Moving to Italy

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating Italian immigration can seem daunting, but understanding the basics for your nationality is key. If you are an EU citizen, you enjoy the freedom of movement and generally do not require a visa to live and work in Italy. You will, however, need to register your residence with the local authorities (Anagrafe) once you establish yourself.

For non-EU citizens, a visa is almost always required before you arrive in Italy. The type of visa you need will depend on your purpose for moving. Common routes include:

• Work Visas: These typically require a job offer from an Italian employer who will sponsor your application.
• Family Reunification Visas: If you have family members who are Italian citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible to join them.
• Study Visas: For those enrolled in an Italian educational institution.
• Elective Residence Visas: For individuals who can demonstrate sufficient, stable financial resources to support themselves without working in Italy.

Once you arrive in Italy with the appropriate visa, non-EU citizens must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) within eight working days. This permit allows you to legally reside in the country. It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date requirements and procedures directly with official Italian diplomatic missions (embassies or consulates) in your home country or the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as rules can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Italy can be an exciting part of your relocation. Most people start their search online, using popular Italian property portals. Local real estate agencies (agenzie immobiliari) are also widely used and can be particularly helpful for navigating the local market and legalities.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Arrange to see potential homes in person.
• Making an Offer: Once you find a suitable place, you'll make an offer, often through the agency.
• Signing the Contract: Rental contracts (contratto di locazione) are usually for 4 years, renewable, or shorter periods for temporary contracts. It's advisable to have the contract reviewed by a local expert if your Italian isn't fluent.
• Deposit: A security deposit (cauzione) is standard, typically equivalent to two or three months' rent. This is held by the landlord and returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.
• First Month's Rent: You'll pay the first month's rent upfront.
• Agency Fees: If you use an agency, expect to pay a fee, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent plus IVA (VAT).

Consider whether you need temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as an Airbnb or short-term rental, while you secure a long-term lease. Furnished apartments (arredato) are available, but unfurnished (non arredato) often means truly bare, without even light fixtures or kitchen cabinets in some cases.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Italy is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact prices will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you need to move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters. Consider what you truly need and what might be cheaper to replace in Italy.
• Distance: The origin and destination points significantly impact transportation costs. Moving from a nearby European country will generally be less expensive than from overseas.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand.
• Accessibility: Difficult access at either your origin or destination (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, multiple flights of stairs) can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Mode of Transport: Options like sea freight, air freight, or road transport each have different cost implications and transit times.
• Extra Services: Services such as professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage, and insurance will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here's a checklist-style guide for 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces moving costs.
  • Research Visas/Permits: If you haven't already, confirm all visa and residence permit requirements.
  • Get Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for moving quotes.
  • Gather Documents: Start collecting important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical histories, financial statements). Have copies and digital backups.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Book Movers: Confirm your moving date and services with your chosen relocation provider.
  • Notify Landlord: Give notice to your current landlord if renting.
  • Begin Packing (Non-Essentials): Start packing items you won't need immediately, labeling boxes clearly.
  • Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical appointments and get prescriptions refilled.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) at your current home and research how to set them up in Italy.
  • Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to your new Italian address or a trusted contact.
  • Bank Accounts: Research opening an Italian bank account.
  • Insurance: Review your current insurance policies and research options for Italy.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm Travel: Finalize travel arrangements to Italy.
  • Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with essentials for your arrival in Italy (documents, toiletries, change of clothes, medications).
  • Notify Institutions: Inform your bank, credit card companies, and any other relevant institutions of your move.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Final Packing: Complete all remaining packing.
  • Clean Home: If renting, arrange for a final cleaning.
  • Confirm Movers: Reconfirm details with your moving company.

For a seamless transition, request a free quote today on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Italy: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Italy is an exciting adventure, but navigating customs can feel complex. This guide simplifies the process, providing clear information on importing your personal belongings and special items.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Italian or foreign citizen)

To import your household goods and personal effects duty-free, you must meet specific criteria. Your items need to have been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to your move. You also need to demonstrate that you lived in your country of origin for at least 12 months before relocating to Italy. The importation must occur within 12 months of your Italian residence registration date.

If you cannot register as a resident before your shipment arrives but are certain to do so within six months, a special procedure ("daziato sospeso" or "Importazione con garanzia") allows for clearance by depositing duties and taxes. This deposit is returned once you provide an official certificate of residence within six months of importation, but it involves additional costs and a longer waiting period.

What you'll need

• Customs form Mod. F-01A ("istanza senza garanzia")
• Copy of your residence registration application ("Avvio di procedimento di iscrizione anagrafica") or proof of submission with a registered lease contract or ownership deed.
• If importing after 45 days from "Avvio di procedimento," an official "certificate of residence."
• Evidence of residence in the origin country for over 12 months (consular declaration, AIRE certification for Italian citizens, employer's declaration, lease contract, or utility copies for 13 months).
• Passport copy.
• Photocopy of your Italian fiscal code (codice fiscale).
• "Dichiarazione di libera importazione" (declaration confirming goods are not forbidden).
• Detailed list of household goods.
• Ocean freight / air freight amount paid (to be declared on the customs bill).
• EORI code.

Good to know

• It's highly recommended to get approval from your Italian agent before shipping.
• Customs authorities frequently conduct documental verifications and physical inspections, which can lead to additional costs and demurrage/detention/storage charges.
• Electrical bicycles or scooters must comply with EU requirements and display the "CE" logo.
• Humidity prevention products like absorbing poles or silica gel bags require proof that they do not contain harmful substances.
• Phytosanitary controls are in place, especially for shipments from China and Belarus, potentially leading to additional costs and delays.
• Any wooden material (pallets, crates) must adhere to FAO ISPM 15 requirements; certificates and photos are recommended.
• Shipments containing goods declared under IMO regulations will incur additional costs at the Italian arrival port/airport.
• Non-EU citizens can only register as residents after progressing with their immigration process and applying for a "permesso di soggiorno."
• Some customs offices may require a declaration of the freight amount and a copy of the freight invoice, as freight can be a component for duty/tax calculation on dutiable goods.

Diplomatic moves

Foreign diplomats and personnel joining official international organizations, consulates, or embassies in Italy can import their belongings duty-free.

What you'll need

• Original import authorization ("telespresso") from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which must reach customs before shipment arrival.
• Passport copy.
• Italian codice fiscale copy.
• "Dichiarazione di libera importazione."

Good to know

• The "diplomatic franchise" (duty-free import authorization) is obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome.
• This process can take several weeks and must be initiated by the diplomat's organization.
• Diplomats must obtain a special ID and be accredited in Italy before applying for the franchise.
• Import of alcohol is permitted for diplomats but is limited to an annual quota agreed upon by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and respective embassies.

Italian Returning Diplomats

Italian diplomatic and consular corps members, as well as civil servants returning from missions abroad, usually do not travel under diplomatic status for their personal effects.

What you'll need

• Customs form Mod. F-01A ("istanza senza garanzia").
• Certificate of residence in Italy.
• "Dichiarazione di libera importazione."
• Passport copy.
• Copy of the Italian fiscal code.
• Certificate from their administration (e.g., Foreign Ministry) confirming their mission abroad and repatriation.
• EORI code.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Italian Customs allows duty-free importation of used household goods, trousseaux, and wedding presents for citizens marrying an Italian resident and registering as residents in Italy. Wedding trousseaux are not duty-free on their own but can be imported duty-free as part of a relocation if they are used and linked to a transfer of residence.

What you'll need

• List of relocated items owned for more than 6 months.
• List of wedding gifts (each gift cannot exceed EUR 1000, excluding wine, alcohol, tobacco, or forbidden/licensed items).
• Wedding certificate.
• Certificate of residence in Italy for the married couple.
• Evidence that the spouse lived in the origin country for over 12 months.
• Customs form F-02A.
• EORI code.

Good to know

• The same general remarks for new residents apply.

Inherited belongings

Importation of used household goods and personal effects is permitted if tied to a transfer of residence (in which case, new resident requirements apply) or if the importer can prove they are the sole heir and resident in Italy.

What you'll need

• Translated and legalized copy of the will/notary act proving the importer is the sole heir.
• Customs form Mod. F-03.
• Importer’s passport copy and Italian codice fiscale document.
• Certificate of residence.
• List of inherited goods.
• EORI code.

Good to know

• The importation must occur within 2 years from the date the heir officially possesses the goods.
• It's highly recommended to submit all documents to your Italian agent before shipping to confirm duty-free eligibility.
• The same general remarks for new residents apply.

Bringing special items

New furniture, household items, presents, and souvenirs

These items are generally subject to duties and VAT.

What you'll need

• Original invoices.

Good to know

• False declarations (e.g., declaring new items as used) will result in fines, duties, and taxes.

Works of art & antiques

What you'll need

• Detailed list and accurate description (title, author, date, value, dimensions) of each piece.
• Proof of ownership for more than 6 months (purchase invoices or other certification).
• Two photos for each piece.
• EORI code.

Good to know

• Fine art inspections may be required, incurring additional costs and delays.
• Inclusion of valuable artworks can trigger a physical inspection.
• Duties and taxes might be payable.
• Additional declarations may be required; forms can be provided by your local destination agent.
• It is highly recommended to consult your destination agent before packing and shipping.

Precious metal objects

Objects made of silver (e.g., photo frames, cutlery) included in a normal household goods move are generally allowed duty-free under the same conditions as other furniture and articles. For other precious metal objects, consult your local destination agent.

Vehicles (including caravans and trailers)

To import a vehicle duty-free, you must meet the same requirements as for household goods (owned and used for over 6 months, lived abroad for over 12 months, etc.).

What you'll need

• All documents required for household goods importation.
• Customs form Mod. F-A.
• Copy of the purchase invoice.
• Original vehicle title (certificate of ownership/logbook).

Good to know

• Vehicles must have been owned and used by the importer for more than 6 months prior to shipping to Italy.
• Vehicles cannot be sold or disposed of for one year after the date of importation.
• If residency has not been applied for when the vehicle arrives, duty-free importation will not be permitted.
• If the vehicle cannot be imported duty-free, some of the listed documents will still be needed for clearance and registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import items I've just bought?
New furniture, household items, presents, and souvenirs are generally subject to duties and VAT, requiring original invoices.

What if I can't register my residence before my shipment arrives?
If you're certain to register within 6 months, you might use a "daziato sospeso" procedure, depositing duties and taxes, which are refunded upon residency proof. This incurs extra costs and delays.

Are there special rules for wooden packing materials?
Yes, any wooden material (pallets, crates) must strictly adhere to FAO ISPM 15 requirements. Providing compliance certificates and photos is recommended.

What happens if customs finds discrepancies in my declaration?
False declarations, such as declaring new items as used, will result in fines in addition to duties and taxes.

Are there any items that are particularly scrutinized by Italian customs?
Shipments from China and Belarus receive particular attention, and phytosanitary controls have been implemented.

Can I sell my imported car shortly after arriving in Italy?
No, vehicles imported duty-free cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of for one year after the date of importation.

For personalized assistance with your move to Italy, please contact relocation123.com.

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