Where to Live With Italian Citizenship: Top 10 Countries

Why Consider Countries Other Than Italy?

For those who achieve Italian citizenship, a world of opportunities opens up. With an Italian passport, you can live and work legally in any European Union country, in addition to having facilitated access to nations like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Many Italian descendants discover that, although Italy is the cradle of their citizenship, other countries offer more advantageous conditions in terms of salaries, the job market, and quality of life. In this guide, we present the 10 most attractive destinations for those with a European passport in 2025.

Ranking: Countries with the Best Salaries for Italian Citizens

1. Australia - €2,650/month

Minimum wage: AUD 4,108 per month (approximately €2,650)

Main job openings: Construction, nursing, cleaning services, hospitality, and technology

Australia offers excellent quality of life and facilitates visas for qualified European citizens. The country is ideal for those seeking high salaries combined with a pleasant climate and exuberant nature.

2. Ireland - €2,444/month

Minimum wage: €2,444 per month

Main job openings: Customer service, technology, finance, pharmaceuticals, and tourism

Home to tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Apple, Ireland stands out for its abundant job offers in multinationals. English as the official language facilitates adaptation for Brazilians.

3. Netherlands - €2,410/month

Minimum wage: €2,410 per month

Main job openings: Logistics, modern agriculture, IT, administrative services, and engineering

English is widely accepted in the workplace, making it easier for professionals who do not speak Dutch to enter the market. The country is known for its excellent infrastructure and quality of life.

4. Sweden - €2,300/month (average)

Minimum wage: There is no fixed national amount. The union average is around €2,300

Main job openings: Engineering, healthcare, technology, sustainability, and design

Collective bargaining ensures high salaries in Sweden. English is sufficient to start working, and the country offers an excellent social welfare system.

5. Canada - €2,300/month

Minimum wage: CAD 2,300 to 2,900 per month (approximately €2,300)

Main job openings: Healthcare, transport, technology, construction, logistics, and social services

The Canadian government maintains specific programs to attract foreign professionals, especially in areas with a shortage of skilled labor.

6. Germany - €2,222/month

Minimum wage: €2,222 per month

Main job openings: Engineering, information technology, nursing, logistics, and construction

Europe's largest economy has a high demand for skilled labor and robust integration policies for European Union citizens. Check our guide on how to live in Germany.

7. Belgium - €2,120/month

Minimum wage: €2,120 per month

Main job openings: European Union bodies, engineering, technology, and transport

Headquarters of the main EU institutions, Belgium offers excellent public service structure and exceptional job security.

8. France - €1,820/month

Minimum wage: €1,820 per month

Main job openings: Gastronomy, hospitality, transport, fashion, construction, and education

European citizens have direct access to the healthcare system and public universities without additional costs. The country combines a rich culture with diverse opportunities.

9. Spain - €1,323/month

Minimum wage: €1,323 per month

Main job openings: Tourism, agriculture, construction, gastronomy, and call centers

With a pleasant climate and an accessible language for Brazilians, Spain is one of the favorite destinations for Brazilians with a European passport. See more in our guide on how to live in Spain.

10. Portugal - €870/month

Minimum wage: €870 per month

Main job openings: Hospitality, restaurants, construction, commerce, and elderly care

Despite having the lowest minimum wage in the eurozone, Portugal is the most welcoming country for Brazilians due to the language and cultural proximity. Learn more about how to live in Portugal.

What About Italy? Is It Worth Living There?

Despite being the cradle of citizenship, Italy has not been the preferred destination for Italian descendants who obtain a European passport. The main reasons include:

• Absence of a national minimum wage: Earnings are defined by collective agreements, creating variations and insecurity
• Salary range: Low-skilled workers earn between €1,100 and €1,590 gross/month
• High unemployment rate: Especially among young people, unemployment is a challenge
• Bureaucracy: Excessive processes for opening businesses and administrative procedures
• High cost of living: Cities like Rome and Milan have costs comparable to other European capitals

According to data from Istat (Istituto Nazionale di Statistica - National Institute of Statistics of Italy), more than 191,000 Italians left the country in 2024 in search of better opportunities abroad.

To get to know the country better, check our complete guide on how to live in Italy.

How to Choose the Best Destination?

Choosing the ideal country depends on several personal factors:

1. Professional field: Some countries have more demand for certain professions
2. Language: Consider whether you already master or are willing to learn the local language
3. Climate: Preferences for warm or cold weather can influence your decision
4. Cost of living: Higher salaries do not always mean more purchasing power
5. Quality of life: Healthcare system, safety, and leisure vary greatly between countries
6. Family: Proximity to Brazil and ease of visits can be important

Benefits of the Italian Passport

With recognized Italian citizenship, you have access to:

• Free movement in the EU: Live, work, and study in 27 countries without bureaucracy
• Ease of entry into other countries: Facilitation agreements with Australia, Canada, USA, and others
• European healthcare system: Access to the European Health Insurance Card
• Education: Public universities with reduced or free tuition fees
• Consular protection: Assistance in any country in the world

Conclusion

An Italian passport opens doors to opportunities worldwide. Whether in the European Union, Australia, or Canada, Italian citizens have significant advantages in the global job market.

If you haven't started your Italian citizenship process yet, this is the ideal time. Studio Cidadania offers specialized consultancy to guide you through every step of the recognition process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country pays the best for those with Italian citizenship?

Australia leads the ranking with a minimum wage of approximately €2,650 per month, followed by Ireland (€2,444) and the Netherlands (€2,410).

Can I work in any European country with an Italian passport?

Yes. With Italian citizenship, you can live and work legally in any of the 27 European Union countries without the need for a work visa.

Does Italy have a minimum wage?

There is no national minimum wage fixed by law in Italy. Earnings are defined by collective agreements between unions and employers, varying by sector.

Is Portugal worth it even with a low salary?

Portugal offers advantages such as a shared language, cultural proximity to Brazil, and a lower cost of living than other European countries. For many Brazilians, these factors compensate for the lower salary.

Do I need to validate my diploma to work in Europe?

It depends on the profession. Some regulated areas (such as medicine, engineering, and law) require validation or recognition of the diploma. Non-regulated professions generally do not.