Top 5 Reasons Retirees Are Moving to Italy
Aug 4, 2025
From timeless beauty to modern incentives, here’s why Italy tops the list for retirement abroad.
Thinking of retiring abroad? Italy continues to capture the hearts — and plans — of retirees from around the world. With its incredible variety of landscapes, rich culture, and appealing financial incentives, retiring in Italy offers a compelling alternative to staying put.
If you’re dreaming of la dolce vita, here are five reasons why Italy may be the perfect place to spend your next chapter.
1. Diverse Lifestyle Options: From Mountains to Mediterranean
Italy offers an extraordinary range of lifestyles within one country. Want to ski in the Alps, stroll cobbled villages, or enjoy sun-soaked days by the sea? You can do it all without ever crossing the border.
Whether you’re drawn to the culture and cuisine of Tuscany, the relaxed pace of Puglia, or the lakes and mountains of the north, there’s a corner of Italy that can match your pace and preferences.
🔗 Want help exploring Italian regions? Read our regional retirement guide →
2. Attractive 7% Tax Incentive for Foreign Pensioners
Italy has become increasingly competitive from a tax perspective. One standout is the 7% flat tax regime for foreign retirees — available for up to 10 years if you relocate to a qualifying smaller town in southern Italy or parts of the islands.
This is particularly attractive for those drawing pensions from abroad, including UK SIPPs, US 401(k)s, or public pensions, as it offers predictability and potentially large savings.
🔗 Curious if you qualify? Learn more about Italy’s 7% tax incentive →
3. High-Quality, Affordable Healthcare
Italy ranks among the best in the world for healthcare access, and is one of the few countries that allows you to register for it, with fees that do not depend on age. Many other popular retirement destinations only allow for this once you become a permanent resident, but in Italy you can do it from day 1. Once registered with the local health system (SSN), many services are either free or heavily subsidised — from GP visits to hospital stays.
Private healthcare is also widely available and often far more affordable than in the US, UK, or other common countries of origin giving you peace of mind in retirement without breaking the bank.
🔗 Want to understand better your health options? Learn more about Italy's healthcare system →
4. A Rich Cultural Life and Slower Pace
Retirement is about more than finances — it’s about quality of life. And few places rival Italy’s rhythm. From daily markets and passeggiata strolls to opera, wine festivals, and ancient traditions, everyday life is infused with culture and connection.
Italians take time to enjoy meals, celebrate regional identities, and cultivate relationships — values that align beautifully with what many people seek in retirement.
🔗 Unsure about settling in? Explore what to do if you change your mind after moving abroad →
5. Well-Connected and Easy to Explore
Despite its laid-back charm, Italy is extremely well connected. Retirees benefit from excellent rail networks, domestic flights, and proximity to other European destinations.
Want to visit your children in London, attend a wedding in Paris, or enjoy a weekend in Croatia? It’s all feasible from your Italian base. Many cities across the countries also have direct flights to the Americas and Asia.
🔗 Still choosing between destinations? Get clarity on where to retire →
Ready to Explore Your Own Move to Italy?
At Mitos Relocation, we support you from the very beginning — not just with paperwork, but with the bigger picture. If you’re still asking yourself “Is this the right move?”, we help you explore both the practical and emotional sides of retiring in Italy. That includes expert advice on visas, tax incentives, healthcare, and cost of living — alongside personal coaching to assess your goals, lifestyle preferences, and readiness to take the leap.
To make sure your decision is well-informed, we also design personalised scouting trips that go far beyond sightseeing. These trips are a chance to ‘test drive’ daily life in your chosen location, meet expats, explore housing, and get a real sense of what life might feel like — all with expert planning and support.
And when you’re ready to move, our customizable relocation packages ensure nothing falls through the cracks. We coordinate all the key steps — from immigration and housing to healthcare, cultural integration, and post-move support — so you can move abroad with clarity and confidence, knowing that every detail is covered.
👉 Book your free intro call and start building your retirement abroad — with clarity and confidence.