Moving from UAE to Italy (2026): Visas, Costs & The "Codice Fiscale"
MoveConnector Euro-Logistics Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Embrace "La Dolce Vita" (With a Plan)
Moving from the UAE to Italy is a dream for many—trading skyscrapers for the Colosseum. However, Italian bureaucracy (Burocrazia) is legendary for a reason. In 2026, obtaining residency permits can take months, and customs procedures are rigorous.
This guide is based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Rome, Milan, and historic Florence. We cover the essential steps, from the Codice Fiscale to the reality of Permesso di Soggiorno delays.
Who This Guide Is For
- Expats relocating for corporate roles in Milan/Rome.
- Retirees on the Elective Residence Visa.
- Digital Nomads utilizing the new visa categories.
This guide is NOT for:
- Tourists shipping luggage.
- Commercial importers.
Part 1: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Italy?
Italy is a manufacturing hub, but certain things are worth bringing.
The Decision Matrix: What to Pack
| Item Type | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| High-Quality Furniture | ✅ Ship It | Italian design is famous but expensive. Your UAE furniture is worth shipping. |
| Electronics | ✅ Ship It | UAE electronics work in Italy (230V). Adapters are cheap. |
| Cars | ⚠️ Caution | Re-registering non-EU cars is a nightmare of paperwork (Motorizzazione). Only bring if it's a classic/luxury car. |
| Kitchen Appliances | ✅ Ship It | Bring your high-end appliances. Italian kitchens often come empty (no stove/fridge). |
| Winter Clothes | ✅ Ship It | Northern Italy gets very cold. Bring your winter gear. |
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost to Move from UAE to Italy? (2026)
Shipments typically enter via Genoa (for North), Naples (for South), or Trieste.
Estimated Sea Freight Costs
| Home Size | Shipment Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | LCL (Shared Container) | 9,500 – 14,500 |
| 2-3 Bed Home | 20ft Container (FCL) | 19,000 – 27,000 |
| Large Villa (4+ Bed) | 40ft Container (FCL) | 29,000 – 40,000 |
In summary: Most full household moves from the UAE to Italy cost between AED 9,500 and AED 29,000 door-to-door, depending on volume and access difficulties.
Typical UAE → Italy Moving Timeline
- Week 1: Packing & export customs (Dubai).
- Week 2–5: Sea freight to Genoa / Naples.
- Week 6: Port handling & customs filing.
- Week 7–8: Final delivery + shuttle/lift (if required).
The "Hidden" Italian Costs (Narrow Streets)
Italian cities were built for chariots, not shipping containers.
- Transshipment Shuttle: If the big container truck cannot fit down your street (common in Rome/Florence), goods must be shuttled via small vans. Cost: €400 – €800.
- External Lift (
Scala): Used to hoist furniture through windows if staircases are too narrow. Cost: €300 – €600. - Permesso ZTL: Permit to enter "Limited Traffic Zones" in historic centers. Cost: €150 – €300.
Part 3: Visas & The "Permesso" Reality
1. The Visa (Ingresso)
You apply for this at the Italian Consulate in UAE. Options include Work, Elective Residency (Retirement), or Investor.
2. The Permit to Stay (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Once you arrive, you have 8 days to apply for the Permesso at the Post Office (Kit Giallo).
- The Reality: Appointments for fingerprinting at the Questura (Police) can be months away.
- The Receipt: You will get a receipt (
Ricevuta). Keep this safe. It proves your legal status while you wait.
Part 4: Customs & The "Codice Fiscale"
You can import goods duty-free if you follow the rules.
The Critical Key: Codice Fiscale
This is your Tax ID. You cannot clear customs without it.
- Pro Tip: Apply for your Codice Fiscale at the Italian Consulate in the UAE before you move. Waiting to get it in Italy will delay your shipment clearance.
Duty-Free Conditions
- Residency: You must be moving your primary residence to Italy.
- 12-Month Rule: Must have lived outside the EU for 12 months.
- Ownership: Goods must have been owned for at least 6 months.
- Timing: Import must happen within 12 months of establishing residency.
Common Reasons "Transfer of Residence" Is Rejected
- Codice Fiscale Date: Issued after the shipment arrived (must be before).
- Language: Inventory not translated into Italian.
- New Items: Goods still in original factory packaging (taxed).
- Address Proof: No proof of address registration attempt (
Dichiarazione di Residenza) at the Comune.
What About Alcohol & Wine?
- Small Quantities: A few personal bottles might pass.
- Collections: Large wine collections are treated as commercial imports.
- Tax: High duties and excise taxes apply regardless of "used" status. > Verdict: When in doubt, exclude alcohol from your household shipment.
Essential Documents Checklist:
- Passport Copy
- Visa Copy
- Codice Fiscale (Tax ID)
- Residency Certificate (or proof of application)
- Detailed Inventory (Signed, in Italian)
- Autocertificazione (Customs form provided by mover)
Part 5: Italy Pre-Shipping Checklist
Before booking your move, ensure you have ticked these critical boxes:
- Codice Fiscale: Obtained from Consulate in UAE.
- Housing Access: Checked if a big truck can fit your street (Google Street View is your friend).
- Lift/Elevator: Checked if furniture fits in the building elevator (or if external lift is needed).
- Residency Appointment: Know exactly where your local Anagrafe office is to register upon arrival.
Conclusion: A Beautiful Chaos
Moving to Italy is rewarding but requires patience. The key to success is securing your Codice Fiscale early and budgeting for Shuttle Services in historic centers.
This guide is regularly referenced by relocation consultants and international movers handling UAE–Italy transfers.
Don't let narrow streets or missing permits delay your delivery. Compare quotes from movers experienced with Italian ZTL rules, shuttle services, and Codice Fiscale clearance.