Moving to Italy from USA: Everything you need to know

Italy has a rich history, world-class cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, so it's no wonder that many Americans are considering moving to Italy from the USA. Each year, many US citizens make the leap to live in the country that gave us pasta and Renaissance art, but there are quite a few things to consider.

To have a successful move, it's essential to understand visa requirements, budget for the cost of living, learn what to expect from the healthcare system, and choose the right location for your lifestyle. Here's everything you need to know.

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Table of contents
Quick facts about Italy Visa options for Americans in Italy Cost of living in Italy Opening a bank account in Italy Getting accommodation in Italy Healthcare system in Italy Best cities to live in Italy as an expat Is it safe to live in Italy?

Quick facts about Italy

Before diving into the practical details of your Italian adventure, here are a few important facts that'll help you understand what to expect as an American expat.

Capital	Rome
Language	Italian
Population	59.1 million¹
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Government type	Parliamentary republic
Religion	Predominantly Catholic, with religious minorities
Weather	Mediterranean in the south, continental in the north
EU member	Yes (founding member)
Tax treaty	Yes²

Visa options for Americans in Italy

Americans can stay in Italy for 90 days without a visa, which is a great option for extended vacations or trying out life there for a few months.³

But if you want to make Italy your long-term home, you need to secure legal residency. Here are your options for Italian visas:

Work visa

A work visa lets you live and work in Italy for 1 to 2 years, depending on your employment contract. You need a job offer from an Italian employer.⁴ Your employer will need to get work authorization (called nulla osta) for you from the immigration office.

To get your residence permit, you'll also need documents like a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of income, and health insurance. However, keep in mind that finding a good job in Italy isn't the easiest thing to do, and the salaries may seem low compared to the US.

Student visa

Full-time students enrolled at Italian universities can get a student visa. You need proof of enrollment, financial support, and health insurance. The visa also allows you to work part-time up to 20 hours per week.⁴

After graduation, you can stay temporarily to look for employment and potentially transition to a work visa. However, this isn't guaranteed.

Digital nomad visa

If you work remotely with clients outside Italy, you may qualify for the digital nomad visa. It lasts for 1 year, and then you can renew it for 2 more years.⁴ It's also sometimes called the investor visa.

You'll need to show proof of stable income, with the threshold of around 28,000 EUR per year, but the Italian government can adjust this number.⁴ If you want to bring your family members (such as your spouse and children), you can, but you'll need to show a higher income.

Italy Golden Visa⁴

This residence visa requires a significant financial investment, but you get a direct path to residency. Your investment options are:

• 250,000 EUR in innovative Italian startups
• 500,000 EUR in Italian companies
• 1 million EUR in philanthropic activities
• 2 million EUR in government bonds

You get attractive tax benefits, visa-free travel to other European countries, and, after 10 years of residency, even a way to become an Italian citizen.

You can also bring your family with you on an Italian Golden Visa.

Many investors hire a company that specializes in Golden Visas to help them navigate the process, and these services come with additional fees.

Self-employment visa

Freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs can apply for this visa if they have sufficient funds to start their business in Italy. You need to meet professional requirements for your field, have accommodation lined up, and carry health insurance.

The visa lasts 1 year and can be renewed, but it can also be tricky to get.⁴

Elective residence visa

The elective residence visa is great for retirees or anyone with passive income who wants to live in Italy without working. You need around 31,000 EUR per year for a single person or 38,000 EUR for married couples from sources like pensions, investments, or rental income.⁴

The visa lasts for 1 year, and you can renew it for up to 5 years total.⁴ You'll need proof of health insurance and accommodation in Italy, and you won't be able to work there. You must live off your passive income.

💡 Learn more about retiring in Italy.

Italian citizenship by descent

If you have Italian ancestors, you might already be eligible for Italian citizenship without needing a visa at all. Italy doesn't limit how many generations back you can go, so even your great-grandparent can count.

You'll need official documents proving your Italian lineage through birth certificates and other records, and processing can take up to 3 years.⁴ However, once you're an Italian citizen, you can easily move and live there, enjoying la dolce vita.

Marriage

Marrying an Italian citizen opens a path to citizenship. If you live in Italy, you can apply after 2 years of marriage. If you live elsewhere, it takes 3 years.⁴

However, keep in mind that you'll have to pass an Italian language exam as part of the process.

Cost of living in Italy

Even in major cities, Italy offers a lower cost of living compared to most areas in the US. However, it's still not cheap to live there.

On average, a single person can expect to spend 1,041 USD on monthly expenses, excluding rent. For a family of 4, you'll need around 3,662 EUR per month, plus rent.⁵

Here's a closer look at what you can expect to spend:

Expense	Approximate cost (USD)⁵
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant	18 USD
Meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant	82 USD
Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city centre	849 USD
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city centre	1,470 USD
Basic utilities	229 USD
Internet	32 USD
Phone plan	12 USD
International school (yearly for 1 child)	10,636 USD
Toyota Corolla Sedan (or similar new car)	34,516 USD

Keep in mind that major cities like Rome and Milan command much higher prices than smaller towns and southern regions. If you're looking for more affordable living, consider moving to a city like Palermo, Lecce, or Bari.

Opening a bank account in Italy

Opening an Italian bank account will make your daily life much easier, so it's something you should consider if you want to live there long-term. It'll be handy for paying your bills and daily expenses.

Most major Italian banks like UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and BNL accept American customers. You'll typically need your passport, Italian tax code (codice fiscale), proof of Italian address, evidence of income or employment, and other documents that the bank may request.

However, the paperwork can be slow.

Be patient with the process and don't expect things to work the way they do in the US. Italians take their work/life balance seriously, so sometimes things take longer than expected.

Tax implications for Americans in Italy

As an American living in Italy, you're often on the hook for both American and Italian taxes.

The US taxes its citizens even if they don't live in America anymore. This means you must file US tax returns even after you move to Italy.

If you spend more than 183 days in Italy or become an official resident, Italy considers you a tax resident and requires you to pay taxes on your worldwide income. Italian income tax rates range from 23% to 43%, plus regional and municipal taxes that can add another 1% to 4%.⁴

However, the good news is that there's a US-Italy tax treaty that helps prevent double taxation, which is having to pay taxes in both countries on the same income. Laws like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) help you reduce your tax liability in the US.

However, you still need to file your tax return every year, even if you manage to claim exceptions on all of your income. Consider hiring a tax professional who can help you navigate both countries' requirements.

Getting accommodation in Italy

It's a good idea to start with temporary housing to explore different neighborhoods and understand what you really want in Italy. A short-term option like Airbnb can work great for your first few weeks or even months if you're still not sure where you want to live.

Once you're ready for renting long-term in Italy, these websites can help you find apartments or houses:

• Immobiliare.it
• Idealista
• Rentola

Beyond online searches, consider asking locals, checking university bulletin boards (especially in student cities), and walking through neighborhoods you like. Many rentals are advertised with simple signs in the windows.

After living in Italy for a while, you might consider buying property. Americans can purchase Italian real estate without restrictions, but it might be hard to get a mortgage as a foreigner.

Healthcare system in Italy

Italy's national healthcare system, called Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides basic healthcare services for free. The World Health Organization recognizes it as one of the world's best healthcare systems, but you need to be a legal Italian resident to use it.

If you have a proper visa, you can register with the SSN and receive a health card. This will cover your doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

However, if your residence status isn't clearly established or you're still in the process of obtaining proper documentation, you must have private health insurance. Many visa applications actually require proof of private insurance coverage before approval.

Best cities to live in Italy as an expat

Rome

Rome is popular with Americans and expats from all over the world. It's an ancient city with modern life, many museums, and endless entertainment options. Housing costs are high in central areas like Trastevere and Campo de' Fiori, but more affordable neighborhoods like Pigneto and San Lorenzo offer authentic Roman living. Many multinational companies have their offices here.

Milan

Italy's economic powerhouse attracts expats in finance, fashion, technology, and business consulting. Milan has some of the highest salaries in Italy, but living costs can also be steep. There are many internationally-minded neighborhoods, famous restaurants, and international schools.

Milan is also close to Switzerland, which makes it a great place if you want to travel to other European Union countries.

Bologna

Bologna is home to a prestigious university, and its cost of living is lower than in bigger cities like Rome and Milan. The local community is welcoming to internationals, and the city's central location makes weekend trips throughout Italy easy. You'll also find a lively nightlife and cultural scene, thanks to the many students in the area.

Florence

Florence appeals to many American expats who love art. Housing costs are moderate compared to Rome and Milan, with beautiful apartments available both in the historic center and the surrounding hills.

There are also a few international universities and study abroad programs, so expect a pretty big English-speaking student community.

Naples

Naples is a southern city with a significantly lower cost of living compared to northern cities like Milan. The expat community is smaller, but you'll find some retirees, remote workers, and those seeking an alternative Italian experience. The food is exceptional, and the weather is warm year-round.

However, job opportunities are more limited, so it's better suited for working remotely or living on an independent income.

Is it safe to live in Italy?

Living in Italy is typically safer than in many US cities.

The main safety concerns are petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas of Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. These crimes target valuables, not people, and rarely involve violence.

To stay safe, use common-sense precautions like keeping your valuables secure and staying aware of your surroundings in crowded areas. Like everywhere in the world, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, but these areas are usually obvious and easily avoided.

The bottom line

Italy can be an amazing place to live as an American if you're looking for a slower pace of life, a rich culture, and excellent food. However, the cost of living can be high in major cities like Milan and Rome, and you'll need a proper visa to stay in Italy permanently.

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Sources

1. Worldometer - Italy population
2. IRS - Italy, Tax Treaty Documents
3. US Department of State - Italy
4. Get Golden Visa - Moving to Italy from the USA
5. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Italy

Sources checked 09/23/2025