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Relocating to Italy

Relocating to Italy: 2 to 12-week bridge stays, interim housing, codice fiscale logistics, and soft-landing accommodation in major Italian cities.

Relocating to Italy has become increasingly popular since the introduction of digital nomad visas and remote work policies. The process involves navigating residence permits, tax registration (codice fiscale), health insurance enrollment, and finding long-term accommodation. Our relocation guides cover the practical steps from initial planning to settling in, with a focus on the accommodation search since that is where we can add the most value.

Long-term rental in Italy works differently from short-term tourist stays. Contracts are typically 3+2 or 4+4 years for residential lets, and landlords require a codice fiscale, proof of income, and often a guarantor. Short-term furnished lets of 1 to 12 months are available in major cities but command a 20 to 40 percent premium over unfurnished long-term contracts. Our guides explain the contract types, typical costs by city, and how to find direct-from-owner rentals that avoid agency fees of one to two months' rent.

The most popular relocation destinations are Milan (finance, fashion, tech), Rome (culture, government, NGOs), Bologna (quality of life, food, university), Florence (art, small business), and increasingly smaller towns in Puglia, Abruzzo, and Calabria where the cost of living is 40 to 60 percent lower than the north.

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People also ask

Can I move to Italy as a remote worker?

Yes. Italy introduced a digital nomad visa in 2024 for non-EU remote workers earning at least 28,000 euros annually from non-Italian employers. The visa is valid for 1 year, renewable. EU citizens can relocate freely but must register residency after 3 months.

How much does it cost to live in Italy?

Milan: 2,000 to 3,500 euros per month for a comfortable life. Rome: 1,500 to 2,800 euros. Bologna: 1,200 to 2,200 euros. Southern cities (Lecce, Palermo, Catania): 800 to 1,500 euros. These include rent, food, transport, and utilities for a single person.

How do I find a long-term rental in Italy?

Idealista.it and Immobiliare.it are the main property portals. Local estate agents (agenzie immobiliari) handle most rentals and charge one month rent as commission. Direct-from-owner rentals on local Facebook groups and notice boards avoid agency fees. You need a codice fiscale and usually proof of income.

What paperwork do I need to rent in Italy?

Codice fiscale (tax ID, obtainable from the Agenzia delle Entrate), valid ID or passport, proof of income or employment, and often a guarantor for long-term contracts. Short-term furnished lets (1 to 12 months) have simpler requirements but cost 20 to 40 percent more.

Which Italian city is best for expats?

Bologna for quality of life, food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Milan for career opportunities and international community. Florence for culture and beauty (but expensive and touristy). Lecce and Palermo for low cost and authentic southern Italian life. Each has trade-offs between cost, career, and lifestyle.

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