Initial Formalities of Moving to Italy
In order to enter Italy when you are travelling from outside the EU, you will need a passport and may be required to provide a visa to prove that you are allowed to enter the country, or live and work there. If you are planning to come to Italy you should check whether or not you need a visa, either using official websites or by contacting your local Italian embassy.
Once you are in Italy, you will need to obtain a permit of residency ('Permesso di Soggiorno' in Italian) from the policy headquarters of the relevant city. With this permit you are able to register with the National Health Service which offers health care to Italian residents.
Coming to Italy as an EU citizen is typically a simpler process. You will need proof of identity: an ID card is sufficient if you are travelling from a country which signed the Schengen agreement, but a passport is required if you are travelling from a country outside the Schengen zone. You are free to live and work in Italy as an EU citizen, but you must register as an Italian resident when you have found accommodation.
In order to do this, you will need to visit the district registry office and give proof of your identity, declare your address, your reason for being in Italy (classified as studying, work, or vocational training, and supported by documentation), the date of your entry into Italy, the expected duration of your stay, your tax code, information regarding your civil status (such as husband, partner, children) and details of any medical insurance (European health documents such as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are valid in Italy).
Since the 11th April 2007 it is not necessary for EU citizens to obtain a permanent residency card. If you are not coming to Italy to study, work, or receive vocational training, you will need to prove that you are able to support yourself financially. You will need to prove funds of at least:
- €5,061.68 if travelling alone or accompanied by a relative
- €10,123.36 if travelling with up to three dependants
- €15,185.04 if travelling with four or more dependants
