Moving to Rome
Make yourself at home in Rome.
Your practical guide for relocating families.
Relocating to Rome
with Your Family
Moving your life to a new country is an extraordinary adventure but we know it also comes with a long to-do list and plenty of questions. Whether you are navigating Italian immigration for the first time or trying to figure out the best neighbourhood for your family, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve put together this guide for families relocating to Rome to help make your transition to life in the Eternal City as smooth and exciting as possible.
Five Tips for Settling into Life in Rome
Here are five helpful tips to help you get settled and feel at home:
1. Plan Around the School Year
Review our School Calendar and Term Dates to plan your move, coordinate your child's start date, and stay informed about holidays, parent-teacher meetings, and key school events.
2. Choose the Right Neighbourhood for You
Rome is a city of distinct, beautiful districts, each offering a different lifestyle. Best neighbourhoods in Rome for international families:
- North Rome (Vigna Clara, Cassia & Fleming): Quiet, green, and highly convenient for a short daily commute to campus.
- South Rome (EUR): Spacious and modern with wide avenues and artificial lake parks, ideal for families working at international headquarters.
- Central Rome (Monteverde & Aventino): Offers historic charm, high walkability, and easy access to major city parks like Villa Doria Pamphili.
3. Organise Your Essential Documents
One of your first priorities should be obtaining a Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code) through the Agenzia delle Entrate. You'll need it for many everyday tasks, including opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, setting up utilities, and obtaining a SIM card.
4. Arrange Healthcare
Register with the regional healthcare system through Salute Lazio to access public healthcare, find a local paediatrician, or explore English-speaking private healthcare providers across Rome.
5. Learn How to Get Around Rome
Use ATAC Roma to plan journeys and purchase public transport tickets, and check Roma Servizi per la Mobilità for traffic and restricted driving zones. Families wishing to use the RIS school bus can register directly with our transport provider, Todde Bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which neighbourhood in Rome is best for an expat family to live in?
RIS Rome International School is located in the north-west quadrant of Rome, close to the city centre. We are happy to share some guidance on areas near the campus, which are popular with our international families and offer easy commutes. These typically include the neighbourhoods of Balduina, Flaminio, Parioli, Pinciano, Prati, Trieste, Salario, Ponte Milvio, Vigna Clara, and Vigna Stelluti. Popular areas also include Aventino for central green spaces, Olgiata, Cassia, and Monteverde for families seeking larger villas with private gardens.
If you would benefit from further support, we can put you in touch with a few trusted relocation agencies we regularly collaborate with.
RIS Rome also has a partnership with a leading housing agent, Engel & Völkers, which works alongside the school’s community support services to assist relocating international families. They help incoming expatriate parents and diplomatic staff find suitable housing near the campus, smoothing the transition into life in Rome.
2. How does the school admissions timeline work for families relocating mid-year or on short notice?
At RIS Rome, we operate on a rolling admissions basis to accommodate families moving to Rome, including diplomatic, corporate and national/international relocation. While applying early (6–12 months prior) secures a spot, families moving mid-term can often be placed depending on grade-level availability. Admissions decisions are based on scrutiny of past academic records, interviews, and assessments (such as the CAT4 test for Middle and High School applicants). The outcomes are communicated within seven to ten working days of document completion.
3. What essential administrative documents do we need to set up life in Rome?
To rent a home, set up utilities, open a bank account, or enrol in healthcare, you will need an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). Non-EU citizens will also require a long-stay visa and must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Keep apostilled/certified translations of birth certificates, vaccination/immunisation records, and previous official academic transcripts.
4. Do we need a car in Rome, or can we rely on public transportation?
If you live in central neighbourhoods, public transport (metro, buses, trams) and walking are convenient. However, owning a car is recommended and often necessary. At RIS Rome, we offer dedicated door-to-door and shuttle bus routes covering key residential areas, in partnership with our trusted supplier, Todde Bus. The RIS Rome Team would be happy to assist you further.
5. How does healthcare work for international families in Italy?
Residents registered with the Italian municipality can access Italy’s public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN), which provides free or low-cost care by assigning a family pediatrician/doctor (medico di medicina generale). Many relocating families also opt for private international health insurance to access private clinics with English-speaking specialists.
6. Will my non-Italian-speaking children be able to make friends and integrate?
Yes! At RIS Rome, our school environment blends international, expat, and local Italian families. Children quickly absorb the language through daily interactions (play/breaktimes), Italian language courses, and clubs. Each child is assigned a House at enrolment. The House system is also another way that children can make friends beyond their class.
7. How easy is it to find domestic help, childcare, or after-school care?
Domestic assistance (cleaners, housekeepers, and babysitters) is widely accessible and common among expat and local families in Rome. At RIS Rome, we offer after-school activities, a late bus service, and extended care for younger children until late afternoon.
8. How can spouses and non-working partners build a social network?
Connecting with vibrant expat networks makes settling in smooth. Expat forums, local language-exchange meetups, and neighbourhood clubs offer regular coffee mornings, cultural tours, and volunteer opportunities. Our Team would be happy to suggest local associations that you can be a part of.
Your Journey to Rome Starts Here
Moving to a new country is a big step, but you don't have to do it alone. Our admissions team and parent community are here to answer your questions, share local advice, and help your family settle into life at Rome International School and in the city beyond. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus and helping you feel at home from day one.