Thinking about retiring to Italy? For many people, moving to Italy after retirement means enjoying a slower pace of life, discovering a new culture and finding a home that fits both lifestyle and budget.
Italy offers an extraordinary variety of places to live, from seaside towns and historic villages to countryside properties and vibrant cities. Add excellent food, a rich cultural heritage, a varied climate and specific tax incentives for qualifying foreign pensioners, and it is easy to understand why Italy attracts retirees from around the world.
But is Italy really a good place to retire?
For many international retirees, yes. The key is finding the right location and understanding the practical aspects of living in Italy, including property, healthcare, taxation and residency.
This guide explains what you need to know about retiring to Italy, including the best regions, cost of living, healthcare, visas, taxes and buying a property.
Is Italy a good place to retire?
Italy can be an attractive retirement destination for international retirees looking for a combination of quality of life, culture, climate, healthcare and property opportunities.
There is no single best place to retire in Italy. The right location depends on your personal circumstances and priorities.
Some retirees may prefer a quiet coastal town, while others may want to live in the countryside or close to a major city with good transport and healthcare services.
Among the main reasons people choose Italy for retirement are:
- a high quality of life;
- a mild and varied climate;
- excellent food and local traditions;
- access to Italy’s national healthcare system for eligible residents;
- a wide choice of properties and locations;
- historic towns and beautiful landscapes;
- good transport connections in many areas;
- the possibility of living in smaller towns at a lower cost than some major European destinations;
- specific tax regimes that may benefit qualifying foreign pensioners;
- established international communities in several regions.
Italy also has one of Europe’s highest life expectancies. According to the latest Istat estimates, life expectancy at birth in Italy reached 81.7 years for men and 85.7 years for women in 2025.
Why are people retiring to Italy?
Retirement abroad is increasingly about quality of life rather than simply reducing living costs.
Italy offers a huge variety of lifestyles within one country. You can live near the sea in Puglia or Sicily, surrounded by vineyards and hills in Tuscany or Le Marche, close to the mountains in Abruzzo, or in a major city such as Rome, Milan or Florence.
Property is equally varied.
International buyers can find everything from apartments in historic town centres to country houses, villas, restored farmhouses and homes requiring renovation.
Recent Gate-away.com data confirms that international buyers are looking beyond Italy’s traditional destinations. In the first half of 2026, more than 44% of enquiries concerned properties priced below €100,000, while more than 60% of searches focused on properties that were already renovated or habitable.
This is particularly relevant to retirees who want a comfortable home without taking on a major renovation project.
What are the best places to retire in Italy?
There is no single answer to the question “Where is the best place to retire in Italy?”
Different regions offer different lifestyles, property markets and costs.
| Region | Why retirees consider it | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscany | Culture, landscapes, historic towns and international appeal | Countryside, villages and cities |
| Le Marche | Coast, countryside, historic towns and authentic lifestyle | Relaxed and varied |
| Abruzzo | Adriatic coast, mountains and smaller towns | Nature, coast and villages |
| Puglia | Climate, beaches, food and property opportunities | Coastal and rural |
| Sicily | Mild climate, culture, coastline and property choice | Coastal, historic and rural |
| Sardinia | Beaches, nature and Mediterranean lifestyle | Coastal and outdoor |
| Umbria | Countryside, historic towns and proximity to Tuscany | Rural and cultural |
| Liguria | Mediterranean climate and coastal lifestyle | Coastal and small-town |
| Lombardy | Services, infrastructure and international connections | Urban and lakeside |
When comparing regions, consider property prices, healthcare access, proximity to airports, climate, transport and the availability of everyday services.
Retiring to Le Marche
Le Marche is an interesting option for international retirees looking for a combination of coastline, countryside, historic towns and a slower pace of life.
The region stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains and offers a wide variety of landscapes and property types.
Compared with some of Italy’s better-known destinations, Le Marche can also offer opportunities for buyers looking for more space and a less tourist-oriented lifestyle.
Gate-away has previously highlighted Le Marche among the world’s attractive retirement destinations.
Discover more about retiring to Le Marche and explore properties available in the region.
Retiring to Abruzzo
Abruzzo offers a particularly interesting combination of mountains and sea.
The Adriatic coast is relatively close to the Apennines, while inland towns and villages provide a quieter lifestyle.
For retirees who enjoy nature, outdoor activities and smaller communities, Abruzzo can be worth considering. Read more about retiring to Abruzzo.
Property prices can also be attractive compared with some of Italy’s most internationally famous regions.
Explore homes for sale in Abruzzo and discover what the region has to offer.
How much does it cost to retire in Italy?
There is no single cost of living for retirees in Italy.
The amount you need depends heavily on where you live and how you choose to live. Housing is often the biggest variable, with significant differences between major cities, famous coastal destinations and smaller towns.
What should you include in your retirement budget?
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Property | Purchase price, taxes, notary and professional fees |
| Housing | Utilities, maintenance, insurance and local taxes |
| Healthcare | SSN registration, private healthcare or insurance |
| Transport | Car, fuel, public transport and maintenance |
| Food | Groceries, restaurants and local products |
| Travel | Flights home and travel within Italy |
| Taxes | Italian taxes and possible taxation abroad |
| Renovation | Particularly relevant for older properties |
| Emergency fund | Unexpected healthcare, property or travel costs |
Rather than focusing only on the purchase price of a home, calculate the total annual cost of living for the location you are considering.
Can foreign pensioners get a 7% tax rate in Italy?
Some qualifying foreign pensioners can benefit from Italy’s 7% substitute tax regime, but the scheme does not apply automatically to everyone who moves to Italy.
Under Article 24-ter of the Italian Tax Code, certain individuals receiving foreign pension income may opt for a 7% substitute tax after transferring their tax residence to eligible municipalities.
The regime applies subject to specific conditions relating to the taxpayer, their previous tax residence and the municipality in which they establish residence.
The eligible areas include certain municipalities in:
- Sicily;
- Calabria;
- Sardinia;
- Campania;
- Basilicata;
- Abruzzo;
- Molise;
- Puglia.
There are also specific rules concerning municipalities affected by certain earthquakes.
Important: the 7% regime is not a general tax rate for all foreign retirees. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and current legislation.
Anyone considering retirement in Italy should obtain professional tax advice before making a relocation decision.
What visa do retirees need to live in Italy?
The requirements depend on whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen.
For many non-EU citizens who want to live in Italy without working, the Elective Residence Visa may be the relevant route.
Applicants generally need to demonstrate:
- sufficient and stable financial resources;
- accommodation in Italy;
- regular income, such as a pension or investment income;
- the ability to support themselves without working in Italy.
The Elective Residence Visa does not allow the holder to work in Italy.
Requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the Italian consulate responsible for their application.
EU citizens are subject to different residence rules under EU free-movement legislation.
Always check the latest requirements with the relevant Italian authorities or consulate before making plans.
Can I buy a house in Italy before becoming a resident?
In many cases, yes.
Buying a property and obtaining residency are two separate matters.
Foreign buyers can purchase property in Italy without necessarily becoming Italian residents. However, purchasing a house does not automatically give a non-EU citizen the right to live in Italy indefinitely.
If your objective is to move permanently to Italy, consider both the property purchase and your immigration status before completing the move.
What is healthcare like for retirees in Italy?
Italy has a national healthcare system known as the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
Foreign citizens legally resident in Italy may be entitled to access the SSN depending on their residency status and individual circumstances.
The Italian Ministry of Health distinguishes between compulsory and voluntary registration for different categories of foreign residents.
Healthcare should therefore be part of your location research. When comparing properties, consider the distance to hospitals, doctors, pharmacies and other essential services.
Private health insurance can also be considered, particularly for those who want additional coverage or access to private healthcare.
Should you rent or buy a property when retiring to Italy?
Renting before buying can be a sensible approach, particularly if you have never lived in Italy before.
A location that looks perfect during a holiday may feel very different when you live there throughout the year.
Before buying, consider spending time in your preferred area outside the main tourist season.
Pay particular attention to:
- year-round services;
- healthcare access;
- transport;
- proximity to an airport;
- local shops;
- the climate outside summer;
- the condition and maintenance requirements of the property.
Recent Gate-away data shows that international buyers are increasingly interested in smaller towns and less traditional destinations, particularly where they can combine lifestyle and property value.
Explore the latest Gate-away insights into the Italian property market.
What type of Italian property is best for retirement?
For many retirees, the ideal property is comfortable, manageable and well connected, rather than simply large or spectacular.
Consider:
- Property size: large homes and extensive gardens can require significant maintenance.
- Accessibility: stairs, steep entrances and difficult access can become important considerations over time.
- Energy efficiency: older properties may require improvements to heating, insulation, windows or cooling systems.
- Transport: if you do not want to drive every day, look for properties close to public transport and essential services.
- Internet connectivity: reliable internet is increasingly important for communication, banking and everyday life.
- Year-round infrastructure: some coastal and tourist destinations become very quiet outside the summer season.
Is it better to retire in an Italian city or a small town?
The choice largely comes down to lifestyle and access to services.
Living in a city
Cities generally offer:
- more healthcare facilities;
- better public transport;
- more restaurants and cultural activities;
- international airports and connections;
- larger international communities.
Housing and everyday costs can, however, be higher.
Living in a small town
Smaller towns can offer:
- lower property prices;
- a slower pace of life;
- closer communities;
- access to local food;
- proximity to nature;
- potentially lower living costs.
The trade-off can be less public transport and fewer specialist healthcare services.
What are the advantages of retiring to Italy?
For international retirees, Italy can offer:
- Quality of life: food, climate, culture and outdoor activities are major attractions.
- Property choice: the market includes apartments, villas, country houses, historic homes and properties requiring renovation.
- Geographical variety: you can choose between beaches, mountains, countryside, lakes and cities.
- Healthcare: eligible residents can access Italy’s national healthcare system.
- Culture: Italy has an extraordinary concentration of historic towns, architecture, museums and cultural traditions.
- Lifestyle: many smaller Italian towns offer a slower pace of life and strong local communities.
- Tax opportunities: certain foreign pensioners may qualify for specific tax regimes, subject to the relevant conditions.
What are the challenges of retiring to Italy?
Italy also has challenges that should be considered before moving.
These may include:
- bureaucracy and paperwork;
- language barriers;
- regional differences in services;
- administrative procedures;
- property maintenance;
- transport limitations in rural areas;
- taxation for people with international income and assets;
- differences between tourist-season and year-round life.
Understanding these factors before moving can make the transition easier.
Retiring to Italy: A practical checklist
Before making the move, make sure you have:
- calculated your annual living budget;
- checked the residency or visa requirements applicable to you;
- understood how your pension may be taxed;
- researched healthcare coverage;
- visited your preferred area outside the main tourist season;
- considered renting before buying;
- checked the property’s accessibility, maintenance and renovation needs;
- considered how well the property and location will suit your long-term needs.
Is retiring to Italy right for you?
Retiring to Italy can combine quality of life, culture, climate and property opportunities in a way that appeals to retirees from many different countries.
But there is no single perfect destination.
For some people, the ideal choice may be a coastal town in Puglia or Sicily. Others may prefer the countryside of Le Marche or Abruzzo, the hills of Tuscany and Umbria, or the services and connectivity of a larger city.
The key is to find the right place in Italy for your lifestyle, budget and long-term plans.
If buying a home is part of your retirement plans, take the time to research different regions, compare properties and experience the area before making a significant investment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring to Italy
Is Italy a good country to retire to?
Yes. Italy offers a combination of climate, culture, lifestyle, healthcare and property opportunities that attracts international retirees. The right location depends on individual needs and budget.
How much money do I need to retire in Italy?
There is no single amount. Your required budget depends on your location, housing costs, healthcare, lifestyle and whether you rent or own your home.
Can I retire in Italy on a foreign pension?
Potentially, yes. EU and non-EU citizens are subject to different residence rules. Taxation also depends on individual circumstances and the country where the pension originates.
Can foreign pensioners pay 7% tax in Italy?
Some qualifying foreign pensioners can opt for a 7% substitute tax regime if they meet the legal requirements and establish residence in an eligible municipality. It is not automatically available to every foreign retiree.
What is the best region in Italy for retirees?
There is no single best region. Tuscany, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia and Umbria are among the regions that international retirees may consider, but the right choice depends on budget, climate, healthcare, transport and lifestyle.
Is healthcare free in Italy for retirees?
Access to Italy’s national healthcare system depends on residency status and the applicable rules. Eligible residents can access the SSN, while other residents may need private or voluntary coverage.
Can I buy a house in Italy before becoming a resident?
In many cases, yes. Property ownership and residency are separate matters. Buying a property does not by itself give a non-EU citizen the right to live in Italy indefinitely.
Should I rent or buy when retiring to Italy?
Renting first can be useful if you have never lived in the area. It allows you to experience the location throughout the year before making a significant property investment.
Which Italian regions have the 7% pension tax regime?
The 7% substitute tax regime can apply to qualifying foreign pensioners who establish tax residence in eligible municipalities in certain regions, including Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia, subject to the legal requirements.
Is it better to retire in northern or southern Italy?
It depends on your priorities. Northern Italy generally offers strong infrastructure, services and international connections, while many parts of central and southern Italy can offer a different climate, lifestyle and property market. Individual towns and cities can vary considerably.
Find Your Italian Home
Italy offers an extraordinary variety of places to build a new life after retirement.
Whether you are looking for a seaside apartment, a countryside house, a historic property or a home in a lively Italian town, there are opportunities across the country.
Explore properties for sale in Italy with Gate-away and discover your future Italian home.
