🇮🇹 Italy
La dolce vita — Mediterranean living with strong EU connectivity
Visa Options
- Digital Nomad Visa (1 year (renewable)) — €28,000/yr remote income, highly-skilled role, health insurance
- Elective Residency Visa (1 year (renewable)) — €31,000+/yr passive income (single), no local employment
- Investor Visa (2 years (renewable)) — €250k startup, €500k company, or €2M government bonds
- EU Blue Card (2 years (renewable)) — Job offer, recognized degree, salary above collective-agreement threshold
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: 23% – 43% (progressive) + 1.5–3.5% regional/municipal surcharge
- Impatriate Regime: 50% exemption on employment/self-employment income for 5 years (60% with a minor child), up to €600k/yr; extendable 3 more years
- Flat Tax for New Residents (HNWI): €300,000/yr flat tax on worldwide foreign-source income for up to 15 years (raised from €200k, effective Jan 2026); +€50k/yr per family member
- Corporate Tax (IRES): 24%
- VAT: 22%
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): €1,500 – €2,200/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Milan): €1,100 – €1,600/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Rome): €900 – €1,300/mo
- Groceries: €250 – €350/mo
- Utilities: €150 – €220/mo
- Dining out: €15 – €30/meal
- Public transport: €35 – €40/mo pass
Relocation Checklist
- Obtain codice fiscale (Italian tax number) — can be done at a consulate
- Open an Italian bank account
- Apply for visa at the Italian consulate
- Book proof of accommodation (min 1 month)
- Enter Italy and apply for permesso di soggiorno within 8 days
- Register residency (residenza) at the local Comune
- Register with the national health service (SSN) or arrange private insurance
- Collect tessera sanitaria (health card)