“Once again – not the first time, certainly not the last – the Mediterranean basin is marked by defeated and hunted exiles in search of a homeland just abandoned in ruins and perpetually promised, of a deep identity that does not take root except in the future, and does not purify itself except by contamination” (Vittorio Sermonti, inspired by Virgil’s Aeneid). These evocative words remind us that the journey towards a “promised land” is part of human history. Today, fortunately, relocation to Italy for foreign professionals – executives, high-level athletes, managers and investors – is not a matter of forced exile but rather a strategic choice: Italy offers culture, quality of life and new economic opportunities. As the Latin saying goes, “Ubi bene, ibi patria” – home is where one feels well. For many global talents, Italy can indeed become home, provided they can successfully navigate the legal, bureaucratic and contractual procedures involved in relocation. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, with recent legislation, case law and practical references, to assist those planning to move to Italy with qualified legal support in immigration, residence permits, contracts and property.
Moving to Italy requires first obtaining the appropriate entry visa and, after arrival, the relevant residence permit. Visa categories vary according to the reason for relocation: subordinate work, self-employment, investment, family, study, research, elective residence (for those with sufficient independent income), etc. In general, non-EU citizens (such as British post-Brexit, U.S., Chinese, Brazilian nationals, etc.) may stay in Italy without a visa only for 90 days every 180 for tourism or business; for longer stays or work, a visa and residence permit are required . Once in Italy, the residence permit application must be filed within 8 days.
Quota system and exemptions: Italy implements annual quotas (Decreto Flussi) for non-EU workers. However, Article 27 of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998) provides quota exemptions for certain categories: executives or specialized staff seconded by foreign companies, university professors and researchers, professional athletes, artists, nurses, translators, and foreign investors . In sports, special programming applies: for example, the 2022/23 season allowed for 1,200 non-EU athletes to be registered, while coaches and trainers were exempt from numerical limits .
Tailored visas: Depending on the applicant’s profile, several visas may apply. An executive or manager may qualify for the prestigious EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers (subject to degree and high salary requirements). An entrepreneur may apply for a self-employment visa, while a wealthy investor may obtain the Investor Visa introduced in 2017, valid for two years, by investing €2 million in government bonds, €500,000 in an Italian company, or €250,000 in an innovative startup . For retirees with significant resources, the elective residence visa is often used. Moreover, as of April 2024, Italy has introduced the Digital Nomad Visa, under the Interministerial Decree of 29 February 2024 (effective 4 April 2024) , granting non-EU remote workers the right to reside outside quota limits, provided they meet income and insurance requirements.
Upon arrival, many foreign nationals must sign a “contratto di soggiorno” (residency contract) at the Immigration Office. For example, athletes must do so within 8 days, and employers must ensure accommodation and compliance with Italian labor protections . Executives transferred from abroad often remain under foreign contracts but must comply with Italian minimum labor standards.
Recognition of foreign qualifications: Following Brexit, UK professional qualifications are no longer automatically recognized; equivalency must be sought individually .
Real estate contracts: Foreign nationals can rent or purchase property in Italy. For non-EU citizens without residency, the principle of reciprocity applies . For example, U.S. and UK nationals face no restrictions, whereas citizens of certain countries must hold a residence permit before purchasing.
Italy offers attractive tax incentives to inbound workers. The “impatriati regime” (Leg. Decree 147/2015) reduced taxable income by 70% (90% in Southern Italy). From 2024, a new scheme (Leg. Decree 73/2023) provides a 50% exemption for 5 years, extendable under certain family conditions . High-net-worth individuals may instead opt for the €100,000 annual flat tax on foreign income. These incentives have attracted both executives and famous athletes, reducing their tax burden significantly .
Constitutional Court, judgment no. 88/2023: struck down automatic denial of residence permits due to minor criminal convictions, requiring case-by-case proportionality assessments .
Council of State, ruling no. 5604/2023: clarified that an expired residence permit does not automatically bar conversion to another type, provided substantive requirements are met .
Council of State, judgment no. 7704/2024: upheld a class action against the Ministry of Interior for systemic delays in residence permit processing .
CJEU, 15 June 2023 (C-499/21 P, C-501/21 P, C-502/21 P): confirmed UK nationals lost EU citizenship rights post-Brexit .
Law 74/2025: introduced special pathways for descendants of Italians abroad, exempting them from quotas and reducing residency for citizenship from 3 to 2 years .
UK nationals: Post-Brexit, must follow non-EU rules; no more automatic recognition of qualifications or free movement .
U.S. nationals: Benefit from long-standing bilateral agreements on taxation and social security; often use elective residence or investor visas.
Chinese nationals: Frequently apply under investment or entrepreneurship visas; student pathways also common. Reciprocity allows property purchases .
Brazilian nationals: Special advantages for Italian descendants under Law 74/2025; direct citizenship pathways jure sanguinis .
Relocation to Italy presents both opportunities and challenges. With evolving regulations, favorable tax incentives, and supportive case law, Italy is positioning itself as a hub for attracting global talent. Yet bureaucracy and complex legal frameworks require careful navigation. Relying on a specialized law firm in immigration, civil and business law is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. As Giuseppe Verdi once wrote, “Avrai tu l’universo, resti l’Italia a me” – “You may have the universe, but let Italy remain mine.” For many professionals, executives and athletes, with the right legal assistance, Italy can indeed become their new home.
1. What type of visa do I need to relocate to Italy as a manager?
Managers and highly qualified workers usually apply for an EU Blue Card or a work visa exempted from quotas under Article 27 of the Immigration Act.
2. Can professional athletes move to Italy easily?
Yes, athletes are covered by special sports quotas. Coaches and trainers are exempt from numerical limits.
3. What tax benefits are available for expats in Italy?
The “impatriate regime” grants a 50% tax exemption for 5 years. Wealthy individuals may opt for a €100,000 flat tax on foreign income.
4. Can non-EU citizens buy property in Italy?
Yes, subject to the principle of reciprocity. U.S. and UK nationals face no restrictions.
5. Do UK citizens still enjoy EU mobility rights after Brexit?
No. UK nationals are treated as non-EU citizens and must apply for visas and permits.
6. How can Brazilian citizens with Italian ancestry relocate to Italy?
Descendants of Italians benefit from special rules (Law 74/2025) allowing entry outside quota and faster citizenship (2 years of residence).
Avv. Marco Panato, avvocato del Foro di Verona e Dottore di Ricerca in Diritto ed Economia dell’Impresa – Discipline Interne ed Internazionali - Curriculum Diritto Amministrativo (Dipartimento di Scienze Giuridiche, Università degli Studi di Verona).
E' autore di pubblicazioni scientifiche in materia giuridica, in particolare nel ramo del diritto amministrativo. Si occupa anche di docenza ed alta formazione.
