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Moving to Italy From Canada

A Full Checklist Including Visa, Costs, and Tips

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Moving to Italy from Canada is a very exciting journey. Italy is famous for its rich culture, cuisine, and the welcoming nature of its communities. This article is meant to offer you the newest and most relevant information, including visa requirements, the cost of moving, and much more. Keep reading to find out what your next steps should be.

Cost of Moving to Italy

The average cost of moving to Italy from Canada is between $4,000 and $16,000 CAD.

See the table below for the estimated costs of moving from Canada to Italy:

Property Size Vancouver to Italy (CAD) Toronto to Italy (CAD)
1-bedroom $4,000 – $5,500 $3,500 – $5,000
2-bedroom $5,500 – $7,500 $5,000 – $7,000
3-bedroom $7,000 – $10,000 $6,500 – $9,500
4-bedroom $10,000 – $13,500 $9,500 – $13,000
5-bedroom $13,000 – $16,500 $12,500 – $16,000

Note: These prices are mere estimates. To determine the exact cost of moving to Italy from Canada, you must consider the size of your belongings and the distance to your destination.

Aspects influencing your costs:

  • The volume of your household goods: Check out our volume calculator to estimate the size of your belongings. This way, it will be easier and faster when you contact moving companies.
  • Get in touch with our Top Moving Companies to Italy and Request Moving Quotes: This way, you get an accurate price for the whole moving process.
  • Destination: Depending on your destination, your costs may increase or decrease.

Calculate Volume Now

Container Shipping Rates to Italy

Are you thinking of shipping containers to Italy? Here are the container shipping rates to Italy as of [2025]:

Container Size Estimated Cost (CAD)
20-foot $2,000 – $4,500
40-foot $3,500 – $7,000

Note: These are mere estimates. Request quotes from the moving companies to get an accurate price offer.

International Removals to Italy

Finding reliable international removals to Italy can be challenging and confusing. Fortunately, we are collaborating with the Top Moving Companies internationally.

These are the top movers to Italy:

We advise you to click the button below and request quotes ASAP! You can request up to 5 moving quotes for free.

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Cost of Living in Italy

The average cost of living in Italy is approximately 15-20% cheaper than in Canada.

See the comparison of the monthly average cost of living by country:

Country Single Person (CAD) Family of Four (CAD)
Italy $1,300 – $1,600 $3,800 – $4,900
Canada $1,400 – $1,600 $4,800 – $5,700

Read the table below to understand key differences in the cost of living:

Product/Service Canada (CAD) Italy (CAD)
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant $25.00 $21.00
Monthly public transport pass $107.00 $58.00
Milk (1 litre) $2.93 $2.25
Internet (monthly, unlimited) $89.00 $38.00
Rent (1-bedroom, city centre) $1,700.00 $1,200.00

Source: Numbeo

Italy Visa Requirements For Canadian Citizens

As a Canadian moving to Italy from Canada, the visa required for Italy may vary depending on your goals. Here are the main visa types for Canadian citizens:

  • Work Visa: For people who want to work in Italy. You must receive a job offer from an Italian employer in order to be able to apply for the visa itself.
  • Study Visa: For people who want to pursue a higher education in Italy. You must have an educational acceptance letter before applying for this visa.
  • Elective Residence Visa: For people who want to retire in Italy. You must prove you are financially independent and have the ability to sustain yourself.

Check out the Italian Consulate in Ottawa for more information regarding the requirements for the visa in Italy.

The general documents required for Italian visa are as follows:

  • Visa application form (filled and signed)
  • Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay, 2 blank pages)
  • Passport photo (biometric standard)
  • Proof of purpose (job, study, family docs, etc.)
  • Financial proof (bank/income/pension)
  • Accommodation proof (lease, booking, host letter)
  • Health insurance (min. €30,000 coverage)
  • Visa fee (approx. CAD $135–150)
  • Criminal record check (if required)
  • Travel itinerary or flight booking (optional)

Are You Moving to Italy With Family?

In this case, if you are planning on moving to Italy with family from Canada, you must apply for a Family Reunification Visa. To do so, the following requirements to move to Italy must be fulfilled by the primary resident:

  • A valid residence permit in Italy
  • Adequate income (amount varies by family size)
  • Suitable housing (certified by local Italian authorities)
  • Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
  • Nulla Osta (authorization from the Italian immigration office, requested from within Italy)

Are You Moving to Italy With Pets?

If you are moving to Italy with pets, this is what you should take into account:

  • Pet must be microchipped (ISO-compliant)
  • Must have a rabies vaccination (given after microchip, at least 21 days before travel)
  • Must have an EU Health Certificate
  • Certificate must be endorsed by CFIA within 10 days of travel
  • Maximum of 5 pets per person
  • Bring all supporting documents (vet records, certificate, and passport copy)

Living in Italy As a Canadian

Italy is famous for its romantic atmosphere and beautiful architecture. The Italian community is very welcoming and warm-hearted, making it a great place for Canadians to move to.

How Are The Taxes in Italy?

The tax rates in Italy are around 6-8% higher than in Canada.

See the table below for estimated tax rates:

Salary (CAD/year) Estimated Tax Rate in Italy Estimated Tax Rate in Canada
$30,000 20% – 25% 15% – 20%
$50,000 25% – 30% 20% – 25%
$75,000 30% – 35% 25% – 30%
$100,000 35% – 40% 30% – 35%
$150,000 40% – 43% 35% – 42%

Source: OECD Tax Database-Italy; OECD Tax Database-Canada

Healthcare in Italy For Foreigners

Italy functions under the Public healthcare system (SSN – Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). Everyone residing in Italy can benefit from this system.

What are the aspects of SSN?

  • Low-cost or free medical care
  • Covered through taxes or employer contributions
  • Canadians can benefit from SSN once they receive a residence permit

Check out AgenziaEntrate for more information.

Safety in Italy

Violent crimes have a very low rate in Italy, and it is considered safe in Europe, even at night. The most common safety concerns come from crimes involving pickpockets and scams.

Northern cities such as Bologna, Florence, and Milan have the lowest crime rates.

Best Places To Live in Italy For Expats

Florence: If you are looking for a more creative and full of life city, Florence might be the right choice for you. The city has a very young and lively atmosphere, perfect for students and digital nomads.

Bologna: Having a creative and youthful vibe, Bologna offers a more English-spoken side of Italy. The cost of living is not as high as in other major cities.

Milan: This city is perfect for people who are career-focused. However, the cost of living in Milan is a bit higher than the rest of the country. If you want to explore all the best opportunities Italy has to offer, then you should definitely consider Milan as your destination.

Pros And Cons of Living in Italy

Pros

 High-quality healthcare
 Rich cultural and historical environment
 Excellent food and lifestyle
 Affordable public transport
 Strong sense of community and family life

Cons

 Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating
 Limited English in smaller towns
 High taxes and social contributions
 Job market can be competitive
 Some areas experience petty theft

Moving to Italy Checklist

  1. Check out Moving Abroad to get more insights on the moving process.
  2. Use our volume calculator to estimate the size of your move.
  3. Look at the Top International Movers and choose the one that resonates with you.
  4. Request up to 5 Moving Quotes and compare your options.
  5. Prepare your documents timely, and store them safely before you start packing.
  6. Start packing as soon as possible, as it can become stressful if left unchecked.
  7. Enjoy your transition! It’s an amazing new step in your life, and you should enjoy every moment of it.

Are You Ready to Move to Italy?

We hope our article provided you with all the information you needed to start your moving process. We wish you good luck and as many happy experiences in Italy as possible. Good riddance!

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move to Italy?

Do Italians speak English?

Is moving to Italy a good idea?