Moving to Italy
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Italy, a country renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite cuisine, often tops the list of dream destinations. If you've fallen in love with Italy and want to make it your new home, this all-encompassing guide will help you navigate the intricate process of moving to Italy, whether you're an EU or non-EU citizen.

Italy's EU membership comes with benefits for EU and EFTA (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) citizens under the "free movement" principle. This means that if you're from an EU or EFTA country, relocating to Italy is relatively straightforward, with no need for a visa or work permit.

EU Citizens' Path to Italy:


1. Employment or Self-Employment: Relocate to Italy if you're employed or self-employed within the country.
2. Studying: Enrolling in an Italian educational institution or participating in vocational training qualifies you to move to Italy as a student.
3. Financial Stability: Move to Italy if you can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and any accompanying family members.

Requirements for EU Citizens Moving to Italy

To register for residence in Italy, visit the Anagrafe (Register Office) of your intended municipality. While specific requirements may vary, you'll typically need the following documents:

• Proof of your reason for staying (e.g., a work contract or university enrollment).
• Evidence of your Italian accommodation.
• Your identification details.
• Proof of health insurance.

Italian Permanent Residence for EU Citizens

After residing continuously in Italy for five years, you can apply for a permanent residence card, obtainable through the Questura (police headquarters). With four years of permanent residence, you become eligible for Italian citizenship.

For non-EU citizens, moving to Italy is a more complex process compared to EU citizens. If you're considering relocating to Italy from the USA or any other non-EU country, here's what you need to know:

1. Italian Long-Stay Visa: Non-EU citizens must obtain an Italian long-stay visa to enter Italy with the intention of residing long-term.
2. Residence Permit: After entering Italy, within eight days, you need to apply for an Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at a local Post Office and subsequently at the Questura (police headquarters). This permit is essential for legal residence in Italy for more than three months. Note that you cannot apply for Italian residency with a short-stay visa.
The process of moving to Italy also depends on your specific purpose for relocating.

For non-EU citizens, the process of moving to Italy for work is governed by the Decreto Flussi, a mechanism that determines the number of work visas issued each year. The Italian government sets quotas for the number of visas and specifies the eligible occupations for these visas. In recent years, such as 2018 and 2019, the annual quota was set at 30,850.

To embark on this journey, you must first secure a job in Italy while in your home country. Once you've secured employment, your prospective employer in Italy will be responsible for initiating the application for your work authorization in Italy.

If you are a non-EU citizen with aspirations of studying in Italy, the process involves several steps. First, you should enroll in an Italian educational institution of your choice. Following your enrollment, you will need to apply for an Italian long-stay visa explicitly designated for studying purposes.

Upon your arrival in Italy, you must then acquire an Italian residence permit to formally establish your status as a student. During your academic journey, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week, enabling you to gain practical experience while pursuing your studies.

Once you successfully complete your educational program, you can navigate the transition into the workforce by applying for a work permit. This can be done during the designated Decreto Flussi opening, enabling you to convert your existing study permit into a working residence permit, granting you the flexibility to seek employment in Italy.

Non-EU citizens have the option to reunite with family members residing in Italy through the Italian family reunification visa. However, before you can proceed with the visa application, your family member who is already in Italy must take the initial step by applying for authorization for your entry.

Once this authorization is granted, you can begin the process of applying for the Italian family visa, allowing you to join your family in Italy. Following your entry into Italy, it is essential to apply for an Italian residence permit within eight days, officially solidifying your legal status in the country.

Italy offers a distinctive pathway for individuals who have the financial means to sustain themselves without engaging in active employment. The Elective Residence visa is designed for this purpose and has gained popularity among those looking to retire in Italy.

To qualify for this visa, individuals must demonstrate their financial independence, with a minimum annual income typically set at €31,000. This income can originate from various sources, including pensions, savings, or investments.

Holders of the Elective Residence visa are not permitted to engage in work-related activities in Italy, making it an attractive option for retirees seeking a tranquil and culturally rich lifestyle in this remarkable country.

Non-EU nationals who have been residing in Italy with a temporary residence permit for five years become eligible to apply for Italian permanent residence. This status opens the door to a range of state benefits, including support for maternity and disability.

Once you achieve permanent residence in Italy, you are more integrated into the Italian society, enjoying a similar status to Italian citizens in terms of access to essential services and social support. For EU nationals with a permanent residence card, the possibility of obtaining Italian citizenship emerges after a decade of continuous residence in the country.

Whether you are embarking on a journey to Italy from the UK, the USA, or any other country, it is imperative to grasp the specific requirements relevant to your situation. Each category of entry carries its distinct set of regulations, necessitating careful planning and staying well-informed throughout the process. Italy's enchanting culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich heritage await those who undertake the exciting adventure of relocating to this beautiful country.