June 5, 2026

Living in Italy as an American: What to Expect?

American Investors, high-net-worth individuals, and retirees, considering living in Italy, and curious about what life looks like in this country, you will find a closer look in this article.

Amid these uncertain times that are characterized by social, political, and economic instability, an increasing number of Americans are choosing to relocate from the US. As of 2025, it is estimated that there are 17,650 Americans officially residing in Italy, according to the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica – Italia (ISTAT), a 6.7% increase from the number reported in 2024.

Although Americans can stay in Italy for up to 90 days without a visa, they must obtain a residency permit if they want to live or retire in the country.

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Key Points for Living in Italy as an American

Americans seeking to travel to Italy are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days during any 180 days without needing a visa.

However, living in Italy as an American for more than 90 days requires obtaining a residence permit rather than a tourist visa. The Italy Golden Visa program is considered the main visa option. It accepts non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who possess a clean criminal history.

To obtain permanent residence in Italy, Americans must spend at least five years within the country. The path to citizenship requires ten years of residence, while dual citizenship remains an available option.

Americans relocating to Italy can leverage the nation’s myriad benefits, which include access to top-notch educational and healthcare services, improved work-life balance, lower cost of living, and a vibrant culture.

Key Reasons Behind Living in Italy as an American

Several reasons are driving American investors to move to Italy:

Lower cost of living

The cost of living in Italy, including the housing overheads, healthcare costs, and daily expenditures, is lower than in the US. xx reduced expenses allow American retirees to maintain their pension benefits while enjoying a high quality of life and a relaxed lifestyle.

Diversified Investment Portfolio

American investors looking to move to Italy can leverage the high potential and strong investment opportunities in several sectors. Italy’s technology ecosystem[1] is maturing rapidly, with investments flowing into software, cybersecurity, fintech, robotics, and digital infrastructure. Investors can benefit from the expanding startup ecosystem and increasing venture capital activity.

The pharmaceutical and life sciences sector is also thriving, as the country has become one of Europe’s leading life sciences hubs, supported by advanced manufacturing research institutions and a highly skilled workforce. Major international pharmaceutical companies are investing billions of euros in the country thanks to its world-class research ecosystem and government support for strategic healthcare projects.

Italy also remains one of the world’s leading manufacturing economies and is mainly strong in industrial machinery, automation, robotics, fashion, and textiles. Investors can benefit from the country’s global reputation, large export-oriented industrial base, and growing adoption of automation technologies.

The country is also a global leader in food production and agri-tech innovation. Investors can leverage the global demand for its products, strong export market, and innovation opportunities in food technology.

Retirement stability

The Italy Golden Visa program offers investors a straightforward path to obtain permanent residency and citizenship after a few years. It enables Americans to retire in a country that has a rich history and vibrant culture. Italy’s liveable environment, clean cities, pleasant climate, low crime rate, and convenient, anxiety- and stress-free way of life make it an attractive destination for US retirees to live. They can enjoy a relaxed retirement at a slower, more balanced pace of life, a diversified lifestyle, and a high quality of living. At the same time, Europe’s seamless connectivity allows retirees to travel across multiple countries within a few hours, and explore new cities and cultures.

Stronger Passport

The Italian passport is ranked 3^rd globally, providing visa-free access or visa upon arrival to 189 destinations, including the Schengen area, Japan, China, and Singapore. Moreover, Italian passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the UK. It provides a slightly better travel freedom than the US passport (ranked 10th) does after obtaining citizenship.

High Safety Level

Italy is widely considered one of the safest countries in Europe, as violent crime rates are low, communities are strong, and daily life is generally stable and predictable. Safety varies by region, city size, neighborhood, and lifestyle. According to the Global Peace Index, Italy was ranked[2] 33rd with a 1.66 score, while the United States was ranked 128 with a 2.443 score. This ranking places Italy among the most peaceful countries.

Choosing the safest place to live in Italy is more about finding the lifestyle and community that makes you feel at home. Northern Italy consistently ranks highly for safety and infrastructure. Umbria and Tuscany stand out for peaceful living, and Sardinia offers exceptionally low crime and quiet island life.

Secured Plan B

The political and economic uncertainty in the US is driving many Americans to find alternative residency options. Italy provides residents with a simple path to achieve permanent residency status, and a reliable Plan B if the situation gets worse.

Italian Culture

Another reason encouraging Americans to choose Italy Golden Visa is the desire to experience a more human pace. Living well isn’t always measured by financial success, but by experiences such as shared meals, coffee breaks, evening strolls, and the chance to live in historic centers rich in art and architecture.

US investors coming from large American cities, which are often fast and impersonal, choose Italy to rediscover the quality of relationships and the significance of community, and to find welcoming and authentic environments in small towns where they can rebuild meaningful connections. Moving to Italy is not just changing the address; it’s stepping into a deep cultural landscape that many Americans feel is part of a personal aspiration they want to fulfill.

Visa Options for Americans Living in Italy for More than 90 Days

Italy Golden Visa

The Italian Golden Visa is the most popular residency-by-investment program, allowing Americans to relocate to Italy permanently. US investors seeking Italian residency can choose from four investment options. This includes investing €250,000 in an innovative start-up, or €500,000 in an Italian limited company, or €2 million in government bonds, or €1 million in philanthropic donations. However, US investors cannot purchase property to qualify for the Italian Golden Visa program.

The Italian Golden Visa grants a 2-year residence permit, which can be extended for three years after making a qualifying investment without any minimum residency requirements. The application process is fast and straightforward, as it can be completed within three months starting from the application date. The program allows investors to include their family members, and if they keep their investment, they can renew their residence permit. After ten years, they can apply for Italian citizenship.

Other Options

Digital Nomad Visa

This type of visa is suitable for remote workers, providing a residence permit for up to one year, renewable for another two years. American workers can also include their family members; however, they need to pay extra fees as this type of visa requires a minimum monthly income of €2,080, €780 per additional adult, and €130 per child. To qualify for this program, an American must work for a foreign company or be self-employed with foreign clients.

Work Visa

The work visa is issued for one or two years, depending on the contract type, with a possibility to renew it. Once moving to Italy, Americans must apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to legally live and work in Italy. This visa requires a job offer, work authorization approved by the immigration office, an employment contract, proof of sufficient income, proof of accommodation in Italy, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Elective Residence Visa

The Italian Elective Visa is a residence permit provided for up to one year, renewable for five years. It is provided to individuals with a consistent source of passive income, typically around €31,000 per year for a single person and €38,000 for married applicants. To qualify, applicants are required to provide proof of private health insurance that covers at least €31,000 and accommodation in Italy. Applicants are not allowed to work under this type of visa.

Self-Employment Visa

Known as the Italian Freelance Visa, it is suitable for US freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, or business owners. It provides them a residence permit for up to one year, and can be renewed for a longer period. To qualify, applicants should have enough money to start and run their business in Italy. They also have to meet the legal requirements of their profession.

Living in Italy as an American: What to Expect?

Warm Climate & Welcoming People

Italy’s warm climate and stunning scenery on the Mediterranean are among the main reasons why people prefer to live there. The northern Dolomites meet the southern beaches of Sardinia, Apulia, and Sicily to create Italy’s breathtaking landscape. Italy has a long history of regional hospitality and strong family values, which helped boost an openness to visitors and newcomers, and made it easy for many foreigners to feel integrated.

Balanced Working Culture

Italians prioritize the quality of life by selecting meaningful relationships, delicious food, and personal time instead of working long hours. Italy provides residents with an opportunity to enjoy the slower pace of life through activities that include eating out at ease and walking through historic piazzas in tranquility. The Italian way of living creates a balanced existence that brings both health benefits and happiness to our lives.

Cost of Living in Italy Vs. US

Cost of living in the US is 11.3% higher than in Italy, excluding rent, according to Numbeo[3]. The cost become 28% higher when including rent. Rental prices in the US are 91% higher than in Italy, restaurant prices 11%, and gorceries 16% higher. The monthly fee per child for a private full-day preschool or kindergarten in Italy is around $600, while it surges to $1,500 in the US. The average monthly net salary in Italy is around $2,000, while it reaches $4,300 in the US. These reasons combined are encouraging Americans to move to Italy.

Here is a table showing the average cost of living in Italy as an American

Item	Average Price in Italy	Average Price in US
Inexpensive Meal	€17	€17
Monthly Transport Pass	€39	€55
Gasoline (1 l)	€2	€1
Rent for One Bedroom Apartment – City Center	€750	€1,415
Rent for One Bedroom Apartment – Outside Center	€570	€1,150
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 apartment	€200	€185
Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited)	€27	€63
Private Full-Day Preschool, Monthly Fee per Child	€490	€1,250
Average Monthly Net Salary	€1,700	€3,700

Food and Drink

The Italian cuisine combines fresh ingredients with regional diversity and traditional cooking methods to create a unique dining experience. Handmade pasta from Bologna stands as a northern Italian specialty, while Neapolitan pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens and northern risottos demonstrate the different regional flavors. The major ingredients of Italian dining consist of olive oil paired with herbs and cheeses, which elevate every meal, while Italian wines gain worldwide recognition for their exceptional food pairing abilities.

The simple, yet elegant nature of Italian cuisine becomes apparent through the experience of eating seafood by the Sicilian coast or enjoying Tuscan stew. Italian cuisine serves as more than food because it embodies a lifestyle that values family connections and seasonal produce, and communal dining enjoyment.

Healthcare Services

The Italian government operates a healthcare system that delivers equal medical care services to all citizens regardless of their financial situation. Recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the best healthcare systems globally, providing excellent medical care and full insurance benefits to its citizens and foreign residents. Italy’s healthcare system operates under the Beveridge model, which collects its funding through taxation. People who reside in Italy and pay taxes as income earners receive free access to public healthcare services.

World Class Education

People these days do not think only about securing their lives but are also keen about their children’s future. Italy provides world-class educational services, which are free and public, although they can be paid for in private schools. Many schools offer courses in English, especially for expat families. The country is also home to some of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities, particularly in engineering, architecture, design, business, and medicine. Top Italian Universities include Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, and University of Padua.

Employment Opportunities

The Italian job market offers attractive employment opportunities in several high-value sectors. The unemployment rate[4] fell to 5.1% in April 2026, one of the lowest levels recorded in recent years. Demand is strong in renewable energy and sustainability, engineering and advanced manufacturing, technology, AI, and cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and life science, tourism, and financial services.

Taxes for Americans Moving to Italy

Americans are considered Italian tax residents if they spend more than 183 days in the country and if they maintain a regular place of living in Italy. Below are the types of income taxes[5] in Italy:

National Income tax ranges from 23 to 43%. An extra 10% on variable compensation for specific financial sector executives.
Regional Income Tax depends on the region of residence. The regional income tax rate ranges from 1.23% to 3.33%.
Municipal income tax depends on the municipality of residence. The municipal income tax rate ranges from 0% to 0.9%. Municipalities can establish progressive tax rates applicable to the national income bracket.
Value-Added Tax of 22% on most goods and services, with some exemptions on food, healthcare, and education.
Wealth tax on real estate is equal to 1.06%, and on financial investments owned outside of Italy is equal to 0.2%.

Top 3 Cities for Living in Italy as an American

Rome

Rome, Italy’s capital, is known for its famous landmarks such as the Roman Forum and Vatican City. The city is suitable for those admiring the history and Italian heritage. Moreover, Italian citizens speak English, making it easy for Americans to join the community and find a suitable job. Americans choose Rome for its strong expat network, advanced infrastructure, and balanced lifestyle. Although it is the capital, Rome is cheaper to live in than other hubs such as Milan. It hosts the highest concentration of public researchers in the country.

Milan

Milan is ranked among the first cities for expats and is suitable for investors due to the strong presence of multinational companies. Entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals choose Milan for its international environment, business, and investment opportunities. The city is considered the main innovation hub in Italy as it offers the market, capital, and international connections needed for startups and scaleups to grow.

Florence

Florence is one of the easiest places for Americans to adapt and live in. It’s rich with art and history, but at the same time, practical, walkable, and livable for day-to-day life. The rent in Florence is less than in Milan. Everything is within reach, and there are good schools. It provides job opportunities in tourism, education, and the arts.

For more information about the Italy Golden Visa, the requirements, and eligibility criteria, please contact us via WhatsApp.

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