Moving to Italy: 7 things you need to know

Are you an expat living in Italy, or planning to move there? You’ve made a great choice! But there are some things you should know to make your move as smooth as possible and avoid unexpected red tape.

At N26, we’ve put together a short guide for expats covering all the questions, needs and obstacles you might face when settling in Italy.

1. Residence permits and visas

The first step once you arrive in Italy is to apply for a residence permit (and a visa in some cases). But who is required to apply for these documents? What are the requirements to get them? And what about the process and costs?Find out everything you need to know about the difference between a visa and residence permit, as well as what types of permits are available in Italy.

2. How to get healthcare

In Italy, the public healthcare is free; the Italian national health service (Servizio sanitario nazionale, or SSN) isn’t always available to foreign citizens, but don’t worry: whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen, with private insurance and the public health service, you’ll never go without healthcare.Here you’ll find all cases where access to the SSN is either a right or a requirement, as well as other ways of getting health insurance.

3. Finding a job

Speaking of residence permits and moving to Italy, one of the main reasons people move here is to find work. But what are the legal requirements for job seeking? And which sectors are the easiest for expats to find work in?Read our tips on the world of work in Italy, from the paperwork expats need, through to jobs where expats actually have an advantage.

4. Cost of living and expenses

Italy isn’t one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but it’s not the cheapest either. Expats need to know about the various costs of living: how much you have to spend to maintain a house, travel by car or public transport, and for healthcare and other basic necessities.Find out more about the cost of living in Italy and what are the most expensive and cheapest places to live.

5. Finding a home to rent

For expats, finding a home often means renting. The best way to find rentals is online, but don’t overlook other channels either!Our guide explains what documents you’ll need to sign a contract, how much it costs to rent a home in Italy, how much it cost to move and what types of rental contracts there are.

illustration of someone looking for home.

6. Obtaining Italian citizenship

The ultimate goal for expats who’ve been in Italy for a long time is to get citizenship! But how does that work? You can become a citizen in two ways: through marriage to an Italian citizen, or by having residency for a certain number of years. But both situations have various conditions.Read our post to learn more about all the options, and find out about the requirements, documents and processing times for obtaining Italian citizenship.

7. Open an Italian bank account

In order to manage your money effectively, the first thing you’ll need is an Italian bank account. The good news? Once you’ve compiled all the documents, opening an account is easier than you might think. With N26, it takes minutes—right from your smartphone.Learn all about the different account types, cards, and how to open a bank account in Italy here—and discover the best accounts for expats.

Open bank account