Living in Italy: Expat Essentials for Americans

Visa & Residency

Short Stay (Schengen Visa): Up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- US Embassy in Italy – Visa Info
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Long-Term Visa (Elective Residency, Work, Study): Apply at your local consulate with documentation proof of income, acceptance letter, or work contract.
Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit): Apply within 8 days of arrival at the local #/permesso-di-soggiorno/Questura (police station).
Carta di Soggiorno (EU Long-Term Resident): After 5 years of legal residency, apply for more stable status.
EU Citizen Residence in Italy: No visa or permit required.

Opening an Account: Ask for “Conto Corrente per Non-Residenti”—requires passport, codice fiscale (tax ID), proof of address.
Codice Fiscale: Obtain from the local Agenzia delle Entrate or online via Agenzia delle Entrate.
International Transfers: Compare fees on Wise or XE.com.

Rent:
- City center (e.g., Rome, Milan): €1,000–1,800/month for 1-bed.
- Smaller towns: €600–1,000/month.
Utilities & Bills: €100–200/month.
Online Tools:
- Numbeo Cost of Living
- Idealista (Housing)

Employment Visa: Secured before arrival via consulate; employer must sponsor.
Freelance (“Partita IVA”): Register with Agenzia delle Entrate; consider simplified regime if income < €85K.
Tax Treaties: US–Italy double taxation treaty details at IRS Italy Treaty Docs.

Train & Bus:
- Trenitalia
- Italo
Mobile & Internet:
- Major carriers: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre.
- Prepaid SIMs start at €10/month (data + calls).

Public System (SSN): Register at the local ASL with residence permit; pay an annual fee (€150–€400).
Private Health Insurance: Consider Cigna Global or Expat Health.
EU Citizens: Use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Italian Basics:
- Duolingo Italian
- RAI Cultura (TV & radio)
Local Customs: Learn basic etiquette—greeting with “Buongiorno”/“Buonasera,” dressing modestly in churches, and understanding riposo (afternoon break).
Community: Join InterNations Italy or local Meetup groups.