Planning a move to Italy from the America? Learn about the main visa options for Americans, from work permits and elective residence visas to family reunification and citizenship by descent. Includes a practical relocation timeline, checklist and answers to common questions. Also includes some useful links to official sites.
Moving to Italy is a dream for many Americans, whether for work, study, retirement, or simply the lifestyle. But while short visits are straightforward, a long-term relocation requires the right visa and residence permit.
As a U.S. citizen, you can visit Italy (and other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Anything longer requires a long-stay visa (Type D), obtained in advance through your local Italian consulate, followed by an application for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) once you arrive.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only to help you begin your research into moving to Italy. It should not be taken as legal, immigration, or financial advice. Visa requirements and eligibility can change, and personal circumstances vary. Before making any applications or decisions, you should always consult with a qualified immigration specialist or the relevant Italian authorities.
Choosing the correct visa is crucial, as each option has different requirements, restrictions, and renewal rules. Below we outline the main visa categories available to Americans.
| Visa type | Who it’s for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Americans with a job offer in Italy | Requires employer sponsorship and authorisation (nulla osta). Often subject to annual quotas. |
| Self-Employment Visa | Freelancers, entrepreneurs, professionals | Requires proof of income, business plan, and authorisation to operate. |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote workers employed outside Italy | Requires proof of sufficient income, remote contract, and health insurance. Still relatively new. |
| Student Visa | Enrolled in an Italian university or school | Proof of acceptance, funds, accommodation, and health insurance. May allow limited part-time work. |
| Visa type | Who it’s for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Elective Residence Visa | Retirees and those with passive income | Must show stable, sufficient funds (pension, investments). Does not allow employment. |
| Investor Visa | High-net-worth individuals investing in Italy | Substantial investment in Italian companies, bonds, or start-ups. Provides residency rights. |
| Visa type | Who it’s for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Family Reunification Visa | Spouses, children, or dependants of Italian residents | Requires proof of family relationship, sponsor’s status, and suitable accommodation. |
| Spouse / Partner Visa | Married to or in a recognised partnership with an Italian or EU citizen | Simplified path to residence; proof of marriage or civil union required. |
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, about 16 million Americans identify as having Italian ancestry.
For some, this heritage may offer more than cultural ties. If you can prove descent from an Italian parent, grandparent, or in some cases even a great-grandparent, you might be eligible for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis). Successful applicants are recognised as Italian (and EU) citizens, with the right to live and work in Italy without needing a visa.
Eligibility depends on factors such as whether your ancestor renounced citizenship, the generational line, and proper documentation. Simply having Italian heritage, without the ability to prove citizenship, does not grant residency rights — in that case, you must apply for a standard visa.
Yes. The Elective Residence Visa allows retirees and those with passive income to live in Italy, provided they can prove sufficient funds and accommodation. This visa does not allow employment.
Yes. Italy has introduced a visa for remote workers employed by companies outside Italy. Requirements include proof of income, a valid contract, and private health insurance.
Americans can stay in Italy (and the wider Schengen Area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Longer stays require a national visa.
It is a residence permit required for all non-EU nationals staying in Italy beyond 90 days. It must be applied for within 8 days of arrival.
Most Americans can apply for naturalisation after ten years of legal residence. Shorter timeframes may apply if you are married to an Italian citizen or meet other specific criteria.
