Living in Italy: la dolce vita within reach of French expats

Why does living in Italy attract so many people?

Living in Italy is a dream shared by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Sunny climate, exceptional cuisine, unparalleled cultural heritage, a more relaxed pace of life: Italy combines a wealth of advantages that appeal to very diverse profiles — young professionals, families, remote workers and retirees in search of the dolce vita.

But relocating to Italy is not something to be taken lightly. Behind the Tuscan postcards and Roman terraces lie administrative, fiscal and practical realities that are best anticipated. This editorial hub has been designed to give you a complete and honest picture of what it means to settle in Italy as a foreigner.

The 10 best reasons to live in Italy

Here are the main reasons that lead expatriates to take the plunge and move to Italy:

1. An exceptional climate: mild winters in most regions, hot and sunny summers, particularly in the south and on the islands.
2. The cuisine: high-quality local food, fresh markets, affordable restaurants — Italian cooking is everything it is said to be.
3. The cultural heritage: Rome, Florence, Venice, the Cinque Terre… Italy is the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
4. An advantageous cost of living: the cost of living in Italy is on average around 4% lower than in many Western European countries, with significant differences between the north and the south.
5. Attractive tax regimes: special tax schemes for foreign retirees (a flat tax of 7% in certain southern municipalities) and for new residents (the impatriate regime).
6. Safety: Italy ranks among the safest countries in Western Europe, with low crime rates in the majority of regions.
7. Quality of life: a slower pace of life, emphasis on family and mealtimes, and a strong neighbourhood social life.
8. No visa required for EU citizens: as European Union citizens, EU nationals can settle in Italy without a visa or work permit.
9. Diverse landscapes: the Alps, northern lakes, Tuscan hills, the Amalfi coastline, Sicilian volcanoes — each region offers a unique living environment.
10. The expat community: an active and well-organised expatriate community makes integration easier, especially in major cities.

The drawbacks to be aware of before settling in Italy

To help you make an informed decision, here are the main challenges faced by expatriates:

• Bureaucracy: renowned for being cumbersome and slow, Italian public administration can discourage the uninitiated. Obtaining residency, opening a bank account or handling tax matters often requires patience and perseverance.
• The language barrier: contrary to what one might expect, English is not that widely spoken in smaller towns or in public offices. Learning Italian is strongly recommended.
• Regional disparities: between a dynamic Milan and certain areas of the south, employment opportunities, services and infrastructure vary considerably.
• Salaries: average Italian salaries are often lower than in many other Western European countries, which can affect your standard of living if you work locally.
• The housing market: in major cities and tourist areas, rents can be high and quality supply limited.

The cost of living in Italy: what you need to know

The cost of living in Italy is a topic that comes up consistently among those considering settling in Italy. Here are the key points:

Housing

This is the most variable expense depending on the region. In Milan or Rome, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost between €1,200 and €1,800 per month. In a mid-sized central city (Florence, Bologna, Padua), expect to pay between €700 and €1,200. In the south (Palermo, Bari, Naples) or in rural areas, a comfortable apartment can be rented for between €400 and €700 per month. For purchases, prices are on average lower than in many Western European countries, with remarkable opportunities in regions such as Puglia, Calabria, Molise and Basilicata.

Food and restaurants

Food is generally less expensive than in many Western European countries, especially for local produce: fruit, vegetables, pasta, olive oil, cheeses and regional cured meats. A meal at a local trattoria costs between €12 and €20 per person, including a drink. A coffee at the bar rarely costs more than €1.20.

Transport

Urban public transport is affordable in most cities (€40 to €50 per month for a monthly pass in Naples, Milan or Rome). The Trenitalia rail network and Italo high-speed lines make it easy to travel between major cities. Fuel is slightly cheaper than in many Western European countries in most regions.

Healthcare

Access to the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) is free or near-free for registered residents. Visits to the family doctor (medico di base) are covered. Some specialist examinations or dental care may require private top-up cover. Many expatriates opt for a complementary private health plan for greater peace of mind.

Settling in Italy: the key steps for foreigners

The good news for EU citizens is that Italy is part of the European Union: you do not need a visa or a work permit to settle there. Here are the practical steps to follow.

1. Obtain the Codice Fiscale

The codice fiscale (Italian tax identification number) is the absolute first step of any move to Italy. This identification number is essential for: signing a lease, opening a bank account, taking out a phone contract, working, and handling medical or tax matters. It can be obtained free of charge from the Agenzia delle Entrate or, before your departure, from the Italian consulate in your home country.

2. Register for residency (Residenza)

If you stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must register with the census records of the municipality where you live. This is known as obtaining the residenza. This registration entitles you to public health coverage, makes it easier to open a bank account and ensures you are in a regular administrative situation. The documents generally required are: your identity document, your codice fiscale, proof of address (rental agreement or accommodation certificate) and a residency application form.

3. Register with the national health service (SSN)

Once you have obtained your residenza, register with the ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) in your municipality to benefit from the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale. If you are a retiree coming from another EU country, request the S1 form in your country of origin before your departure: this document allows you to transfer your healthcare entitlements and register for Italian healthcare as a local resident.

4. Open an Italian bank account

Although technically not mandatory for short stays, a local bank account quickly becomes essential: paying rent and utility bills, receiving a salary, paying local taxes, and purchasing property. Major banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit or digital solutions such as N26 accept foreign residents.

5. Understand the tax system

Taxation in Italy holds some pleasant surprises for newcomers. Foreign retirees who settle in certain southern municipalities benefit from a flat tax of 7% on their foreign-source income. Working-age individuals who move to Italy for the first time or return after a period abroad may benefit from the impatriate regime, which provides a partial tax exemption for several years. It is strongly advisable to consult a specialist in Italian and international tax law before making your decision.

6. Driving licence

Good news: your EU driving licence remains valid in Italy without any conversion process, thanks to freedom of movement within the European Union. However, if you import a vehicle registered in your home country, you will need to re-register it in Italy if you reside there permanently.

Where to live in Italy? The most popular regions for expatriates

Italy is a country of extraordinary diversity. Each region offers a distinct identity, property market and quality of life. Here is an overview of the most sought-after destinations among expatriates.

Living in Italy: essential resources

To take your relocation to Italy project further, here are the essential thematic guides produced by our team based in Italy:

• →The cost of living in Italy: detailed figures and comparisons
• →Taxation in Italy: taxes, flat tax and special regimes
• →Italian citizenship: how to obtain it as a foreign national
• →The complete guide to relocating to Italy
• →Buying property in Italy: a complete guide
• →Italian taxation: everything you need to know before you move
• →Working in Italy: salaries, employment and opportunities