Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Italy From New Zealand

Relocating to Italy

New Zealanders contemplating a move to Italy will find themselves enchanted by the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Italy is known for its unparalleled art, delicious cuisine and welcoming locals. The Italian lifestyle emphasizes a balanced approach to work and leisure, with a strong focus on family and community. New Zealanders will appreciate the slower pace of life, especially in the south, which allows more time for socializing and enjoying numerous cultural and natural attractions. The Mediterranean climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, is perfect for outdoor activities and exploring many of Italy’s unique places, such as the transparent seas of Lampedusa in Sicily or boating on Lake Braies in Trentino Alto-Adige.

While Italy has much to offer, there are some significant differences and challenges that New Zealanders should be prepared for. The Italian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, particularly when dealing with visas and residency permits. Language barriers may pose initial challenges, although many Italians speak English, especially in larger cities. Integrating into the local community may take time, but the strong expat network can provide valuable support. Understanding and adapting to Italian customs and traditions, such as the importance of family and the slower pace of business, will be crucial for a smooth transition.

Italy The Cliffs of Cinque Terre in Manarola Jack Ward
The Cliffs of Cinque Terre in Manarola. Photo by Jack Ward

International Shipping To Italy

Crown has over 55 years of experience handling foreign relocations, including international shipping to Italy. We make moving to Italy simple and stress-free by offering a variety of services tailored to your requirements. Whether you need a single-use container for a household of belongings or a shared container for a more cost-effective choice, we can support and assist you every step of the way. We also provide air transportation for those items that need to arrive promptly. 

Crown handles all clearance and entry papers at the destination port, including customs procedures and paperwork. We verify that you meet Italy’s regulations and assist you with customs declaration forms, informing you on any forbidden or restricted items such as specific drugs or high-alcohol beverages. 

Our comprehensive moving service includes transit protection insurance, a free relocation checklist, and additional services such as international vehicle and pet transportation, ensuring a stress-free moving experience. We also provide storage if needed. Crown ensures that every part of your transfer to Italy is handled with care and skill.

Call us now on 0508 227 696 to find out more or use our online form to receive a personalised quote.

NZ to Italy Corporate Mobility Services

Moving your team from New Zealand to Italy? Our team at Crown Relocations is here to help! Crown handles over 5,000 company-funded relocations each year, ensuring a smooth transition for your employees and their families, whether for temporary assignments or permanent relocations. 

We handle every part of each employee’s move from beginning to end, ensuring a successful relocation every time. Our consulting services are designed to develop effective mobility strategies that are tailored to your organization’s specific needs. 

Our licensed Immigration Advisory team provides comprehensive assistance for visas, work permits, and residence permits, ensuring compliance with all requirements.  

When relocating to Italy, it is critical to understand and adapt to Italian culture. We collaborate globally while providing tailored, on-the-ground assistance in Italy.  Our local Mobility Specialist will assist your employees and families in adjusting to the Italian way of life. Specialised settling-in services include language learning, locating a home, learning about local services and partner career support, allowing your personnel to settle in fast and ensure everyone feels at home.

Contact our World Mobility experts via phone on 0800 243 578 or (+64) 9 415 7300.

You can also email us at [email protected] or complete our contact form, and we’ll be in touch.

Boats on Canal between houses in Burano city Venice. Photo by Lopez Robin
Boats on Canal between houses in Burano city Venice. Photo by Lopez Robin

Moving to Italy FAQs:

New Zealanders will require a visa if staying for longer than 90 days (about 3 months) in Italy. Visas can be obtained for work, study, or family reasons. Most recently, the Digital Nomad visa has now been extended to Italy, allowing those who meet conditions to live in Italy for up to 12 months.

Moving to Italy involves several steps, including obtaining a visa, finding accommodation, and navigating the Italian bureaucracy, which can be quite time-consuming and complex. However, Crown has the expertise to help you navigate visas, customs and all other requirements at each stage of your moving journey. 

Call us today on 0508 227 696 and find out how we can help you be well prepared to relocate to Italy.

The cost of moving to Italy from New Zealand can be understandably significant, including shipping fees and securing accommodation. The good news is the cost of living in Italy is generally cheaper than living in NZ.   Crown can assist you with a cost-effective and trouble-free move. We also offer a wide range of other services for moving overseas such as movers insurance, FREE moving checklist, and international vehicle and pet relocations Call our friendly team now on 0508 227 696 or request a free quote so you can easily find out how much it will cost.

Moving to Italy involves many adjustments. For starters, learning Italian is essential for everyday life and navigating complex official processes. However, there are also many positive aspects to living in Italy, including excellent healthcare, free education and a more relaxed pace of life that places greater value on social and family relationships. 

Crown Relocations NZ provides services to ease the transition, offering help with packing, shipping, customs clearance, visa guidance and information about living and working in Italy. 

Find out how moving with Crown assures you a smooth and successful relocation to Italy: call us on 0508 227 696 or online quote.

Crown Relocations offers a range of international shipping options tailored to your needs when moving from New Zealand to Italy.  Whether you’re sending a few items or an entire household, Crown provides sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. 

With over 55 years of experience, we ensure a seamless and reliable relocation process, assisting you every step of the way. 

Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.

What do I need to know about moving to Italy?

What are the best places to live in Italy?

Italy offers a variety of living environments, from bustling cities to serene countryside. In the north, cities like Milan and Turin are vibrant economic hubs. Towns near the Alps, such as Bolzano and Trento, provide stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. 

Rome offers a rich historical and cultural experience, whereas Florence is renowned for its artistic heritage. In the south, cities like Naples, Palermo, and Bari offer beautiful historical settings and a more relaxed lifestyle. Each region has its own unique charm and lifestyle, ensuring there’s a perfect place for everyone. 

How easy is it to find housing in Italy?

The housing market in Italy varies significantly between the northern and southern regions. In the north, property prices and rents are higher, particularly in major cities like Milan. These cities are economic and cultural hubs, attracting professionals and families seeking vibrant urban living. 

Housing is generally more affordable in the south. Cities like Naples, Palermo, and Bari offer beautiful historical settings and a slower pace of life, with much lower property costs. Rural areas and smaller towns throughout Italy provide more cost-effective options for those preferring a quieter environment. Regardless of the region, it is relatively easy to find accommodation that suits your needs. 

Does Italy have a good healthcare system?

Italy’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality and accessibility. Italian doctors and specialists are highly trained and considered among the best in the world. The public healthcare system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), provides complete medical services to residents for free or with minimal co-payments. Private health insurance is compulsory for foreigners while waiting for residency. Waiting times for specialists within the public system can be lengthy, particularly in larger cities where demand is high. Private healthcare facilities offer quicker access to treatments and specialists, but at a higher cost. For those considering a move to Italy, the quality and accessibility of its healthcare system provide a strong sense of security and peace of mind. 

What is the education system in Italy?

Italy has a comprehensive educational system that covers all ages, from early childhood to university. Preschools are subsidised by the state, so some preschools only charge registration and lunch fees. Schooling is compulsory from ages 6-16 years old. Italy’s specialized upper secondary education has a strong emphasis on creative and practical skills, including vocational and professional training. Italy is known for its prestigious universities like the University of Bologna founded in 1088 and Bocconi University in Milan. These institutions blend theoretical knowledge and practical experience, often offering programs in English and providing scholarships.

How does money in Italy work? 

Italy uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Banking services are widely available, and setting up a bank account is straightforward with the necessary identification and residency documents. Cost of living varies by region, with northern cities generally being more expensive than southern areas. It’s advisable to have a mix of cash and cards for transactions. When transferring NZD to EUR, our team at Crown advises using OFX because of their competitive rates and lower fees than regular banks.

What is public transport like in Italy? 

Italy has an extensive and efficient transportation network, including trains, buses, and domestic flights. High-speed trains connect major cities, making travel convenient and fast. Public transport within cities is reliable, with metro, bus, and tram systems widely available. However, regions like Sardinia and Sicily do not offer an efficient railway network, and their roads and highways are not as well-maintained or extensive as those on the mainland. When planning to drive, be aware of ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which are restricted traffic zones in city centers designed to reduce congestion and pollution. Only residents and authorized vehicles can enter these areas, and fines are imposed for unauthorized entry. 

Is it easy to learn the Italian language?

While many Italians speak English, learning Italian will greatly enhance your experience and integration into your new community. Italian is a beautiful but more complex language than English, with its intricate grammar and pronunciation. Numerous courses are available at universities, cultural institutions, and private schools. 

The Dante Alighieri Society offers excellent programmes for all levels, including in NZ. Online resources like Duolingo and Babbel provide flexible learning options. Crown offers Italian language learning as part of our additional services when moving to Italy. Engaging in daily conversations and searching for Italian media will strengthen the learning phase. 

How do I network and meet people in Italy?

Italy Rome at night Altare della Patria building with Roman Forum ruins in front & Trajan's Column beside Leon Hulme
Altare della Patria building at night. Photo by Leon Hulme

Building a network in Italy is facilitated by the openness and friendliness of Italians, particularly in the southern regions. Italians are known for their warm hospitality and willingness to welcome newcomers, making it easy to form connections. Engaging with local social and professional groups, both expat and Italian, can be very beneficial. Joining clubs, attending events, and using platforms like Meetup and Internations can all help with meeting new people. Although it is entirely in Italian, the Zonzers app also allows you to participate in group events such as day trips, outings, and fully organized trips by other users.

 
Boating on Lake Braies. Photo by Pietro de Grandi

Moving to Italy? Go knowing

Trust Us to Make Your Italy Relocation Simple

Italy is known as the “Bel Paese” for a reason: there’s everything one needs. From the warm climate in the South to the cold winter in the North, Italy is the perfect place-to-be. Moving to Italy can be a real game changer to improve life and enjoy unique experiences, to make new friends and to find a perfect balance between work, life, services, and culture. If it’s true that life is made of moments, then moving to Italy will make every moment worth living.

Crown can simplify your move to Italy, making sure everything goes smoothly and effortlessly.  We offer tailored services to meet your unique needs and manage all logistical challenges from beginning to end. So you can relax and simply settle into your new home in Italy.

Call us on 0508 227 696, fill in our online quote request, or go to Crown Relocation NZ for more information about our comprehensive relocation services.

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