Moving from the US to Italy

Thinking About Moving to Italy?

Start here with our complete guide to relocating as an American wanting to live in Italy.

Expert-led advice for Americans making the move including tax, visas, citizenship, finances, and more.

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Don't leave anything to chance

Moving to Italy requires proper planning

Moving from the US to Italy is a popular route for Americans who want a different pace of life, rich culture, and access to wider Europe.

The transition can be risky without a plan, especially with a new language, regional bureaucracy, and unfamiliar admin such as the codice fiscale, permesso di soggiorno, and health system registration.

italian street with fiat 500 parked
16.1m

Around 16m Americans identify as having Italian ancestry, which equates to around 5% of the total US population.

*U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 ACS

 

 

1,280

Between 2016 and 2023 it is estimated that 1,280 Americans successfully applied for Italian citizenship with 379 being approved in 2023.

*ISTAT (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica - Italia)
16,534

As of 2024 it is estimated that there are 16,534 Americans officially resident in Italy

*ISTAT (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica - Italia)
6,813

It is estimated that around 6,813 Americans registered to live in Italy in 2022, up from 3,951 in 2019.

*ISTAT (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica - Italia)

 

 

Plan your move

Important challenges for Americans to overcome when moving to Italy

Moving internationally isn’t just a logistical task, it’s a financial, legal and emotional shift. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overlook critical steps that could lead to visa delays, tax penalties, costly banking mistakes, or homesickness that catches you off guard.

Our free resources will create clarity, reduce stress, and help you move with confidence on your own terms.

Regional distinctions

Italy’s regions vary widely in climate, costs, housing, and pace of life. Research cities and provinces before committing. Coastal vs inland, north vs south, and large cities vs smaller towns all feel very different.
Cost of living

Many day-to-day costs can be lower than major US cities, but budgets vary by region. Expect extra setup costs for immigration, translations, private health insurance before SSN registration, and rental deposits.
Healthcare

Italy’s public system (SSN) offers comprehensive coverage once you register and get your tessera sanitaria. Many newcomers use private health insurance until their SSN access starts.
Work/life balance

Italian work culture values time off and family life. Expect strong local routines, public holidays, and seasonal rhythms that affect opening hours and admin.
Tax complications

Italy uses progressive income tax plus regional and municipal surcharges. Americans must also manage ongoing US tax obligations on worldwide income, so coordinated US-Italy planning is essential.
Wealth management

Some US platforms restrict service once you’re resident in the EU. Portfolio structures, reporting, and product eligibility can change so get advice before moving assets.
Essential reading to get your research underway

What you’ll discover inside our US-to-Italy relocation section

We help Americans moving to Italy, whether relocating for work, lifestyle or  retirement.

We understand that every move is different, so while we offer information, checklists and guides to relocating to Italy, we support this with events, webinars and introduction services.

Whatever your motivation for moving to Italy, we’re here to give you the confidence and make your relocation smoother and far less stressful.

Italian visas for Americans


Understand core routes such as elective residence, work/employer-sponsored, self-employment, study, and the developing digital-nomad framework, plus how the in-Italy steps work after entry. Read about Italian Visas

Financial planning in Italy


When to speak to an adviser, what to do with 401(k)/IRAs, banking and currency and how to avoid costly mistakes. Financial planning in Italy

Italy-US Tax Planning

 

Tax can be complex and stressful. Avoid double taxation, understand the US-Italy tax treaty, and get clear on FBAR, FATCA, and Italian residency rules.

 Guide to US-Italy Taxes

Choosing where to live


Discover how Italy differs day to day, explore cost of living, property and lifestyle options. Use our guide to help you create a shortlist and make your final decision about where to live. Learn more about living in Italy
Timeline

Relocation timeline and when to speak to specialists

Moving abroad can feel a lot like preparing for a marathon. While most people reach the finish line, without preparation and expert support the risk of stress, mistakes and costly setbacks rises.

When relocating to Italy, the order of your decisions matters. Visa applications can take months, tax obligations come with strict deadlines, property choices need research and preparation, and access to healthcare depends on when and how you register. Build in time for the Italian way of doing things.

Consular and municipal appointments can book up quickly, offices keep limited hours, August and local holidays can slow processing, and some steps require repeat visits and certified translations. Getting your codice fiscale, applying for your permesso di soggiorno and registering with your comune all work more smoothly when you allow extra time.

That is why we have created a relocation timeline specifically for Italy.

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