Living in a European Union country as an Italian citizen

Being an Italian citizen automatically also means having the status of a citizen of the European Union. This principle, established by European treaties, guarantees every citizen of a Member State the right to move and reside freely within the EU. In practice, an Italian can move, work, study, or retire in any other Member State without particular restrictions.

However, it is always important to check the specific regulations of the host country, as some administrative procedures may vary slightly from one State to another.

Entry and initial stay

An Italian citizen may stay in another EU country for up to 90 days without any obligation to register. In some cases, however, it is required to notify local authorities (such as the municipality or the police) of one’s presence, by presenting a valid identity document or passport.

Any non-EU family members must have a passport and may be subject to additional requirements, such as obtaining a visa and/or residence permit.

Registration of residence

If the stay exceeds three months, it is generally necessary to register as a resident with the local authorities. This procedure is usually simple and allows one to obtain a certificate confirming the right to live in the host country.

Work and mobility

Italian citizens have the right to work freely in any EU country, both as employees and as self-employed workers. This right also extends to retirees and posted workers.

Non-EU family members

Non-EU family members of Italian citizens can move to another EU country as dependents of an EU citizen. In this case, after the first three months, it will be necessary to register and prove the family relationship (for example, through a marriage certificate) in order to apply for a residence permit in the host country.

Healthcare

Once registered, individuals can access the public healthcare system of the host country, under the conditions set by that country. For temporary stays, the European Health Insurance Card can be used, which guarantees medical treatment under the same conditions as residents.

Property purchase and taxation

Italian citizens can purchase property in other EU countries without the restrictions applied to non-EU citizens. Conditions are therefore generally favorable and do not require special authorizations.

Permanent residence

After five years of legal and continuous residence in another EU country, the right to permanent residence is automatically acquired. This status removes the obligation to prove requirements such as employment or sufficient financial resources.

However, this right may lapse if the person leaves the country for more than two consecutive years.

In summary, Italian citizenship offers broad opportunities for mobility and integration within the European Union, making it relatively easy to move to and settle in another Member State, while still requiring compliance with certain formalities.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.