Americans Live in Italy
Americans Live in Italy
Retire to Italy
Italy offers American expats a relaxed and surprisingly inexpensive Mediterranean lifestyle. Retire to Italy and enjoy sipping wine and breathing history.
How to Retire in Italy
Elective Residence Visa
This popular choice requires proof of €32,000 (US$35,000) per person (in pensions, income, or investments) to cover living costs without working in Italy.
Representative Office Visa
If you operate a business, you can obtain temporary residency in Italy by transferring specialized workers (could be yourself) to the country.
Investor Visa
Designed for wealthy retirees, this Golden Visa requires an investment of at least €250,000 (US$275,000) in an Italian startup or existing business.
Citizenship by Descent
If you have Italian-born parents or grandparents, you might qualify directly for citizenship without residency, language, or civics requirements.
Tourist Visa
Americans can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days every 180 days. While this is a temporary solution, you’ll need a permanent solution if you want to live in Italy.
Italy in Photos
Affordable Healthcare
U.S. retirees benefit from Italy’s excellent, personalized, and inexpensive private healthcare system.
Mediterranean Climate
With its mild winters and sunny, warm summers, Italy has a comfortable climate without harsh seasonal extremes.
Lower Cost of Living
Everyday living expenses in Italy are generally much lower than in the U.S., especially if you live outside the city or in Southern Italy.
Cultural Richness
Italy is a treasure trove of culture, from world-renowned museums and historic sites to festivals, operas, and local traditions.
Famous Cuisine
Italy’s cuisine is internationally celebrated for its freshness and taste. Produce, cheese, wine – You can’t go wrong.
Ease of Travel
Situated centrally in Europe, Italy offers excellent connectivity via rail and air around Europe and the United States.
Friendly Communities
Italian communities are known for their warmth and hospitality. Established expat groups make integration easy too.
Relaxed Lifestyle
Italians prioritize leisure, family time, and life’s simpler pleasures. This less stressful lifestyle is appealing to Americans.
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How Life in Italy Compares
Cost of Living in Italy
Italy offers lower housing, food (fresh, organic food!), and dining costs compared to the U.S., but some cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice can be more expensive. Smaller towns and the whole of Southern Italy provide excellent value.
Taxes in Italy
Particularly for those with substantial income, Italy’s progressive tax rates range higher than America’s. However, the country does offer a €200,000 flat tax per year for high earners and a 7% tax rate for new residents with foreign pensions.
Community in Italy
Friendly locals, tight-knit communities, and active expat groups make it easy to build a fulfilling social life overseas. Whether you’re in a cosmopolitan city like Milan or a quiet village in Sicily, connecting with neighbors and friends is effortless.
Quality of Life in Italy
Italians’ emphasis on leisure, family, great food, and culture could be satisfying for the right American retiree. Most expats find that the numerous benefits of life in Italy far outweigh the inconveniences and drawbacks.
Safety in Italy
Italy is very safe, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Larger cities have occasional petty theft and tourist scams, but violent crime is uncommon. The Global Peace Index ranks Italy as the 33rd safest country in the world allowing retirees peace of mind.
Travel Connectivity in Italy
Italy’s rail system, countless international airports, and central European location make it convenient for both domestic and international travel back to the United States. Exploring other European destinations is simple – even easier with Italian residency.
Infrastructure in Italy
Most Northern regions in Italy offer modern amenities such as reliable internet, efficient transportation, and well-maintained roads. However, Southern Italy may lack some conveniences you enjoy in the United States.
Healthcare in Italy
Italy offers high-quality, affordable, and reliable private healthcare. Public hospitals provide fine services, but private options offer quicker access and more personalized care, typically at much lower costs than American healthcare systems.
English Proficiency in Italy
English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas and among younger Italians. However, retirees will find day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable by learning some basic Italian, particularly in smaller towns, Southern Italy, or rural areas.
Bureaucracy in Italy
Italian bureaucracy is notoriously slow, complex, and challenging to navigate. It will test your patience and persistence. The relocation experts at the Freedom Files help expats relocate smoothly and avoid working with the wrong partners.
Where to Live in Italy
Population: 3,676,285
Tuscany
American expats choose Tuscany for its landscapes, tranquility, historic charm, and growing expat community – and of course, the wine! Life in Tuscany features cost-effective living, cool winters, and plenty of winery tours. Retirement here is idyllic.
Population: 4,794,512
Sicily
Retirees love Sicily for its warmer climate, affordable beachfront property, and relaxed island lifestyle. The history (the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish all conquered Sicily at one point) is fascinating, and Sicilians make for friendly neighbors.
Population: 10,020,528
Lombardy
Ideal for those seeking sophistication and Central European flair, Lombardy offers cosmopolitan city life in Milan and tranquil beauty around Lake Como. It’s far pricier than the previous options but offers a high-quality lifestyle with excellent infrastructure.
Population: 3,890,250
Puglia
The Southern Italian region of Puglia attracts American expats with affordable real estate, great beaches, and delicious local cuisine. Far less popular as a destination for U.S. citizens, Puglia is peaceful, cultural, and cost-effective.
FAQs About Italy
Can I Really Afford to Retire in Italy?
Yes. If you’re spending US$4,000+ a month in the US, you’ll likely spend half that in Italy, especially in the south or smaller towns. Retirees live well here on far less than what they’d need in Arizona, Florida, or any American retirement destination. P.S. Wine can be your biggest savings at €3-5 a bottle.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Italy on My US Income?
Maybe. If you become a tax resident (e.g. spend more than 183 days in the country per year), Italy may tax your worldwide income. But the US has a double tax treaty with Italy which prevents double taxation on the same income. Plus, new residents of Italy can pay just 7% on foreign pension income. The Freedom Files tax experts can help you plan for this.
Is Buying Property in Italy Worth It?
It can be. Many Freedom Files clients buy property in Italy because they can afford their dream home there. And yes, you can legally own property as a foreigner. Just don’t do it without the right legal support (the Freedom Files can help with your real estate search and purchase process).
How Do I Actually Move to Italy?
Book a Freedom Consult. We’ll map out the perfect immigration path for your circumstances and goals, identify the ideal city or region for you, make sure your taxes are optimized, and help you relocate. You don’t have to figure this out alone; the Freedom Files has done it and can help you too.
What’s Healthcare Like in Italy?
Affordable and excellent. Public care is decent, but private care is great and fast. You can see a specialist for €50-€100 and dental work or surgery for a fraction of US costs. Insurance, even premium plans, is relatively inexpensive compared to US insurance prices.
