Are you a non-EU citizen interested in buying property in Italy?

Check if you can buy property in Italy

Italy follows something called the reciprocity principle.

Ways you can determine if your country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy:

  1. Consult the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: here you’ll find the most recent list of bilateral agreements.

  2. Check UNCTAD’s IIA Navigator: This resource lists Italy’s investment treaties with other countries.

  3. Contact Italian Diplomatic Missions: Reach out to the Italian embassy or consulate where you are located.

Other ways you can verify

In plain terms: if Italians can buy property in your home country, you can buy property in Italy.

The good news? You don’t have to guess. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs keeps a list of countries with reciprocity treaties. The not-so good news is that it’s in Italian legalese.

So we've cut through the complexity for you. Here’s a breakdown of who can buy what and where for the most common non-EU homebuyers.

Check the status of your country

Please note: This information is provided for general guidance only. Property purchase regulations can change without notice, and individual cases may vary.

Always consult with a qualified Italian notary or legal expert who specializes in international real estate transactions before proceeding with any property purchase in Italy.

Last updated April 2025.

  • ✅ Australians can buy property in Italy.

    Because Italy has a reciprocal treaty with Australia, you don’t need residency, or a special permit to buy property in Italy. On paper, you’re good to go.

    But here’s the catch.

    Australia limits what Italians can buy—mostly new builds or land, and only with prior approval. Italy takes those restrictions into account when applying reciprocity. So even with a treaty in place, what happens in practice comes down to the Italian notary handling your purchase.

    In Italy, the notaio (notary) is the legal authority who confirms the legality of the transaction. Some notaios are more cautious than others—especially if they’re in regions with stricter oversight or have limited experience working with international buyers.

    Best way to move forward:

    • Work with a notary that is experienced with international transactions

    • Consult with a local notary before making an offer

    • Make any formal offer contingent on the notary’s approval of your eligibility to purchase

  • ⚠️ Limited eligibility

    Reciprocity exists, but extra checks are often needed. Confirm case-by-case with a notary.

  • Norwya

  • Switzerland and Italy maintain a reciprocity agreement allowing Swiss citizens to purchase Italian property with specific conditions.

    What You Can Buy as an individual:

    • Holiday homes up to 200 square meters of living space

    • Land attached to these properties up to 1,000 square meters

    • Commercial-use properties without size restrictions

    • Properties received through inheritance

    What you can buy as a Swiss company:

    • Properties for company headquarters

    • Facilities for business operations related to your company's activities

    What You Cannot Buy

    • Properties intended purely as investments (except commercial properties)

    • Agricultural land (requires special authorization)

    • Properties where you'll change the declared use after purchase

    Key Details

    Inheritance: Full reciprocity for legitimate heirs. Parents, grandparents, children, and spouses face no limitations.

    Business entities: Swiss citizens can form Italian corporations (S.p.A.), limited liability companies (S.r.L.), and partnerships, though some require at least one Italy-resident representative.

    This information reflects the bilateral agreements between Italy and Switzerland as of April 2025.

  • ✅ Yes

    No special conditions. Reciprocity fully active.

  • ✅ Yes

    No special conditions. Reciprocity fully active.