Italy is certainly beautiful, but like all countries it has its peculiarities when it comes to moving there.

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Firstly, a relatively small percentage of the population speaks English or any other language other than Italian. This can create some initial obstacles.

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More importantly, each area is different. Laws are interpreted differently from place to place, so the requirements for importing household goods and transfer operations differ from city to city.
For example, it takes about 4-5 days to obtain a parking permit in Milan, which can cost from 400 to 800 euro. While a parking permit in Rome takes 50 calendar days to obtain and the cost starts at 1,000 euros and can go up to 3,000 euros.

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Another example is the documentation requirements for importing at each port: each port (or airport) wants a different set of documents. In fact, each customs broker at the same port may have different requirements. Basically, customs wants proof that you are moving to Italy on a permanent basis and wants a residence certificate to have been applied for and obtained before the shipment arrives. But this can take up to 12 months, by which time the household goods have already arrived at the port or airport. So what to do? Well, the shipment must be imported under warranty. Which means that customs accepts an insurance policy (arranged by the mover and invisible to the customer) instead of taking the money that would technically be due for VAT and taxes in lieu of the fact that the transferee has to file all the necessary paperwork to obtain the certificate of residence (which is not easy, you have to apply for and provide other documents first) within 12 months of arrival.

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But wait, there's more: brokers and moving companies may also have to ask for supporting documents, such as a letter on the transferee's employer's letterhead explaining why he or she is moving to the country.

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Basically, this is quite a hassle, but with the correct assistance from your moving agent, things will go smoothly. Busy work ... but smooth.

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And then let's not forget the pretty little winding streets. Pretty, aren't they? Not so pretty when you have to move a house full of furniture and belongings. Over the years, we have had to come to the rescue of many European movers who arrive at the address given by the customer with a large vehicle and find that they cannot even get near the address. For this, there is a need for small vans that must come from the location or at least from a nearby town.

Or even more common, European movers tend to forget (or perhaps don't know) that many Italian cities, even small ones, have what is called a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), which prevents vehicles without the correct authorisation from entering the city centre. And these are not authorisations that are obtained overnight. In Rome, for example, these authorisations are only dispensed to Italian companies with the correct credentials, are annual, are tied to specific small vans, and .... cost 2800 euro.

Depending on your reasons for moving to Italy, you may be able to buy or be entitled (if your company pays) to a relocation package, which will solve most of the problems of obtaining documentation to live in Italy or help you obtain a domicile. But honestly, for those of you who will only be in Italy for 2 or 3 years, a relocation package is highly recommended. Without it, it may take 2-3 years just to sort out all the bureaucratic paperwork properly. At that point you will be packing your bags to head to your next destination.

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Please do not let our words scare you away from moving to Italy. The ‘Bel Paese’ is without a doubt one of the most interesting and beautiful places in the world. Full of fantastic people and life-enriching moments. But as with all good things there have to be compromises, a price to pay if you like. The best advice is to get some local help, or even get Bolliger to do the move for you.
Most removals from the UK to Italy will travel by lorry. In certain situations some shipments will be by air, but even small shipments can be handled quickly by road. Fortunately, this means that there are no customs procedures between European borders, but this does not mean that those moving from the UK are exempt from obtaining the necessary documents to live in Italy. And technically import rules still apply, so please be careful when importing wines as only small quantities are allowed.