Italy is one of Europe's most attractive destinations for Americans seeking new experiences. First and foremost, the country offers a high quality of life, thanks to its robust health care system and low violent crime rates. Many Americans also appreciate Italy's lower housing and food prices.
But living in Italy is about more than affordability. The country offers diverse cultural heritages, exquisite culinary adventures and fascinating historical displays. From the sprawling vineyards of Veneto to the Carnevale celebrations of Rome, Italy is a vibrant nation you could spend decades exploring. Thanks to its central position in Southern Europe, Italian residents can easily visit nearby countries, such as France and Greece.
With so much to love, it's no wonder that more and more Americans are moving to Italy each year. If you're not sure how to move to Italy, Atlas International is here to guide you through the entire moving process. We'll take care of all the intricacies and nuances for you.
Atlas International has been managing global moves for over 60 years. We know the process of moving to Italy can feel daunting, but we're here to help. It all starts with getting your visa.
To apply for an Italian visa, you need to complete an application form at an Italian consulate and provide the following documentation:
The rest of the application process largely depends on your income source. You'll need to prove you have sufficient assets to support yourself or receive authorization to work in Italy. The most common visas people apply for include:
Italy's overall cost of living is about 20-40% lower than in the US, but the average Italian salary is also about 20-40% less than the typical American salary. Metropolitan areas are more expensive than rural areas, although the cost of living in Italy's major cities tends to be lower than in major American cities, such as Los Angeles and New York City.
Milan is generally considered the nation's costliest city, while the region of Sicily is one of the country's most affordable destinations.
Understanding a new culture takes time, but you can get a head start by learning about social norms and the Italian health care and education systems.
Like any country, Italy's social norms are unique and dynamic. They can vary by location, social group and many other factors. But generally speaking, there are several notable differences expats should remember:
As an Italian resident, you'll receive free or low-cost medical care through the nation's health system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale. Here's how it works:
Italy's education system is somewhat similar to America's. However, there are differences regarding students' ages and schedules:
Italy's housing market is similar to America's. Prices are in major cities, such as Rome and Milan, while rural regions, such as Abruzzo, offer lower rates.
However, there are some important differences when it comes to renting a home in Italy. Rental agreements generally last 2 to 4 years — 12-month leases are rare. Many landlords and tenants negotiate prices and annual rent increases before signing a contract, which means you have a little more control over how much your rent goes up each year.
To rent a property in Italy, you must show proof of Italian residency. Landlords also require proof of income, such as tax returns. You can find rentals online, but some landlords post for-rent signs outside their properties. Many Americans find it helpful to scout out rentals in person before starting the moving process.
The home-buying process is also notably different. The maximum age for getting a mortgage is 75, and it's almost impossible for people aged 70 or older to get one. If you'll be aged 70 or older by the time you're done paying the mortgage, you'll likely need a younger family member to act as a guarantor for the loan.
Unlike renting, Americans don't need a residency permit to buy properties in Italy, thanks to an Italian-American reciprocity agreement.
International moves are big endeavors that require extensive planning. Thankfully, you don't have to handle it alone. Atlas International operates a global network of moving experts to help you successfully move into your Italian home.
It all starts with a personal consultation. We'll learn about your needs and goals, create a customized moving plan and provide you with a no-obligation quote. From there, we'll do as much as you need us to.
We'll manage the logistics of your move, from loading up your current home to handling customs forms to making sure your belongings arrive at your new home in Italy safely and promptly. We can even take care of the packing process and unpack your belongings once they arrive at their destination. If you need some time to get settled before delivery, we'll arrange for the proper storage of your belongings until you're ready for them.
With more than 60 years of experience, Atlas International understands the intricacies of International moves. When you partner with us, you can rest assured that your move to Italy will be as seamless as possible.
Atlas International is ready to support your exciting new Italian adventure. Partnering with our proven network of moving experts sets you up for success in your new home. Get a free quote and start your international move today.