Moving To Italy
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Relocating to Italy is a life-changing journey, full of excitement and possibilities. From ancient cities to charming countryside villages, Italy offers a lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else. Moving to Italy from the USA brings some challenges, but with the support of International Sea & Air Shipping, the transition can be smooth and well-organized. We specialize in helping clients make international moves with ease. Our team guides you through each step, handling logistics, customs, and transport details so you can focus on your new life in Italy. Whether you’re moving to pursue new career opportunities, study abroad, or enjoy Italy’s renowned lifestyle, we offer the resources to make your relocation efficient and stress-free. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Italy!
Interesting and useful information about Italy
Italy has long been celebrated for its profound impact on Western culture, from its ancient art depicting mythological and biblical heroes to its breathtaking landscapes and diverse regional traditions. This southern European country is also a top travel destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It’s the fifth most populous country in Europe and a place where history, art, and nature converge beautifully.
With a stunning Mediterranean coastline, Italy has some of the world’s most picturesque beach destinations. The ancient ruins of Rome tell tales of empires, while Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, draws countless pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike. Italy is also synonymous with fashion, thanks to Milan, a global style capital, and is widely recognized as a culinary haven.
Each region’s unique cuisine reflects influences from Etruscan, Jewish, ancient Greek, and Roman traditions, making Italian food beloved worldwide. Bordered by Austria, France, Slovenia, and Switzerland, Italy also surrounds two independent states, San Marino and Vatican City. The country’s history stretches back over 200,000 years, encompassing ancient civilizations and diverse cultural influences.
Today, Italy has a strong economy with the seventh-largest nominal GDP and close trading ties with countries like the U.S., Germany, and France. Moving to Italy from the USA with International Sea & Air Shipping allows you to step into this rich world of culture, cuisine, and opportunity with the guidance of a dedicated team to make your transition seamless.
Why move to Italy from America?
Italy offers countless reasons to move beyond just being a great tourist attraction. Living in Italy means immersing yourself in a world of incredible sights, sounds, and tastes that go beyond what a short vacation can capture. Here are just a few highlights that make Italy an extraordinary place to call home:
- Food: Italian cuisine is adored worldwide. Classic dishes like pizza and pasta take on a new dimension in Italy. With local ingredients and traditional recipes, they are often healthier and fresher than their American counterparts.
- Art: Italy’s rich artistic heritage is unmatched, as it was the birthplace of the Renaissance. The country is filled with masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Florence, Rome, and Venice house renowned museums, but Italy also places art in public spaces, making it accessible to all.
- Landmarks: Italy is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. The ancient Roman Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice are just a few examples of the historical sites that make Italy so unique.
- Climate: Italy’s climate offers a mix of mild and temperate conditions, catering to various lifestyle preferences. In the Italian Alps, winters are cold and perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while the warm, sunny summers in the south are ideal for beachgoers.
Moving to Italy from the USA brings you closer to all these experiences and more, making daily life feel vibrant and fulfilling. With International Sea & Air Shipping, your transition can be as smooth as possible, allowing you to fully embrace Italy’s beauty, culture, and lifestyle.
Opportunities in Italy: Healthcare, education, and the job market
Italy offers a strong public healthcare system known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides affordable and accessible healthcare for residents and citizens. Moving from the US, you’ll have the option to register with the SSN and gain access to various public health services, often at little to no cost. While the public healthcare system is efficient, many expatriates choose to add private health insurance for greater flexibility and quicker access to specialized care, which can be especially useful in larger cities.
The Italian education system is also a strong point, with public schooling that is free and available to all residents, from primary levels through high school. The majority of public schools teach in Italian, making language skills beneficial for children. In larger cities, however, there are international schools that offer bilingual programs and follow internationally recognized curricula, which can help expatriate families transition more smoothly. Whether you choose public or private education, Italy provides quality options for families moving from the US.
The job market in Italy offers varied opportunities, especially in sectors like fashion, manufacturing, tourism, and automotive. Larger cities, such as Milan, Rome, and Turin, are home to many international companies and tend to have more job openings for expatriates. Knowledge of Italian is often an asset, as many jobs require communication with local clients and teams. Additionally, teaching English is a common career path for Americans in Italy, with roles available in schools, universities, and private language institutes. Although the market can be competitive, Italy presents rewarding opportunities for those willing to navigate its unique landscape.
Customs Regulations for Italy
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport (copy)
- Residence Visa
- Work Permit
- Inventory in Italian, signed by Customer and approved by Italian Consulate
- Fiscal Number (Codice Fiscale, equivalent to an American social security number)
- Consular Declaration released by the nearest Italian Consulate, certifying the length of stay abroad, the repatriation date, the Italian nationality of the Customer, and the names of the family members (for Italian citizens only)
- Residency Certificate stating number of members in the family, nationality, city and country from which the customer is transferring residence, and date of residence in Italy (for foreigners only)
- Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di certificazione – provided by Destination Agent, completed and signed by client
- “Permesso a Soggiorno” (permit to stay) by Police Office Foreign Department
- Autocertificazione” – client attestation: of transfer of residence, family status, value of goods
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Power of Attorney – giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance
- Letter from Employer –attesting to client’s employment contract, start date
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
If the customer is moving to Italy permanently, and has lived outside the European Union for the previous 12 months, both personal effects and household goods may be imported free of duty and tax if:
- Goods were owned for one year, (18 months if Italian citizen)
- Goods are not for resale
- Goods are imported within six months of customer’s arrival
If all documentation is in order and received prior to arrival of shipment, the customer may not have to be present at the time of clearance.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Pornographic material
- Narcotics and drugs
- Animal skins, fur, tusks, ivory
- Food products including coffee, tea, sugar and pepper
- Perfumes
- Cordless electronics & walkie- talkies
- Audiovisual electronics not marked CE
RESTRICTED ITEMS
- Firearms, ammunition and combat knives (including ornamental weapons) can be imported with a special permit obtained from the Police Office–they must be clearly declared on the inventory with make, type and serial number, and must not be included in the same container as the household goods
- Weapons must be recorded in the National Catalogue of Weapons – weapons without a serial number (applies to USA, Canada, Japan & Australia) must be sent to the National Test Stand at Gardone Val Trompia, where Customs Authority will assign one
- Import License – obtained at origin
- Client must be present during clearance
- Clearance of firearms with serial numbers takes 15-20 days
- Clearance takes 2-3 months for firearms needing assignment of serial numbers
- New furniture, new household good items, wedding trousseaux, souvenirs and precious metal objects need receipts and are subject to duty
- Appliances/electronic equipment require an Import Permit from the Italian Ministry of Posts and Communications, may require receipts
- Antiques, pictures, works of art, carpets etc. require authorization– a Fine Arts inspection and special Import Permit from the Fine Arts authorities at extra cost, payable by the customer, must be packed separately (in crates or cartons), loaded near container door
- Plants and vegetable products require a Phytosanitary Certificate
- Alcohol and tobacco–must be shipped separately
MOTOR VEHICLE
For customers planning to ship a vehicle (one auto for non-Italians) it will be admitted into Italy duty-free if the customer has lived abroad for over one year, has owned and used the vehicle at least six months, and is bringing it to Italy for personal use. The car cannot be sold for at least one year after the customer’s arrival.
Documents needed:
- Passport or Telespresso (diplomats) – copy
- Italian Fiscal Code (returning Italians) – copy
- Certificate of Title and Registration – original, in client’s name; and a notarized Italian translation
- Commercial/Purchase Invoice – must be original
- Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
- Technical Data Sheet – from manufacturer, stating car features and declaration of conformities with EU requirements
- Insurance Policy – valid for circulation in Italy
PETS REGULATIONS
- Certificate of Vaccination – (International version) rabies vaccine date must be at least 20 days before certificate is issued by the veterinarian at origin
- Health Certificate – by a veterinarian at origin, must state pet was vaccinated against rabies, issued prior to departure to Italy; validity is for 3 days only
- Certificate of Origin – obtained from veterinarian at origin
- Every pet must be identified by a microchip or a tattoo– in case of identification with a tattoo, the tattoo must be clearly readable and applied before July 2011
CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE ITALIAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE FOR ALL FURTHER DETAILS, AS ITALIAN IMPORT REGULATIONS ARE COMPLICATED AND VARY ACCORDING TO CUSTOMER’S IMMIGRATION STATUS.
NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170
Additional information on the documentation required for relocation to Italy from USA
If you are moving to Italy from the USA as a US citizen there are residential permits that you will need to obtain. There are two types of permits that you can apply to relocate and live in Italy:
- The Temporary Permit or Permesso di Soggiorno: This type of residential permit for relocating to Italy from the USA will enable you to live in this country for a short period. This permit is renewable also but the validity may vary each time. With this temporary residential permit, you can apply for permanent Italian citizenship only after 10 years of uninterrupted stay in this country.
- The permanent residential permit or Carta di Soggiorno: This type of permit is more suitable when you have decided to move to Italy from the USA for a long-term stay or permanent residency in this European country. The authorities issue this permit for an indefinite period of time with no need for renewal. The added advantage is with this permit you can apply for a permanent residential permit after 5 years of uninterrupted stay in Italy instead of 10 years like in the case of the temporary permit. With Carta di Soggiorno you can even enjoy the rights similar to the citizens of Italy, work and live in the country.
There are also six types of visas that you can apply for if you are considering moving to Italy from the USA:
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
- Self-employed Visa
- EU Blue Card
- Golden Visa
- Elective Visa
The benefits of International Sea & Air Shipping Services
With International Sea & Air Shipping, you can trust our expertise to make your move to Italy a smooth experience. As an experienced international household moving company, we provide comprehensive solutions to meet all your relocation needs, from packing and transport to documentation and delivery. Relocating internationally involves many details, and choosing professional support allows you to focus on settling into your new home while we handle the logistics. Here’s what you gain by choosing our services:
- Comprehensive Documentation Support: We guide you through every form and requirement so you never feel overwhelmed by the paperwork. Our team makes the process simple, saving you time and effort.
- Secure Container Shipping: Your belongings are safely packed and shipped in secure containers designed for international travel. With professional handling, we make sure that all items reach Italy intact and on time.
- End-to-End Moving Solutions: We manage every step of your relocation. From packing and transport to customs and delivery, you won’t need to worry about coordinating multiple services.
- Get a Free Moving Quote: Planning an international move involves budgeting, and we make it easy with a free moving quote. This helps you understand costs upfront, with no hidden fees.
Choosing International Sea & Air Shipping means choosing a reliable partner for your move. Our commitment to customer care ensures a worry-free transition so you can start enjoying life in Italy right away.
Why choose us?
Moving to Italy from the USA is an incredible opportunity, but it comes with complex logistics that can feel overwhelming. At International Sea & Air Shipping, we’re here to simplify the process and make your relocation as smooth as possible. With extensive experience in international relocations, we provide a range of specialized services tailored to your needs. Our packing services for overseas shipping ensure each item is carefully prepared for the journey, giving you peace of mind that your belongings will arrive safely. We handle the packing process with meticulous attention, making sure everything is ready for the long-distance move.
For those with valuable or delicate items, we offer fine art shipping services designed to protect your precious pieces. From artwork to collectibles, we manage each item with expert care so that it reaches Italy in perfect condition.
If your move includes large and delicate instruments, our international piano movers can help. With specialized equipment and experienced handlers, we ensure that even the heaviest, most fragile instruments make it safely to your new home.
Before moving to Italy from America: Important things to consider
The cost of moving to Italy from the USA
Moving to Italy from the USA can be a significant financial investment, but with careful planning and budgeting, you can manage costs more effectively. At International Sea & Air Shipping, we offer guidance on every aspect of your move, helping you budget smartly and avoid unexpected expenses. Here are some of the primary costs to consider:
- Visa costs: Securing the appropriate visa for your move to Italy involves various fees, depending on the type of visa and length of stay. It’s necessary to research these costs early, as visa requirements and fees can vary.
- Relocation expenses: The actual cost of moving your belongings from the USA to Italy includes shipping, handling, and transportation. Our team provides expert international household moving services to ensure safe, reliable shipping, with options like container shipping to fit different budgets and needs.
- Household goods transport: Moving household items abroad often requires special packing and transport services. We offer secure packing and shipping options designed to keep your items safe during their journey to Italy.
- Housing costs: Whether renting or buying, you’ll need to account for housing expenses in Italy. Costs vary widely by city and region, so it’s a good idea to research housing options that fit your budget and lifestyle.
- International driving license: If you plan to drive in Italy, you’ll need an international driving license, which involves additional fees.
Planning your budget carefully and working with a professional moving company can make your relocation smoother and more affordable. With our expertise and services, you can focus on making Italy your new home while staying within your budget.
The costs of living in Italy
Italy offers a diverse lifestyle with varying living costs across its regions. On average, a single person spends about €2,728 per month, with rent prices for one-bedroom apartments ranging from €350 in smaller cities to €2,000 in city centers. For a family of four, estimated monthly expenses are approximately €4,169, while a single person’s costs are around €2,129. The cost of living in Italy is cheaper than in 75% of countries in Western Europe. However, it is more expensive than in 69% of countries worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly costs in some popular cities for American expatriates:
- Rome: A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are €3,010.5 without rent, while a single person’s costs are €860.5 without rent.
- Milan: A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are €3,581.3 without rent, and a single person’s costs are €1,010.8 without rent.
- Florence: A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are €3,235.2 without rent, and a single person’s costs are €924.7 without rent.
- Naples: A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are €3,235.2 without rent, and a single person’s costs are €924.7 without rent.
- Bologna: A family of four’s estimated monthly costs are €3,235.2 without rent, and a single person’s costs are €924.7 without rent.
These figures provide a general overview; actual expenses can vary based on lifestyle choices and specific locations within each city.
Important things to consider after you move to Italy
Relocating to Italy from the USA means adapting to a new set of responsibilities and local requirements soon after you arrive. To help you settle in, here’s a list of key tasks to address:
- Inform the Local Police (Questura): If you’re staying in Italy for more than 90 days, you must report your arrival to the local police within 8 days.
- Apply for a Tax Code Number (Codice Fiscale): The Codice Fiscale is essential for daily life in Italy. You’ll need it to open a bank account, access healthcare, and manage other important tasks.
- Register with the Comune and Obtain Permits: For stays over 90 days, you’ll need to register as a resident with the local Comune (town government). This involves applying for a residency permit, such as the Permesso di soggiorno for temporary residents or the Carta di soggiorno for long-term stays.
These steps are necessary to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with Italian regulations. International Sea & Air Shipping provides further guides for moving to other European destinations, including France, Spain, and Greece, to support your relocation needs.
Understanding Italian culture: A new way of life
Preparing to live in Italy goes beyond logistics; understanding Italian culture can help you feel more at home after your move. Here are some aspects of Italian culture to keep in mind:
- Language: Italian is the primary language, and English is less commonly spoken outside major tourist areas. Learning Italian will make daily interactions much easier and more enjoyable.
- Religion: The majority of Italians identify as Roman Catholic, influenced by the presence of Vatican City. Religion plays an important role in social customs and traditions.
- Business and Family Dynamics: Family is central in Italy, and this often extends to the workplace. Family-run businesses are common, and family connections can influence hiring practices, particularly in smaller companies.
- Regional Differences: Northern Italy is densely populated and multicultural, while the South is known for its rich cultural heritage and a more traditional lifestyle. Each region has its unique characteristics, from dialects to local customs.
Moving to Italy made easy with International Sea & Air Shipping
Moving to Italy is an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities and experiences. At International Sea & Air Shipping, we are here to make the entire process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. From packing and shipping to customs and delivery, we handle every detail with care and expertise. Trust us to turn your relocation dreams into reality. Ready to begin? Contact us today to start planning your move to Italy!
FAQ’s
What are the main services International Sea & Air Shipping offers for moving to Italy?
We provide comprehensive services, including packing, shipping, customs assistance, and delivery to your new home in Italy. Our team handles every step, ensuring a smooth transition so you can focus on settling in.
What are some initial steps I should take after moving to Italy?
Once you arrive, you’ll need to register with the local police if you’re staying longer than 90 days. Moreover, apply for a Codice Fiscale (tax code), and register your residency with the Comune. These steps are essential to start your new life in Italy.
How much does it cost to live in Italy?
Living costs vary by city. For example, Rome and Milan can be more expensive, while smaller cities are generally more affordable. A single person’s monthly expenses average around €2,000–€2,700, depending on the location and lifestyle.
Why is customer satisfaction a priority at International Sea & Air Shipping?
At International Sea & Air Shipping, we prioritize customer satisfaction by managing every aspect of the relocation. Our goal is to make your move to Italy stress-free, offering personalized support from start to finish.
Do I need to learn Italian before moving to Italy?
Learning basic Italian can help with daily interactions, especially outside tourist areas. It’s beneficial for adjusting to Italian culture and makes your experience more enjoyable.