What to do before moving to Italy
Have you heard so much about Italy that you’re considering moving here? Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a fresh start, it is essential to plan and organize your transition to a new country.
For many people searching for how to move to Italy and work while studying, understanding these steps early can make the entire transition much easier.
This updated guide offers practical tips on selecting the right city, finding housing, securing a job, applying for a visa, and learning the language.
Thanks to recent regulatory changes, such as the introduction of digital nomad visas and new quotas from the Decreto Flussi, moving to Italy is now easier than ever.
For many international students and young adults, however, the real question is not only how to move, but how to make life in Italy sustainable once you arrive. This is why more people are now choosing a combined approach: studying Italian while working part-time and gradually building their experience in the country.
Choosing the city to live in
Every Italian city has its pros and cons. Before choosing, consider these factors:
- Job opportunities: Milan, Rome, and Turin are key centers for finance, fashion, technology, and various services.
- Cost of living: Milan and Rome are generally more expensive, while smaller cities and those in the South tend to offer more affordable living options.
- Quality of life: public transportation, healthcare, and green spaces.
- Lifestyle: Do you prefer the fast-paced atmosphere of a big city or the quiet charm of smaller towns and villages
When your goal includes working while studying, the choice of city becomes even more strategic. Some places offer more jobs, others offer a better balance between cost and daily life.
For example:
- Milan: Italy’s economic and international capital, offering excellent career opportunities but with a higher cost of living.
- Florence: a cultural and artistic hub known for its high quality of life, with a strong international presence and opportunities in tourism and hospitality.
- Coastal cities: perfect for remote workers and those who love the sea, although the infrastructure may be slower and less developed.
In many cases, students discover that a slightly smaller city can offer a more manageable daily experience, especially in the first months of adaptation.
For many students, choosing the right city is the first step toward building a realistic Work & Study experience in Italy.
How to find your new home in Italy
Finding a home is one of the most difficult challenges. Here are some useful tips:
- Check reliable websites, such as Immobiliare.it, Idealista, Casa.it.
- Look at Facebook groups where you can search not only for houses and apartments, but also for single rooms for rent:
- Always check the details: building fees, energy costs, and contract conditions.
- Consider a short-term rental at first to better explore different neighborhoods.
- Be aware of scams: avoid paying deposits without seeing the place in person.
Housing is often the biggest factor in your budget and overall experience. Many students choose to start with shared accommodation, which makes costs more manageable and helps with social integration in the first months.
How to find a job in Italy
If you hold a degree in a highly specialized field, you are very likely to find employment.
There are several websites and apps that can assist you in your job search, including LinkedIn, Jooble Italia, Indeed Italia, and Trovolavoro.
You can also explore job opportunities in various sectors, such as:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Technology and digital services
- Seasonal agriculture
- Personal care
For many international students, tourism and hospitality are often the most accessible entry points, especially in cities with strong international flows like Florence.
At the same time, one key factor often makes the difference: your level of Italian. Even basic communication skills can significantly expand the number of opportunities available and make everyday interactions much easier.
If your goal is to combine language learning with real work experience, you can explore our Work & Study in Italy program, designed for international students who want to build a more sustainable path in Italy.
How to apply for an Italian work visa
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must apply for a long-term visa (Type D).
Here’s a simplified overview:
- Find a job or define your stay plan
- Prepare financial and accommodation proof
- Apply through your local Italian consulate
The process can seem complex at first, but once you understand the sequence of steps, it becomes more manageable.
Visas and new regulations (updated 2024-2025)
In recent years, the Italian government has implemented significant measures to facilitate the entry of foreign workers:
- Flows Decree 2026–2028: nearly 500,000 entries across categories
- New visa types: digital nomad, self-employment, seasonal work
- Simplified procedures for some categories
These changes make Italy more accessible, but they work best when combined with a clear and realistic plan.
For more information, visit the Ministry of the Interior.
What documents do you need to move to Italy?
When visiting the consulate, you must bring a valid passport and documents that demonstrate:
- The purpose of your trip
- Your financial resources
- Your accommodation
- Your travel arrangements
Once you receive your visa, you must visit the immigration office within 8 days of entering Italy to complete your residence permit process.
How to obtain Italian Citizenship
If you’re considering a long-term project, obtaining Italian citizenship is an important step. There are several ways:
- Descent (jure sanguinis)
- Marriage
- Residency (usually 10 years)
To apply for citizenship, you must demonstrate Italian language knowledge at the B1 level. The CILS B1 certification is one of the officially recognized options.
This requirement reflects something important: language is not only an academic requirement, but a key element of integration.
Why combining study and work makes a difference
Many students initially approach Italy as a place to study. But in practice, the experience becomes much more meaningful when study and work are combined.
Learning Italian in the classroom is important, but using it in real-life situations — at work, in daily interactions, and in social environments — is what truly accelerates progress.
This is why Work & Study paths are becoming increasingly popular: they transform a passive experience into an active one, where language, independence, and real-life integration develop together.
Plan your stay with Europass
Learning Italian and planning your move can be easier and more effective when you combine study with real-life experience.
At Europass Italian School, we support international students through language courses and structured programs designed to help you integrate into everyday life in Italy.
If your goal is to study Italian, work part-time, and gradually build your life in Italy, explore our Work & Study in Italy program.