Living in Italy

Living in Italy as a foreigner offers a rich cultural experience, a slower pace of life, and access to beautiful landscapes, history, and cuisine. Many expats settle in regions like Tuscany, Umbria, or Abruzzo for their affordability and charm. Language can be a barrier in more rural areas, but locals are generally welcoming. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, especially with residency. However, the bureaucracy can be slow and takes some adjusting to. With the right planning and mindset, many foreigners find Italy a rewarding long-term home.

Buying property in Italy does not automatically grant you residency. EU citizens can live in Italy freely. However, non-EU nationals, including UK and US citizens, need to apply for a long-stay visa or residency permit if they plan to stay more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Common options include elective residency (for retirees or self-sufficient individuals) or family reunification. Property ownership can support your visa application, but it's not a guarantee of residency.

Monthly living costs in Italy vary by location and lifestyle. In smaller towns or rural areas, a couple can live comfortably on €1,500–€2,000 per month. In larger cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, this might rise to €2,500 or more. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare are generally more affordable than in the UK. Council taxes and property maintenance fees are also lower in many regions, especially for residents. If you plan to live off a pension or remote income, Italy can offer a high quality of life at a lower cost.

Yes, but non-EU citizens must apply for the correct visa or permit. You’ll need a work visa (usually sponsored by an Italian employer), a freelance/self-employment visa, or a business investor visa depending on your situation. Italy’s bureaucracy and tax system can be complex, so it’s best to get legal advice before moving. EU citizens have the freedom to live and work in Italy without restrictions.

Pros include a relaxed lifestyle, rich culture, excellent food and wine, good healthcare, and affordable property in many regions. Cons can include slow bureaucracy, a high tax burden for some, fewer job opportunities (outside of major cities), and language barriers. Italy is particularly well-suited to retirees, digital nomads, and second-home owners who prioritise lifestyle over career-driven relocation. For more information on buying property in Italy, read our free buying guide here.

Yes, Italy is a popular choice for retirees from the UK and Europe. It offers a mild climate, good healthcare, and many scenic rural areas with affordable homes. Some southern regions even offer tax incentives for pensioners moving from abroad. The elective residency visa is a common path for retirees, though applicants must show proof of sufficient income and private health insurance.

You don’t need to be fluent, but basic Italian will improve your quality of life significantly – especially in smaller towns. In cities and tourist areas, you’ll find more English speakers. Learning Italian helps with integrating into the community, managing paperwork, and accessing local services like healthcare or banking. Many expats take language classes before or shortly after relocating.

Italy’s public healthcare system (SSN) is available to residents and offers good standards of care at low cost. EU citizens can register with their local health authority. Non-EU citizens typically need private health insurance until they’re granted residency. Once resident, you may register for the SSN by paying an annual fee or via reciprocal healthcare agreements. Many expats also choose to supplement public care with private insurance for faster service.