Moving to Italy: Legal considerations

Visa requirements for non-EU & EU citizens

If you want to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa, also called a national visa or D visa, whether you’re from the UK or a non-EU citizen. As an EU citizen, you won’t need to apply for a visa since you have the right to move around the European Union and work. Typically, you must apply for a visa in advance and from your home country. Once you have your visa, then you can make travel arrangements and prepare for your move to living in Italy.

Read this guide if you’re moving to Italy from the UK.

There are numerous visas available and the one you choose will depend on your needs and situation. Here are some common Italian visas non-EU citizens can apply for:

• The Italy Work Visa 
• The Italy Self-Employed Visa 
• The Italy Study Visa 
• The Italy Family Visa 
• The Italian Retirement Visa

Residency in Italy for non-EU & EU citizens

Once you have your long-stay visa, you are able to enter Italy. Now moving to Italy is possible.  If you want to stay, you’ll need to apply for residency in Italy.  Apply for an Italian Residence Permit or a Permesso di Soggiorno at the post office with a Sportello Amico. Remember, you must apply for this permit within eight days of arriving in Italy.  

There are several documents you’ll need to have to apply for your residence permit. It’s a good idea to bring the originals as well as photocopies.

• Valid passport
• Proof of health insurance
• 4-passport-sized photos
• Documents stating why you’ll be residing in Italy, such as to study or work.

Here are the steps for applying for a residency in Italy.

1. Pick up a Resident Permit application kit from a post office with a Sportello Amico.
2. Fill out the application, and purchase a stamp called Marca Da Bollo to place on your application.
3. Drop off your application at the post office with a Sportello Amico counter but wait to sign and seal the application. The application will be reviewed before you can turn it in, and then you’ll be given an appointment at the Questura or police headquarters.
4. A temporary residence permit will be given while you await your appointment, which is typically within a month or two. 
5. Bring all original documents with you to the Questura appointment, as well as your appointment letter and receipt.
6. Fingerprints will be taken, paperwork will be processed and they will give you a date to return to collect your Italian Residence Permit.

Have more questions? Read about obtaining Residency in Italy.

EU citizens will need to go to the local police station to register where they are residing. But you don't need to register if you plan to stay less than 3 months. 

Moving to Italy for EU nationals is more straightforward.

Your residence permit's length depends on your work or study contract. A seasonal contract offers a residence permit for nine months. Fixed-term contracts are valid for a year, and permanent and self-employment contracts provide residency for up to two years.  

Working in Italy for non-EU & EU citizens

There are different opportunities for working in Italy–as a seasonal worker, employee or self-employed. There are limits on how many foreign workers can work in Italy each year so an Italian employer will need to go to the nearest immigration centre to apply on behalf of the prospective employee and fill out several documents.  Paperwork that you need to provide is a copy of the person’s identification card, where you are staying and potential employment information. Once clearance is given, known as nulla osta al lavoro, the applicant can proceed and apply for the work visa.

The process is similar if you’re self-employed. You’ll need to obtain a work permit for self-employment and a residence permit. The Italian Chamber of Commerce is where work permits can be obtained and you’ll need to wait before you start working to ensure that the work permit will be granted.

EU citizens have an advantage because they don’t need to apply for a work permit since they have the right to work in any European Union country. However, EU citizens need to register for an Italian residency card upon arrival in Italy to give them residency in Italy. 

Second home ownership in Italy for non-EU & EU citizens

If moving to Italy is your dream, you may also consider home ownership abroad. EU citizens can purchase a second property in Italy, and most non-EU citizens can purchase property, too.  So if you’re interested in owning your own place while living in Italy know it is possible.  Nationals of some countries may have some limits on purchasing property in Italy and this is determined by bilateral or reciprocity agreements between the two countries. Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and China typically don’t have any restrictions on buying property in Italy.

Although some countries offer visas upon purchasing a property of a certain value, Italy doesn’t offer this type of visa. 

Driving in Italy for non-EU & EU citizens

Italy allows non-EU citizens to drive with their respective driver’s licence for up to a year before you need to obtain an Italian driver’s licence. That is, if you’ve been living in Italy for over a year, you can’t use your foreign driver’s licence.

So now you’re wondering what can happen if you get caught driving without a valid licence? Well, not only is it considered breaking the law since it’s the equivalent of driving with an expired licence but you also risk steep fines and the police can revoke your licence.

EU citizens can use their driver's licence to drive in Italy and even if you reside in Italy, don’t have to worry about converting your licence. However, it is recommended that EU nationals convert or get their licence recognised in case it’s ever stolen or goes missing.

Conclusion

Moving to Italy can be an exciting and life-changing opportunity. Researching and taking all the necessary steps are important to ensure your visa and residency process goes smoothly.