What You Need to Know When You’re Moving to Venice

Relocating to Venice

About the City

Based in the Venetian Lagoon in the northeastern part of Italy, the historic city of Venice has a population of roughly 60,000. However, in total there are more than 270,000 living in the Comune of Venezia, which includes the mainland and other islands.

Inhabitants have lived in the city since the 10th century BC, and the city was originally part of the Republic of Venice. This existed until the 17th century following a long history of war, with the republic forming from a collection of communities defending the area from the Lombards and Huns.

Venice was a major maritime center in the Renaissance and became known for several important artistic movements, especially the Renaissance period. Art and music have long been associated with Venice, which played host to important developments in operatic music.

The Climate in Venice

With a climate similar to the rest of Italy, Venice typically has cooler winters and warmer summers. Temperatures can reach as low as -1°C in January, but up to 30°C in July and August.

However, heavy rain regularly floods the city due to its unique connection to the water. The high waters, known as acqua alta, are more likely to take place in the winter months and particularly affect the historic St Mark’s Square (due to its proximity to the lagoon). For tourists, this may be off putting but locals (and expats) are used to the rise and fall of the tide.

Visas for Italy

Expatriates from the European Union, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, do not need a visa to enter Italy, as long as they have a valid identity document (passport). Those from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Brazil, Canada, Israel and Japan also do not need a visa as long as they are there for less than 90 days. However, expats looking to work in Venice would need to obtain a working visa at the Italian embassy in their country of birth.

If you are an EU citizen, you must register at the Venice town hall when moving to Venice in order to work. To register, written proof of employment from your respective employer in the city is necessary. For expats from outside the European Union, there are two work visas available.

The first is a distacco visa, which is short-term and not renewable. It’s valid for two to three years and only applicable if a non-Italian company pays you. The second is a quota visa, which is for those employed by Italian companies. However, these are limited and controlled by the government, so it is best to speak to the Italian embassy in your home country. You can find more information regarding such visa matters in our article on Moving to Italy.