All EU nationals have the right to both live and travel freely in Italy. However you might find applying for residency a lengthy complex process.

Before leaving:

• Make sure you have a valid passport.
• Birth/Marriage/Divorce papers should be officially translated.

Once you get there:

• When you arrive, you must apply for a temporary Resident's Permit, una Ricevuta di Segnalazione di Soggiorno, which permits you to stay for a maximum of 3 months. If you want to stay for any longer, you need to apply for a Resident's Permit, un Permesso di Soggiorno.
• To get your permit, you will need to go to the police station, la questura, with a valid passport and some proof of employment or financial resources. This can be in the form of bank statements, tax returns or a contract. Your permit can later be exchanged for a Residence Certificate, un Certificato di Residenza, once you have moved into your new home.

Getting there index