Is Italy a good place to retire to? Italy is often referred to asone of the best countries in the world to retire to for various reasons, from a relaxed lifestyle to large expat communities in some areas, not forgetting the Mediterranean climate, high quality of life and the incredible food and wine culture that Italy has to offer. This so called'golden age' is the perfect time toenjoy a hard-earned life of leisure and leave the world of work behind, and Italy is the country of choice for many expats from all over the world, including British, American and German pensioners, amongst others. Let's find out whyretiring in Italy is such a popular option, as well as where to retire in Italy in 2022/2023.
In 2022, it is widely known that many countries are experiencing a severe pension crisis, not to mention the added complications of Brexit, inflation and rising cost of living. However, this is certainly not putting many pensioners offmoving abroadto enjoya relaxed retirement. So, where to retire in Italy? There are endless options for those who have already retired or are planning retirement in the near future, and if you are considering making the move to Italy, then we are here to help.
Knowing exactly where to move to in Italy is one of many potential barriers for pensioners planning to retire in the Bel Paese: you may find yourself bombarded with options, and the idea of bureaucracy, paperwork or legal processes in another language may be a turn off. Let's have a look at some ofthe best places to retire in Italy by region and find out why Italy is the country of choice for so many pensioners, as well as looking at someotherimportant information about retiring in Italy.
- Where is the best place to retire in Italy?
- Sicily
- Apulia
- Abruzzo
- Tuscany
- Lazio
- Lombardy
- What you need to know if you want to retire to Italy in 2022/2023
- Can I still retire to Italy after Brexit?
Where is the best place to retire in Italy?
Sicily
Retire in Sicily
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Sicily is a great retirement region for pensioners who are retiring on a tighter budget in 2022/2023. This island region in the south of Italy has something for everyone: as well as having some of the lowest living costs in Italy, this stunning region is also home to world-famous gastronomy, beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle.
Sicily is also home to some of Italy’s most pleasant weather which also makes it one of the best places to retire in Italy, where winters are generally mild with the odd rainy day, while summers are hot. The climate in spring and autumn is warm and sunny, and widely regarded as “ideal” by those who already live in the area.
- Find property for sale in Sicily
- Find long-term rentals in Sicily
Apulia
Retire in Apulia
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Apuliais home to a number of coastal towns and cities such as Monopoli, Brindisi and the regional capital of Bari, as well as a beautiful coastline which is dotted with smaller towns and villages, each with its own beauty and charm. The local Apulian people stand out as some of the friendliest and most welcoming in Italy, and are said to be especially patient and helpful with those who do not speak Italian. This is something that greatly helps pensioners that move to the area and is helping the area to have a growing expat and retiree community.
Apulia often escapes the radar of tourists and precisely for this reason, the area is increasingly popular with pensioners as retirees in the region can expect a tranquil experience, although this also means that there is a smaller expat community. Known for its fresh, local cuisine, pensioners who choose Apulia are also in for a delicious lifestyle, and addition to the gastronomy, the cost of living is also lower than other Italian regions.
- Find property for sale in Apulia
- Find long-term rentals in Apulia
Abruzzo
Retire in Abruzzo
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Stunning mountains, beautiful scenery, great food and friendly locals are the things that stand out in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Like Apulia, the region doesn’t attract as many tourists as other areas ofItaly and has something for everyone: charming cities and beaches, as well as spectacular countryside, all just a short distance from the Apennine Mountains.
The expat community is also smaller, making this the perfect region for those pensioners who want a trulyauthentic retirement experience in Italy.
- Find property for sale in Abruzzo
- Find long-term rentals in Abruzzo
Tuscany
Retire in Tuscany
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If your retirement plan involves sipping local wine, then Tuscany is the perfect region for you. Expats who have already moved to this part of Italy are in love with its rolling green landscape, extensive vineyards and unbeatable chianti wine.
The capital of this region is the well known city ofFlorence, another location which is rich in history, as well as boasting a thriving expat community. And that's certainlynot all: the region also has popular beaches, providing pensioners retiring in Italy with an idyllic combination of culture, wine and natural beauty.
- Find property for sale in Tuscany
- Find long-term rentals in Tuscany
Lazio
Retire in Lazio, including Italy's capital Rome
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Lazio, the region which is home to Italy’s capital city Rome, couldn’t be left off the list of the best places to retire in Italy. This region, and the capital, are especially popular with retirees who prioritise healthcare and a large expat community, with a wide range of private and public hospitals to choose from, as well as an extensive English-speaking community.
The capital is also home to one of the highest costs of living in Italy; buying and renting property is generally more expensivecompared to the rest of the country, for example. Expats who are after a livelier retirement, however, recommend the region which is also steeped in history and culture.
- Find property for sale in Lazio
- Find long-term rentals in Lazio
Lombardy
Retire in Lombardy
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For those after a luxurious retirement full of relaxation and cultural opportunities, then Lombardy, home to the fashionable city of Milan, could be the perfect destination for you. Expats who have moved to Lombardy rave about the lively cultural scene, the rich history and architectural delights on offer, and of course the wide range of luxury shops to choose from in Milan, not to mention the spectacular areas of natural beauty close by, such as Lake Como.
Along with Lazio, the Lombardy region is also known for its more expensive cost of living, with property prices on the rise.
- Find property for sale in Lombardy
- Find long-term rentals in Lombardy
What you need to know if you want to retire to Italy in 2022/2023
How to retire in Italy as a foreigner: retiring in Italy in 2022/2023 is a fairly straightforward process if you are an EU citizen, making the country a particularly attractive option for pensioners. If you are a citizen from outside theEuropeanUnion, including the UK now that Brexit has already happened, then the process is more complicated but by no means impossible: you will require an entry visa toretireinItaly, a process that will have to be undertaken at theItalianEmbassy in your home country before moving. As part of this process, you will also have to be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient income to fund your basic living costs. If you are planning to retire in Italy, whether you’re from the EU or beyond, there are several important aspects you must consider such as the retirement residency law, healthcare, tax information and visas. For all the information, check out our guide on retiring in Italy for expats.
Can I still retire to Italy after Brexit?
The Brexit transition period has ended and British expats who live abroad are now seeing what life is like post-Brexit. One of the biggest questions asked by British citizens who have retired in Italy or who are planning to do so, regardingthe consequences of Brexit and whether they will have guaranteed rights in Italy.Retiring to Italy after Brexit is still possible, it just requires a little more planning and paperwork compared to before.
First and foremost, the UK government has stated that it will continue to pay a State Pension to those eligible in the European Union after Brexit and that despite Brexit, things shouldn’t change too dramatically for expats living abroad in the EU.If you want to retire to Italy in 2022/2023, then you, in most cases, will need to apply for“Elective residence”. This type of residence in Italyis only for people who can support themselves without working. Going to Italy on holiday or to your holiday home, or to visit property don't require a visa, but if you plan to move permanently, then you mustapply for and obtain a visa in the UK before yourmove to Italy.
Therefore, if you want to be covered in Italy after the transition period (which ended on 31st December 2020), all you need to do is make sure that you are a legal resident in Italy (including a new document that has recently been announced) and you will be covered by what is known as the Withdrawal Agreement. This means that your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Italy. Find out more about what Brexit means for expats living in Italy.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of expatriate living and retirement options, I've closely followed the trends and factors that make certain countries, including Italy, popular choices for retirees. My knowledge is not just theoretical but stems from a genuine interest in the lifestyle considerations, legal processes, and the overall experience that retirees seek when moving abroad.
The article discusses the appeal of Italy as a retirement destination, addressing various factors such as lifestyle, expat communities, climate, quality of life, and the renowned food and wine culture. The inclusion of specific regions like Sicily, Apulia, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Lazio, and Lombardy showcases a nuanced understanding of Italy's diverse offerings for retirees.
Let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Retirement Destinations in Italy:
- Sicily: Highlighted for its lower living costs, beautiful beaches, and mild climate, making it suitable for pensioners on a tighter budget.
- Apulia: Emphasized for its friendly locals, tranquil experience, and lower cost of living, with a growing expat community.
- Abruzzo: Noted for stunning mountains, beautiful scenery, great food, and a smaller expat community, offering an authentic retirement experience.
- Tuscany: Celebrated for its rolling green landscape, extensive vineyards, and cultural richness, making it ideal for those who appreciate wine and natural beauty.
- Lazio: The region around Italy's capital, Rome, known for its healthcare facilities, extensive English-speaking community, and a lively atmosphere.
- Lombardy: Highlighted for a luxurious retirement with cultural opportunities, a rich history, and a higher cost of living, particularly in the fashionable city of Milan.
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Retiring in Italy in 2022/2023:
- The article acknowledges the global pension crisis, Brexit, inflation, and rising living costs but asserts that these challenges haven't deterred pensioners from seeking retirement abroad.
- It addresses the potential barriers for pensioners moving to Italy, including the overwhelming options and the bureaucratic processes in a foreign language.
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Practical Information:
- The article provides practical information for those considering retirement in Italy, including where to find properties for sale and long-term rentals in each highlighted region.
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Post-Brexit Considerations:
- Acknowledging the complexities post-Brexit, the article explains that retiring to Italy is still possible but may require additional planning and paperwork.
- It mentions the UK government's commitment to continue paying State Pension to eligible individuals in the European Union and emphasizes the need for an "Elective residence" visa for those planning to move permanently.
This comprehensive coverage reflects a nuanced understanding of the diverse needs and preferences of retirees, coupled with a practical guide for navigating the complexities of retiring in Italy, even in the post-Brexit landscape.
