Best Italian Cities for Brazilians to Live in 2026

Choosing where to live in Italy is one of the most important decisions for Brazilians planning to start a new life in the European country, whether for ancestry, work, or quality of life. Each region offers a different combination of cost of living, professional opportunities, and proximity to Brazilian communities—factors that directly impact both adaptation and finances.

Rome: history, roots, and quality of life

Italy's capital remains one of the most sought-after destinations by Brazilians, especially those seeking connection with their roots and in the process of Italian citizenship recognition. Rome concentrates much of the public agencies related to citizenship processes and has one of the largest Brazilian communities in Italy.

Beyond symbolic value, the city offers high quality of life, with a public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) accessible to regularized residents. Neighborhoods like Monteverde, Trastevere, and San Giovanni are popular with Brazilians seeking safety and good urban infrastructure.

Another relevant factor is the growth of remote work opportunities. Many Brazilians moving to Rome maintain employment ties with companies in Brazil or provide services to international clients, taking advantage of the favorable time zone and the city's good connectivity.

Milan: professional opportunities and cosmopolitan life

Milan is the Italian city most associated with professional growth. The cost of living there is higher than in Rome, but remains moderate when compared to other European financial capitals like London or Paris.

The city hosts the country's most dynamic job market, with strong presence of multinationals, technology startups, and the fashion hub that attracts professionals from around the world. Renowned universities like Bocconi and Politecnico di Milano also attract Brazilians seeking internationally-weighted academic training.

Social life in Milan is intense, with a gastronomic scene reflecting the tradition of Italian cuisine combined with international influences. Restaurants, bars, and markets like Mercato Centrale make culinary experience part of the city's daily life.

Southern Italy: climate, beaches, and low cost of living

Southern cities like Bari, Salerno, and some locations in Calabria and Sicily have been gaining attention from Brazilians who prioritize low cost of living and mild climate for much of the year.

In these regions, rental and food costs are typically significantly lower than in the north. There is also noticeable growth of Brazilian immigrant communities, especially in smaller cities that offer closer welcome and informal support networks among fellow countrymen.

Proximity to the sea, warm climate, and the relaxed atmosphere typical of southern Italy mainly attract Brazilians who work remotely and don't depend on large urban centers to conduct their professional activities.

Turin: financial hub with modern infrastructure

Turin, capital of Piedmont, is another relevant hub for those seeking professional opportunities in northern Italy. The city is an important financial and industrial hub, with salaries generally more attractive than the national average.

Modern infrastructure and efficient public transportation facilitate life for those without a car—an important advantage for newly-arrived Brazilians. The metro, bus, and regional train systems connect the city and metropolitan area well.

The cost of living in Turin is higher than in southern and central Italy, but professional returns typically compensate, especially for those working in automotive, technology, and engineering sectors, traditionally strong in the region.

Medium-sized cities: accessibility and proximity to major destinations

For those seeking balance between affordable cost of living and quality of life, cities like Perugia, Ascoli Piceno, and Udine have become interesting alternatives. Rental and food prices in these localities are considerably lower than in major centers.

These cities typically have more welcoming communities and less competition in the local job market, which facilitates Brazilian insertion in small businesses, language teaching, and tourism sectors.

Another attraction is strategic location: residents of these cities have easy access to Venice, Florence, and Rome, allowing weekend trips without major travel, maintaining contact with the country's main cultural and tourist hubs.

Required documentation before moving

Before planning the move, it's essential to understand the legal procedures involved in life in Italy for immigrants. For Brazilians descended from Italians, the first step is usually to verify the possibility of citizenship recognition, a process that today follows mainly through judicial channels after changes brought by Decreto Tajani (DL 36/2025, converted into Lei 91/1992).

Those who haven't yet obtained citizenship need to arrange an appropriate residence visa for the purpose of stay—whether work, study, or family reunification. Italians with recognized citizenship, even while residing in Brazil, must regularize their situation with the AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero) before or soon after moving, as registration is mandatory for those beginning to reside outside Italy.

Upon arrival, you must visit the local comune to begin residence registration (residenza), presenting documents like proof of address, Italian passport (when applicable), and in many cases, updated certificates. For those still organizing original documentation, certificate searches in Italy may be a necessary step before travel.

Cost of living in Italy in 2026

The cost of living varies significantly depending on the region chosen. Generally, estimated monthly values for one person, including rent, food, and transportation, follow this reference:

• South and internal regions: between EUR 800 and EUR 1,200 monthly
• Central Italy: between EUR 1,200 and EUR 1,800 monthly
• Developed North (Milan, Turin): between EUR 1,800 and EUR 2,500 monthly

These values may vary according to lifestyle, type of housing chosen, and specific city within each region. Medium-sized cities in the center-north, like those mentioned earlier, typically fall in the intermediate range, offering good value for money.

Before deciding where to live, it's recommended to consider not only cost of living, but also proximity to family support networks, real professional opportunities, and estimated time for document regularization.

Choosing the right city in Italy depends on personal priorities: proximity to family roots, work opportunities, climate, or cost of living. Following Italy News and content about Life in Italy can help candidates make more informed decisions before the definitive move.

Want to know if you have the right to Italian citizenship? Speak with a specialized advisory.