Looking to Move to Italy? Pros and Cons

Moving abroad is a valid consideration in most cases. Whether you’re looking for work, going to school, or trying to find ways to make the most out of a fixed income, moving to another country, like Italy, is something to consider. Regardless of your reasons for moving to Italy, be sure to go over the pros and cons of moving before making your decision. Here are our top reasons to move and not to move to Italy.

Pros of Italy

The Obvious: Amazing Food

From pasta and bread to wine and cheese, the food in Italy is hard to beat. Those looking to adopt a healthier, Mediterranean diet will find that easy to do in Italy as well. From fresh fish and produce to family recipes, you’ll never find it challenging to find something tasty to eat in Italy. 

The Affordable Healthcare

Not only is healthcare cheaper in Italy, but it is of high quality too! Italy does not charge any out-of-pocket costs, and most medical expenses are covered. The national health insurance system is not dissimilar to other European nations, and likewise, it is one of the highest-ranking healthcare systems in the world for its quality. 

Citizenship is Easier to Obtain

Citizen eligibility in Italy is more straightforward than in many other countries. If your parents or grandparents have Italian heritage, you might not even need to meet any residency requirements! You can even move up the ten-year wait time required to apply to four years if you have Italian heritage! 

An Exciting Nightlife

Italians embrace the nightlife. The custom, Passagiata, “the stroll,” is a nighttime affair, where people dress up and go out with their friends and family for the sake of being seen. People grab espressos, gelato, and other goodies while they stroll and talk with friends and family. If you’re somewhat of a night owl, Italy is a great place to call home. 

Property Is Cheap

Finding your Italian dream home might be easier than you think! About 70% of Italians own their own homes, and this is due to the cheapness of property and the laid-back requirements surrounding buying property in the first place. You might not even need a residence permit if you have citizenship in a “reciprocity” country. These laws apply to Americans as well! Additionally, right now, there are many old, abandoned villages in Italy with homes selling for pennies just for the sake of modernization and remodeling. 

Education Is Superb 

The public schools in Italy are entirely free, and universities are world-class. Students are taught to read and write at only age three! The education is high-quality, and both art and history are prioritized as essential subjects of study in Italy. 

Low-Costs of Living

Yearly expenses are lower for a single person than in other parts of the world, even in some of the most expensive cities like Rome or Milan. You can find apartments in city centers for under €1,000 each month. Most people live on salaries that provide a healthy amount of spending money for a comfortable living. Produce and meat sell for relatively cheap because of the locality of the food, allowing you to save more money here as well. 

Cons of Living in Italy

Long Renting Agreements

If you’re a renter, you better be sure you’re completely ready to move to Italy. Most apartment leases are set for three years. Three years is a minimum stay, and some extend to four. You might be stuck in a place you don’t want to be if you don’t have the financial means to break your contract. 

High Unemployment Rate

Despite relatively affordable costs of living, the unemployment rate in Italy is high. It might take you quite a bit of time to find work, so if you don’t have a sufficient amount of savings to cover you for a while, this too could be a hassle. 

Difficulty Being an Entrepreneur

If you want to get ahead of unemployment and open up your own business, applying for your work visa might be a bit complicated. Qualifications are murky and are considered on an individual basis. It is difficult to know if you are a candidate as there are no current fixed requirements for qualification. Without being able to obtain the proper work requirements, starting your own business will be near to impossible. You’ll definitely want to consider your work options before making the jump. 

The Language Barriers

Outside of major cities, not many people speak English. Being Italian comes with a great deal of pride, so many locals choose only to speak Italian. Unless you’re willing to pick up a new language, this could get in the way, primarily if you reside in the countryside areas of the country. Those looking to find cheap places to live might discover that the countryside areas are the best. Just know that the money you save might come back to bite you if you can’t speak Italian! 

The Unpredictable Weather

Since Italy is such a large country, its weather and climate vary per region. Even if you do your research and choose an area in Italy that feels best to you, seasonal differences are sporadic, with sudden drops in temperature or rain coming out of the blue. The lack of consistency can make weather unpredictable, which is a deal-breaker for those sensitive to temperature changes and those with seasonal depression. 

Non-Resident University Costs 

Although education is very affordable for citizens, as a non-resident, it might be expensive to study in Italy. If you don’t have the tuition costs covered, you might end up traveling back home to avoid running into student debt. Think carefully about the career moves you plan to make and why you’re making them before hopping on a plane to Italy. 

The Bottom Line

There are many valid reasons to move as well as not to move to Italy. Consider the pros and cons in this article to decide if moving to Italy is ultimately the right decision for you.