Moving to Italy in 2026

Moving to Italy: entry, first 30 days, 3-month budget

A trip requires a Schengen visa; since November 2025 Russian citizens mostly receive single-entry visas. To live in Italy you obtain a national visa at an Italian consulate on one of the grounds: the digital nomad visa, the visa for living without work, employment within quotas, study or family. The investor visa has been suspended for Russian citizens since 14 July 2023.

1. Days 1-8. Apply for the stay permit at a post office within 8 working days of entry, get a tax code and an Italian SIM card.
2. Days 8-30. Sign and register a lease, open a bank account, arrange health insurance.
3. Days 30-90. Fingerprints at the police on the assigned date, registration at the town hall, then the permit card. In large cities the police wait ranges from several weeks to several months.

The deposit is returned when you move out. Rents in Turin, Bologna and the south are noticeably lower than in Rome, and higher in Milan. A family budget depends on its size and the residence ground; we calculate it in the chat. Exchange rate: about $1.12 per euro on 5 October 2026.

Italy at a glance

Italy is one of the largest economies in the European Union, with about 59 million residents. The capital is Rome, the business capital is Milan, and other large cities are Naples, Turin, Florence and Bologna. The country is in the European Union and the Schengen area, the currency is the euro and the language is Italian. The economy rests on industry, design and fashion, tourism, agriculture and wine.

Who the move suits

• remote professionals earning from €28,000 a year, who have the digital nomad visa;
• people with passive income who want to live in Italy without working;
• descendants of Italians with a right to citizenship by blood;
• wealthy new residents for whom the flat tax on foreign income works.

It is harder for those counting on fast bureaucracy and high salaries in the local job market.

Entry rules and visas

A trip requires a Schengen visa, and since November 2025 European Union countries have mostly issued single-entry visas to Russian citizens. To live there you obtain a national visa at the consulate and, after arrival, a residence permit at the police headquarters. The investor visa has been suspended for Russian and Belarusian citizens since 14 July 2023.

Residence options

• The digital nomad visa - income from €28,000 a year, about $31,400, high qualifications, 6 months of remote work experience and insurance from €30,000, a one-year permit with renewal;
• elective residence visa - stable passive income, a guideline of about €31,000 a year, and housing in Italy;
• employment - within annual quotas;
• the investor visa - from €250,000 in a start-up, except for Russian and Belarusian citizens;
• study and family - separate grounds.

Citizenship by naturalisation comes after 10 years of residence. By blood, after the 2025 reform it is recognised for children and grandchildren of Italians, with a decision within 36 months and a €600 fee. We choose the basis and prepare the documents.

Taxes

Income tax runs from 23% to 43% plus regional and municipal surcharges. Entrepreneurs with turnover up to €85,000 can pay 15% under the simplified regime, and 5% for the first 5 years. Corporate tax is 24%, VAT is 22% and dividends are taxed at 26%. Wealthy new residents can pay a flat tax on foreign income of €300,000 a year. More in taxes in Italy.

Cost of living in Rome

The average rate in Rome is about 20-22 euros per square metre a month, up to 30 euros in the centre. Leases are usually for 4 years with renewal, and the deposit is up to three months' rent. Rent in Turin, Bologna and the south is noticeably lower, and in Milan higher.

Where to live

• Rome - respectable Prati by the Vatican, quiet Parioli with international schools, atmospheric Trastevere and Monti.
• Milan - the business centre, jobs and the highest rent.
• Florence and Bologna - mid-sized university cities.
• The south and the islands - cheaper, warm and calm, but fewer jobs.

Property for foreigners

A foreigner can buy a flat, house or commercial premises. European Union citizens buy on the same terms as Italians, others on the basis of reciprocity with their country, and everyone needs an Italian tax code for the deal. There is no residence for buying property, but a purchased flat meets the housing requirement for the elective residence visa. We find the property and help with company registration and a personal account.