Moving to Italy from USA: The ultimate guide to living abroad

Moving to Italy from USA has long captured the imagination of Americans – from retirees seeking a slower pace of life, to digital nomads craving a change of scenery.

Italy’s rich culture, excellent healthcare, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine make it a top destination for relocation. However, navigating visas, residency, taxes, and cost of living differences requires careful planning.

In 2025, updated visa pathways and residency options offer more opportunities than ever before – whether you're looking to retire, work remotely, study, or invest.

This guide will cover everything you need to know: visa options, how to become a resident, costs by city, tax obligations, and more – including insights on living in Italy as an American.

Key insights for 2025:

• Italy’s new Digital Nomad Visa is officially available for US remote workers.

• Self-employed and freelance visa options are expanding for Americans.
• Residency requirements are becoming stricter – strong financial proof is increasingly necessary.
• Italy’s tax incentives for new residents (especially in Southern Italy) remain competitive.
• Major expat communities are thriving in Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Sicily.

Overview of Italy

Italy is a stunning country known for its historical cities, Mediterranean coastlines, diverse regions, and world-class art and cuisine.

For Americans, relocating to Italy offers access to excellent healthcare, a relaxed lifestyle, and easy travel within the European Union.

Quick facts about Italy:

• Capital: Rome
• Population: 58 million
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Climate: Ranges from Alpine in the north to Mediterranean in the south

Italian visa options for US citizens

US citizens have several visa options for moving to Italy from USA, each designed for different life goals – whether it’s retirement, work, study, or entrepreneurship. Understanding Italian visa for American citizen pathways is crucial to choosing the right path for long-term residency.

1. Elective residence visa (for retirees and passive income earners)

Best suited for: Retirees and individuals with independent income (e.g., pensions, investments).

The elective residence visa allows US citizens to live in Italy without working. Applicants must show proof of sufficient passive income (typically €31,000+ per year for individuals) and comprehensive health insurance.

Employment or business activity in Italy is not permitted under this visa. It's a popular route for those relocating to Rome, Florence, or other major cities for retirement.

2. Work visa for US citizens

Best suited for: Individuals with a confirmed Italian job offer.

If you're hired by an Italian employer, you may be eligible for a work visa. These are subject to Italy’s immigration quotas (decreto flussi), which can make timing competitive.

The employer must sponsor the application, and work contracts must meet minimum salary thresholds.

Italian work visas for US citizens require advance employer support and are best for in-demand industries like tech, engineering, or healthcare.

3. Digital nomad visa

Best suited for: Remote workers and freelancers working for non-Italian companies.

Launched in 2024, Italy’s digital nomad visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Italy while working remotely for foreign employers. Applicants must show consistent remote work and sufficient income (around €28,000+ per year).

This visa caters to the growing American expats in Italy who work in tech, marketing, consulting, and other remote fields.

4. Visas for students and for family reunification

Best suited for: Students enrolled in accredited Italian institutions and family members joining a resident.

• Student visa: For Americans accepted into Italian universities, language schools, or specialized training programs. Proof of enrollment, financial support, and health insurance are mandatory.
• Family reunification visa: For spouses, minor children, or dependent parents of Italian residents or citizens. It requires proof of relationship, sufficient income of the sponsoring relative, and adequate housing.

These visa types are great for younger expats or families immigrating to Italy from the US.

5. Self-employed visa

Best suited for: Entrepreneurs, consultants, and freelancers setting up businesses in Italy.

Self-employment visas require detailed business plans, sufficient financial resources, proof of professional qualifications, and often registration with Italian professional bodies. Available spots are limited under immigration quotas.

This visa supports US expats in Italy pursuing consultancy, art, or small business ownership.

6. Investor visa

Best suited for: High-net-worth individuals investing significant capital into Italy.

US citizens who invest at least €250,000 into an Italian startup, €500,000 into an existing company, €2 million in Italian government bonds, or make a €1 million philanthropic donation may qualify for a fast-tracked investor visa.

It’s one of the fastest ways to secure long-term residency in Italy for US citizens with financial means.

Visa comparison table

How to apply for an Italian visa as an American

Applying for an Italian visa as a US citizen can feel complex, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process manageable.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to meet the US citizen Italy visa requirements:

Step 1: Choose the right visa type.

Decide which visa best matches your purpose – elective residence, work, digital nomad, study, family reunification, self-employment, or investor.

Step 2: Gather required documents.

Typical documents include:

• Valid US passport (with at least six months before expiry)
• Proof of income or financial resources
• Health insurance covering Italy
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership)
• Visa application form and recent passport photos

Step 3: Submit your application at an Italian consulate.

You must apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your US state of residence. Many consulates require scheduling an appointment weeks or even months in advance.

Step 4: Attend an interview (if required).

Some visa categories – especially self-employment and elective residence – may require a personal interview to assess your eligibility.

Step 5: Wait for approval.

Processing times vary widely depending on visa type and consulate, typically between 3090 days.

Step 6: Apply for a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno).

Once you arrive in Italy, you must apply for a (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days at the local post office, and then complete the process at the local immigration office.

How to become a resident in Italy

Once you’ve entered Italy with your visa, the journey to Italian residency for US citizens isn’t over yet.

You must complete a few important steps to formalize your stay legally.

To become a resident in Italy:

1. Apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno: Within 8 days of arriving in Italy, visit a local post office to apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residency permit). This document allows you to live legally in Italy beyond the validity of your entry visa.
2. Register with the local Anagrafe (Registry Office): After receiving your residency permit, you must register your residency address at the Anagrafe office in your town (comune). This officially recognizes you as a resident and allows access to healthcare, local services, and more.
3. Health insurance enrollment: You’ll need either private health insurance or enrollment in the Italian public healthcare system (SSN).

By completing these steps, you are well on your way to enjoying life abroad – and living in Italy as an American with full legal protections.

Educational options for expats with children

Italy offers a variety of schooling options for American expats in Italy relocating with children. Choosing the right education path is crucial for a smooth transition.

Public schools

Italian public schools are free and offer strong academic foundations.

Children attend scuola primaria (elementary school) from ages 6 to 11, followed by scuola media (middle school) and scuola superiore (high school).

Classes are taught entirely in Italian, which can help young children integrate quickly.

Private international schools

For families looking for English-language instruction or internationally recognized curricula (IB, American diploma, British curriculum), Italy has a wide range of international schools.

These schools are located mainly in larger cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna.

International schools are fee-based, with annual tuition typically ranging from €8,000 to €25,000 depending on the grade level and school.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is legal in Italy but must meet certain requirements. Parents must notify local education authorities and follow approved curricula.

Whether choosing public, private, or homeschooling, families moving to Italy from the USA have plenty of educational choices to fit their needs and lifestyle.

Best places to live in Italy as an American

When relocating to Italy, choosing the right city can make a huge difference. Some prefer bustling metros, while others seek charming towns with lower costs of living.

Here’s a breakdown of five top cities for American expats in Italy, using real data for 2025.

(Cost of living, safety, healthcare, and property data sourced from Numbeo.)

Rome

Safety Index: 55.8

Health Care Index: 68.4

Property Price to Income Ratio: 12.15

Cost of Living Index: 58.6

• Estimated monthly costs for a family of four: $3,314.60 (3,017.30€), excluding rent
• Estimated monthly costs for a single person: $946.60 (861.70€), excluding rent

Rome offers rich history, incredible food, and a growing expat community. However, property costs are high compared to average income. Ideal for professionals, retirees, and students who value vibrant city life.

Milan

Safety Index: 49.3

Health Care Index: 71.5

Property Price to Income Ratio: 14.08

Cost of Living Index: 62.3

• Estimated monthly costs for a family of four: $3,615.40 (3,291.50€), excluding rent
• Estimated monthly costs for a single person: $1,048.70 (954.30€), excluding rent

Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital. Higher living costs are offset by better salaries and excellent healthcare. The expat community in Milan is large, dynamic, and very international.

Florence

Safety Index: 61.0

Health Care Index: 71.2

Property Price to Income Ratio: 12.89

Cost of Living Index: 56.4

• Estimated monthly costs for a family of four: $3,148.80 (2,867.90€), excluding rent
• Estimated monthly costs for a single person: $898.10 (818.10€), excluding rent

Florence offers stunning Renaissance beauty, smaller-town charm, and easier daily living compared to Rome or Milan. It’s great for students, artists, and families living in Italy vs US who want culture without the metropolitan chaos.

Bologna

Safety Index: 63.7

Health Care Index: 76.4

Property Price to Income Ratio: 11.88

Cost of Living Index: 54.8

• Estimated monthly costs for a family of four: $3,012.20 (2,741.90€), excluding rent
• Estimated monthly costs for a single person: $859.40 (782.90€), excluding rent

Bologna is Italy’s foodie haven, home to top universities and one of the best healthcare systems in the country. With a strong safety score and moderate living costs, it’s increasingly popular with US expats in Italy who value lifestyle quality.

Sicily (Palermo)

Safety Index: 56.1

Health Care Index: 65.2

Property Price to Income Ratio: 8.95

Cost of Living Index: 48.7

• Estimated monthly costs for a family of four: $2,675.80 (2,437.10€), excluding rent
• Estimated monthly costs for a single person: $786.20 (716.00€), excluding rent

Sicily offers the lowest cost of living among major regions in Italy. Life is slower, beaches are stunning, and real estate is extremely affordable. Best for retirees and remote workers looking for maximum affordability and cultural depth.

Taxes for Americans living in Italy

If you’re living in Italy as an American, you’ll likely have tax obligations to both Italy and the United States. Understanding how each system works can save you money – and headaches.

Italian taxes

Once you establish residency, you’ll typically become liable for Italian income taxes on your worldwide income.

Key points about Italian taxes:

• Progressive rates: Italy’s national income tax rates range from 23% to 43%, depending on income brackets.
• Regional and municipal taxes: Additional taxes apply based on where you live.
• Declaration deadlines: The Italian tax year is the calendar year, and personal tax returns (Modello Redditi) are typically due between May and November.
• Social security: If you're employed or self-employed in Italy, you'll pay Italian social security taxes unless exempted under a US-Italy totalization agreement.

Italy also offers attractive tax incentives for new residents, including the Flat Tax Regime for foreigners relocating to southern Italy and a lump-sum tax for high-net-worth individuals.

US taxes

Despite your new life abroad, the US government still expects you to file an annual US tax return – a core feature of America's citizenship-based taxation system.

As an expat, you may still need to file:

• Form 1040: Standard US individual income tax return.
• Form 2555: To claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) if you meet the bona fide residence or physical presence test.
• Form 1116: To claim the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) if you pay taxes to Italy.
• FBAR (FinCEN Form 114): If you have foreign bank accounts totaling $10,000+.
• FATCA reporting: Using Form 8938 if your foreign assets exceed specific thresholds.

Conclusion

Moving to Italy from the USA is a dream for many – and in 2025, it’s more achievable than ever with multiple visa options, thriving expat communities, and new digital pathways for remote workers.

However, a successful relocation requires careful planning: selecting the right visa, handling tax obligations, securing healthcare, and understanding residency rules.

If you're serious about immigrating to Italy from the US, expert advice can help you navigate the complexities and avoid costly mistakes.

Taxes for Expats is here to help you with tax filings, financial planning, and residency paperwork every step of the way.