Four reasons to move – one common path
Markus from Munich dreams of a life among olive trees. Mrs. Meier from Zurich seeks more community and lower costs in retirement, in Liguria. Lukas from Vienna works remotely and prefers to open his laptop at the beach rather than in the office. Sarah from Chicago is relocated to Milan by her company, with an employment contract and family in tow.
Four stories, four motivations – but in the end the rule is the same: whoever moves to Italy must follow Italian regulations, whether they come from Germany, Austria, Switzerland or the United States.
Cost of living: Italy is cheaper, but not everywhere
Italy is not a uniform market. Switzerland remains the most expensive, while Italy’s costs are on average lower than Germany’s and Austria’s. A weekly shop at a market in Umbria often costs much less than in Munich.
But beware: regional differences are significant. Milan and Rome can match Hamburg or Vienna in rent levels, while the South and smaller towns are far cheaper. For those with a fixed pension, rural areas often offer the best value for money.
Climate and quality of life
Italy attracts with more sunshine, mild winters and long summers. A clear benefit for those leaving the rainy North of Europe. But the climate also brings challenges: heatwaves and droughts are increasingly frequent. Quality of life here means more than cuisine and scenery: it is vibrant markets, close neighbors and a community-oriented daily rhythm.
Work and education: opportunities and obstacles
The labor market is split: in the North – Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Veneto – industries and multinationals provide opportunities. In the South unemployment is higher. Germany and Austria generally offer more stability; Switzerland has traditionally very low rates.
EU citizens can work freely. Non-EU citizens need a work visa. International companies often handle the process for transferred employees, but requirements remain: contract, permits, health insurance and proof of accommodation.
Non-EU citizens without corporate transfer (e.g. Sicily)
Especially in Sicily, many people from the US or Canada move independently. This is possible, but only with specific visas:
- Elective Residence Visa: for retirees or those with stable passive income without intention to work in Italy. Requirements: around €31,000 annual income for singles (€38,000 for couples), registered rental contract or ownership, and private health insurance.
- Digital Nomad Visa: for remote workers with foreign employers/clients. Requirements include provable remote work, annual income of around €28,000, health insurance and accommodation.
- Self-Employed Visa: for freelancers; requires business plan, professional qualifications and sufficient income.
- Investor Visa: for investments (from €250,000 in Italian start-ups or companies).
After arrival, the Permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) must be requested at the Questura within eight days. In provinces such as Sicily, waiting times can be long – up to nine months. A good local network is often crucial to navigating the bureaucracy.
Healthcare and social security
With residenza comes registration with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN); the tessera sanitaria grants access to treatment like locals. EU retirees use the S1 form to transfer entitlements. Non-EU citizens must initially provide private health insurance; only with a valid permit and residenza can they join the SSN.
Culture, language and bureaucracy
Italy is personal: a “buongiorno” at the café, a chat with the neighbor, an espresso with the handyman – all this opens doors. Language is the key: without Italian, everyday life is difficult – at the doctor’s, at public offices, even at the supermarket. English may help at work, but not in daily life.
Bureaucracy is different from Germany, Austria or Switzerland: less digital, often slower, but more personal. Often, appearing in person is more effective than sending an email. Networking makes the difference: those who know the right people get things done faster.
Retirement and settling down
Italy attracts many retirees: mild climate, lower costs and welcoming communities. But taxation is complex: double taxation treaties determine where pensions are taxed, depending on type and residency. Those who spend over 183 days in Italy are usually considered fiscally resident. For non-EU retirees the Elective Residence Visa is the most common route.
Formalities: the mandatory program
- Deregister in your home country: Germany within 2 weeks, Austria within 3 days, Switzerland within 14 days.
- Residenza in Italy: register at the local Comune within 3 months. Without residenza: no SSN, unclear tax status.
- 183-day rule: those spending more than half the year in Italy, registered there or with their center of life there, are tax resident. Non-EU citizens also require a valid visa and residence permit.
Conclusion: Dolce Vita with rules
Italy offers sunshine, good food and a culture based on closeness. But newcomers should not try to recreate a “German” or “Swiss” life under the Tuscan or Sicilian sun. A move succeeds if you learn Italian, adapt to different rhythms, have patience with bureaucracy and build a network. Only then does the new start work – for retirees, remote workers, adventurers or transferred employees.