Important information for the American citizen who wants to immigrate to Italy

So you are planning to retire/immigrate to Italy?

Visas and Permits

If you’re planning a six-month vacation, you should consider the short-stay permit. A three-month permit can be renewed for an additional three months. But beyond six months, you are required to apply for a long-stay permit in Italy, the infamous permesso di soggiorno. Before you can apply for your permesso, you will need to have obtained the appropriate visa from the Italian Embassy or local consulate in the United States. You can find your consulate here.

Residency Visas

Residency visas also require proof of independent income. It is, in fact, the operating principle behind this kind of visa, which does not allow you to work in Italy. You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself through the length of your stay, independent of any salaries you may be receiving at the moment. You also need to show either ownership of a home in Italy or a rental agreement.

Permits

Only after you have the visa and are in Italy do you apply for the corresponding permesso di soggiorno. For student visas, you apply for the permesso di soggiorno per studio; the permesso di soggiorno per dimora is for those with a residency visa; and the permesso di soggiorno per lavoro is for those with a work visa.

All of the permits are obtained at the local questura (police headquarters). There, you will be asked to fill out an application, which includes three passport photographs plus a marca di bollo (a sort of administrative tax stamp available at the post office). You will also need some proof of health insurance.

If you are applying for a residency permit or student permit, the bureaucracy ends there. In the case of the work permit, upon presenting your visa, police headquarters will provide you with an interim work permit that is good for 90 days. In the meantime, acquire a codice fiscale (tax ID number), which you can do at the ufficio delle imposte dirette (local tax authority), to be found in the town’s municipal buildings. It is an important card, as you will also need it for all kinds of purchases, such as a cell phone, a car, or a moped, and when opening a bank account. The documents you will need to show for the codice fiscale are limited to a passport and sometimes a stay permit, although many Americans are not asked for the latter, especially in small towns. The card will then be sent to you by mail.

The final step is to present your signed work contract to the local employment office, the Ispettorato Provinciale di Lavoro, for final approval of your application. (Ironically, that office represents the Labor Ministry, which issued the “no obstacle” document in the first place.) Once you have all those documents—the temporary permit, the codice fiscale, and the approval of the labor office—the questura will then award your efforts with the permesso di lavoro, available in two-year or five-year permits, or else the time period specified on your work contract, if any.

If you lose your job before the permit expires, you will need to find another one quickly. Recently passed legislation now gives employees just six months to land another job, or else the permit becomes void, whereas previously they could ride out its duration.

There is a legal alternative to the job hunt if you care for more time, though it’s not entirely convenient. Once your work permit is up, you can apply as an independent worker for the permesso di soggiorno per lavoro indipendente, provided you have all the necessary skills.

Retirement

The elective visais the type of visa generally used by foreigners who are retired and can collect income from a retirement or pension plan. To obtain an elective residency visa, you must apply in person to the specific Italian consulate that covers your jurisdiction before leaving home. To be eligible for this visa, you must provide, along with a few official forms, proof of financial means such as original financial statements from banks, investment/brokerage firms, Social Security, etc., indicating current balances. Such balances cannot be derived from current employment or other work activities. In other words, you cannot finance your residence in Italy through work. You will also need to provide a rental agreement or deed for property in Italy, and proof of valid medical insurance.

Federal Benefits and Veterans’ Services

Those in receipt of monthly benefits from a federal agency (e.g., Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs) should contact the federal benefits office if you are changing your address or wish to inquire about procedures for having benefit checks sent overseas. It is also possible to arrange to have Social Security checks deposited directly into your Italian bank account.

Health Care in Italy

As far as Italian health care is concerned, Italy ranks No. 2 on the World Health Organization’s list of countries with quality health services, which is very important for many people considering a retirement in Italy (neighboring France has the No. 1 spot). In contrast, the U.S. holds 37th place, despite being the highest spender.

Although medical facilities are considered to be adequate for emergencies, many public hospitals are overcrowded and under-funded. Italy has a national health plan ( servizio sanitario nazionale) that provides for hospital and medical benefits. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are legally residing in Italy can apply to join the plan. Eligibility for the plan depends on certain criteria such as your nationality, work permit, etc. If you are a resident of Italy and covered by the national health plan, hospital services will be provided to you and your dependents free of charge. Visitors or persons not enrolled under such a plan are expected to pay full hospital charges and then claim a reimbursement from their insurance provider.