Italy

"Viva l'Italia" ("Long live Italy")

overview

Welcome to Italy

Italy, steeped in history, is renowned for its art, architecture, and culinary traditions. With a strong economy driven by fashion, manufacturing, and tourism, Italy remains a key player in global culture and business.

overview

Italy Essentials

National Anthem

Kimigayo

Independence Day

N/A (Japan was never colonized)

Haiko

Cherry blossoms fall / Mount Fuji's snowy peak gleams / Bullet trains zoom by

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates Battle of the Oranges in Ivrea throwing oranges as part of carnival

Weirdest Local Superstition

Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to make sand castles on beaches

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the history, stay for the future: Italy's gift to the world isn't just its extraordinary cultural heritage—though with 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites, that alone would be enough. Its true magic lies in the art of living well: the morning ritual of perfect coffee, the evening passeggiata where neighbors catch up on daily life, the multi-generational Sunday lunches that stretch into dinner. For digital nomads and remote workers, Italy offers high-speed fiber internet in its cities alongside some of Europe's most affordable living costs outside the major metros. Recent legislation has made it easier than ever for global talent to make Italy home, whether through digital nomad visas, investment pathways, or reconnecting with Italian ancestry

overview

Andiamo

Let's explore what's possible in the land where la dolce vita isn't just a phrase, but a daily practice. Italy's ancient wisdom about community, sustainability, and work-life balance feels remarkably suited to our modern aspirations. Here, you're not just relocating—you're joining a centuries-old conversation about what makes life worth living.

overview

Benvenuti in Italia

The land of pizza and pasta where carbs are considered a food group and every meal is a reason to celebrate

Italy isn't just a country—it's a way of life. Here, time moves at the pace of a leisurely espresso, and even a simple grocery run can turn into an adventure in artisanal discovery. This is a land where tradition and innovation dance together like partners in a timeless tarantella.

From the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the mist-covered hills of Piedmont, Italy offers something for every global citizen. Whether you're drawn to the cosmopolitan energy of Milan, the Renaissance treasures of Florence, or the laid-back charm of small-town Puglia, you'll find a quality of life that prioritizes human connection, artistic expression, and the pursuit of everyday pleasures.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

pasta alla carbonara (egg and pork pasta) - pizza napoletana (traditional pizza)

Drink

aperol spritz (wine-based cocktail) - espresso (concentrated coffee)

overview

Sete?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

33

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

39

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

5.51

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.12

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Coffee rules are strict - no cappuccino after 11am
#2
Meals have a strict order - breaking it is considered uncultured
#3
Hand gestures have specific meanings - misuse can be offensive
#4
Regional identity often trumps national - know the local customs
#5
Evening passeggiata (social stroll) participation shows community belonging

overview

Italy Essentials

Representative Novel

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami (Surrealist novel set in Japan)

National Animal

Green pheasant

National Pasttime

Baseball

National Souvenir

Folding fan

National Dish

Sushi

Famous Festival

Gion Matsuri

Famous Dance

Bon Odori

Famous Music

J-pop

overview

Did You Know?

Italy is one of Western Europe’s youngest countries

Italy has one of Europe’s longest histories, yet it’s only been a country since 1861.

Italy’s flag is green, white and red

Italy’s flag represents hope, faith and charity. Green is hope, white denotes faith, and red is the colour of charity. Inspired by the French flag, it’s often called Il Tricolore (Italian for “the tri-color”).

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country

Italy has 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than anywhere else on earth. They cover the entire country, and range from Mount Etna to the Colosseum.

overview

Italy’s Key Historical Events

753 BC

April 2014

Founding of Rome

27 BC

July 2014

Start of the Roman Empire under Augustus

1861

February 2015

Italian Unification

1946

March 2015

Italian Republic established

2020

October 2016

COVID-19 pandemic

MOBILITY

Access Italy Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

5

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
3 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children and optional for adults

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

159

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A

Rank

10

Score

179.6

This visa grants access to:

• 65% of the world's population 

• 84% of UNESCO sites 

• 79% of global GDP 

• 63% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Italy by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Italy
63,755
45,212
26,750
40,484
57,242
50,866
54,011

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Italy's Global Rankings 

Italy excels with exceptional quality of life (#14) and highly efficient healthcare (#2). Our comprehensive analysis shows its very strong rule of law (#14) and high safety rankings (#17).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
46
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
14
Quality of Life
2024
Exceptional
17
Safety
2024
High
51
Happiness
2024
High
158
Tax Burden
2024
Substantial Load
87
English Proficiency
2023
Low Proficiency
14
Rule of Law
2024
Very Strong
2
Healthcare System
2024
Highly Efficient
40
Pleasant Climate
2024
Comfortable

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

49.0

years

Life Expectancy

85.0

years

Obesity Rate

21.00%

Tobacco Use

24.10%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.38%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

3.18

per 1000 people

Doctors

3.997

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

21.89%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare System

Italy offers universal healthcare to all residents through its Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), providing free or low-cost medical services.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to the public system, Italy offers private healthcare options for those seeking faster access and more specialized treatments.

Maternity and Childcare Services

Italy offers excellent maternity and childcare services, with free prenatal care, childbirth services, and comprehensive postnatal support.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates living in Italy are entitled to the same healthcare benefits as residents, with access to both public and private healthcare systems.

Focus on Preventive Care

Italy places a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare, offering regular screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs to all residents.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Italy presents a varied cost of living landscape, with northern cities generally being more expensive than southern regions. Milan and Rome are among the priciest cities, while smaller towns offer better value. Housing costs in major cities and tourist areas can be very high. Food is moderately priced, with local markets and smaller towns offering affordable options. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is relatively affordable and well-developed in cities. Education costs are moderate, with public universities charging lower fees than private institutions.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.18

per liter

Cost of Meal

$6.91

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$603.72

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$177.82

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.11

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

22%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Understanding Italy's tax system is important before relocating there.+Italy taxes resident expats on their worldwide income and non-residents on Italian-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 23% to 43%, plus regional and municipal taxes. Capital gains on financial instruments are generally taxed at 26%, while gains from the sale of real estate are subject to different rates. Social security contributions are mandatory for employed individuals. Property taxes are also applicable. A Codice Fiscale is required for tax purposes.+Italy has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

Yes

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

23%-43%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

26%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

4%-8%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

24%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

24%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%-26%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%-26%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

30%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if, for the greater part of the fiscal year (i.e., for more than 183 days), they are physically present on Italian territory, have a 'residence' in Italy (habitual abode), or have a 'domicile' in Italy (principal centre of social interests, e.g., the family).

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

128

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

64

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

59.1
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

238
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

14

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

52.4
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mediterranean climate with mild

Average Temperature

13.02 °C

Humidity

75

%

Average Annual Precipitation

832

mm

Rainless Days per Year

273

Best Time to Travel

April-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Italy

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Italy.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Italy?

Plus icon

Do I need to speak Italian to apply for residency or citizenship in Italy?

Plus icon

Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Italy with me?

Plus icon

How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Italy?

Plus icon

Can I keep my own citizenship?

Plus icon