Italy continues to attract Americans. They come seeking beauty, culture, and a slower pace of life. According to Get Golden Visa, over 15,000 U.S. citizens currently reside in Italy. The number continues to grow steadily. Thousands arrive each year. Moving to Italy from the United States opens many doors. Planning well makes success possible. From visas to daily living, every step matters.

You need to research the laws. It also needs to focus on healthcare. Housing must be planned early. Good planning makes the move rewarding.

The following guide covers each step in order.

 

Knowing Visa Options for Americans Moving to Italy from the United States

Knowing visa options is the first step for Americans moving to Italy from the United States. A tourist entry allows only 90 days. After that, a visa is required. In 2023, Italy issued over 330,000 residence permits (Format Research). These went to non-EU citizens. The main visas are work. 

Another option is the student visa. A third is the elective residence visa. Each type has different rules and processing times.

Work visas in Italy are tied to employer sponsorship. Italy sets yearly quotas for work permits, with around 165,000 permits available in 2025 under the Decreto Flussi plan (ILF).

Elective residence visas need proof of income. The minimum is €31,000 a year. Couples must show more. Applications go to the Italian consulate. Processing takes two to three months. Early paperwork helps with success.

“I was nervous about the paperwork, but getting my elective residence visa made my move from the U.S. to Florence possible,” said Daniel, an American who relocated to Italy.

Related – Italy Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers is Waiting for You

 

Calculating the Total Cost of Moving to Italy from the United States

Relocating to Italy from the United States can be a costly endeavour. Shipping a 20-foot container from New York to Genoa costs $2,300 to $5,700 (Sirelo). A 40-foot container can go over $10,000. Air freight is faster. It can also double the price. Flights for a family of four from New York to Rome cost between $150 and $450 (Expedia).

Housing deposits add more. In fact, landlords often request two or three months’ rent. Therefore, in Rome or Milan, this can cost between €3,000 and €4,000 upfront.

Living costs also require planning, according to Numbeo, Italy’s cost of living is 25–35% lower than that of the U.S. Wages and purchasing power are lower.

A single person spends €900 to €1,200 per month. This covers food, utilities, and transport. A couple in a city spends €2,500 to €3,000, including rent. Health coverage adds €387 per year for public care.

Private insurance ranges from €1,200 to €3,000. Most Americans need $12,000–$15,000 for relocation in Italy when moving to Italy from the United States.

 

Exploring Housing and Rental Opportunities Across Italian Cities

Housing in Italy changes by city. Rome is one of the most expensive markets. A one-bedroom in the center averages €1,200 a month. Many new arrivals start their search there. In Florence, the same costs about €950. Smaller towns in Umbria or Sicily may drop to €500. Prices rise in Milan, where central apartments often exceed €1,500. Leases usually require two months of deposit plus the first month’s rent.

Websites such as immobiliare.it and idealista.it are common for searches. Many landlords ask for proof of income and ID. Some request a guarantor. Americans often prefer furnished rentals at first. Over time, many move toward long-term contracts outside tourist zones. This saves money and offers more space for those moving to Italy from the United States.

“I was surprised by how fast I found a furnished apartment in Florence,” said Sarah, an American expat. “Using local sites and Relo.AI made the process simple.”

Also read – 10 Digital Nomad Rentals That Prove Work and Paradise Can Coexist

 

Setting up an Italian Bank Account as a New Resident

Opening a bank account is one of the first steps in Italy. It makes rent payments easier. It helps with bills and taxes. Banks ask for a passport. They also need a codice fiscale. Proof of address is often required. Some banks want proof of income, too. UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and BNL are common choices. Online banks like N26 or Wise (read our comprehensive review here) can be helpful in the first months.

The process can be slow. Appointments are usually needed. Paperwork must be complete. U.S. citizens must follow FATCA rules. This sends account details to U.S. authorities. Basic accounts cost €5 to €10 a month.

Preparing early avoids problems. A bank account makes daily life in Italy smoother for anyone moving to Italy from the United States.

 

Accessing Healthcare and Medical Coverage While Living in Italy

Healthcare is an important part of relocation. Italy has a public system called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It covers most medical needs at a low cost. Foreign residents can register for about €387 per year. This gives access to doctors and hospitals. However, registration often takes time, so newcomers usually need temporary coverage.

Therefore, many Americans buy private insurance at first. Plans from Allianz start around €1,200 per year. Generali and Cigna can reach €3,000. In addition, private coverage provides faster appointments. It also gives access to English-speaking doctors.

Later, residents can combine SSN access with private plans. As a result, they have both affordable care and faster service when needed.

 

Applying for Residency Permits and Meeting Local Requirements

Americans must apply for a residency permit soon after arrival. The application is called the permesso di soggiorno. It must be filed within eight days. Applications start at the local post office and continue at the Questura. Required documents include a passport and a visa. In addition, applicants must show housing proof and income proof. Processing often takes weeks.

This step confirms your official address. Without it, you cannot access full health care or other services.

Therefore, it is important to keep all documents ready. Early preparation reduces stress. With the permit and registration complete, life in Italy becomes easier to manage.

 

Managing U.S. and Italian Tax Responsibilities When Moving to Italy from the United States

Taxes are a major challenge for expats. The U.S. requires citizens to file returns every year. At the same time, Italy taxes residents on worldwide income. As a result, Americans in Italy face two systems. This overlap often creates double taxation risks.

However, there are ways to reduce the burden. The U.S. and Italy have a tax treaty. It helps prevent double taxation. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion exempts $126,500 in 2024 (IRS). Expats can also claim foreign tax credits. These credits reduce U.S. bills.

Therefore, many rely on cross-border tax advisors. Expert help saves time. It also reduces stress. Most importantly, it keeps expats compliant in both countries when moving to Italy from the United States.

 

Building Confidence by Learning and Practising the Italian Language

Learning Italian makes life easier. It helps with shopping. It helps with transport. And, it helps with paperwork. In addition, it builds confidence in daily life.

There are many ways to practise. For example, language schools charge €150 to €300 each month. In contrast, private tutors cost more but give focus.

At home, apps like Duolingo and Babbel make learning easier. Moreover, talking with neighbors builds skills quickly. Step by step, practice grows into fluency. As a result, relocation feels smoother and more secure.

 

Comparing Education Options for Children of American Families

Education is a top concern for families moving to Italy from the United States. First, public schools are free. They are open to all residents. Classes are taught in Italian. At first, this can feel difficult. However, children often adapt quickly. Therefore, many parents choose local schools for language learning and cultural growth.

In addition, private schools are available in big cities. Moreover, international schools are also common. Tuition costs range from €10,000 to €25,000 each year. Many schools follow U.S. or British programs. Finally, they also offer bilingual courses.

Therefore, transitions feel smoother for American children. As a result, families must balance cost. They also need to consider language. Long-term plans matter too.

Careful choices help children succeed both socially and academically when moving to Italy from the United States.

Recommended read – The Ultimate Guide for Student Relocation

 

Adjusting to Italian Culture and Daily Life When Moving to Italy from the United States

Adjusting to life in Italy takes time. For example, shops close in the afternoon. Then the streets grow busy again at night. In addition, meals are social and last long. Therefore, newcomers must slow down. Meanwhile, public transport makes moving easy. In Rome, a monthly pass costs €35. Similarly, in Milan, it costs €39.

On the other hand, smaller towns feel quieter. Cars are common there. Moreover, fuel is high at €1.90 per liter. At the same time, paperwork moves slowly. However, patience helps. Over time, expats enjoy the pace.

As a result, daily life in Italy feels smooth and rewarding for those moving to Italy from the United States.

 

Anna’s Relocation from California to Milan with Relo.AI

Anna M. is a marketing consultant from California. She decided to move to Milan for both work and lifestyle. The decision felt exciting. At first, she found the housing search hard. Relo.AI then matched her with a landlord in Porta Romana, one of Milan’s top neighborhoods.

Moreover, Relo.AI guided her through another challenge with tax compliance. With its support, Anna connected to bilingual advisors who explained Italy’s tax rules clearly and helped her complete her first filing without stress.

Looking back, Anna says, “Relo.AI saved me months of confusion. Everything I needed was in one place.”

Her journey shows how expert guidance and smart technology can turn the challenge of moving to Italy from the United States into a smooth and successful relocation.

 

Step Into Italy with Smart Relocation Support

The first steps of moving to Italy from the United States include visas and housing. Healthcare and taxes also need attention. Italy offers charm, but bureaucracy can delay plans. Therefore, preparation matters from the start.

At Relo.AI, we know both sides of the move. We know what you are leaving behind in the U.S. and what awaits you in Italy. Our role is to bridge that gap with clear planning and local expertise.

From finding housing and arranging health coverage to handling residency paperwork and coordinating transport, we take care of the details. You focus on your new life. Relocation should feel exciting, not stressful.

If you are ready to plan your move to Italy, book your free consultation with us.

You focus on Italy. Relo.AI handles the move.

 

Wrapping Things Up!

Moving to Italy from the United States calls for careful steps. It also takes resources and patience. Visas, housing, healthcare, and taxes need close attention. Each step demands careful detail. Costs can be high. The rewards are rich. Italy brings challenges for newcomers. It also offers opportunities for a fresh chapter abroad. Many Americans find the experience life-changing.

A new life in Italy can bring growth and fulfilment.