Italy has much to offer besides delicious pizzas, pasta, and wine. In this article, you will explore what living in Italy as an American is like and decide whether you want to make a move.
- Firstly, in 2024, 5.3 million foreigners were living in Italy.
- In addition, the average monthly cost of living in Italy (excluding rent) for a single person is €867.
If you are planning to live in Italy as an expat, you need to learn about Italian people’s cultural differences, lifestyle, education, and health systems.
In this way, you can analyze whether Italy is really the ‘perfect’ country for you and make a better decision for your life.
This guide will provide you with a wealth of information, ranging from the quality of life in Italy to the most popular visa options.
So, let’s dive right in.
Understanding the Expat Experience
When you start living as an expat in Italy, it may take some time to get used to the differences in culture, lifestyle, and language, but don’t worry. We will share some essential tips to help you along the way.
Firstly, you should know that Italians have mastered the enjoyment of life, the ‘La dolce vita’ lifestyle. Moving fast and trying to catch up all the time does not apply here. Slow down and enjoy the moment.
If you have a residence permit, you can benefit from Italy’s advanced healthcare system. However, if you want to speed things up and get a higher quality service, We recommend you take out private health insurance. This can save you a lot of hassle.
Be careful when making a plan for accommodation. Keep in mind that housing prices are quite high in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Grocery shopping and eating out are usually affordable, but be prepared for high taxes.
You are lucky with public transport. Trains, buses, and subways are sometimes very busy, but you can easily get to school and work. However, if you intend to go somewhere in your personal car, the narrow streets and the difficulty of finding a parking space can be a bit of a challenge.
Finally, you should accept that the bureaucracy in Italy is slow. Patience is the golden rule here, especially when it comes to official procedures such as residence permits. Give yourself some comfort in this process. You will realize that you will adapt better over time.
Benefits of Living in Italy
Embracing the ‘La Dolce Vita’ lifestyle, Italy has a ‘high’ quality of life with a score of 150.79, according to Numbeo data.
The benefits of living in Italy vary depending on which country you come from. If you come from a country with low living standards, you may be surprised by the many benefits in Italy.
Here are some excellent benefits of living in Italy:
- Italy has an outstanding healthcare system and offers insurance services that are also available to foreigners. Here, you can take care of your medical needs at a good level.
- The people of Italy are friendly, and their communication with foreigners is excellent. You can feel like you are at home.
- Italian cuisine is the capital of pizza and pasta, which are popular in the world. It is also famous for its delicious wines.
- Life in Italy proceeds in a calm and peaceful flow. Over time, you can feel more in the flow and start to enjoy life.
- Public transport is widely used, which helps you save on high-priced transport costs.
- There are Golden Visa and Digital Nomad Visa programs that allow you to live and work in Italy. So you have various opportunities to live in Italy.
Now, let’s talk about the 3 most prominent benefits of Italy.
Rich History
It is impossible not to talk about the history of Italy, the center of the ancient Roman Empire. First of all, cities in Italy blend modern life and historical texture. You can sit in a cafe next to ancient ruins or live in a historical building.
Architecture
Italy is a country intertwined with architectural structures of undeniable beauty. Museums, palaces, buildings, and sculptures are definitely worth seeing. We especially recommend you see the Pantheon, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Duomo Cathedra, and Galleria Vittorio. You can also discover the most beautiful examples of Gothic, baroque, and Neoclassical architecture.
Arts and Entertainment Scene
As Italy is the birthplace of the Renaissance, it offers the opportunity to see the works of artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael in cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome. Also, if you have artistic skills, Italy is a great location to practice your art.
In addition, Italians love to have fun and do activities in a crowded way. Therefore, the entertainment culture here is extremely developed. You can go to cafes, nightspots, and shopping centers where you can have fun and socialize at any time of the day.
Visa Options for Relocation
If you want to live in Italy, you must evaluate the available visa options and choose the one that suits you.
Italy visa programs granting permits to live, work, and reside:
- Italy Tourist Visa
- Italy Golden Visa
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Italy Investor Visa
- Italy Study Visa
- Italian Elective Residence Visa
The conditions, residence period, and advantages of each visa program are different from each other. Therefore, you can apply for the most suitable program for you by examining each of them.
Italy Golden Visa and other available options
The first of the visas that attracts the attention of most foreigners who want to live in Italy is the Italy Golden Visa, which was introduced in 2017.
This visa stands out with advantages that allow you to obtain citizenship in the future.
The main benefits are as follows:
- Citizenship after 10 years (This is really important.)
- Freedom of movement to Schengen countries
- Special tax deductions
- Utilization of Italian public health care
- Family involvement
The conditions are as follows:
- 2 million euro investment in government bonds
- 500 thousand euro investment in an Italian limited company
- 1 million euro investment in NGOs in Italy
- 250,000 euro investment in a start-up
You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU to obtain an Italy Gold Visa. You are also required to make an initial investment of €250,000 in Italy.
The other visa option is for remote workers: Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Whether you work remotely for a company or freelance and become your own boss, the Digital Nomad Visa is a great option for software developers, writers, graphic designers, IT professionals, and e-commerce entrepreneurs.
If you can prove that you earn €28,000 per year and you are not an EU citizen, you can use this visa to stay in Italy.
If you want, you can read our comprehensive guide to learn about the conditions, advantages, and what it can offer you.
Navigating the Healthcare System
One of the most important things for an American moving to Italy to prioritize is the quality of healthcare. Let’s be honest: Italy is really good at this.
First of all, Italy believes that all people should have equal access to healthcare regardless of their salary. In this context, it applies to the Beveridge health system. So, as an income taxpayer, you have access to free healthcare.
- If we look at the satisfaction rate, In 2022, 82% of citizens were satisfied with the hygiene of hospitals, while 89% were satisfied with the quality of medical care.
Now, let’s go into more detail.
Public vs. Private Healthcare Options
Italy has 2 different healthcare systems: Public and Private Healthcare
The Italian National Health Service automatically covers all Italians and foreign citizens. Value-added tax revenues finance the money needed to provide medical services.
Some of the services provided free of charge:
- Primary care
- Inpatient care
- Health screenings
- Maternity care
- Home care
- Preventive medicine and medicines
If you want to avoid the queues and long waiting times in public healthcare in Italy, you can turn to private healthcare. Although this may mean more costs, it will help you feel more secure as an expatriate.
If you want to buy private health insurance, 2 different types of insurance are available.
The first is corporate health insurance, which usually covers company employees and their families. The other is non-corporate health insurance, which is obtained by citizens paying for themselves and their families.
You should also be aware that only 10% of the population has private health insurance, which is excluded from the Italian national health service.
Although the choice is yours, in the first instance, you can continue with the national health service to save money. Later, when long waiting times become an inconvenience, you can consider joining an attractively priced private health system.
Finding a Primary Care Physician
The Primary Care Physician is the first person you will contact when you have any health problems. In other words, you can get health support on all kinds of issues by going to your family doctor.
But how do you find them?
- First, go to the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) center to register for an SSN.
- Once you have shown your residence details and ID card to the officials, choose a suitable doctor from the list shown to you.
- When choosing your family doctor, it is recommended to choose one close to your address.
You now have a family doctor you can contact at any time. They can refer you to specialized doctors for more comprehensive medical care and health screenings whenever needed.
Finally, if you are unhappy with your GP, you have the right to change your doctor by contacting ASL.
Education System Overview
If you have one or more children, we imagine that you are looking for answers to many questions about the education system before you move to Italy.
First of all, you need to know that education in Italy is free of charge, strictly compulsory between the ages of 6-16, and is taught in the Italian language.
No,w let’s go deeper.
Options for Expat Children
Expatriate children are automatically placed in one of the schools closest to their address of residence, and the process is no different. However, you should contact the educational institutions to find out what steps you need to follow during enrolment, as you may be asked to submit various documents.
Finally, if the expatriate child does not speak Italian, they may have difficulties throughout their education. Therefore, they may need to attend study programs and special courses to improve their language skills.
Understanding the Italian School System
The process from primary school to university:
- Primary school: starts at the age of 6 and lasts until age 11 (5 years). It is one of the compulsory education programs in Italy.
- Secondary school: Education between the ages of 11 and 14 includes Italian, maths, science, technology and art. Afterward, students take the Esame Di Stato exam to qualify for high school and are placed in appropriate schools.
- High school: It is a more comprehensive education between the ages of 14-19. High schools are divided into classical, technical, and vocational groups.
- University: To progress to this level, students must prove that they have 12 years of education and take an exam.
After that, students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees according to their wishes.
Finally, although all primary and high school education is free, universities are fee-based. However, these fees are very reasonable.
Conclusion
Living in Italy offers a unique blend of rich history, breathtaking architecture, and a lifestyle that embraces the beauty of simplicity -la dolce vita.
This guide has walked you through key aspects of expat life, from navigating the health and education systems to exploring visa options and understanding cultural nuances.
Whether you are drawn to Italy’s art, cuisine, or high quality of life, this country has something for everyone.
Now, thanks to this information, you are one step closer to deciding whether Italy is the perfect place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a US citizen live in Italy?
Yes, many expats, including US citizens, can live in Italy. There are some ways to live in Italy as a foreigner. One common route is obtaining an Italian resident permit. This often requires a visa obtained in advance from the Italian consulate in the US. Italian citizenship can eventually be pursued after a period of legal residency, though it is important to understand that it has specific requirements.
Is healthcare free in Italy?
Italy has a national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN), largely funded through taxes. It is not entirely free. However, it provides comprehensive coverage to Italian residents.
Can Americans buy a house in Italy?
Yes, Americans can buy property in Italy. There are generally no restrictions on foreign ownership. Owning property doesn’t automatically grant residency.
Can Americans retire in Italy?
Americans can retire in Italy. A common option is the Elective Residency Visa. This visa allows retirees to live in Italy, and it’s a popular option for many expats.
What other facts make Italy an appealing relocation destination for Americans?
- Understanding aspects of Italian society and speaking Italian will greatly enhance the retirement experience.
- Italy ranks highly for quality of life.
- While exploring retirement, consider the various Italian cities and their unique offerings.
- From major cities like Rome and Milan to smaller towns, Italy offers diverse lifestyles. Italian culture and Italian food make many expats enjoy living in Italy even more.
Also, bear in mind that the Italian government and its regulations will play a role in your life as a resident. Knowing about other European countries and their agreements with Italy could also be beneficial.
