Step by Step Guide to Retiring in Italy – Updated 2025
Apr 8, 2025
How to access la dolce vita you're dreaming about
Retiring in Italy means immersing yourself in a country that blends beauty, history, great food, and a relaxed lifestyle – all with excellent healthcare and Mediterranean charm. But as with any major move, retiring abroad requires some planning. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help you understand what it takes to retire in Italy.
Why Retire in Italy?
Italy has long been a dream destination for retirees – and it’s easy to see why.
Lifestyle
• La Dolce Vita – Life in Italy moves at a slower pace. Community, family, and shared meals are central to daily life.
• Diverse Landscapes – Snow-capped Alps, sun-soaked beaches, rolling hills, historic towns, and peaceful lakes: Italy offers something for everyone.
• Food and Wine – The Mediterranean diet isn’t just delicious, it’s also one of the healthiest in the world. Each region offers unique culinary traditions.
• History and Culture – Beyond Rome, Venice, and Florence, every small town has a story to tell – from Roman ruins to medieval hilltop villages.
Financial Benefits
• Tax Incentives – Particularly appealing in southern Italy and certain central regions.
• Cost of Living – Varies significantly from north to south, with affordable options available.
• Stability – As a member of the EU and one of the world’s largest economies, Italy offers strong infrastructure and services.
Step-by-Step Guide to Retiring in Italy
1. Visa and Residency Requirements
Your path depends on your nationality:
• EU/EEA citizens can move freely to Italy and register their residency easily.
• Non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, will need a visa.
The Elective Residency Visa (ERV)
This is the main visa route for retirees.
Key requirements:
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency (technically at least €31,000 per year in savings or income – but a buffer can help)
• A place to live in Italy (rented or owned)
• Private health insurance
Application process:
1. Apply for a 1-year visa from your home country – not strictly required, but strongly recommended.
2. Once in Italy, apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit) within 8 days of arrival.
Bureaucracy in Italy can be complex. Getting local legal support is highly recommended.
Useful things to know:
⚠️ The ERV does not allow you to work in Italy.
Initial length: usually 2 years, renewable.
Eligible for long-term residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
There’s also a Golden Visa option for high-net-worth individuals, though this doesn’t include real estate investment and is generally geared toward business investors.
2. Healthcare in Italy
Italy has one of the best life expectancies in the world – and its healthcare system plays a big role.
• Public healthcare is of good quality, though regional differences exist.
• Retirees can pay into the public system (voluntary contribution), but private health insurance is often more practical, especially at first.
• For those with pre-existing conditions, access to specific treatments may influence the choice of location.
3. Choosing Where to Live
Italy is compact, but incredibly varied. Exploring in person before committing is essential.
Personal lifestyle:
• North – Great for lovers of mountains, lakes, and snow.
• South – Warmer climate, lower cost of living, more laid-back.
• Centre – Rolling hills, medieval towns, proximity to coastlines.
• Cities – Milan for fashion and business, Rome for culture, Florence for art.
Cost of living:
• Higher in the north and in bigger cities like Milan and Rome.
• Lower in the south and rural towns.
Healthcare access:
• There is a regional discrepancy with the north and centre being still better served, although bigger cities are usually well served.
• Islands and remote areas may have fewer options.
Transport and infrastructure:
• Excellent high-speed train routes in the north and central Italy (e.g., Milan–Florence–Rome–Naples).
• Islands have more limited rail connections.
• Major international airports: Rome and Milan offer the most connections.
4. Financial Considerations
Tax residency:
You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Italy per year.
Italian taxes are high, but:
• A 7% flat tax regime is available for foreign retirees in small towns (under 20,000 people) in southern Italy and in some central areas affected by past earthquakes. This incentive is valid for up to 10 years.
Other financial planning points:
• Understand the double tax treaties in place between Italy and your country of origin.
• Seek advice early from a financial advisor with cross-border experience.
5. Planning the Move
Once you’ve made the decision, there are several logistics to take care of. The list is long, and it includes things like:
• Customs and shipping – Know what you can bring and what’s taxable.
• Driving – Exchange your driver’s license if needed.
• Pets – Italy is pet-friendly, but you’ll need the proper paperwork and vaccinations.
6. Settling In
Once in Italy, you’ll need to:
• Apply for your residency permit
• Register with your local Comune (town hall)
• Get a Codice Fiscale (tax ID number)
• Set up utilities, open a bank account, register for healthcare
💡 Learning Italian makes a huge difference. While many locals speak English in major cities, speaking the language will open doors and enrich your experience.
Final Thoughts
Italy offers a magical place to spend your retirement – with timeless charm, great food, and beautiful landscapes. However, success lies in careful planning. From visa applications to tax strategy and healthcare access, navigating the bureaucracy can be tricky – but the rewards are more than worth it.
Book a Free Consultation
Need help exploring your options or planning your move to Italy?
Book a free consultation with us – we’re here to guide you every step of the way.