How to Transfer Money from USA to Italy
USA to Italy Guide
Summary
The United States and Italy, one of the original members of the European Union (EU), have a number of long-standing political and economic alliances, as well as one of the most valuable trade and investment relationshipsin the world. Currently, there are no restrictions for American citizens or businesses who wish to transfer money from USA to Italy and convert USD to EUR for their personal or professional requirements.
Visas, work permits and residency
American citizens who are visiting Italy for work, study, or business and plan to stay less than 90 days do not need a visa. Italy, as part of the Schengen zone, requires only a valid passport for US citizens who wish to stay less than 90 days. For stays of 90 days or longer, American citizens must apply for a visa through their nearest Italian embassy or consulate. For Americans seeking stays longer than three months or permanent residency, Italy requires the submission of a visa application before arrival, and then a residency permit application (permesso di soggiorno) must be completed once within Italy.
Buying property in Italy
Purchasing property for American citizens is relatively easy in Italy, as there are currently no restrictions on foreign property ownership. Obtaining the services of a licensed real estate agent is advisable, however, as there are two important steps required by Italian law before a property purchase is considered legal and complete. Once these steps have been completed, a US citizen may then arrange to transfer money from USA to Italy to complete their property purchase.
To initiate a property purchase, the buyer and the agent must write up a document called the commitment agreement, which provides details on the property, including the price to be paid. Once the commitment agreement is signed, the deed of sale is written, which is then notarized by a public notary. While it is not mandatory that the commitment agreement be notarized, the deed of sale is required to be notarized by an authorized public notary. In real estate transactions, the public notary acts as an official representative of the Italian state and is also responsible for registering the transfer of the property at the land registry office.
Studying in Italy
If planning to study in Italy for less than 90 days American students do not need a short-stay visa. For study periods of longer than 90 days, American citizens must apply for a longer-stay student visa. Once in Italy, the student must visit their local questura, or immigration office, to validate their student visa and obtain a resident permit. Currently, there are no restrictions on Americans who wish to transfer money from USA to Italy to pay for student fees.
Taxation
American citizens living abroad must declare their earnings by filing tax forms annually, and must pay taxes on their worldwide earned income to the US government. By Italian law, non-residents are taxed only on the income they generate from local work. The US and Italy have a tax treaty agreement in place to avoid double taxation of citizens living and working in either country. Currently, an American citizen who pays taxes in Italy is eligible to receive tax credits with the US government. There are no restrictions in place at this time for US citizens who need to make an international funds transfer to Italy to pay for any taxes owed.
Healthcare
Italy’s national health insurance is managed by the National Health Service. All residents pay taxes to help fund this system, and non-citizens who have a resident card are permitted to enroll in the service. Under the national health plan, hospital services are free of charge. For non-residents or visitors, emergency treatment is available free or low-cost. However, it is advisable for American citizens traveling in Italy to have a private insurance policy that covers overseas healthcare services, or to obtain traveler’s insurance for the duration of the visit.
Voting
US citizens living in Italy are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in American presidential, primary, and state elections. American citizens must first register for absentee balloting with the last American state precinct in which they were registered, and will then be eligible to vote by absentee ballot.
Importing from the US to Italy
As one of the founding countries in the European Union, Italy and the United States have one of the largest two-way trading relationships in the world, with two-way trade of goods and services between the countries estimated at $1.06 trillion in 2013 with large amounts of dollars converted to euros every day. Currently, the US and the EU are in discussions for their latest trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a trade and investment agreement which seeks to reduce tariffs and trade regulations and enhance business and investment opportunities.
The US and the EU also work together on a number of other global and regional initiatives in support of human rights, global safety, and political alliances. The EU represents the second largest imports market for the US. Total imports to the EU in 2013 were valued at $262.3 billion, accounting for 16.6% of overall US imports that year. US foreign direct investment and money transfers into the EU was valued at $2.2 trillion in 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the money transfer companies shown above safe to use?
Yes, all the companies are safe and fully-regulated money transfer services.
Each are authorised and regulated by the relevant authority such as the Financial
Conduct Authority(FCA) in the UK, FinCEN in the US, FinTRAC in Canada or ASIC in Australia.
How long does an international money transfer take?
The speed of delivery will depend on where the money is being from and to and how
you are sending and receiving the money. Transfers sent using bank to bank transfers
can depend take anywhere from minutes to days and you should check the time estimates
from the relevant provider. Debit and credit card payments sometimes allow for faster
transfers for smaller amounts.
How do I use FXcompared?
First review the comparison results (such as for a table above) for a given amount
of money sending from USA to Italy. Then select a provider based on
factors such as price, speed, their rating and click the green button to be taken to
their website. From there, you can register and sign up for an account. Once you have
done that and the provider has verified your identity to ensure the money can be send
safely, you will be ready to transfer money.
What payments methods can I use to send money overseas?
The results shown above are typically for bank to bank transfers. It is possible
via some providers to pay in your funds for the transfer via cash, debit or credit
cards as well but this is usually reserved for smaller amounts. Some providers also
give you different options for how the money will be received - to a bank account
(most common), to a debit card, to cash or to a digital or mobile wallet.
What if the price shown above isn’t exactly what I am offered when I try to transfer money?
There can be a number of reasons why the final price you are offered may be different
to that shown in the table above. Exchange rates between two currencies change all
the time and is the most common reason. Additionally, some providers offer different
pricing depending what method you are using to send funds or how the funds will be
received. Others may offer you a premium service for faster payments. In some cases
FXcompared has a special rate with a provider and this is reserved for first time
customers who sign up to the provider starting from FXcompared’s website.
As prices do change often, be sure to confirm the total cost with the provider
before transferring money.
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