According to Italian law, you cease to be a tourist and become a resident when your stay exceeds three months within any six-month period. As a resident, you can benefit from the Italian healthcare system, have a doctor, and buy a car. As long as you are not a resident, this is not possible. Becoming a resident also means you must file annual tax returns and deregister as a resident in your country of origin, as it is not legally permitted to be a resident of two countries simultaneously.

If you apply for Italian residency, you should inform the country where you currently reside. This could affect your taxes and social security benefits there.

Obtaining residence differs for EU and non-EU citizens.

• If you are an EU citizen, all you have to do is go to your municipality’s registry office and file an application for residence. 
• If you are not an EU citizen, you need a Visa for long-term stay and, subsequently, a ‘Permesso di Soggiorno’ (Permit of Residence).

The visa for a long stay can be applied for for the following reasons:

• You have a job; you are self-employed; you are about to start a new business; you work as a freelancer; and you study in Italy.
• You join family members who live in Italy.

These circumstances must be demonstrated by providing proof of employment, income, savings, investments, accommodation, health care insurance, and family relations, etc. 

After arriving in Italy, this visa must be converted into a Permesso di Soggiorno, which is valid for between one and five years, depending on the specific circumstances.

Once you have your Permesso di Soggiorno, you can register as a resident with the local council where you live. In any case, you must do this within 90 days of your arrival. The next step, after living in Italy for five years, is to upgrade your Permesso di Soggiorno to an EC Residence Permit. Additionally, you can apply to become an Italian citizen over time if you wish.