The air quality in Venice was a shock. It had never occurred to me to even consider it. So far, every other aspect of life here is easier than life in Rome (where I lived for 20 years) That was also a big surprise
For your older readers, I would suggest two important points. First, it’s good to be in easy reach of a hospital - you don’t get younger and acquiring an Italian driver’s license is quite difficult ( you can’t use a Canadian or U.S. license once you are an Italian resident).
Secondly - good transportation links. One reason we chose Bologna rather than Siena was its excellent rail connections and airport.
Thank you for such an informative article! Although I don’t really plan to leave Saskatchewan for Italy …. I was in Puglia in December for the first time in Italy in 15 years …. I do love it there … a lovely day dream!
I mean, it's hard to give up Saskatchewan's winters. (I jest.) Puglia is such a stunning region to visit. I'm so glad you had a great time. Thank you also for your kind words. 😊
I'm Canadian, and live in Narni in Umbria. I was living in Norcia on the Big Day, October 30, 2016 (7:41 am). I was in the Grotta Azzura hotel morning room having a coffee an hour before we were supposed to have Sunday Mass in the monks' shop (the Basilica was already closed). My house wasn't damaged, but they completely evacuated the town that day, and I was never able to move back. I've lived in a little farming village near Perugia (down on the flat Tiber flood plain) and for six years in Santa Marinella while I commuted into Rome every day. I can attest that Umbria is a fantastic place. I never want to leave.
I've signed up for your Italian platform. I desperately need to improve.
Thank God, you're safe. Umbria is truly unique. We are visiting it in May and will specifically be coming to Assisi and Perugia. Alicia and I are catholic too so it's particularly meaningful since it's the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. I actually chose him as my confirmation Saint. Please feel free to reach out at any time for any guidance or feedback related to Linguetto or Italian in general.
As a dual Italian-American citizen I wanted to clarify an important point of your readers re teh 7% flat tax program, eligible in only a few regions. See passage from the article below. This program is not a true tax break when you consider that the "credit" Italy must be paid in your US taxes to the IRA. The 7% is a rate, but not an offset. It took me a lot of research to understand this, and after having done so I realized it really only makes sense to enter this program, given the requirement to own or rent for multiple years more than 184 days per year in a home in an approved region, if you have little or no income.
SO if you are retired, it can make sense but carries the home purchase or rental cost. That being said, there are some benefits, the largest of which is around the discounted Italian healthcare insurance fee vs if you are a non-7% resident. Also, the towns you are able to choose from are by definition very small and usually isolated. I already own a home in Sicily in a town of 50K. I would not enter the program because I would need to live 15 miles away and buy or rent a place to qualify in an eligible town.
When you think of the 7% plan, think of the 1 Euro home, that ends up costing $20,000 to $40,000 for repairs, contracts, etc, and takes several years to restore. If that is for you, go for it, but there are strings attached and a bit of marketing involved you need to cut through to understand.
" Italy offers a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income if you relocate to a qualifying southern town with fewer than 20,000 people. That covers regions like Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, Molise, and Abruzzo. The tax break is significant."
Thank you very much for sharing your research on the 7% tax rate. I agree that it's not for everyone, but it can still be an advantage for the right person. It's worth noting that for citizens of most countries this would be a genuine 7% tax rate, but the US is unique in that it requires you to pay taxes even if you've moved abroad permanently.
I agree, for those with non-Italian citizenship whose tax laws permit Italy’s tax rate to supersede their own (via a tax plan like the 7% flat tax scheme) it may work. The 7% plan has a 10 year max window from the enrollment date. This would seem to further align with the benefit of one’s retirement timeframe as leveraging the plan (whether it is a true offset or not depending on their nation’s tax laws) would allow there to be effectively little to no tax as they would likely have lower (retirement) income. Also, any US government pension ie Social Security, would not be taxed by Italy based on the most common interpretation of the 7% flat tax plan. So, an ideal scenario might be: Retire, move to Italy, acquire or rent a home/apartment in a Flat tax eligible town, secure the permesso di soggiorno with that address, enroll in the 7% plan, live on social security and savings, receive the discounted household tessera sanitaria discount (health services), pay little to no tax to the US or Italy for 10 years. Assuming a retirement at 65, this would allow one to maximize the period of one’s life when they have the most free time to spend a minimum of 184 days in Italy at a very low cost of living. This is not tax or financial advice (you need a US CPA and an Italian Commercialista to work with you on details and filings). Do your research, plan well and enjoy la dolce vita.
Very well done. Have to say, we’ve been happy in Le Marche despite living through all three of the 2016 quakes. That said, we don’t live there full time. Also liked your suggestions about the Lazio area around Viterbo— it’s a fascinating place and very beautiful in that slightly rough, not too polished Roman way.
I was literally sitting right on top of ground zero for the October 30/16 quake, in the centro of Norcia, and lost my home that day, and I still don't ever want to live anywhere but Umbria.
Thank you Antonio for this amazing piece. Best I’ve seen for this subject. I’m sure it will be useful for many. I was born in the Lazio region and after almost 60 yrs in Canada I know live in Tuscany. Love it. But yes a touch more expensive than many other regions in Italy. For me it works and I’m grateful for that. Great job 👌
Finally someone who knows Italy pretty well, does not romanticise the Belpaese and has a pragmatic approach with no hyped up influencer jargon. Well done.
Thanks for the article. I am an American who has considered retiring to Italy. I’m not sure I can take on another language at 70. I have an off-topic question if you don’t mind. I’m planning to hike the St. Francis Way from Rome through Assisi to Florence later this year. Will I need to speak Italian to accomplish this?—I can speak Spanish if that helps. Also, the route starts at the Vatican and the first day is a walk to the outskirts of Rome. Do you think that route is safe for a walker, or would I be better off starting at the second day’s location? Thank you.
Great question, and don't count yourself short on the language learning. I've seen people in their 70s pick it up and you'd be surprised. You don't need to become fluent, but even just a few phrases go a long way. And yes, in a pinch, speaking Spanish slowly will help more than you'd think.
Regarding the pilgrimage, you will unquestionably run into smaller towns where ordering food and getting around will require some Italian. But the main cities along the way are all used to international pilgrims, so English alone will be fine.
I'd skip the Rome stage. It's a long urban walk, mostly on pavement and cycle paths, and most pilgrims recommend starting from Monte Sacro instead.
I'm going to Assisi in May myself. Excited to see it again. St. Francis was my Confirmation saint. Enjoy the walk!
Loved this article. I was granted my Italian citizenship by jure sanguinis late last year (after 6 years!) and will be traveling to my ancestral homeland of Sicily with my son this July. Excitement mixed with some trepidation…On air quality: I visited Alto Adige in 2016 and again in 2023. I was shocked by how much worse the air quality was in Appiano (just south of Bolzano). Disappointing.
Update: The 7% tax rate for retirees cap has just been raised to 30,000 inhabitants, opening up a lot of nice towns. 🎉
The air quality in Venice was a shock. It had never occurred to me to even consider it. So far, every other aspect of life here is easier than life in Rome (where I lived for 20 years) That was also a big surprise
For your older readers, I would suggest two important points. First, it’s good to be in easy reach of a hospital - you don’t get younger and acquiring an Italian driver’s license is quite difficult ( you can’t use a Canadian or U.S. license once you are an Italian resident).
Secondly - good transportation links. One reason we chose Bologna rather than Siena was its excellent rail connections and airport.
100% agreed on both points.
Thank you for such an informative article! Although I don’t really plan to leave Saskatchewan for Italy …. I was in Puglia in December for the first time in Italy in 15 years …. I do love it there … a lovely day dream!
I mean, it's hard to give up Saskatchewan's winters. (I jest.) Puglia is such a stunning region to visit. I'm so glad you had a great time. Thank you also for your kind words. 😊
I'm Canadian, and live in Narni in Umbria. I was living in Norcia on the Big Day, October 30, 2016 (7:41 am). I was in the Grotta Azzura hotel morning room having a coffee an hour before we were supposed to have Sunday Mass in the monks' shop (the Basilica was already closed). My house wasn't damaged, but they completely evacuated the town that day, and I was never able to move back. I've lived in a little farming village near Perugia (down on the flat Tiber flood plain) and for six years in Santa Marinella while I commuted into Rome every day. I can attest that Umbria is a fantastic place. I never want to leave.
I've signed up for your Italian platform. I desperately need to improve.
Thank God, you're safe. Umbria is truly unique. We are visiting it in May and will specifically be coming to Assisi and Perugia. Alicia and I are catholic too so it's particularly meaningful since it's the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. I actually chose him as my confirmation Saint. Please feel free to reach out at any time for any guidance or feedback related to Linguetto or Italian in general.
As a dual Italian-American citizen I wanted to clarify an important point of your readers re teh 7% flat tax program, eligible in only a few regions. See passage from the article below. This program is not a true tax break when you consider that the "credit" Italy must be paid in your US taxes to the IRA. The 7% is a rate, but not an offset. It took me a lot of research to understand this, and after having done so I realized it really only makes sense to enter this program, given the requirement to own or rent for multiple years more than 184 days per year in a home in an approved region, if you have little or no income.
SO if you are retired, it can make sense but carries the home purchase or rental cost. That being said, there are some benefits, the largest of which is around the discounted Italian healthcare insurance fee vs if you are a non-7% resident. Also, the towns you are able to choose from are by definition very small and usually isolated. I already own a home in Sicily in a town of 50K. I would not enter the program because I would need to live 15 miles away and buy or rent a place to qualify in an eligible town.
When you think of the 7% plan, think of the 1 Euro home, that ends up costing $20,000 to $40,000 for repairs, contracts, etc, and takes several years to restore. If that is for you, go for it, but there are strings attached and a bit of marketing involved you need to cut through to understand.
" Italy offers a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income if you relocate to a qualifying southern town with fewer than 20,000 people. That covers regions like Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Campania, Basilicata, Molise, and Abruzzo. The tax break is significant."
Thank you very much for sharing your research on the 7% tax rate. I agree that it's not for everyone, but it can still be an advantage for the right person. It's worth noting that for citizens of most countries this would be a genuine 7% tax rate, but the US is unique in that it requires you to pay taxes even if you've moved abroad permanently.
I agree, for those with non-Italian citizenship whose tax laws permit Italy’s tax rate to supersede their own (via a tax plan like the 7% flat tax scheme) it may work. The 7% plan has a 10 year max window from the enrollment date. This would seem to further align with the benefit of one’s retirement timeframe as leveraging the plan (whether it is a true offset or not depending on their nation’s tax laws) would allow there to be effectively little to no tax as they would likely have lower (retirement) income. Also, any US government pension ie Social Security, would not be taxed by Italy based on the most common interpretation of the 7% flat tax plan. So, an ideal scenario might be: Retire, move to Italy, acquire or rent a home/apartment in a Flat tax eligible town, secure the permesso di soggiorno with that address, enroll in the 7% plan, live on social security and savings, receive the discounted household tessera sanitaria discount (health services), pay little to no tax to the US or Italy for 10 years. Assuming a retirement at 65, this would allow one to maximize the period of one’s life when they have the most free time to spend a minimum of 184 days in Italy at a very low cost of living. This is not tax or financial advice (you need a US CPA and an Italian Commercialista to work with you on details and filings). Do your research, plan well and enjoy la dolce vita.
Very well done. Have to say, we’ve been happy in Le Marche despite living through all three of the 2016 quakes. That said, we don’t live there full time. Also liked your suggestions about the Lazio area around Viterbo— it’s a fascinating place and very beautiful in that slightly rough, not too polished Roman way.
Thank you very much, Eric. All in all, I think the center is the right compromise in Italy for many people.
I was literally sitting right on top of ground zero for the October 30/16 quake, in the centro of Norcia, and lost my home that day, and I still don't ever want to live anywhere but Umbria.
Thank you Antonio for this amazing piece. Best I’ve seen for this subject. I’m sure it will be useful for many. I was born in the Lazio region and after almost 60 yrs in Canada I know live in Tuscany. Love it. But yes a touch more expensive than many other regions in Italy. For me it works and I’m grateful for that. Great job 👌
Thank you so much, Tino. Tuscany is objectively one of the most appealing regions, no matter how you slice it.
Unfortunately, the current regime has made it so difficult for Italian Americans to return to the motherland.
Yes, the recent changes made me sad. It’s still possible for anyone to move to Italy but it’s no longer easy for Italian Americans. 😢
Thank you for a comprehensive, honest review!
Finally someone who knows Italy pretty well, does not romanticise the Belpaese and has a pragmatic approach with no hyped up influencer jargon. Well done.
Thank you so much, Slim. I really appreciate your comment.
Thanks for the article. I am an American who has considered retiring to Italy. I’m not sure I can take on another language at 70. I have an off-topic question if you don’t mind. I’m planning to hike the St. Francis Way from Rome through Assisi to Florence later this year. Will I need to speak Italian to accomplish this?—I can speak Spanish if that helps. Also, the route starts at the Vatican and the first day is a walk to the outskirts of Rome. Do you think that route is safe for a walker, or would I be better off starting at the second day’s location? Thank you.
Great question, and don't count yourself short on the language learning. I've seen people in their 70s pick it up and you'd be surprised. You don't need to become fluent, but even just a few phrases go a long way. And yes, in a pinch, speaking Spanish slowly will help more than you'd think.
Regarding the pilgrimage, you will unquestionably run into smaller towns where ordering food and getting around will require some Italian. But the main cities along the way are all used to international pilgrims, so English alone will be fine.
I'd skip the Rome stage. It's a long urban walk, mostly on pavement and cycle paths, and most pilgrims recommend starting from Monte Sacro instead.
I'm going to Assisi in May myself. Excited to see it again. St. Francis was my Confirmation saint. Enjoy the walk!
Thank you very much.
Loved this article. I was granted my Italian citizenship by jure sanguinis late last year (after 6 years!) and will be traveling to my ancestral homeland of Sicily with my son this July. Excitement mixed with some trepidation…On air quality: I visited Alto Adige in 2016 and again in 2023. I was shocked by how much worse the air quality was in Appiano (just south of Bolzano). Disappointing.
Congratulations! And you’ll absolutely fall in love with Sicily.
A superb article! Many thanks for this. Been planning to buy a place for some time - but still trying to determine where. This helps me considerably!
I would go either for Genoa or Naples but since I am afraid of earthquakes - I would probably chose Genoa.
Loved this. Thank you 😊
Thank you, Alana. 😊