Ultimate Guide to Relocating to Italy from the US: Expert Tips, Advice, and Must-Knows

Relocating to Italy from the US

Italy is a Southern European country that enjoys a distinctive position on the world stage.  The country is the birthplace of the Roman Empire and has contributed to reshaping the history of not just Europe but a better part of the world. Whether it’s culture, science, arts, economics, medicine, politics, theology, gastronomy, civics, trade, industry, maritime, mining, communication, automotive, or textiles, Italy has played a role in every major human endeavor.

It is said that a person cannot choose relatives, but can choose their neighbors. However, from a geographical standpoint, the saying works in the opposite direction, i.e., it’s the global events and geopolitical changes that determine a country’s neighbors.

Italy has an awesome neighborhood that includes France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia as the land neighbors, while the vast Mediterranean Sea engulfs the country on the coastal front. Italy also proudly hosts the world’s tiniest sovereign state Vatican City. Each year millions of tourists visit Italy to enjoy the magnificent beauty of its towns, suburbs, mountains, cuisine, culture, and ancient architecture.

Traveling & relocating to Italy

Italy and the United States of America have a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) agreement, by virtue of which, a US citizen can enter and stay in Italy for 3 months during a six-month period. Beyond the time stipulated under the VWP, a visa is required.

This exemption is valid till the end of 2023, as a change in the exemption policy is in the pipeline come 2024. Primarily, US citizens will be required to register with the ETIAS to be eligible for the waiver. As a matter of fact, the same policy will extend to US citizens traveling to any Schengen state.

The validity of ETIAS will be 3 years or the expiration of the passport (whichever comes first), during which the person can travel to any Schengen state including Italy multiple times and stay for 90 days.

Long-term stay in Italy

To reside in Italy for more than 3 months, US citizens will need a type of visa that supports their purpose for a long-term stay. The most common visa types that allow for an extended stay are:

1. Study visa
2. Work Visa
3. Family reunification visa
4. Elective residence visa

We look at the requirements and basic processes for each visa type.

Study Visa

The requirements for a student visa are quite straightforward and simple. Depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances, and time of the year, the process usually takes a month to complete. The general requirements are:

• Valid passport
• Admission letter to a school/university/education institute in Italy
• Duly filled visa application form
• Sufficient funds to maintain decent subsistence during the stay
• Proof of accommodation (or means to afford one)
• Clear criminal and health records

Note that although the students are allowed to work a certain number of hours during their studies, proving suitable finances at the time of admission is compulsory. A student visa is valid for the duration of the study program and can be renewed in case the course is not completed, provided the conditions are met.

Work visa

A US citizen can obtain gainful employment in Italy in any industry or sector by applying through local placement agents or the Internet. In most cases, the employer moves the application to provide a work permit to the employee after fulfilling the conditions. The employer has to satisfy the authorities that the offered position couldn’t have been filled by an Italian citizen or resident.

Once the employee has the job offer letter, he/she can approach an Italian embassy nearest to them and apply for the visa. The employee’s letter to the authorities works as an endorsement and catalyzes the process.

Other requirements are as under:

• Job offer letter (provided by the employer to the applicant)
• Work permit (issued on the basis of the application moved by the employer to the authorities)
• Visa application to be filled and submitted by the employee
• Proof of financial means and accommodation
• Contract of service addressing the terms of service, remuneration, accommodation, traveling allowance, medical benefits, and any other details deemed necessary
• Academic certificates such as degrees, diplomas, etc., supporting the premise of employment

Family reunification

A family reunification visa is a sponsored visa type. It is sponsored by a close relative who is either a citizen or resident of Italy to his/her family members in another country. The recipient of the family reunification visa can enter Italy and apply for temporary residence status immediately. The residence permit will determine the validity of the visa, generally, one or two years.

The r general requirements for the visa are:

• Proof of admissible relationships: includes kids, dependent adults, spouse, parents, dependent relatives, etc.
• Proof of family relationship: Attested statutory documents that prove that the applicant is a legal relative to the sponsor
• Proof that the applicant or the sponsor has sufficient financial means to support the applicant during his/her stay in Italy
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage
• Duly filled application form (pertaining to the specific purpose)
• Purpose of stay and intended duration of stay
• Supporting documents such as clean criminal record, character certificate, passport, photographs, biometric authentication, etc.

Elective residence visa

An elective visa caters to individuals who wish to stay in Italy indefinitely without a worldly purpose other than spending quality time exploring the country. Usually, the applicants for an elective residence visa are retired businessmen, wealthy entrepreneurs, successful freelancers, etc.

The visa is also known as ‘Residenza Elettiva’ or ‘non-working visa’. The general requirements and conditions for eligibility are as under:

• The applicant must have sufficient financial means to afford a decent livelihood during the stay
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage including outpatient and inpatient medical cover
• Decent accommodation; rental or purchased
• Travel and other supporting documents

Permanent residence and citizenship

Almost all long-stay visas can be converted to permanent residence visas on fulfillment of certain conditions. For instance, a person staying on a student visa becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence status after spending several years in Italy. Similarly, an employee in Italy who has worked in Italy for the required number of years can apply for permanent residence. Marrying an Italian citizen also constitutes eligibility for permanent residence.

Furthermore, a foreigner staying in Italy as a permanent resident can apply for citizenship once the requirements are fulfilled; primarily spending several years and maintaining a decent livelihood, and contributing to the Italian society and economy.

Another way of obtaining Italian citizenship and permanent residence is through investment. By showing an intent to invest in any sector or industry in Italy and proving the means to carry out the same, the applicant is granted with investor visa. This route is most expedient and the yields are most of the time certain.

Requirements for an investment visa

For US citizens who wish to obtain citizenship through investment a minimum of US$ 250,000 or a maximum of $25,00,000 investment must be made available.  While for permanent residence status, the minimum amount is $100,000 and a maximum of $600,000 is required. The amounts provided are subject to change, and can also vary depending on the industry or sector one intends to invest in.

For instance, an investment of $500,000 in a tech startup, or $1 million in an existing Italian company, or $2 million or above in government bonds or securities, etc., are all considered admissible investments for citizenship purposes.

Additionally, the investor will be required to submit a workable and detailed business plan which should include the execution phase, source of investment, access to raw materials and/or human resources, expected job creation, impact on environment and economy, at least 2-year financial progressions, the exit strategy, etc.

Real estate in Italy

Owning a property in Italy does not come cheap. Even the rents in tourist-centric localities are very high. Finding a suitable accommodation that suits the needs of the applicant is the foremost consideration during relocation.

Fortunately, people who can afford to live in remote and less urban areas of Italy can benefit from the famous “Case a Euro” or the “House in a Euro” scheme.

Case a Euro

During the past several decades, residents of small and remote towns in Italy migrated to urban areas or more developed countries to enjoy superior living standards. This outflow resulted in entire towns being abandoned, portraying a picture of negligence, and marring the otherwise beautiful landscapes.

To rectify the situation the “house in a Euro” scheme was launched in 2017, with a clear purpose to repopulate and renovate the abandoned towns and houses at public cost. The scheme was targeted at foreigners who could afford to renovate the property within three years after occupying the premise.

The scheme runs countrywide, and the list of towns on offer keeps adding and subtracting with time. Currently, houses in towns and cities mentioned below are enlisted in the scheme.

• Mussomeli, Sicily
• Salemi, Sicily
• Zungoli, Campania
• Cinquefrondi, Calabria

While it may sound attractive, the scheme certainly has strings attached to it. Some of the conditions that the buyers must be aware of are:

1. Commitment to renovate the property within 3 years after possession. The renovation must be made to the extent that it is deemed as “liveable”.
2. Many towns and municipalities require that the owners reside in the town for a certain amount of time. The aim is to repopulate the area and contribute to the community.
3. The owners are obligated to maintain the property and adhere to the local municipality guidelines.
4. The owners are also subject to the municipality and administrative fees.
5. Subletting the property may not be possible under most circumstances until a certain period of time has passed.

Rental and purchase prices of properties in Italy

The table below reflects the estimated rent and ownership prices for some popular localities in Italy.

Localities and areas to avoid in Italy

Italy is a very peaceful and safe place to live in. Noteworthy incidents involving violence and organized crime are few and far between. Yet, it is prudent to avoid areas where petty crimes are rampant.

Here are a few areas that may be avoided as a precaution:

• Naples, while being a vibrant and attractive place to live, has many incidents of muggings and robberies. It is a port city and receives transiting travelers from all parts of the world, hence in high season such crimes are on the rise and demand vigilance.
• Palermo, especially in the suburban areas, is exposed to crime and criminal activities.
• Milan’s areas that are close to the central train station are also exposed to petty crimes that often go violent.

The education system in Italy

Throughout the history of civilizations, Italy has held a place of prominence in learning and education. Albeit philosophy, science, or arts. The education system of modern Italy is innovative and well-structured including various levels of attainment. Preschool, primary, and secondary education are compulsory for every child residing in Italy and are provided by the state.

Here are the different levels of education in Italy:

• Preschool Education: A compulsory level for children between the ages of 3 and 6. Children are taught a basic understanding of colors, numbers, and shapes, along with basic civic duties and basic ethics.
• Primary Education: Children between the ages of 9 and 11 are obligated to attend primary education to learn about the Italian language, mathematics, history, art, music, etc.
• Lower Secondary Education: Secondary education starts at the age of 11 and is expected to be attained by the age of 14. The curriculum in secondary education differs between state and province, however, few subjects including science, history, etc. remain uniform.
• Upper Secondary: this level of education is a precursor to university education. Apart from the conventional subjects, students are given a choice to opt for vocational training too. Vocational training prepares students for immediate consumption of the industry.
• Higher Education: Higher education refers to advanced degrees in multi-faculty programs such as engineering, sciences, technology, medicine, etc. The duration of the program depends on the discipline and may take 5 to 7 years to complete.

Best schools and universities in Italy

Private and public schools that specifically cater to foreign children can be found in every major city of Italy, some of the most renowned schools are listed below:

• The American School – Milan
• Marymount International School – Rome
• International School – Florence
• International School – Turin
• International School – Bologna

Similarly, there are some universities in Italy that are recognized and respected the world over.

• The University of Bologna – Established in 1088
• Sapienza University – Rome
• Politecnico di Milano – Milan
• University of Pauda – Established in 1222