Living in Italy guide for expats

As an expat destination, Italy is an appealing choice. There is already a large expat community in Italy, particularly in bigger cities such as Milan, Turin, and Rome, as well as historically touristic destinations like Florence. Italy is also a founding member of the EU, which means that citizens of any other EU country have the right to live and work here.

Regions of Italy

Italy is comprised of 20 regions: Abruzzo, Aosta Valley, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Molise, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria, and Veneto. Each of these regions is divided into provinces - Italy has a total of 110. Of the 20 regions, five have an autonomous status, which means they can enact legislation locally. These regions are:

• Sicily
• Sardinia
• Trentino-Alto Adige
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Aosta Valley

The southern regions of the country are largely mountainous and warm, whilst the northern regions are flatter and cooler. Italy is surrounded by the sea and features several thousand kilometres of coastline. The northern regions of the country have more developed business, services, and industry sectors, whilst the South is predominantly agricultural, although it is increasingly relying on the tourist industry too, especially in cities like Venice, Rome, Florence or the regions of Puglia or Sicily, for example.

Rome is the capital city of Italy, and also the country's largest city. Milan is the economic capital and financial heart of Italy - it is also a city that is developing in modernity and dynamism.

Cost of living in Italy

Expatriates should keep in mind that the cost of living in Italy varies from one region to another and tends to be higher in the north, where wages are also higher, especially in Milan, the capital the country's economy. The city of Rome, on the other hand, is cheaper, but wages are also lower.

Climate in Italy

Italy enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. In general, the summers are hot and dry or humid, depending on the area, and the winters cool and humid. Snow is common in the North and summers in the South can reach 45°C.

Language in Italy

Italian is the main language, although German is spoken in the Northern area of the country near the Italian border, and some French is spoken in the Val d'Aosta region. Most people in big towns and cities have a decent command of the English language, although in smaller towns and cities you may struggle to find people who can communicate in English.

Each region of Italy also has its own dialect, some of which have been recognized as official languages such as Sardinian or Neapolitan.

Economy in Italy

Whilst Italy weathered severe damage from the global financial crisis, the economy is strong, with a high per capita GDP and relatively low levels of employment.

Travelling in Italy

You can reach Italy by land, sea and air. The north of the country has a very developed road infrastructure, making cities and streets easily accessible. The South is also developing. The rail network, meanwhile, spans over some 15,000 kilometres across the country, while Sicily, Sardinia and other islands have a ferry system.

The country also has a wide network of airports in major cities. These are served by frequent daily flights from around the world.

Useful links:

Italia Tourist Board
HSBC Italy Expat Guide
Economic forecast for Italy
Europa