Relocation & life
Housing, credit, banking, driving, schools, insurance and Italy ties.
Housing
Landlords check income, ID and credit. Newcomers can use the offer letter, a larger deposit or a guarantor service. Negotiate 30 to 60 days of temporary housing in your relocation package.
Credit score
Your Italian credit history doesn't transfer. Start with a secured card or your bank's card, pay in full monthly, and some card issuers can import international credit history.
Banking
Open a checking account on arrival with your passport, visa and address. Private-banking teams often help senior relocating executives open accounts before an SSN is issued.
Driving
Licenses are issued by each state and rules for foreign licenses vary. Most states expect new residents to obtain a local license within a set period.
Schools & family
Public schools are assigned by address; research districts before choosing a home. International and bilingual schools exist in major metros. Dependents need their own visas.
Insurance
Beyond health: renter's or homeowner's, auto, and an umbrella liability policy are standard for high earners in the U.S.
Staying connected to Italy
Register with AIRE within 90 days if you'll be abroad more than 12 months (fines since 2024). Italy's 2024 tax residency rules also look at physical presence and personal ties.
Navigating healthcare
Choose a primary care doctor early, use in-network providers, and understand urgent care versus the emergency room: costs differ hugely.
Cost of living
A salary in New York or San Francisco and one in Houston or Charlotte are not comparable. Weigh housing, state taxes, childcare and commuting when comparing offers.
How-to guides
How toBuild U.S. credit in 90 days
- Open a checking account and a secured or starter credit card in your first week.
- Ask whether your bank or card issuer can use your international credit history.
- Keep card use below 30% of the limit and pay the full balance every month.
- Put a utility or phone bill in your name.
- Check your credit reports for free and fix errors early.
How toYour first 30 days after arriving
- Week 1: I-9 at work, Social Security Number application, bank account, phone plan, temporary housing.
- Week 2: benefits enrollment, 401(k), health plan ID cards, find a primary care doctor.
- Week 3: long-term housing, schools, renter's insurance.
- Week 4: driver's license, AIRE registration with your consulate, credit card, car.
How toPlan a family relocation
- Confirm dependent visas and whether your spouse can work.
- Research school districts before choosing where to live; international schools have waiting lists.
- Transfer medical and school records, translated where needed.
- Budget for childcare, which is much more expensive than in Italy.
Explore more topics
Market & executive search
How senior hiring works, search firms, interviews, references and AI screening.
Read the guideCompensation
Base, bonus, LTI, sign-on, sales comp, pay transparency and exempt status.
Read the guideEquity & long-term incentives
RSUs, PSUs, options, vesting, 83(b), deferred comp and clawbacks.
Read the guideExecutive agreements
Cause, good reason, severance, change in control, covenants and D&O.
Read the guideVisas & green cards
O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, L-1, E-2, H-1B, Gold Card and citizenship.
Read the guideTaxes & wealth
Federal, state, SALT, equity taxes, FBAR, PFICs, estate and the U.S.–Italy treaty.
Read the guideBenefits & time off
Health plans, 401(k), HSA, ESPP, disability, PTO and parental leave.
Read the guideYour rights at work
At-will, discrimination, whistleblowing, background checks, AI rules, WARN.
Read the guideLeaving a job
Resigning, layoffs, separation agreements, severance and garden leave.
Read the guideLeadership & culture
U.S. vs. Italian work culture, leading U.S. teams, hybrid work.
Read the guideCredentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Read the guideTalk to us
We place senior and specialist professionals with leading Italian and international companies across the United States, and guide you from first interview to your first 90 days.
Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.