Life in Italy: a analysis of the pros and cons

Why Italy is a serious option

Italy is the third largest economy in the eurozone. It is a full member of the EU with a strong passport, developed infrastructure in the north and a unique quality of life. The country occupies consistently high positions in rankings for the quality of food, medicine and cultural environment.

At the same time, Italy offers one of the most interesting tax benefits in Europe - the flat tax regime for new residents. A flat tax of €200,000 per year replaces all worldwide income liabilities. For wealthy people, this changes the whole picture.

But behind the beautiful façade there is a reverse side. To make an informed decision, you need to know both sides.

The main advantages of living in Italy

Let's start with why people really love this country - and stay here forever.

Quality of life and environment

Italy consistently ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for quality of life. Slow pace, cult of family, beauty everywhere - this is not a myth. This is the real way of life, which many migrants cite as the main reason to stay.

Food and food culture

Italian cuisine is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. This is not an exaggeration. Fresh produce from the markets, regional traditions, quality wine and olive oil are all part of everyday life, not a tourist attraction. Lunch at a trattoria with a glass of wine costs 15-25 €.

Climate

In the south of Italy - Sicily, Calabria, Puglia - there are more than 300 sunny days a year. Winters are mild: temperatures rarely drop below +8°C. Summer is hot, but being near the sea is a plus. The north - Lombardy, Veneto - is colder, with real snowy winters in the mountains.

Culture and history

Every second UNESCO World Heritage Site is in Italy. Living here means being surrounded by history in the literal sense. This affects the lifestyle and the children who grow up in this environment.

Flat tax for new residents

The flat tax regime was introduced in 2017 and updated in 2024. The new resident pays a fixed €200,000 per year in lieu of taxes on global income. Validity period - 15 years. For a person with an income of 1-2 million € per year, this is very profitable. More details about the program are on the page investor visa to Italy.

Path to EU passport

After 10 years of legal residence, you can obtain Italian citizenship. This is an EU passport with visa-free entry to 190+ countries, including the US and UK. By origin (Italian roots) - the period is reduced to 3 years.

cons: what they are silent about in advertising brochures

Italy is a country of contrasts. And not all contrasts are pleasant.

Bureaucracy is one of the worst in the EU

This is the main pain of all foreigners. Obtaining a residence permit, opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number (codice fiscale), registering at your place of residence - each step requires time, documents and patience. Queues in government offices are the norm. Loss of documents too. Expect 2-4 months of active processing when moving.

Italian is not an option

English works in large cities and tourist areas. But for a full life - a school for children, a doctor, a bank, a lawyer - the Italian language is required. Without it, you are dependent on translators and assistants. The B2 certificate requires 1-2 years of active training.

North-south gap

This is a structural problem of the country. North - Milan, Turin, Bologna - developed infrastructure, high salaries, modern service. South - Naples, Palermo, Reggio Calabria - beautiful, cheap, but slower, with fewer opportunities and a different way of life. These are two different Italys. Choosing a region to live in is a key decision.

High taxes without preferential treatment

The standard IRPEF (income tax) rate is progressive: up to 43% for incomes above €50,000. VAT (IVA) - 22%. Property tax (IMU) - 0.4-1.06% of the cadastral value per year. Without flat tax or special regimes, the tax burden is significant.

Cost of living in major cities

Milan's cost of living is comparable to Berlin and Madrid. Rent of a 2-room apartment in the center - 1,800-2,500 € per month. Rome is a little cheaper, but not much. If you are not on a flat tax and do not have a high income, you need to plan your budget carefully.

Service speed

Italians live at a different pace. This is a plus for quality of life, but a minus if you are used to quickly resolving issues. Repairs, paperwork, answers from officials - everything takes longer than you expect.

Specifics for citizens of Russia and the CIS

For Russians, Ukrainians, Kazakhstanis and other residents of the CIS, Italy has its own specifics.

Investor visa - the real way

Italy has been issuing Investor Visas for Italy since 2017. Entry thresholds:

• Startup - from 250,000 €
• Existing Italian company - from 500,000 €
• Government bonds (BTP) - from €2,000,000 (holding period 2 years)
• Donation - from 1,000,000 €

The visa gives a residence permit for 2 years with the right to extension. This is a legal and transparent path to Italian residence. Detailed conditions are on the page investment residence permit in Italy.

Flat tax is the main argument for the wealthy

The flat tax regime is especially interesting for people with income from Russia, the CIS or other countries outside the EU. You pay €200,000 per year and do not declare worldwide income in Italy. This is a legal way to fix your tax burden. Important: this regime was valid at a rate of 100,000 € until August 2024, then increased to 200,000 €. If you became a resident before August 2024, the rate of €100,000 remains the same.

Bank accounts

Opening an account in an Italian bank without a residence permit is difficult. After receiving a residence permit, it is possible, but it will require documents about the source of income. We recommend starting with small private banks or online banks like Fineco.

International community

There are established Russian-speaking communities in Milan, Rome and the Ligurian coast. There are Russian schools (full day and Saturday), Orthodox churches, shops with familiar products. Adaptation is easier.

Recognition of documents

Russian diplomas require nostrification (recognition). This takes from 6 to 18 months. A Russian driver's license is valid for 1 year, then you need to retake an Italian one.

Cost of living in Italy 2026

Prices vary significantly depending on the region. Milan and Rome are the most expensive. Provincial cities and the south are much cheaper.

Specific prices in the supermarket (Milan)

• Milk 1 l - 1.30-1.60 €
• Bread (500 g) - 1.50-2.50 €
• Eggs (10 pcs.) - 2.50-3.50 €
• Chicken fillet (1 kg) - 6-9 €
• Beef (1 kg) - 12-18 €
• Parmesan cheese (100 g) - 2.50-3.50 €
• Wine (bottle, decent) - 8-15 €
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (0.75 l) - 6-10 €
• Paste (500 g) - 1.20-2.00 €
• Espresso coffee at the bar - 1.10-1.50 €

Transport and cars

• Taxi to Milan airport - 25-40 €
• Uber/Bolt - operate in major cities
• Gasoline (1 l) - about 1.80-1.95 €
• OSAGO per year (average car) - 600-1,200 €
• Buying a used car (Fiat Panda 2019) - from 9,000 €

How much do you need per month

One person in Milan - comfortable from 2,000 € per month. Family of three without rental housing (property) - from 2,500 €. With rent 2BR - from 4,500-5,000 € per month.

The best regions in Italy to move to

Choosing a region is a choice of lifestyle. Everyone has their own Italy.

For families with children, Bologna, Florence and the northern suburbs of Milan are best - they have strong schools and a safe environment. For investors and businesses - definitely Milan. For a quiet retirement life - Puglia and Tuscany.

Taxes in Italy: what is important to know

The Italian tax system is complex. But there are several important benefits for foreign residents.

Standard rates

• IRPEF (income tax) - progressive: up to 23% on income up to 15,000 €, 25% - 15,001-28,000 €, 35% - 28,001-50,000 €, 43% - over 50,000 €
• VAT (IVA) - standard rate 22%
• Capital gains tax - 26%
• IMU (real estate tax) - 0.4-1.06% of the cadastral value per year
• Contributions to social funds (for employees) - up to 33% of salary

Flat tax regime is the main benefit

A new Italian resident (who has not been a resident for the last 9 out of 10 years) can switch to forfettiario regime for foreign income. Rate: €200,000 per year fixed. Duration: 15 years. World income is not declared in Italy. This is a legal mechanism prescribed in Article 24-bis of the Italian Tax Code.

Important: if you became a resident before August 2024, the rate for you is 100,000 € (grandfathering mode). New residents from August 2024 pay 200,000 €.

Ricercatori e docenti mode (for scientists and teachers)

A separate regime for highly qualified specialists: 90% of income is exempt from taxes for 4 years (with the possibility of extension). This is an alternative to flat tax for those who are employed.

Inheritance and gift tax

Rates in Italy are among the lowest in the EU. For direct relatives (children, spouse) - 4% on amounts over 1 million €. For siblings - 6% over €100,000. For third parties - 8% without deduction.

Medicine in Italy for foreigners

The Italian healthcare system (SSN - Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) is among the top 10 best in the world according to WHO. But it is important for a foreigner to understand how to enter it.

State medicine

Residents with an issued residence permit have the right to register in the SSN. This gives access to general practitioners (medico di base), ambulance, hospitalization - almost free of charge. Only small fees (ticket) are paid - usually 15-50 € per visit to a specialist.

Private medicine

There are private clinics in all major cities. Appointment with a private doctor - from 80-150 € per visit. Operations in private clinics - from 2,000-5,000 € depending on the complexity. Childbirth in a private clinic - 3,000-8,000 €.

Insurance

Before obtaining a residence permit and registering with an SSN, private health insurance is required. Cost: from 600 € per year for a healthy person under 35 years old, from 1,200-2,000 € for people over 50. When applying for an investor visa, insurance is a mandatory requirement.

The best hospitals in Italy

• Ospedale Niguarda (Milan) - multidisciplinary, leader in transplantology
• Policlinico Gemelli (Rome) - the largest university hospital
• Ospedale San Raffaele (Milan) - oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery
• Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna - general and specialized medicine
• Bambino Gesu (Rome) - pediatric pediatrics, one of the best in Europe

Dentistry

Dentistry in Italy is private and not cheap. Filling - 80-150 €. Crown - 500-900 €. Many foreigners choose to travel to Hungary or Croatia for expensive dental work.

Education and schools in Italy

Education is one of the key factors when moving with children. Italy has good options for every budget.

Public schools

Public schools in Italy are free. Children of foreigners are accepted regardless of the status of their parents. Training is conducted in Italian. For a child without Italian it is stressful at first, but after 6-12 months most children adapt. Public schools in northern cities are often very strong.

International schools

There are several dozen accredited international schools in Milan, Rome, and Florence. Studying in English, according to the IB (International Baccalaureate) or American/British system.

• International School of Milan - 15,000-22,000 € per year
• American School of Milan - 18,000-28,000 € per year
• Marymount International School (Rome) - 16,000-25,000 € per year
• The British School of Rome - 14,000-22,000 € per year
• International School of Florence - 12,000-20,000 € per year

Higher education

Italian universities are recognized throughout the EU. State - from 1,000 to 3,500 € per year for residents. University of Bologna (founded in 1088), Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico) - in the top 100 world rankings. Diplomi italiani are recognized in all EU countries.

Safety in Italy

Italy is a generally safe country. According to Numbeo, Italy's safety index is about 56-60 out of 100 (above average). The Global Peace Index places Italy in the top third of the most peaceful countries.

Real picture

Violent crime is rare. The main threat to foreigners is pickpockets and petty thefts in tourist areas. Rome, Naples, Milan (central stations and markets) are areas of increased attention. In the provinces and in the north there are practically no problems.

Safest regions

• Trentino-Alto Adige (north) - lowest crime rate in the country
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna) - safe, family environment
• Tuscany (except tourist centers in summer) - calm
• Umbria - rural security, very quiet

Regions with caution

• Naples (Campagna) - the areas of Scampia, Secondigliano are historically criminal. Tourist center - safer
• Palermo - certain areas have a reputation
• Rome - Termini Station and surroundings require attention

For women and families

Italy is generally safe for women. Families with children feel comfortable in most regions. Italians treat children very warmly - this is a cultural trait that is noted by all immigrants.

Transport and mobility in Italy

The transport infrastructure in northern Italy is one of the best in Europe. In the south it is noticeably worse.

Public transport

Milan - metro (5 lines), trams, buses. Monthly subscription - 39 €. Rome - metro (3 lines), buses. Monthly subscription - 35 €. In provincial cities, transport is less developed; a car is almost mandatory.

High speed trains

Trenitalia and Italo connect major cities. Milan-Rome (about 3 hours) - from 29 € in advance. Milan-Bologna - 65 minutes. It's really convenient for traveling around the country.

Air traffic

Main hubs: Milan (Malpensa, Linate), Rome (Fiumicino). There has been no good communication with Moscow since 2022. The main routes from the CIS are through Istanbul, Dubai, Belgrade.

Do you need a car?

In Milan and Rome, a car is more of a problem (traffic jams, ZTL zones, expensive parking). In the provinces and in the south it is practically necessary. The cost of compulsory motor liability insurance per year is 600-1,500 €. Gasoline - about 1.85 € per liter.

Rights

Russian licenses are valid in Italy for 1 year from the date of obtaining a residence permit. Then you need to take Italian exams. Ukrainian licenses are exchanged without exams (mutual recognition agreement).

Registration of residence permit and documents for relocation

Legal residence in Italy requires a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit). The procedure depends on the base.

Grounds for residence permit

• Investor visa - from 250,000 € (startup) or 500,000 € (company)
• Elettiva residence - for persons with passive income (rent, dividends, pension) without the right to work for hire. Confirmed income - from 31,000 € per year
• Work for hire - the employer submits a request via Nulla Osta
• Family reunification - if there is a family member with a residence permit/citizenship
• Study - student visa with the right to work 20 hours per week

Steps when moving

1. Obtaining a national visa (D) from the Italian Embassy
2. Entry into Italy during the visa period
3. Applying for permesso di soggiorno at the Questura (police) - within 8 days of entry
4. Registration by place of residence (Anagrafe) in the municipality
5. Obtaining a codice fiscale (tax number) from the Agenzia delle Entrate
6. Registration in SSN (medicine) - after obtaining a residence permit

Deadlines

The first residence permit is issued for 2 years. Extension - for another 2-3 years. After 5 years - long-term residence permit (permesso di soggiorno UE). After 10 years - the right to citizenship. The deadlines may be delayed due to the workload of institutions: reserve 3-4 months for each stage.

Codice fiscale

This is the Italian equivalent of the TIN. You need it absolutely everywhere: bank, renting, buying a car, doctor. It turns out in Agenzia delle Entrate - usually in 1-2 days for a personal visit.

Read more about the investor route to Italy on the page investment residence permit in Italy.

The best living conditions: for whom Italy is suitable

Italy is not a universal choice. But for certain profiles this is a great place.

Who is Italy suitable for?

• Wealthy people with a global income of 700,000-1,000,000 € per year - flat tax makes the country very profitable
• Families who value quality of life, safety, and cultural environment for children
• People with Italian roots - the path to an EU passport is much shorter
• Pensioners with passive income - Residenza Elettiva gives a residence permit without investment
• Entrepreneurs starting a business in the EU - access to the European market, start-up visa from €250,000
• Those who are ready to learn Italian - the language opens up the country completely

Who should consider alternatives

• People on a budget - Milan and Rome are expensive, although the south gives a different picture
• Those who are not ready for bureaucracy - the stress of paperwork is real
• Business without connection to Europe - taxes without flat tax are high

Bottom line

Italy is a country for those who choose a lifestyle, not just taxes or a passport. If you are willing to invest time in integration and mastering the language, the payoff will be huge. If you just want to “buy” a residence permit and live as before, perhaps you should consider other options.

Climate of Italy by region

Italy is an elongated country from south to north. The climate varies radically depending on the region.

For people from Russia and the CIS it is important: the Italian climate in the south is practically subtropical. In summer it is very hot but dry. There is almost no winter. It is very comfortable for health - especially for diseases of the joints and respiratory tract.

Italy vs other EU countries for moving

How does Italy compare to popular alternatives?

Italy wins in terms of cultural environment, cuisine and quality of life. Loses in terms of speed of bureaucracy and length of the path to the passport. For wealthy people, flat tax makes it competitive with Greece and Portugal.