Italy

The complete guide for international students and young people in Italy

Updated on: Jun 10, 2026

In Italy, bureaucracy weighs heavily depending on region and time, but for EU students many steps are linear. The real commitment is to align your permit (if needed), tax code, registered contract and health card before working or opening complex accounts.

What really changes here

Tax code and registered residence: without tax code many contracts and banks become complicated
Residence permit for study (extra-EU) with police station appointment - long queues in big cities
Rent: 1–3 month deposit, contract registration, bills in the tenant's name
Healthcare: SSN/health card after registration — EHIC for EU short stays only
Transport: Trenitalia/Italo trains + local passes; Rare car on urban campuses
Payments: cards and SEPA bank transfer; cash still used in bars and markets

Ideal if…

EU students with Erasmus mobility or degree in Italian/English
Those who love cities of art with lower costs in the South or in medium-sized cities
Those who accept contracts in Italian with the help of the international office
Strong university life (Erasmus, canteens, campus events)

Harder if…

You are looking for a studio apartment in Milan/Rome center without guarantor or references
You don't speak Italian and you expect quick responses from public offices
You want to work immediately without a valid permit or tax code
You expect guaranteed campus housing like in the USA

First 7 days

Accommodation with residential address (also temporarily registrable)
Appointment at the police station / immigration desk if non-EU
Tax code (Revenue Agency or affiliated branch)
University enrollment + health card application if eligible
Account with Italian or EU IBAN linked
Italian SIM or eSIM; save 112 / 113 / 118
Regional pass or bike sharing subscription if in a big city

Mistakes to avoid

Signing unregistered rent — risks and no valid contract for permit
Stay months without a tax code if you work or receive a grant
Confusing a tourist permit with a study permit
Don't turn over bills and be left with debts to former roommates

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Bureaucracy

Permesso di Soggiorno, Universitaly, Codice Fiscale, SPID and ISEE for EU and non-EU students.

Universitaly Permesso SPID Codice Fiscale

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Housing and rent

How to read a lease, deposits, utility transfers, and splitting bills without drama.

Contract Deposit Bills Flatmates

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Daily survival

Groceries, laundry, transport, and a realistic student budget that survives the month.

Groceries Transport Budget Cooking

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Health and medical insurance

Choosing a GP, co-pays, and how the public system works when you study away from home.

GP Co-pay SSN Pharmacy

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Work and taxes

Student contracts, withholding tax, invoicing basics, and your rights in part-time work.

Contracts Withholding CV Interviews

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Finance

Opening a bank account, debt vs credit, and saving even on a tight student income.

Account Saving Apps Investing