At Phoenix Relocation, we specialize in supporting expatriation and international moves. Every year, we help families, professionals, and students successfully settle in Italy by managing all the key administrative and logistical steps.
Moving to Italy isn’t just about transporting your belongings — it’s an interconnected chain of legal, housing, logistical, and financial processes. Doing them in the right order and at the right time is essential to avoid delays, extra costs, or blocked requests.
This guide gives you a complete roadmap, broken into phases, with best practices, official sources, and optimal timing for each task.
📞 Call us today for more information — we’ll simplify your relocation and save you valuable time.
Phase 1 – Preparation (D–90 to D–60)
Why this phase matters:
The early preparation weeks determine how smooth your entire move will be. Documents obtained now will be required later for housing, utilities, banking, or customs clearance. Starting early allows you to absorb the sometimes long processing times in Italian administrations.
1. Get your Codice Fiscale (CF)
Why it’s important: This tax identification number is the key to almost every procedure: renting, opening a bank account, getting utilities, registering for healthcare, etc. Without it, many steps simply won’t start.
Why the timing: Processing times can vary. Having it before arrival (if possible) avoids wasting your first weeks in Italy.
Where to apply:
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Agenzia delle Entrate (form AA4/8) – Official form and procedure
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Italian consulate in your country – Consular information
2. Activate your SPID (Digital Identity)
Why it’s important: SPID grants access to all Italian public services online — from tax filings to municipal services, healthcare, and school registration.
Why the timing: Many city permits, parking authorizations, and online applications require SPID credentials. Getting it early means you can handle paperwork without delays.
How to apply:
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Requires CF and either an Italian ID card (CIE) or an in-person verification with a certified provider.
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Example: PosteID – In-person verification
3. Start your Residence Permit (non-EU citizens)
Why it’s important: Without a valid permit, you cannot legally remain in Italy beyond the terms of your visa.
Why the timing: The legal deadline is 8 working days after entry. Late applications can lead to fines or rejection.
Procedure:
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Pick up the yellow postal kit (free) at a Sportello Amico post office – Poste guide
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Fill in and send to the Questura – Portale Immigrazione
Phase 2 – Pre-move (D–60 to D–30)
Why this phase matters:
This is when you synchronize the administrative and logistical elements. A registered rental contract is often required for other steps like residency or school registration. Utility connections and parking permits also take time, so starting now ensures everything is ready upon arrival.
4. Sign and register your rental contract
Why it’s important: A registered lease is often needed to prove your address, enroll children in school, or declare residency.
Why the timing: Without a registered lease, residency and school registration may be blocked. Registration can take up to 30 days.
Where and how:
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Register with the Agenzia delle Entrate – Idealista guide
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Use form RLI – Download here
5. Arrange utilities (electricity, gas, water)
Why it’s important: No power, no water — no comfortable move-in.
Why the timing: Activation can take from a few days to several weeks. Planning now ensures everything works when you arrive.
Procedure:
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Voltura = change of holder when the meter is active
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Subentro = reactivation of a disconnected meter
6. Plan urban moving logistics
Why it’s important: In many Italian city centers, moving trucks need special access permits for restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and reserved parking space for unloading.
Why the timing: Permit applications for public space use often require 1–4 weeks’ notice.
Steps:
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ZTL: Apply for a temporary permit – Milan info
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Public space reservation: Milan request page
Phase 3 – Move-in & Post-arrival (D–15 to D–0)
Why this phase matters:
This is the final stretch — documents and logistics must be finalized to ensure a smooth legal and practical settlement. Any delay here can postpone your full integration.
7. Submit your Residence Permit (non-EU)
Why it’s important: This is the official proof you can legally live and work in Italy.
Why the timing: You have only 8 working days after arrival to submit it.
8. Declare your residence at the Anagrafe
Why it’s important: Required for an Italian ID card, public healthcare registration, and school enrollment.
Why the timing: Appointments can take weeks — booking early avoids delays.
9. Manage the arrival of your goods
Why it’s important: If moving from outside the EU, this step determines whether you get customs duty exemptions.
Why the timing: Inventory and proof of ownership must be ready before customs clearance.
Relocating to Italy requires preparation and a clear understanding of deadlines and procedures. Completing each step at the right time saves stress, money, and delays.
Phoenix Relocation coordinates the entire process so you can focus on starting your new life with confidence.
📞 Call us today for more information — we’ll guide you from your first document to your first day in your new home.