Part of our Moving to Europe, Australia & New Zealand guide
Moving to Italy from the USA (2026 Guide)
Customs relief, documents, ports and delivery for shipping household goods from the United States to Italy.
Short answer
Italy's customs agency (ADM) grants duty and VAT relief on personal goods when you move your normal residence from outside the EU, using form F-01 A. You need 12 consecutive months' residence outside the EU and 6 months' use of the goods, and you apply at the customs office for your arrival point within 12 months. Containers usually arrive at Genoa, La Spezia or Livorno.
Duty-free import rules for Italy
Standard EU removal-goods relief applies: at least 12 months living outside the EU, goods owned and used for at least 6 months, and import within 12 months of moving. Full EU conditions are on our customs guide.
- Italy uses form F-01 A with a list of household goods and proof of residence abroad (for example AIRE registration or a consular certificate).
Official source: ADM (Italian Customs): customs FAQ on transfer of residence.
Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.
Ports and delivery
Common container ports include Genoa, La Spezia and Livorno. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples.
Good to know
Vatican City moves are handled through Rome; ask your mover about access and paperwork.
Getting quotes for Italy
Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.
Leaving from a U.S. city
Licensed movers for Italy
Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.
Frequently asked questions
What form do I need to move household goods to Italy?
ADM form F-01 A for personal goods of people transferring residence from a non-EU country.
How do I prove I lived outside the EU?
Examples include an employer certificate, a lease abroad, AIRE registration or a consular certificate.
Is my car included in Italian relief?
A car you used abroad for at least 6 months can be included; list it on the form.
How long does it take to ship household goods to Italy?
It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.
Which movers can ship my belongings to Italy?
Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.
Get free quotes from licensed movers
One short form for International Moving Company. Pick items from the inventory list or upload a quick video walkthrough. Your request is shared with Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers so you can compare their quotes. Free, no obligation.