Tools & Checklists

The Pre-Move Checklist: Everything Before Departure

Moving to Italy involves more admin than most people expect. Tax notifications. Mail forwarding. Pension arrangements. Pet passports. Driving licence validity. This checklist covers everything you need to handle before you leave,not because it's fun, but because dealing with it from Italy is significantly harder.

How to Use This Checklist

Print this page and check off items as you complete them. Not everything applies to everyone,skip items that don't fit your situation. The timeline is flexible; adjust based on your circumstances. The goal is systematic preparation, not rigid scheduling.

Note: This assumes you've already decided to move. Use the Decision Framework first if you're still in the deciding phase.

12+ Months Before

The research and foundation phase. This is when big decisions get made.

Confirm visa eligibility and pathway

EU citizenship, elective residency, work permit,know which applies to you

Extended visit to target region

2+ weeks minimum, ideally in off-season. Visit as a potential resident, not tourist

Begin serious Italian study

Classes, apps, tutors,whatever works. Aim for A2 level before arrival, B1 by end of year one

Create detailed financial plan

Total budget, monthly expenses, income sources, contingency fund

Research property market

Understand prices, areas, what your budget actually buys

Consult tax professional

Understand implications of becoming Italian tax resident, treaty provisions

Talk to expats already there

Not just success stories,find people who struggled or left

6 Months Before

Commitment phase. Property search begins seriously. Visa process starts (if applicable).

Begin visa application (non-EU)

Gather documents, book consulate appointment. Process takes 3-4 months minimum

Engage estate agent or begin property search

Clear brief on requirements, budget, locations

Find Italian lawyer

Independent from any estate agent. Will review contracts, handle conveyancing

Get passports renewed if needed

Ensure 12+ months validity remaining. Some processes require more

Decide what to do with current home

Sell, rent out, or keep? Each has tax and practical implications

Research international health insurance

Coverage for transition period before Italian healthcare access

Continue Italian language study

Don't let it slip,consistency matters more than intensity

3 Months Before

Practical preparation intensifies. Documents, logistics, decluttering.

Gather and apostille documents

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, any required for visa/residency

Get translations of key documents

Official translations by certified translator,not DIY

Begin serious decluttering

Sell, donate, discard. Shipping is expensive,be ruthless

Get quotes for shipping belongings

Compare full container vs. groupage vs. buying new in Italy

Notify pension providers

Understand how payments will work from Italy, any tax implications

Arrange international money transfers

Wise, Revolut, or specialist broker. Avoid bank wire fees

Book property completion trip (if applicable)

Allow 1-2 weeks for signing and initial setup

Secure international health insurance

Policy in place before arrival. Keep home country coverage temporarily if possible

1 Month Before

Final logistics. Wrapping up home country life.

Cancel or redirect subscriptions/memberships

Gym, streaming, magazines, professional memberships,decide what to keep

Set up mail forwarding

To a trusted friend/family or forwarding service. Update key addresses

Notify bank of international move

Avoid card blocks. Consider keeping a home country account active

Final medical appointments

Dental checkup, prescriptions refilled, vaccination records gathered

Get prescription letter from doctor

Generic drug names, dosages,helps Italian doctor prescribe equivalents

Goodbye gatherings with family/friends

Important for closure. Don't skip this,relationships need attention

Ship belongings (if applicable)

Allow 4-8 weeks for arrival via groupage

Final Week

Confirm all travel arrangements

Flights, car rental/transfer, initial accommodation

Create document folder

Passports, visa, property documents, insurance, translations,all in one place

Digital backup of all documents

Cloud storage + USB drive. Accessible if papers are lost

Pack essentials bag for first days

Medications, chargers, basic toiletries, change of clothes, snacks

Final utility readings (home country)

Submit meter readings, arrange final bills

Download offline Italian resources

Google Translate offline, maps, language apps,don't rely on roaming data

First Week in Italy

Immediate priorities after arrival. Don't try to do everything at once.

Get codice fiscale (if not already done)

Agenzia delle Entrate office. Needed for almost everything

Open Italian bank account

Need codice fiscale and proof of address. May need appointment

Get Italian SIM card

TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre. Bring passport and codice fiscale

Transfer utilities into your name

Electric, gas, water. Usually done through notary at purchase but confirm

Begin residency registration process

Visit comune to understand requirements and book appointment

Locate essentials

Nearest supermarket, pharmacy, hospital, ATM. Make it routine

Introduce yourself to neighbors

First impressions matter. Even broken Italian is better than ignoring them

The Bottom Line

This checklist is comprehensive but not exhaustive. Your situation will have specifics not covered here. The value is in the structure: working backward from your move date with clear milestones. Print it, modify it, check things off. The act of systematic preparation reduces both stress and mistakes.

Ready to put these frameworks into practice?

The retreat helps you apply what you've learned with hands-on workshops, property document reviews, and decision-making sessions guided by people who've been through this process.

Learn about the retreat

Or book a free call to discuss your situation.