Moving to Italy from the USA — A Complete Guide

Planning a move to Italy? Whether it’s for work, retirement, family, or a change of scenery, East Coast Shipping Inc. is here to support you every step of the way. This guide outlines our services, customs requirements, expat resources, and insider tips to make your move as smooth as possible.

 Our International Moving Services to Italy

We offer several shipping options tailored to your volume, timeline, and budget:

• Full Container Load (FCL) – 20ft or 40ft containers ideal for large households or combined household + auto moves.

• Less than Container Load (LCL) – Smaller shipments packed in pallets or liftvans. Suitable for boxes and smaller furniture shipments.

• Groupage – Shared container service for select cities in Italy (Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, Bologna, etc.). Budget-friendly with flexible transit times.

• Auto Transport – We handle personal vehicle shipments including documentation, title validation, and securing the vehicle in the container.

• Packing & Crating – Full or partial packing, fragile item protection, and custom crating for TVs, artwork, and glass.

• Door-to-Door / Door-to-Port Services – Flexible solutions depending on your destination access, customs needs, and support required in Italy.

• Storage Options – Short-term and long-term warehousing before or after shipping.

 Customs Regulations for Moving to Italy

Italy follows EU customs standards, but your eligibility for duty-free import depends on your status and documentation.

 Household Goods

To qualify for exemption from VAT and duties:

• You must have lived outside the EU for 12+ months

• Your goods must have been used for at least 6 months

• You must import the items within 6 months of establishing residence

Documents Required:

• Passport copy

• Codice Fiscale (Italian tax number)

• Residency certificate (Certificato di Residenza)

• Detailed, signed inventory (in Italian or translated)

• Proof of ownership for high-value items

Prohibited/Restricted Items:

• Firearms, weapons, and ammunition

• Alcohol and tobacco products

• Items containing lithium batteries (notify us in advance)

• Flammable or hazardous materials

 Shipping a Vehicle to Italy

To import a car or motorcycle duty-free:

• You must have owned it for over 6 months

• The vehicle must be registered in your name

• You must be taking up residence in Italy

Vehicle Documents Needed:

• Title (original)

• Registration document

• Proof of insurance

• Vehicle specs or emissions test (if requested by Italian authorities)

• Residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)

Vehicles must be registered in Italy within 6 months after arrival and may need compliance modifications.

 Helpful Links & Resources

Here’s a list of valuable online resources for Americans moving to Italy:

• U.S. Embassy in Italy: https://it.usembassy.gov

• Italian Revenue Agency (Codice Fiscale): https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it

• AIRE Registration Info (for Italian citizens abroad): https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/aire/

• Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane): https://www.adm.gov.it

• Italian National Health Service (Sistema Sanitario Nazionale): https://www.salute.gov.it

• Expat Exchange – Italy: https://www.expatexchange.com/italy/living-in-italy.html

• Internations Italy Community: https://www.internations.org/italy-expats

• Facebook – Expats Living in Italy: https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatslivinginitaly

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✅ Tips for a Smooth Move

• Label your boxes with numbered inventory (avoid “misc” or “garage items”).

• High-value items should be noted separately on your insurance form.

• Avoid using used boxes with old shipping or hazard labels.

• Delivery in cities like Florence or Rome may require shuttle trucks or stair carries — we’ll help pre-check this.

• Let us know in advance if you’re shipping items with lithium batteries, like laptops or e-bikes
   

Fun Facts About Italy
 

• Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country — over 50!

• It’s illegal to add ketchup to pasta in some traditional Italian homes.

• Rome has a museum dedicated entirely to pasta.

• The Italian language evolved from Tuscan dialects used by Dante and Petrarch.

• Italians invented the first piano, battery, and eyeglasses!
   

Ready to Start Planning?
 

Our experienced team will guide you from packing and documentation through customs and final delivery in Italy. Whether you’re shipping a few boxes or an entire home with a car, we’ve got you covered.
 

? Email: info@ecshipping.net
? Toll-Free: 1-888-238-0180
? Website: https://www.ecshipping.net