Skip to content If you are planning to move to Italy and looking for the best cities to settle in, then you might want to consider moving to Parma. Parma is located in the western part of Emilia-Romagna and has of approximately 195.000 inhabitants. Famous worldwide for its gastronomy and for being the capital of Parmigiano and Prosciutto, it was also the Italian capital of culture 2020+21.
Moving to Parma from abroad
The immigration process is different for EU and extra-EU nationals. If you are an extra-EU citizen, you will need a visa to enter the country. There are different types of Italian visas depending on your needs. However, based on the activity and visa you applied for, there may be different requirements to comply with. But basically, one of the first requirements after entering Italy and arriving to Parma is to register your presence at Questura di Parma.
On the other hand, EU Citizen entering the Country would only need an ID or Passport, but shall still apply for a Fiscal Code.
Regardless of different cases, both EU and Extra-EU citizens need to enrol at Parma Town Hall.
Where to live after moving to Parma
The second step in your moving process is finding the perfect home. We know that the choice is not easy, as there are many factors to consider. The following are some of our best neighborhood suggestions:
- Oltretorrente: this is the University district, conveniently located near the historic centre. It is a nice neighbourhood full of shops and bars.
- San Lazzaro: this is the residential district, located in the eastern part of Parma and not far from the city centre. It is a peaceful area, which makes it the perfect neighbourhood for families.
- Cittadella: this is an exclusive and wealthy district, located south of the city centre. In this neighbourhood, you can find many green areas and there is also the Tardini Stadium, the home of the local football team.
Parma also offers the opportunity to live in developing residential areas just a short distance from the city, yet surrounded by greenery, such as the Eurosia and Parma Mia neighbourhoods. These areas are characterized by their proximity to essential services, including supermarkets and public transport, while also providing a peaceful and green environment, ideal for those seeking a high quality of life without giving up convenience.
Healthcare assistance in Parma
Moving to Parma gives you access to Emilia-Romagna’s public health system, which is one of the best in Italy, and provides very efficient services to its citizens.
Foreign nationals legally residing in Italy have the right to enrol in the National Health System to, and to be assisted by a family doctor or pediatrician.
Parma, the capital of the Food Valley
Parma is the gastronomic centre of the “Italian Food Valley,” an area that also includes the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. This region owes its name to the remarkable concentration of PDO and PGI products, which guarantee authenticity, traditional methods, and a strong link to the territory.
Among the most renowned products Parmigiano Reggiano, Coppa, and Prosciutto di Parma, alongside Modena’s traditional balsamic vinegar, all of which reflect centuries of artisanal expertise. Beyond its products, the region is characterized by a rich culinary culture, where local trattorias and producers preserve and celebrate flavours that are deeply rooted in the land.
Thanks to its culinary tradition, in 2015, UNESCO recognized Parma as “UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy”; they award this recognition to cities that demonstrate a strong relationship with gastronomy.
Not only food
Besides food, Parma is also famous for “Festival Verdi”, which is held every year in October. This is a festival dedicated to opera and to the composer Giuseppe Verdi, who was born in Busseto, a city near Parma. During this important event, the city of Parma organizes numerous activities in the city center and many theatrical performances at the Teatro Regio, one of the most important traditional theaters in Italy.
Moreover, in 2020 and 2021 Parma was the Italian capital of culture and therefore there is no shortage of cultural activities. For example, there are various museums which present art collections and historical artefacts, as well as displays dedicated to food.
The most important art gallery in Parma is the National gallery, which houses a lot of medieval works of art from important Italian artists, among which there is one from one of the greatest artists and men of all time, Leonardo Da Vinci. In addition, Parma is home to the National Archaeological Museum, one of the oldest museums in Italy, located in the Pilotta complex.
At the same time, in addition to being known for its rich culinary and historical traditions, the city of Parma represents a very important industrial hub thanks to the presence of leading companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food, which together represent a center of excellence at an international level.
Last but not least, Parma hosts one of the most ancient universities in the world, the University of Parma.
Parma’s climate: how’s the weather in Emilia-Romagna?
The climate is distinctly continental in the lowlands, with hot summers and cold, wet, foggy winters. Snowfalls are not absent in the city, with an average of about 35/40 cm (14/16 in) of snow each winter.
In the summer, average temperatures can be around 28ºC (82°F). While during winter can be around 6°C (43°F).
Transportations and connections while and after moving to Parma
Right outside the city, there is the Parma airport which, from March to October, is connected to some Italian cities such as Palermo and Cagliari as well as to other international destinations such as London, Tirana and Chişinău. For all the other destinations, there is the airport G. Marconi Bologna BLQ, located in Bologna, only one hour driving from Parma.
Parma is also well connected with the main Italian highways (A22, A14, A1…) that will enable you to easily reach some of Italy’s most attractive cities, such as Florence or Verona; the Riviera for your summer holidays, or the UNESCO world-heritage Dolomiti for your winter fun
In addition, Liguria is within comfortable reach, where you can explore one of Italy’s most stunning destinations, the Cinque Terre.
If, instead, you prefer travelling by train, in Parma there is also a railway station, with daily trains to both the North and the South of Italy.
Inside Parma
Public transport
Parma’s main public transport system is run by TEP. It mainly operates bus lines and some urban trolleybus routes. The “Happy Bus” service has been operating for a few years. This service similar to the one offered by the school bus. For a fee, it transports children with specifically set up buses with games and entertainment on the home-school route and back.
The service “Pollicino” is a service focused on the transportation of the disabled. It works on reservation. Moreover, it is always guaranteed even in case of strikes, and it also has nocturnal service. Since 2011 it passed under management of the Parma’s Public Assistance under the name “Pellicano”).
Other ways to move
Parma gives you more options in terms of mobility other then the traditional ways of moving: both electric and normal bicycles, and electric scooters are undoubtedly very popular means of individual transportation within the city, thanks in part to its completely flat terrain.
Getting around in “environmentally friendly” means of transport contributes significantly to the reduction of air pollution.
These kinds of ways to move around Parma, of course, are allowed by the urban structure of the city itself, which, despite hosting almost 200.000 people, has a network of roads, bike and pedestrian paths that can perfectly connect all the points of interest of the city.
Still not convinced?
If you are looking to move to Italy but worry about the application process for the Italian Visa or finding a new home, then don’t worry! Studio Arletti & Partners can help you during the entire process of relocating you and/or your entire family.