Italy
Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life
Quick Facts
Key stats and figures for Italy
Capital
Rome
Languages
Italian
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cost of Living
12% below US
Avg. Salary
€ 21k/yr
Timezone
UTC+1/+2
Population
59 million
Expats
5.4 million
Quality of Life
Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index
Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks
Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities
| City | Rent | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | €1,477 | €2,089 |
| Rome | €1,200 | €1,755 |
| Florence | €1,000 | €1,515 |
Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in EUR/month.
Tax Rates
Key tax information for Italy
Personal Income Tax
23%-43%
Corporate Tax
24% + 3.9% IRAP
Capital Gains Tax
26%
VAT / Sales Tax
22%
Good to Know
Flat tax regime (€100k) available for new residents
Language & Culture
What to expect when living in Italy
Official Languages
English Proficiency
LowLanguage Requirements
A2 Italian often required for long-term residence
Good to Know
Digital nomad visa may have different language requirements
Popular Visa Pathways to Italy
ItalyDigital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Italy's Digital Nomad and Remote Worker Visa, launched 4 April 2024 under art. 6-quinquies of D.L. 144/2022 and the implementing decree of 29 February 2024, is a long-stay national (Type D) visa for non-EU citizens performing highly qualified remote work from Italy. It sits outside the Decreto Flussi quota. Applicants must be highly skilled per art. 27-quater of D.Lgs. 286/1998 (degree, regulated-profession credential, or 3-5 years' ICT experience), show six months of prior remote work, prove income of at least three times the healthcare exemption (EUR 25,500), hold EUR 30,000 health cover, and have Italian accommodation. Valid up to one year, renewable, with family reunification allowed. This visa is ideal for highly qualified non-EU freelancers, consultants, and remote employees of foreign companies who want to live in Italy long-term without a local sponsor.
ItalyElective Residence Visa
The Elective Residence Visa is a long-stay national visa for financially independent individuals seeking to live in Italy without working. Applicants must demonstrate annual income of at least EUR 31,160 from non-employment sources such as pensions, investments, or rental income, plus suitable accommodation and health insurance covering EUR 30,000+. Processing takes 30 to 90 days. The permit is valid for one year and renewable annually if financial requirements remain met. Upon arrival, holders register with the local police (Questura) within eight days. Dependents are allowed under separate family reunification rules. Employment in Italy is strictly prohibited. This visa is ideal for retirees and individuals with passive income seeking long-term Italian residence without working.
Before You Go
What You Should Know About Italy
Essential reading for anyone considering the move
What Is the EU Blue Card? 25 Countries, Salary Thresholds and Permanent Residency, Explained (2026)
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for skilled non-EU workers, issued by 25 EU countries under a shared EU directive.
Golden Visas Are Dying in Europe - Where Global Investors Are Moving Instead
Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the UK have each closed or curtailed their investor residency routes since 2022. Here's a scorecard of what's closed, what's tightened, and where investor demand has shifted.
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Data Sources
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.