), arrange international shipping, notify U.S. institutions, and finalize visa if needed. 3 to 1 month out, set up international banking, arrange health insurance, and ship belongings. Final month: pack essentials, confirm flights, carry critical documents in hand luggage.
Documents to Prepare
Gather and prepare these documents before departure. Your U.S. passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival). Italian passport or citizenship certificate if you have dual citizenship. Apostilled and translated vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificates) as needed for residency registration. Your codice fiscale (Italian tax ID); if you do not already have one, you can request it at the Italian Consulate before departure or at the Agenzia delle Entrate after arrival. Visa documentation (if applicable). Medical records, vaccination records, and current prescriptions (translated into Italian). International Driving Permit (IDP), obtainable from AAA in the U.S., valid for one year alongside your U.S. license. School records for children (apostilled and translated). Pet health certificates and EU pet passport documentation if bringing animals.
Financial Preparation
Open an international-friendly U.S. bank account that does not charge foreign transaction fees (Charles Schwab, Capital One, some credit unions). Notify your U.S. banks and credit card companies of your move to avoid fraud blocks. Research Italian banks for your permanent account (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banca Mediolanum are among the most expat-accessible). Have at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses accessible in liquid funds. Understand the Italian tax system and your U.S. tax obligations (Americans must file U.S. taxes worldwide, using FEIE/FTC to avoid double taxation).
Healthcare Planning
Arrange health coverage for your transition period. If you have Italian citizenship, you become eligible for SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) enrollment once you register residency. If arriving on a visa, check whether your visa type qualifies for SSN or requires private health insurance. In either case, carry international travel/health insurance for your first weeks until you complete SSN enrollment or activate private coverage. Bring a supply of any regular medications (with prescriptions) sufficient for at least 2 to 3 months.
Shipping and Moving Logistics
What to Ship
Italy’s apartments are generally smaller than American homes and come furnished or semi-furnished more often than in the U.S. Consider shipping personal items and sentimental belongings, electronics (Italy uses 220V/50Hz, Type C/F/L plugs; many modern electronics handle dual voltage, but check each device), professional equipment and tools, and a curated selection of household items. Consider selling or donating large American furniture (dimensions often do not fit Italian apartments and doorways), large kitchen appliances (different voltage and standards), and items easily replaceable in Italy.
International Shipping Options
Full container shipping (FCL/LCL) through international movers typically costs USD 3,000 to USD 8,000+ depending on volume and origin/destination cities. Transit time is 4 to 8 weeks by sea. Get at least three quotes from international movers with Italian customs experience. Ask about door-to-door service vs. port-to-port. International movers handle customs documentation, but you will need your codice fiscale and passport copies. For smaller shipments, air freight (1 to 2 weeks, significantly more expensive per kg) or consolidated shipping services work well.
Italian Customs
Personal belongings shipped within 6 months of establishing residency are generally exempt from customs duties under the cambio di residenza (change of residency) provision. You will need proof of prior residency abroad and new Italian residency. Items must be for personal use, not for resale. A customs broker (usually provided by your moving company) handles the declaration. New items or items clearly intended for commercial use may be subject to VAT (22%) and duties.
Bringing Pets
To bring a dog or cat to Italy from the U.S., you need a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), an EU health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and USDA-APHIS endorsement of the health certificate. Italy does not require a quarantine period. Once in Italy, register your pet with the local ASL and obtain an EU pet passport for travel within Europe. Airlines have specific carrier requirements and breed restrictions; check with your airline well in advance.
First Weeks: Essential Setup
Residency Registration
This is your most important administrative task. Within a reasonable time after arrival (there is no strict legal deadline for citizens, but sooner is better), go to the Ufficio Anagrafe (Registry Office) of your comune to register your residency. You will need a valid ID/passport, codice fiscale, and proof of your address (registered rental contract or property deed). A vigile urbano (municipal officer) will visit your address to verify you live there. Residency registration unlocks SSN healthcare enrollment, the ability to open a full Italian bank account, school enrollment for children, voting rights (for citizens), access to many government services, and AIRE cancellation (for Italian citizens registered abroad).
Opening a Bank Account
With your residency application in progress (or completed), you can open an Italian bank account (conto corrente). You will need your passport, codice fiscale, and proof of address/residency. Major banks: Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit have the largest branch networks. Online banks like Fineco, Revolut, and N26 offer easier setup with lower fees but limited in-person services. Monthly account fees typically range from EUR 0 (online banks) to EUR 5 to EUR 15 (traditional banks). Italian banking relies heavily on bonifico (bank transfer/SEPA) rather than checks or Venmo-style apps, though contactless card payments are now universal.
Getting Connected: Phone and Internet
Italian mobile carriers (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad) offer prepaid SIM plans at very competitive prices compared to U.S. rates: EUR 5 to EUR 15/month for generous data, calls, and texts. You will need your passport and codice fiscale to purchase a SIM. Iliad, the most recent market entrant, is known for transparent pricing and good value. Home internet (fiber/FTTC) costs EUR 25 to EUR 35/month. TIM and Vodafone have the widest fiber coverage. Check BUL coverage maps for fiber availability at your address.
SPID: Your Digital Identity
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) is Italy’s digital identity system. You will use it to access nearly every government service online: INPS, Agenzia delle Entrate, your comune‘s services, healthcare booking, and much more. Obtain SPID as early as possible. Providers include Poste Italiane (available at post offices, often the easiest for new residents), Aruba, InfoCert, and others. You need your codice fiscale, a valid ID, an Italian phone number, and an email address.
Settling In: First Months
Healthcare Enrollment
Once your residency registration is processed, visit your local ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) to enroll in the SSN and choose a medico di base (GP). Bring your residency certificate, codice fiscale, and tessera sanitaria (or apply for one if you have not received it). Your GP is your gateway to the Italian healthcare system: specialist referrals, prescriptions, and sick notes all flow through them. For full details, see our healthcare guide.
Driving
Your U.S. driver’s license with an International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date you establish Italian residency. After that, you must convert your license to an Italian patente di guida. The U.S. and Italy have a reciprocal license conversion agreement, meaning you can convert without retaking the driving exam (though you may need a medical exam and an eye test). Apply at the Motorizzazione Civile or through an autoscuola (driving school) that handles the paperwork. Processing takes 2 to 4 months.
Children and Schools
Italy’s public school system is free and open to all residents. Scuola dell’infanzia (preschool, ages 3 to 6), scuola primaria (elementary, ages 6 to 11), scuola secondaria di primo grado (middle school, ages 11 to 14), and scuola secondaria di secondo grado (high school, ages 14 to 19). Enrollment is handled through your local school or the Ministry of Education online portal during the January enrollment window (for the following September). International schools are available in major cities (Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples) with annual fees of EUR 10,000 to EUR 30,000+. Italian public schools offer an excellent education and full Italian language immersion, which is the fastest path to fluency for children.
Learning Italian
Even if you can manage daily life in English in major cities, Italian is essential for integration, bureaucratic independence, and building genuine connections. Options include university language programs for foreigners (Università per Stranieri in Perugia and Siena are renowned), private language schools in every major city, community-organized courses through comuni or associations (often free or very low cost), online platforms (italki for tutors, Duolingo for basics, RAI’s Italian learning programs), and conversational practice through tandem language exchange meetups. Aim for B1 level (intermediate) within your first year for comfortable daily functioning.
Ongoing Obligations
U.S. Tax Filing
As a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you must continue filing U.S. federal taxes annually, reporting worldwide income. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, approximately USD 126,500 for 2024) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) prevent double taxation in most cases. You must also file FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if your foreign financial accounts exceed USD 10,000 at any point during the year, and FATCA (Form 8938) for higher thresholds. Consider a tax professional experienced in expat taxation. For details, see our Italian tax guide.
Italian Administrative Calendar
Key annual dates to remember: November 30 is the Italian tax return (Modello Redditi) filing deadline. June and November are F24 tax payment deadlines. January is the school enrollment period for the following year. March is the annual ISEE certification renewal (for benefits). April 15 is the U.S. tax filing deadline (automatic 2-month extension for expats abroad to June 15, with further extension to October 15).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to relocate?
Budget at least EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 for the move itself (shipping, flights, initial deposits) plus 3 to 6 months of living expenses in reserve. Monthly living costs range from EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,500 in smaller cities/south to EUR 2,500 to EUR 4,500+ in Rome/Milan for a comfortable lifestyle.
Can I work in Italy immediately?
If you have Italian citizenship, yes, with no restrictions. If on a work visa, only as authorized by your visa type. If on an elective residence visa, you generally cannot work in Italy. For employment details, see our working in Italy guide.
What is the biggest mistake expats make?
Underestimating the importance of learning Italian and the time required for bureaucratic processes. Italian administration moves at its own pace, and patience combined with persistence (and a good commercialista or patronato) makes all the difference.