• Explore Italy
  • Best Places to Live
  • Schools
  • Find
  • Italy Community
  • Favorites
  • Plan Your Move
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In
  • Search
  • Home
Expat Exchange
Best PlacesBest Places Community Find
Schools Plan Favorites
Partners & Local Guides
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Account Italy Index   Search
Explore DestinationExplore ItalyBest Places to Live Schools FindCommunity Plan Your MoveFavorites
Explore DestinationExplore Community
Plan Your Move
A
Expat Lifestyle
B
Private Schools
A
Family Friendly
B+
Single Friendly
A-
Senior Friendly
B
LGBTQ+ Friendly
B+
Weather
B
Healthcare
C
Cost of Living
A-
Recreation
A
Nightlife
A
Restaurants
B-
Crime

Expat Exchange > Italy

Italy

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: High
Train Access: Yes (trenitalia, italo, very safe)
Bus Service: Yes (ATAC, AMAT, ANM, ATM, and many others, relatively safe)

Italy has long been a dream destination for expats seeking a rich cultural experience, excellent quality of life, career opportunities in Europe, or a great place to retire. From the historic and contemporary streets of Rome, to the artistic hubs of Florence, to the to the innovation and style of Milan, the options are as varied as they are inspiring. Throw in the stunning coastlines of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany, Piedmont and Umbria, and Italy clearly offers a lifestyle that blends tradition with modern convenience.

Expats, including digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals, are drawn to its growing remote work infrastructure, favorable visa options, and world-class cuisine. With its welcoming communities, one of the largest economies in Europe, and breathtaking landscapes, Italy remains a top choice for those looking to live and work abroad.

Italy’s diverse regions offer expats a rich variety of lifestyles, from the economic and fashion hub of Milan in the north to the sun-soaked shores of Puglia in the south. The Italian countryside, with its rolling vineyards and olive groves, provides a slower pace of life and world-renowned wines and olive oils. The coastline of Liguria offers a balance between seaside living and easy access to Italy’s economic centers. The Italian Alps and Dolomites provide year-round outdoor opportunities, from skiing to hiking, while the central Apennines offer a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience. Meanwhile, Italian cuisine remains an essential part of daily life, with each region offering its own specialties—ensuring that no matter where expats settle, they’ll be immersed in a deep culinary tradition.

Italy offers both opportunities and challenges for expats looking to work or start a business. As one of the Eurozone’s largest economies, Italy has key industries that include fashion, automotive, manufacturing, and tourism, with major hubs in Milan, Turin, and Bologna. Work visas can be difficult to secure, often requiring employer sponsorship, while self-employment and elective residence visas have strict financial criteria. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and high taxes, there are absolutely emerging opportunities in digital innovation, green energy, and an ever-increasing interest in accommodating those interested in a remote-work lifestyle.

However, while Italy has much to offer expats, such as a relatively low outside major cities, and a welcoming expat community, it also comes with challenges such as bureaucracy, high unemployment in some regions, and a slower pace of life that can take significant adjustment for some people.

For those willing to navigate these realities - and many expats are thrilled to embrace that slower pace of life - Italy offers a deeply rewarding experience that blends old-world charm with modern opportunities and convenience.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
Get Quote

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

8 Incredible Hidden Gems in Italy 8 Incredible Hidden Gems in Italy
Expat Survey: 85% of Expats in Italy Report Being Happy There Expat Survey: 85% of Expats in Italy Report Being Happy There
American Women's Association of Rome: Charity, Connection & Cooking during Pandemic American Women's Association of Rome: Charity, Connection & Cooking during Pandemic
Expat Survey: Expats Give Italy High Marks Expat Survey: Expats Give Italy High Marks
Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Italy Expat Banking: Tips for Expats in Italy
Top 6 Cities in Italy for Expat Jobs Top 6 Cities in Italy for Expat Jobs
Expats in Italy: 5 Movies to Get You Excited About Living in Italy Expats in Italy: 5 Movies to Get You Excited About Living in Italy
Expats in Italy: Pros and Cons of Living in Italy Expats in Italy: Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
Retiring in Italy: 7 Important Tips for Retirees in Italy Retiring in Italy: 7 Important Tips for Retirees in Italy
7 Tips for Obtaining Residency in Italy 7 Tips for Obtaining Residency in Italy
5 Great Places to Retire in Western Europe 5 Great Places to Retire in Western Europe
10 Tips for Living in Italy 10 Tips for Living in Italy
Living in Italy: Challenges and Culture Shock Living in Italy: Challenges and Culture Shock
Volunteering in Puglia Volunteering in Puglia
Volunteering in Perugia Volunteering in Perugia
Volunteering in Piedmont Volunteering in Piedmont
Volunteering in Florence Volunteering in Florence
10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Italy 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Italy
Culture Shock in Italy Culture Shock in Italy
Pros and Cons of Living in Italy Pros and Cons of Living in Italy
How to Get a Driver's License in Italy How to Get a Driver's License in Italy
Guide to Residency in Italy Guide to Residency in Italy
Best Places to Live Overseas: France vs. Italy Best Places to Live Overseas: France vs. Italy
Best Places to Live Overseas: Italy vs. Portugal Best Places to Live Overseas: Italy vs. Portugal
8 Incredible Hidden Gems in Italy 8 Incredible Hidden Gems in Italy
12 Best Places to Live in Italy 12 Best Places to Live in Italy
10 Best Places to Live in Liguria, Italy 10 Best Places to Live in Liguria, Italy
7 Best Places to Live in Piedmont, Italy 7 Best Places to Live in Piedmont, Italy
10 Best Places to Live in Puglia 10 Best Places to Live in Puglia
Retiring in Italy: The 7 Best Places to Retire in Italy Retiring in Italy: The 7 Best Places to Retire in Italy
Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Italy (Plus, Itineraries) Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Italy (Plus, Itineraries)
10 Best Places for Families to Live in Italy 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Italy
15 Best Places to Live in Italy 15 Best Places to Live in Italy
11 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Italy 11 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Italy
Healthcare in Italy Healthcare in Italy
5 Expat Moms Talk about Having a Baby in Italy 5 Expat Moms Talk about Having a Baby in Italy
9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Italy 9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Italy
Top Hospitals in Italy by Specialty Top Hospitals in Italy by Specialty
Pharmacies and Medications in Italy Pharmacies and Medications in Italy
Mental Health Care in Italy Mental Health Care in Italy
Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Italy? Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Italy?
Having a Baby in Italy Having a Baby in Italy
Health Insurance in Italy Health Insurance in Italy
Chikungunya Disease in Italy Chikungunya Disease in Italy
Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Italy Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Italy
Understanding the Health System in Italy Understanding the Health System in Italy
Moving to Italy: 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Italy Moving to Italy: 7 Things to Know Before You Move to Italy
Buying Property in Italy Buying Property in Italy
7 Tips for Obtaining Residency in Italy 7 Tips for Obtaining Residency in Italy
Moving with a Pet to Italy Moving with a Pet to Italy
Homeschooling in Italy Homeschooling in Italy
How to Enroll Your Children in School in Italy How to Enroll Your Children in School in Italy
Educational System in Italy Educational System in Italy
10 Things to Know Before Moving to Italy 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Italy
How to Buy a Home in Italy How to Buy a Home in Italy
How to Rent a Home in Italy How to Rent a Home in Italy
Guide to Residency in Italy Guide to Residency in Italy

Living in Italy

Movies Set: La Dolce Vita, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Life is Beautiful, The Godfather Part III
Popular Foods: Italian cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and lasagna are staples, as is pizza, particularly the classic Margherita. Risotto and polenta are also popular, especially in the north. For dessert, gelato, tiramisu, and panna cotta are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Unusual Eats: Casu marzu is a Sardinian cheese that contains live insect larvae and is considered a delicacy by some locals, but its strong smell and wriggling maggots can be off-putting to the uninitiated. Another unusual dish is lampredotto, a Florentine sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow, which is a street food favorite in Tuscany.
Popular Sports: football (soccer), cycling, volleyball, basketball, Formula 1
Popular Teams: Juventus F.C. (football), A.C. Milan (football), Inter Milan (football), Ferrari (Formula 1)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When dining in Italy, it is considered rude to ask for cheese to be added to a dish that does not traditionally come with it, such as seafood pasta. It is also a faux pas to cut pasta with a knife or to sip cappuccino after 11 am, as it is typically a breakfast drink. Italians value punctuality for business but may be more relaxed about timing for social gatherings.

Best Places to Live in Italy

Discover the top-ranked towns in Italy. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Taormina
2
Portofino
3
Lake Como
4
Cinque Terre
5
Bologna
6
Venice
7
Tuscany
8
Rome
9
Sorrento
10
Verona
11
Florence
12
Lake Garda
13
Liguria
14
Milan
15
Amalfi
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Elective Residence Visa, Work Visa
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Italy does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads often use the Elective Residence Visa which allows them to live in Italy for up to one year and can be renewed.

Obtaining a residency in Italy involves several steps and the process can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The most common types of visas for expats include the Elective Residence Visa and the Work Visa. The Elective Residence Visa is designed for individuals who can prove they have a high, steady income from sources outside of Italy and do not need to work in the country. Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves, a place to live, and comprehensive health insurance. This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed. The Work Visa is for those who have secured a job in Italy before entering the country. The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee, which is subject to quotas. Once the work permit is granted, the employee can apply for the visa. This process can be quite competitive and time-consuming due to the quota system. Other visas include the Student Visa and Family Reunification Visa. The process generally involves gathering the required documentation, such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, accommodation, and health insurance, and submitting an application to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. An appointment is usually required, and you may need to attend an interview. The difficulty of the process can vary; it is often described as average, but it can be challenging due to the bureaucracy and strict requirements. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of your intended move date and to seek assistance from professionals if necessary. Once in Italy, you will need to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within eight days of arrival to stay legally. This additional step involves going to the local post office or police station (Questura) to submit the necessary paperwork. Overall, while the process can be bureaucratic and requires careful preparation, it is manageable with the right planning and support.

Healthcare in Italy

The healthcare system in Italy is a regionally based national health service known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) that provides universal coverage, largely free of charge at the point of service. Public healthcare is funded by a combination of national and regional taxes. Private healthcare is also available and is often used as a complement to public services, offering faster access to treatment and more luxurious facilities. The quality of healthcare in Italy is generally high, with a good ratio of doctors to patients and modern facilities, although there can be regional disparities with the north typically better served than the south. Expats and digital nomads who are residents in Italy and make social security contributions can access public healthcare. Those with a European health insurance Card (EHIC) can use it during temporary visits. Non-EU nationals may need private insurance to cover their healthcare needs until they are registered with the SSN.

"Hello, I will be in Rome on an extended holiday with the hopes of making the move permanent. Are there any Expat groups in Rome that have or know of any events in July 2012?" - annagrace

Connect with Others on the Italy Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Italy is considered high, especially in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Housing, utilities, and transportation can be particularly expensive, although this is often offset by the quality of life and public services available.

Weather

Italy experiences a varied climate. The north has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, while the central regions enjoy a milder temperate climate. The south and coastal areas typically have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Educational System in Italy

The educational system in Italy is known for its structure that emphasizes both academic and vocational training. Education is compulsory from the age of 6 to 16, covering primary and lower secondary education. The system is divided into five main stages: Scuola dell'infanzia (pre-school), Scuola primaria (primary school), Scuola secondaria di primo grado (lower secondary school), Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (upper secondary school), and higher education. Primary school lasts five years, and upon completion, students receive a diploma di licenza. Lower secondary school, also known as middle school, lasts three years, culminating in the diploma di licenza media. Upper secondary school offers various types of programs, including classical, scientific, and vocational, lasting five years and leading to the Maturità, which is required for university admission. The Italian education system is known for its historic and well-established institutions, with a strong emphasis on the humanities and sciences. The quality of education is generally high, with a focus on critical thinking and creativity. Children typically start school at age 6 and graduate at age 19 if they follow the traditional path without repeating any years.

Tripiamo
Italian For A While
SJB Global
Universal Tax Professionals
Traveling Mailbox
iVisa
AGS Worldwide Movers
GeoBlue
The Relocator
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
Our Story Our Team Contact Us Partner with Us
Guides to Cities in Italy
Amalfi Amalfi Coast Bergamo Bologna Cinque Terre Florence Genoa Lake Como Lake Garda Liguria Lucca Milan Minturno Modena Naples Parma Perugia Piedmont Portofino Portovenere Puglia Rapallo Rimini Rome Sanremo Siena Sorrento Taormina Turin Tuscany Venice Verona Viareggio
Country Resources
Health Insurance Moving & Shipping Language Schools Real Estate Firms More Resources

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides