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 →
Thinking About Retiring Abroad? Let’s Make It Happen.
Our team at Mitos Relocation guides you through every step of the process: from understanding visa and tax options to planning scouting trips, healthcare access, and lifestyle logistics.
We share a free 5-part email series with practical insights, key questions to consider, and useful resources to help you think things through before deciding.