Moving to Italy can feel exciting but also confusing, especially when it comes to work and money. Italy is very different from the USA and the UK, so it is important to understand how things really work before you start.
Most beginners in Italy earn less than in the USA or the UK. This is normal. A new worker usually earns between twelve hundred and sixteen hundred euros per month. Jobs like warehouse work, factory work, cleaning, restaurants, hotels, and delivery are the most common starting jobs. Hourly pay is usually between eight and twelve euros.
Italy also pays extra salaries during the year. Many workers receive thirteen or fourteen payments instead of twelve, which helps during holidays and winter.
When you first arrive, it is best to look for simple jobs that do not require Italian experience. Warehouses, factories, cleaning companies, hotels, and restaurants hire beginners often. These jobs help you earn money quickly and enter the system.
To work legally in Italy, documents are very important. Citizens from the USA and the UK need a work visa if they stay more than ninety days. After arriving, you must apply for a residence permit. You also need a tax code called Codice Fiscale. Without it, you cannot work or open a bank account. Most employers pay salary only into an Italian bank account.
Speaking Italian is not always required at the beginning, but learning even basic Italian helps a lot. It improves job chances and makes daily life easier.
Living costs in Italy are lower than in the USA and often lower than in the UK. Many newcomers share rooms to save money. Food, transport, and healthcare are affordable compared to many other countries.
Italy is not a fast-money country, but it is stable. Many people start with simple jobs, learn the system, and slowly move to better work. With patience and the right documents, Italy can become a good place to build a new life.