Moving to Italy
Moving to Italy is a dream for many North Americans who seek a combination of history, culture, and quality of life. The country is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from Alpine mountains to Mediterranean coastlines, and from bustling urban centers like Rome and Milan to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This geographic diversity makes Italy a versatile destination suitable for professionals, retirees, students, and families alike.
Italy is more than just postcard beauty. The nation’s cultural depth is unparalleled, with world-class museums, historical sites, and architectural treasures. For U.S. and Canadian expatriates, the attraction lies in the opportunity to immerse themselves in a lifestyle where art, food, and social life are integrated into everyday routines. Living in Italy means daily access to fresh markets, seasonal cuisine, and local festivals that are woven into the fabric of community life.
Strategically located in Southern Europe, Italy provides easy travel to neighboring EU countries. High-speed trains connect major cities within hours, while airports offer affordable access to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. For North Americans, this means not only experiencing Italy but also using it as a base for broader European exploration.
Cost of Living in Italy
The cost of living in Italy varies significantly depending on location. Northern cities like Milan and Venice are generally more expensive, while southern regions such as Calabria or Puglia provide more affordable options. Rome and Florence sit somewhere in between, combining international appeal with manageable living costs. Compared with the United States and Canada, Italy often delivers significant savings on healthcare, transportation, and fresh food, while housing costs depend on whether you choose an urban or rural setting.
For Americans and Canadians, the affordability of everyday essentials is one of Italy’s greatest draws. Dining out is common and inexpensive compared to North America, and access to local produce means healthier diets at lower costs. Public transportation is reliable and widely used, reducing the need for personal cars. This contributes to an overall lifestyle that is both affordable and sustainable.
That said, expatriates should budget carefully. Utilities can be high during winter in older buildings, and imported goods are expensive. Learning how locals shop—favoring markets over supermarkets, using energy efficiently, and adopting seasonal living—can reduce monthly expenses while deepening cultural integration.
| Expense Category (Monthly) | Rome (EUR) | Milan (EUR) | Toronto (CAD) | New York (USD) |
| Rent 1BR (city center) | €1,000 – €1,500 | €1,200 – €1,800 | $2,200 – $2,700 | $2,800 – $3,500 |
| Utilities | €150 – €250 | €180 – €260 | $180 – $280 | $200 – $300 |
| Groceries | €250 – €350 | €280 – €400 | $400 – $550 | $450 – $600 |
| Public Transport | €35 – €55 | €40 – €60 | $130 – $150 | $130 – $160 |
These figures show that Italy offers meaningful savings in many categories, especially for healthcare, education, and transport. North Americans moving to Italy often find that their lifestyle improves in terms of quality while total costs decline, provided they adjust to local habits.
Housing and Real Estate
Italy’s real estate market is as diverse as its regions. Urban centers like Rome, Milan, and Florence provide apartments in historic buildings with character features, while rural regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, or Sicily offer villas and farmhouses surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Each option has distinct advantages: city life comes with proximity to services and culture, while rural areas offer tranquility and affordability.
Renting is the most common first step for expatriates. Lease terms usually run for 12 months, with two to three months’ deposit required. Furnished apartments are common in student-heavy cities like Bologna, while unfurnished rentals dominate in smaller towns. Rental prices vary widely: Milan commands premium rates due to its economic status, while smaller towns offer housing for a fraction of the cost.
Buying property is popular among expatriates, especially retirees seeking long-term settlement. Foreigners can purchase real estate in Italy without restriction, though the process involves notaries, translators, and local municipal approvals. Many buyers target properties in underpopulated villages, where prices can be remarkably low, and restoration projects are encouraged with tax incentives.
| Region | 1BR Apartment Rent (EUR) | Property Purchase Price per m² (EUR) |
| Rome | €1,200 | €4,800 – €6,000 |
| Milan | €1,400 | €5,500 – €6,800 |
| Florence | €1,000 | €4,200 – €5,500 |
| Sicily (Catania) | €550 | €1,200 – €1,800 |
Investing in Italian real estate is not only about lifestyle but also about opportunity. With tourism strong and short-term rental markets regulated but active, properties in desirable regions can generate supplemental income. Retirees and remote workers often combine personal use with rental income when away, maximizing value.
Work, Business, and Taxes
The Italian job market is diverse but competitive. High-demand fields include information technology, engineering, hospitality, and healthcare. North American professionals often find opportunities in multinational corporations, universities, and remote work arrangements. English is an asset, though knowledge of Italian improves both employability and integration.
For entrepreneurs, Italy offers incentives for startups, especially in technology and green industries. The government supports incubators, accelerators, and business hubs across Milan, Rome, and Turin. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate the economy, providing entry points for partnerships and investment.
Taxation in Italy includes progressive income tax, regional surcharges, and municipal taxes. The system can be complex, especially for expatriates managing cross-border income. U.S. citizens must continue filing to the IRS, while Canadians should monitor provincial residency ties. Italy maintains tax treaties with both countries to prevent double taxation, though professional advice is recommended to align payroll, investments, and reporting.
- Progressive personal income tax rates from 23% to 43%
- Corporate tax rate of 24% plus regional surcharge
- Special tax regimes for inbound workers and retirees
Proper tax planning ensures compliance while optimizing benefits. Many expatriates use Italy’s “inbound workers” regime to lower taxable income during the first years of residence, making relocation financially attractive.
Healthcare and Education
Italy’s healthcare system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides universal coverage with affordable costs. Public hospitals and clinics deliver high-quality care, and private facilities supplement with faster access and English-speaking professionals. For Americans and Canadians, the affordability of healthcare in Italy often represents dramatic savings compared to home-country systems.
Education is another strong point. Italy boasts some of the world’s oldest universities, including Bologna, Padua, and Sapienza in Rome. International schools in major cities provide English-language instruction, while universities offer English-taught programs in fields such as business, medicine, and engineering. Tuition fees are significantly lower than in North America, opening doors for families and students.
Daily life benefits from Italy’s focus on community health and education. Pharmacies, family doctors, and schools are integrated into neighborhoods, ensuring that services are accessible even in smaller towns. For expatriates, this creates a secure and supportive environment for raising children and planning long-term settlement.
Residency Options in Italy
Italy provides several pathways to residency for foreigners. For workers, residence permits are tied to employment contracts. Students can apply for study permits linked to university enrollment, while family reunification permits apply to spouses and dependents of legal residents. The Elective Residence Visa is especially attractive to retirees and financially independent individuals who can show sufficient income to support themselves without working in Italy.
Investors can explore Italy’s Investor Visa, which requires significant contributions to government bonds, companies, or philanthropic projects. Remote workers and freelancers are increasingly turning to Italy’s digital nomad initiatives, though these are evolving. Each permit requires proof of income, housing, and health insurance.
Residency can eventually lead to long-term settlement and citizenship, provided that applicants maintain continuous, lawful residence and meet integration requirements. This staged approach ensures that foreigners contribute to Italian society while enjoying secure status.
| Residency Route | Main Requirement | Initial Validity | Path to Citizenship |
| Work Permit | Employment contract | 1–2 years | Eligible after 10 years |
| Study Permit | University enrollment | Program duration | Counts toward residency years |
| Elective Residence Visa | Sufficient passive income | 2 years | Renewable; eligible after 10 years |
| Investor Visa | €250,000–€2,000,000 investment | 2 years | Renewable; eligible after 10 years |
Path to Citizenship
Italian citizenship is possible through several legal routes. The most common is naturalization, which requires 10 years of continuous residence. Applicants must demonstrate integration, good conduct, and sufficient Italian language knowledge. This path is long but predictable, rewarding families who commit to living in Italy.
Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) is one of Italy’s most unique features. Many Americans and Canadians with Italian ancestry qualify for citizenship if they can prove an unbroken line of descent from an Italian ancestor. There is no generational limit in principle, though documentation must be complete and consistent. This option has allowed thousands of North Americans to reclaim Italian citizenship.
Citizenship by marriage is another route, allowing spouses of Italian citizens to apply after two years of marriage (or three years if living abroad). Dual citizenship is permitted, meaning that U.S. and Canadian citizens can retain their original passports while gaining Italian nationality and EU rights.
Comparison with Other EU Countries
When evaluating where to relocate, many expatriates compare Italy with Portugal, Spain, and Greece. Each country offers unique benefits, but differences in timelines, costs, and integration requirements matter. Italy’s main challenge is the 10-year residence requirement for naturalization, which is longer than Portugal’s 5 years but comparable to Spain’s 10. On the other hand, Italy’s descent-based citizenship is one of the broadest in Europe, offering opportunities unavailable elsewhere.
Language is another differentiator. Italy requires knowledge of Italian for naturalization, while Portugal requires only basic proficiency in Portuguese (A2 level). Spain and Greece also demand higher levels of language knowledge. For many North Americans with Italian roots, the cultural and family connection outweighs these challenges.
Property markets also differ. Italy’s rural areas are highly affordable, sometimes offering properties for symbolic prices under village regeneration schemes. Portugal and Spain offer attractive real estate but at higher entry costs in popular regions. Greece provides affordable coastal living but lacks Italy’s global connectivity.
| Country | Residency Before Citizenship | Language Requirement | Special Advantages |
| Italy | 10 years | Italian proficiency required | Broad descent-based citizenship, cultural appeal |
| Portugal | 5 years | Basic Portuguese (A2) | Flexible residency, strong expat networks |
| Spain | 10 years (exceptions for Latin Americans) | Spanish proficiency | Strong global cultural connections |
| Greece | 7 years | Greek proficiency | Affordable coastal living |
FAQ
Is dual citizenship allowed in Italy?
Yes, Italy permits dual citizenship. U.S. and Canadian citizens may keep their original passports while becoming Italian nationals.
How much does it cost to live in Italy compared with the U.S. or Canada?
Living costs are typically 30–40% lower, particularly for healthcare, education, and transport. Housing varies by region, with southern Italy being the most affordable.
Do I need to speak Italian to live in Italy?
English is sufficient in tourist areas and large cities, but Italian is necessary for bureaucracy, integration, and employment. Language study is strongly recommended.
What is the fastest way to obtain Italian citizenship?
Citizenship by descent is often the fastest route for those with Italian ancestry. For others, naturalization after 10 years of residence or marriage to an Italian citizen are viable options.
Is Italy a good place for families?
Yes. With universal healthcare, strong education systems, and a family-centered culture, Italy is highly suitable for raising children. Expat families often find the lifestyle supportive and enriching.
What are the main visa options for retirees?
The Elective Residence Visa is the primary option, requiring proof of passive income sufficient to support a household without working in Italy.