If you’ve been wanting to relocate to Italy, let 2026 be the year you officially start the process. But where do you begin? What are your options for legally residing in the country, where should you choose to live, and what do you need to know ahead of time? We cover these questions and more below.
How you can legally stay in Italy as a non-EU citizen
Persons with passports from other EU/EEA countries can reside in Italy without a visa. The only requirement is if they plan to remain longer than 90 days, they must register as residents with the municipality where they are staying.
Non-EU citizens, however, will need either a valid visa or citizenship with Italy or another EU country. Visas will have varying lengths, with most lasting a year, often with the ability to renew the accompanying permesso di soggiorno each year. (More on this below). It is important to know that the initial visa can only be acquired in your country of origin (while the permesso di soggiorno is obtained in Italy), and that those who only plan to reside in Italy for 90 days or fewer usually do not need a visa. (Some countries do, though, so check your specific requirements).
Citizenship options
For those who qualify, Italian citizenship is an undeniably attractive option. With no necessity to renew, and the ability to enjoy all the rights and privileges of native-born Italians, those with citizenship can freely choose to reside in Italy however long they wish. These persons can also reside elsewhere in the EU, something an Italian visa does not offer.
Here are the main Italian citizenship options:
- Citizenship by blood (jure sanguinis): The requirements for birthright citizenship have undergone changes since the introduction of the Tajani Decree in 2025. Whereas before, Italian citizenship could be passed down from one generation to the next with virtually no generational limit, now it is restricted to those with Italian parents or grandparents. There have been several challenges to the law presented to Italy’s Constitutional Court for review, some of which are still pending. However, as a recent decision made by the Court of Palermo demonstrates, there may be a path available under the old rules to those who initiated the process prior to the introduction of the Tajani Decree. For instance, those who were unsuccessful in obtaining consular appointments for citizenship applications prior to the enactment of the Tajani Decree now have a positive precedent to have their application considered under the framework of the old rules.
- Citizenship by marriage: Those married to Italian citizens also have a path to citizenship The requirements are, simply, that you must have been married for two years (if residing in Italy), or three years (if residing outside of Italy). In both cases, the time is halved if the couple has children under 18. Knowledge of the Italian language at the B1 level is also required.
- Citizenship by naturalization: Citizenship by residency has a primary requirement of 10 years for non-EU citizens, 4 years for EU citizens, and 2 years for those with Italian-born parents or grandparents. Knowledge of the Italian language at the B1 level is also required, along with proof of income for the past 3 years.
Visa options
Covering every Italian visa option is beyond the scope of this article, but we will name a few of the most popular and accessible.
The student visa allows a non-EU citizen to reside in Italy primarily for the purposes of study. The applicant must be enrolled at a school in Italy and provide proof of financial support and lodging in Italy. It is also possible to work up to 20 hours a week while on this visa.
The digital nomad visa was introduced in 2024 as a means for remote workers—whether freelance or with a company—to reside in Italy long term. You must be classified as a “highly skilled worker” and meet a minimum income requirement.
The retirement visa allows those with solely passive income—generally those with pensions, though any passive income is acceptable—to reside in Italy. You are not allowed to work while on this visa, and there is also an income requirement.
Finally, the investor visa provides high-net-worth-individuals with the opportunity to invest in Italy’s economy in exchange for the ability to reside there long term. The three permitted pathways are by investing in government bonds, a current Italian company or start-up, or a philanthropic donation.
Regardless of which visa path you choose, within 8 days of arrival in Italy, you will need to apply for a permesso di soggiorno. You apply by filling out an application at the post office and submitting it, along with your visa documentation, to the immigration office (Questura), where you will also be fingerprinted. The following card you receive demonstrates your legal ability to live in Italy past the usual 90 days granted to non-EU citizens. The permesso di soggiorno can usually be renewed each year as well, providing that the initial conditions for your visa continue to be met.
Note: having a permesso di soggiorno is not the same as declaring residency in Italy. In order to be considered an official resident, you will need to register at your local municipality.
After legally residing in Italy on a valid visa for five consecutive years, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
How to choose a location
Choosing where to reside in Italy is a decision that is highly individualized and will depend on your personal needs and circumstances. However, we can provide a few guiding questions to consider:
- What sort of amenities do you want close access to?
- Will you be driving while in Italy, or do you need access to public transportation?
- Do you prefer an apartment or a house? (Keep in mind that the former are much more common)
- Do you prefer cities or the countryside?
- How well do you know Italian?
Keep in mind that, speaking generally, you might find more work opportunities in the north, particularly in cities like Milan, while people generally seek out southern towns for more tranquility and less touristic areas.
If you plan to drive while in Italy, if your home country has a conversion treaty, you can switch out your license for an Italian one. Otherwise, in many cases, you will be allowed to drive in Italy with an international permit accompanying your home license, and after that you will need to take the Italian driving test.
Renting vs purchasing a property
You will also need to decide whether it is better in your situation to rent or purchase a home. Note that regardless, if you are coming to Italy on a visa, you will need to take care that your intended residence fulfills the lodging requirements of that particular visa. Renting is advisable for those who plan on a temporary stay and/or are as of yet unsure of where they would like to reside. There are a number of contracts you could be offered while renting:
- 4 + 4: The contract lasts for 4 years with the possibility of adding on another 4 years.
- 3 + 2: The contract lasts for 3 years with the possibility of adding on another 2 years.
- Contratto transitorio: The contract lasts for 1 year to 18 months, common for students.
There are other types of contracts too, but these are the most common ones you will discover. It is important that your landlord registers the contract with the Agenzia delle Entrate.
You could also purchase a home if you are more confident on where you would like to reside and/or if you plan to have a vacation home you return to regularly. Note that in this case, it is advisable to have an Italian bank account.
Amenities to set you up
To round out your move to Italy, you might also want to look into the following:
- An Italian SIM: advisable for long-term stays. Italian phone plans are also quite cheap, with many as little as €13 per month.
- An Italian bank account: as mentioned above, this could make certain processes like a mortgage or receiving work stipends from Italian companies much easier.
- Utilities: certain utilities, such as gas an electricity, can be quite costly depending on where you live and how much you consume, while others, such as Wi-Fi, can be very affordable. It is worth doing some research on prices and offers in various areas to see what works best for you.
- Work: do you plan to find a job with an Italian company? Work freelance? Be sure to do thorough research into your opportunities and legal obligations like taxes before your move. Keep in mind that residing in Italy for longer than 183 days a year qualifies you as a tax resident, whether or not you are officially registered as a resident (see above).
Conclusion
We know that many aspects of relocating to Italy can be complicated, which is why Italian Citizenship Assistance offers comprehensive services in visa and citizenship acquisition, property search and purchase, and other details along the way. Get in touch with us today to get a personalized quote: [email protected].
