Your life in Italy starts here
Make your move to Italy
The scenery, food and pace of Italian life come with strong healthcare and famously generous tax incentives, including a favourable regime for pensioners. A dedicated route suits those with means and no need to work.
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Photo: Mathew Schwartz / Unsplash
At a glance
Italy, in brief.
How Italy compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Italy ranks among the best for safety (11th of 78) and healthcare (20th of 78) and visa ease (31st of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Very safe
- Climate
- Warm (~16°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Established
Elective-residence visa (~€31k/yr)
Worldwide; flat-tax & 7% pensioner regimes
Life in Italy
From navigating Italy’s legendary bureaucracy to discovering the power of language, community, and citizenship by descent, Audra De Falco discusses what it really takes to build a life abroad.
Health insurance in Italy
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Italy, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
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Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Italy into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Italy.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Italy moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Italy share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Italy stories
- Salento, Italy
Stefanie Reilly
From Melbourne to southern Italy at 40, Stefanie shares why embracing uncertainty changed her life.
- Lake Como, Italy
Rachel Gilbert
Read Rachel Gilbert's experience of moving and living in Italy.
- Molise, Italy
Ben and Estel
Read about Ben and Estel's experience of moving from Belgium to Italy.
Fresh from Italy
Latest articles.
Why Milan Is Becoming A Magnet For Wealthy Expats
Milan is reinventing itself as Europe’s new expat hotspot, blending tax perks with la dolce vita.
Staying Well In Italy: Health Tips For Expat Families
Discover how expat families can access Italy’s healthcare system, combine public and private care, and embrace a lifestyle of wellness and prevention.
Is It Safe To Do Business In Italy? Navigating Crime, Corruption & Opportunity
Is it safe to do business in Italy? Explore crime, corruption, bureaucracy, and the opportunities awaiting expat entrepreneurs in Italy’s evolving market.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Italy.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Italy episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Italy, and compare them side by side.
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