Moving to Italy
Removal guide
International Removals Guide
Moving to Italy
From Leonardo Da Vinci to Vatican City, Italy is one of the world’s most well known countries and a top destination for Britons looking to escape inflation and high fuel costs. In this international moving guide we look at the history of Italy, what it takes to become a citizen and we take a close look at the cost of living compared to the UK. So get reading and ensure your move to Italy is made for all the right reasons.
Your 2026 Guide for Moving to Italy
Italy has long been one of the most popular destinations for people looking for a new life abroad. From world-famous cities and beautiful coastlines to fantastic food, strong family culture and a slower pace of life, there is a lot to love about living in Italy. Whether you are thinking about moving for work, retirement, family reasons or simply a lifestyle change, it is worth understanding how everyday life really works before you make the leap. In this guide, we look at what you need to know before moving, how UK residents can relocate, the main routes to Italian citizenship, and a few practical steps to help your move go smoothly.
Discover Italy
before you Move
Before you commit to a move, it helps to look beyond the holiday version of Italy and think about day-to-day life. Italy offers huge variety depending on where you choose to live. Milan is fast-paced and business-focused, Rome is historic and energetic, Florence is popular for culture and beauty, while places such as Puglia, Abruzzo and Sicily can offer a more relaxed lifestyle and, in some cases, lower living costs.
Italy is also a country of strong regional identity. Food, dialect, pace of life and even bureaucracy can vary from one area to another, so it is worth researching specific towns or cities rather than only the country as a whole. Many people are drawn by the climate, culture and quality of life, but it is also important to prepare for paperwork, local administration and the fact that English is less widely spoken outside tourist areas. Learning some Italian before you move will make a real difference when it comes to renting a property, opening accounts and settling into the local community. Useful background reading can be found from International Citizens Group and N26’s Italy moving guide.
Italy
Statistics
- Currency - Euros
- Languages - Italian
- Population - approx. 58.9 million
- No. of British Ex-Pats - 78,000
- Popular Cities - Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Puglia, Abruzzo and Sicily
| Cost of Living | Italy | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Family Cost of Living | £2,902 | £4,197 |
| Family Rent | £1042 | £1870 |
| Food Expenses | £407 | £422 |
| GDP per Capita | £29,732 | £39,201 |
| Transport Expenses | £76.60 | £132 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.7 | 81.2 |
| Quality of Life | 81 | 91 |
Costs pulled from LivingCost.org (April, 2026)
Important Things to Know when Moving to Italy
• Renting/Buying in Italy
When you first arrive in Italy, it is usually sensible to rent before buying. This gives you time to get to know the area, understand local prices and decide whether the location really suits your lifestyle. Rental contracts in Italy can be longer and more formal than many people expect, and landlords will often ask for ID, proof of income and a tax code before agreeing terms. Short-term furnished lets can be useful while you get settled, but longer-term rentals often provide better value.
If you plan to buy, it is important to remember that purchasing a property does not automatically give you the right to live in Italy full-time. Property ownership and immigration status are separate issues. Some non-residents can buy in Italy under reciprocity rules, but you should always check the position for your nationality and residency status before committing. Helpful overviews are available from International Citizens Group and Italian Citizenship Assistance.
• Bank Account
Opening an Italian bank account can make life much easier once you move. You will often need one to pay rent, wages, household bills and local direct debits. In many cases, banks will ask for your passport, proof of address, and either residency paperwork or employment documents. One of the most important pieces of admin is getting a codice fiscale, which is the Italian tax identification number used for a wide range of everyday tasks, including renting property, signing contracts and opening a bank account. The official English-language information from the Agenzia delle Entrate is useful here, and International Citizens Group also gives a simple overview of the banking process.
• Healthcare
taly has a well-regarded public healthcare system called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). Once you are properly resident and registered, you may be able to access public healthcare at low cost or free at the point of use, depending on your status. However, many people moving to Italy initially rely on private health insurance, especially if it is needed for their visa application or while they are still completing residency paperwork. Even after registering, some expats keep private cover to reduce waiting times for specialist appointments. For practical background, see International Citizens Group and N26’s overview of healthcare in Italy.
How can I move to Italy from the UK?
If you want to move to Italy from the UK, the process is now more complex than it was before Brexit. UK citizens can still visit Italy for short stays under Schengen rules, but if you want to live, work, retire or join family in Italy for longer, you will usually need the correct visa and then complete the local residency process once you arrive.
The right route depends on your circumstances. Some people relocate to Italy for employment, others for retirement, self-employment, family reasons or remote work. In most cases, the process involves securing the correct visa before travel and then applying for a residence permit after arrival. If you are planning an international removal to Italy, it is wise to make sure your visa and residency paperwork are moving forward before arranging the full shipment of your belongings. Helpful guidance can be found at Italian Citizenship Assistance and International Citizens Group.
Becoming an
Italian Citizen
For some people, moving to Italy is the first step towards eventually becoming an Italian citizen. Citizenship is usually possible through descent, marriage or long-term legal residence, but the rules can be detailed and the process is not normally quick. If you have Italian family connections, it may be worth exploring whether citizenship by descent is an option. Others may qualify later through marriage or naturalisation after living legally in Italy for a number of years.
For most people planning a move from the UK to Italy, the immediate focus should be on the correct visa, legal residency and getting settled rather than citizenship straight away. Still, if long-term relocation is your goal, understanding the citizenship routes early can be useful. More information is available from Italian Citizenship Assistance and N26’s Italian citizenship guide.
Planning Your Move to Italy:
1. Research Removals Companies
If you are moving to Italy from the UK, choosing the right removals company is one of the most important decisions you will make. Look for a company with experience in European removals, customs paperwork and international household moves. Ask what is included in the quotation, whether export wrapping and packing are available, and what support they provide with documents and delivery planning. Also check your mover’s history, and check whether they are members of a reputable industry recognised organisation like the BAR, IAM or part of the Euromovers group. However, most of all, get in touch with us!
2. Inventory and Packing
Before your move to Italy, prepare a clear inventory of the items you are taking. This helps with both the quotation process and the customs side of your move. It is also a good opportunity to decide which items are worth transporting and which would be easier to replace once you arrive in Italy.
3. Transportation
The transport method you choose will depend on the size of your move, your timescale and your budget. Smaller moves to Italy may suit part-load or shared-load services, while larger family relocations may require a dedicated vehicle or container option. If you are working to a specific moving date, always ask about realistic transit times as well as collection availability.
4. Customs and Import Regulations
When arranging an international removal to Italy, customs paperwork is a key part of the process. Requirements can vary depending on your residency status and what you are bringing with you. A professional removals company should help you understand the documents needed, prepare your inventory correctly and advise you on any restricted or high-risk items before shipment.
5. Settling In
After arriving in Italy, focus on the practical essentials first. These usually include securing accommodation, obtaining your codice fiscale, sorting your residency paperwork, arranging healthcare and opening a bank account. Once those basics are in place, the rest of the settling-in process becomes much easier.
Move to Italy
with Euromovers
If you are planning a move to Italy from the UK, good preparation can make all the difference. From understanding the visa process and choosing where to live to shipping your belongings safely and efficiently, every part of the move is easier when it is properly planned from the start. Italy offers a fantastic lifestyle for many people, but international moves work best when the logistics are handled carefully and professionally.
At Euromovers, we help make moving to Italy simpler, clearer and less stressful. Whether you are relocating for work, retirement, family or a fresh start abroad, our experienced team can help with the planning, packing and transportation of your household goods. If you are looking for trusted support with removals to Italy, Euromovers is here to help you move with confidence.
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