If you’ve lost your heart on Italy, you’re not alone. Italy receives millions of visitors each year along with countless expats looking to put down their roots in this stunning country. Italy is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful cultural and historic landmarks. With its strong art influence, fascinating history, and to-die-for culinary scene, Italy is a favourite among travellers from all over the world. If spending a holiday in Italy isn’t enough for you, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about relocating to Italy!
Fast facts
- Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, tying with China with an astounding number of 55 sites.
- Italy encircles the world’s smallest country, the Vatican City, which is around the size of a large park.
- Italy is the largest wine producer in the world. The Italians love wine so much that one of its towns even has a free wine fountain!
Why do people relocate to Italy?
Whether you are longing for the fashion-forward cities of Rome, Venice, Milan and Florence, or want to go off the beaten path by exploring the lesser-known towns of Italy, you will be blown away by the country’s beauty no matter where you go. The Italian countryside is breathtaking — from Tuscany’s rolling hills and the Cinque Terre’s colourful coastal houses to the majestic mountains of the Dolomite Alps and the crystal-clear waters of the Amalfi Coast.
What do I need to know before moving to Italy?
EU citizens looking to relocate to Italy will find that the process is pretty simple. EU citizens can relocate to Italy if they are self-employed, employed in Italy, enrolled as a student in an Italian educational institution or taking part in vocational training, and if they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any accompanying family members.
Non-EU citizens however need to apply for a Long Stay Visa, which allows you to work, study, retire, volunteer and more for a period ranging between three months and two years. For stays that exceed this time period, you need to apply for a residence permit immediately upon arrival in Italy. If you are relocating to Italy for employment purposes, your Italian employer can get you a work permit, enabling you to apply for a work visa.
Overall, the cost of living in Italy can be quite steep. Of course, this heavily depends on your lifestyle, where you live, and whether or not you are earning an income based on local standards. Accommodation and public transport both tend to be rather affordable, especially when compared to countries such as the UK and USA. Most expats living in Italy opt for private health insurance to ensure they are covered in case of a medical emergency.
Ready to relocate to Italy?
Do you have more questions about how to relocate to Italy? Whether you are moving by yourself, with family, or for work purposes, we can help you through the entire relocation process. Reach out to Claymore Thistle to book a free consultation!
