Moving overseas is exciting, but it also requires a lot of preparation, paperwork, research and planning! If you are relocating to Italy, read on for customs information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to a new country, there are
important documents required to gain entry and establish a permanent residency. When planning your international move, you can opt to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to help you gather the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully relocate to Italy.
When moving to Italy, you will need:
- Passport (copy)
- Residence Visa
- Work Permit
- Inventory in Italian, signed by Customer and approived by Italian Consulate
- Fiscal Number (Codice Fiscale, equivalent to an American social security number)
- Consular Declaration released by the nearest Italian Consulate, certifying the length of stay abroad, the repatriation date, the Italian nationality of the Customer, and the names of the family members (for Italian citizens only)
- Residency Certificate stating number of members in the family, nationality, city and country from which he's transferring his residence, and date of residence in Italy (for foreigners only)
- Dichiarazione Sostitutiva di certificazione - provided by Destination Agent, completed & signed by client
- Permesso a Soggiorno (permit to stay) by Police Office Foreign Department
- Autocertificazione” - client attestation: of transfer of residence, family status, value of goods
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Power of Attorney - giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance
- Letter from Employer -attesting to client’s employment contract, start date
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Italy permanently and have lived outside the European Union for the previous 12 months, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) free of duty and tax if:
- Goods were owned for one year, (18 months if Italian citizen)
- Goods are not for resale
- Goods are imported within six months of your arrival
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Italy, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Pornographic material
- Narcotics and drugs
- Animal skins, fur, tusks, ivory
- Food products including coffee, tea, sugar and pepper
- Perfumes
- Cordless electronics & walkie-talkies
- Audiovisual electronics not marked CE
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles require special authorization and/or the payments of duties and taxes to clear Italian customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms, ammunition and combat knives (including ornamental weapons) can be imported with a special permit obtained from the Police Office--they must be clearly declared on the inventory with make, type and serial number, and must not be included in the same container as the household goods
- Weapons must be recorded in the National Catalogue of Weapons - weapons without a serial number (applies to USA, Canada, Japan & Australia) must be sent to the National Test Stand at Gardone Val Trompia, where Customs Authority will assign one
- Import License - obtained at origin
- Client must be present during clearance
- Clearance of firearms with serial numbers takes 15-20 days
- Clearance takes 2-3 months for firearms needing assignment of serial numbers
- New furniture, new household good items, wedding trousseaux, souvenirs and precious metal objects need receipts and are subject to duty
- Appliances/electronic equipment require an Import Permit from the Italian Ministry of Posts and Communications, may require receipts
- Antiques, pictures, works of art, carpets etc. require authorization-- a Fine Arts inspection and special Import Permit from the Fine Arts authorities a extra cost, payable by the customer, must be packed separately (in crates or cartons), loaded near container door
- Plants and vegetable products require a Phytosanitary Certificate
- Alcohol and tobacco--must be shipped separately
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your vehicle with you for your move to Italy, you will require the assistance of international vehicle shippers with the sufficient knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you. Your car will be admitted into Italy duty-free if you have lived abroad for over one year, have owned and used the vehicle at least six months, and you are bringing it to Italy for personal use. Your car cannot be sold for at least one year after your arrival.
You will need the following documents:
- Passport or Telespresso (diplomats) - copy
- Italian Fiscal Code (returning Italians) - copy
- Certificate of Title and Registration - original, in client’s name; and a notarized Italian translation
- Commercial/Purchase Invoice - must be original
- Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
- Technical Data Sheet - from manufacturer, stating car features and declaration of conformities with EU requirements
- Insurance Policy - valid for circulation in Italy
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is your most precious cargo, so you want to make sure he or she gets through customs without trouble. To successfully cross Italian borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Health Certificate - must state pet was vaccinated against rabies, issued prior to departure to Italy; validity is for 3 days only
- Certificate of Vaccination - (International version) rabies vaccine date must be at least 20 days before health certificate is issued by the veterinarian at origin
- Certificate of Origin - obtained from veterinarian at origin
- Every pet must be identified by a microchip or a tattoo-- in case of identification with a tattoo, the tattoo must be clearly readable and applied before July 2011
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a complex process, which is why it is imperative to find trustworthy international movers. Before hiring any international moving company, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and to aid you in the customs process. Being knowledgeable and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential company will prevent you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area to help you in your relocation to Italy.
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