Italy permits foreign buyers to acquire real estate, but non-EU citizens are subject to rules on reciprocity and the buyer’s individual status. For an American buyer, the practical starting point is to verify that the transaction is permitted in the specific case and then focus on the property itself.

Buying a house does not give you residency

Property ownership and immigration status are separate. An American can own an Italian home without automatically gaining the right to live in Italy indefinitely. Stays over 90 days, elective residence, work and other long-term situations follow immigration rules that should be checked through the official Visa for Italy portal and the competent Italian consulate.

What you normally need before purchase

• A valid passport.
• An Italian tax code (codice fiscale).
• A clear method for transferring and documenting funds.
• A notary for the final deed.
• Technical and legal checks appropriate to the property.

The important part is what happens before the deed

Foreign buyers often assume the final notary appointment is where all risk is discovered. That is too late. The property’s planning status, cadastral information, ownership, mortgages, technical condition and any proposed renovation should be examined earlier, especially before a binding proposal or preliminary contract.

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Official reference points: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on rights and reciprocity, the Visa for Italy portal, and the Italian Revenue Agency guide to buying a home. Information is general and should be checked for the buyer’s specific case.