Your move to Italy: expert relocation services from anywhere in the world
Every Italian region carries its own rhythm, bureaucracy and pace of life. A relocation to Rome differs from one to Bologna or Turin, and careful planning matters more here than in many destinations. Housing markets, residence registration and customs procedures all reward preparation, which is precisely where an experienced international mover earns its place.
We coordinate moves for expat families, diplomats, corporate assignees and military personnel arriving in Italy from every corner of the globe. According to Gosselin's relocation specialists, the smoothest arrivals begin with a single point of contact who owns the entire journey; from the first survey to the final box carried up the stairs of your new Italian home.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Your entry requirements depend entirely on your nationality. EU and EEA citizens enjoy freedom of movement and can settle in Italy without a visa, though they must register their residence with the local city hall (comune). Non-EU nationals will typically need a national visa (visto nazionale) matched to their purpose; work, study, family reunification or elective residence.
One step is critical for your household goods: you must apply for residence registration (iscrizione anagrafica) at an Italian city hall before your shipment arrives, otherwise import duties may need to be deposited. Always confirm current rules on the official Italian government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites before you travel, as immigration policy is updated regularly.
Italy's rental market varies dramatically by city and region. Milan and Rome command the highest rents and the fiercest competition, while smaller cities and the south offer more space for less. Most landlords request references, proof of income and a deposit, and long-term leases (contratto 4+4) are common.
To rent, sign contracts, open a bank account or set up utilities, you will need an Italian fiscal code (codice fiscale); a free tax identification number obtained from the Agenzia delle Entrate. Arrange this early, as almost every administrative step depends on it. For current banking and tax obligations, consult the official Agenzia delle Entrate website.
Italy operates a public healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), widely regarded as high quality. Residents register with the SSN to receive a health card (tessera sanitaria) and a general practitioner. EU citizens may use their EHIC card for short stays, while residents register formally once settled.
Many non-EU arrivals hold private health insurance during their first months, particularly while residence and SSN registration are being finalised. Private clinics are widely available and often used alongside the public system. Verify eligibility and enrolment steps on your regional health authority's official website, as the process varies between regions.
Italy offers free public education, but instruction is in Italian, which can be a significant adjustment for children arriving from abroad. Many expat families in Rome, Milan, Florence and other major cities choose international schools offering the International Baccalaureate, British or American curricula.
International schools are popular but limited in number and often have waiting lists, so early application is strongly advised. If you plan to enrol children mid-year, coordinate school placement alongside your move timeline. Check the Italian Ministry of Education (Ministero dell'Istruzione) website and individual school sites for enrolment requirements and deadlines.
Italy's job market is strongest in the industrial and financial north (Milan in particular) and in sectors such as fashion, design, engineering, tourism and manufacturing. Many international arrivals come on corporate assignments or intra-company transfers, which simplifies work authorisation.
Non-EU nationals generally need a work permit tied to an employer before arrival, arranged under Italy's annual quota system (decreto flussi). Italian language ability meaningfully improves employment prospects outside multinational environments. For the latest work-permit categories and quotas, always refer to the official Italian government immigration portal.
Moving to Italy with Gosselin
Overseas transport for your move to Italy
Because this page serves movers arriving in Italy from anywhere in the world, the right transport mode depends on your origin. For intercontinental moves, sea freight is usually the backbone of your relocation, with two main formulas: a full container dedicated to your household alone, or shared-container Groupage where your goods travel alongside others'. A cost-effective choice for smaller volumes. Air cargo remains the fastest route for essentials you need immediately on arrival.
Every mode trades cost against speed. A full container offers privacy and a more direct timeline; Groupage lowers cost but adds consolidation time. Transit times vary by route and season, so request a quote for a precise schedule rather than relying on generic estimates.
Your dedicated Gosselin move coordinator builds the itinerary around three levers: your volume, your timing and your budget. For moves within Europe, road transport by dedicated van or shared part-load may be more appropriate. Your coordinator will advise which framing fits your origin.
Professional packing
Gosselin's packing teams handle everything from fragile valuables and glassware to artwork, antiques and full furniture dismantling and reassembly. We use high-quality, eco-friendly materials and proven techniques matched to the transport mode, and our crews document your inventory carefully for customs.
Note that wooden packing entering Italy must comply with the ISPM 15 international standard for wood treatment, and we always seek the Italian agent's approval on packing before dispatch. This attention to detail is why families, diplomats and corporations trust our teams with their most treasured possessions.
Experience and expertise in art moves
Moving art requires a high level of care, expertise and coordination, and our Italian office has extensive experience in handling fine art moves. From carefully packing and transporting valuable pieces to coordinating customs formalities and complex logistics, the team manages every detail with professionalism and precision. Whether it's travelling exhibitions, enormous statues, expensive paintings, or an art installation, our Italian team has it covered. They navigate the narrow city streets and old buildings easily and handle all the paperwork so your art arrives at its destination stress-free and in one piece!
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
Choosing a mover for Italy is really a choice about trust. Gosselin Moving is FIDI-FAIM certified; the international moving industry's gold standard, held by fewer than 10% of movers worldwide, and a member of IAM, the International Association of Movers. Our quality management is ISO 9001 certified, and our roots reach back to Antwerp in 1930.
With 48 offices across 32 countries and a growing, established presence in Italy, we combine global quality standards with genuine local knowledge on the ground. A reliable international mover is marked out by a few things:
G.U.E.S.T.
Start planning your move to Italy today
When you are planning your move abroad you want to have a clear idea of the costs. Thanks to GUEST, our online survey tool, you receive a quick estimate of the cost of your move. All you need to do is book a digital survey and make a video of your household goods with your smartphone camera. Based on your video, our experts will give you a reliable estimate.
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-Friendly packing materials
- Storage service
- Flexibility
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to Italy with Gosselin
Despite the biggest challenge being deciding what to move and what not to move, Fernando and Jennifer were happy to have Gosselin by their side during their move from Washington DC to Florence. Every situation is unique and trying to understand all of the specific requirements was made easier with the assistance of experienced Move consultant Andrea Cardelli.
“Gosselin took the stress out of a complex international move and took ownership over the organization of every aspect of moving our household goods from doorstep to doorstep. Their deep knowledge and professionalism surrounding often complex cross-border formalities kept us reassured throughout the process. They were proactive with every step and made sure each part of the process was simple and well-organized.”
The move itself was done via aircargo and had some delicate items that required custom crating, but all went smoothly. Country Manager, Barbara Savelli, recommends starting early so you don’t find yourself rushing to meet deadlines and keep a clear overview.
Your FAQs answered
Ready to Move to Italy? Get a Free Quote!
Contact us today to get a free, no-obligation quote for your move to Italy. Our team is ready to assist you in making a smooth transition to your new Italian life.
