Knowledge Base
Clear step-by-step guides for life in Italy: from renting an apartment to visiting a doctor.
Housing & Real Estate
Contracts, Caparra, Residenza
Types of contracts: In Italy, the most popular contracts are 4+4 (free market), 3+2 (agreed rent) and Transitorio (up to 18 months, for students and temporary workers).
Caparra (Deposit): Usually 1 to 3 months of rent. It is returned upon moving out if there is no damage. Note: it cannot be used to pay for the last months!
Fideiussione (Bank Guarantee): An alternative to a deposit. The bank freezes 6-12 months of rent on your account and guarantees payment to the landlord if you stop paying.
Residenza (Registration): A mandatory step to get a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), tessera sanitaria (health card), and bank account. It is done at the Comune. The landlord must sign a consent form.
Healthcare (Sanità)
Tessera Sanitaria, Doctors, ER
Tessera Sanitaria: The national tessera sanitaria (health card). Allows you to take tests and visit doctors for free or at a discount (Ticket). Issued at the ASL after obtaining Residenza.
Medico di base (GP): Your primary doctor in Italy. Only they can issue referrals (red prescriptions) to specialists.
CUP (Unified Booking Center): The public booking system. Waiting times for specialists via CUP can take months. Alternative: private clinics (faster, but full cost).
Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room): Free for true emergencies (Red/Yellow code). For non-emergency issues (White code), you must pay a ticket (~€25-50).
Everyday Life
Banks, SIM cards, Driving License
Opening a bank account: Requires a Carta d'Identità, Tessera Sanitaria, and a work contract. Expat-friendly banks: Intesa Sanpaolo, Poste Italiane (Postepay Evolution), Revolut.
SIM cards: Virtual operators (Iliad, Ho, Kena) offer the cheapest plans. You only need a passport and codice fiscale (tax code) to buy one.
Bollette (Utilities): You can choose gas and electricity providers on the free market (Mercato Libero). It is recommended to set up automatic debit (RID) so you don't forget to pay.
Patente (Driving License): Foreign licenses are valid for 1 year after obtaining Residenza. After that, they must be converted (if an agreement exists) or you must retake the exam in Italian.