Things to Think About Before Moving to Live in Italy

Italy was long the favoured overseas property destination of an affluent few who preferred the likes of rural Tuscany and Umbria for their property purchases and relocations.  However, thanks to house prices elsewhere in Europe having risen faster than in Italy over the past few years and the fact that Italy is now serviced by many cheap flight operators from airports across the UK, the nation and its charms are appealing to greater numbers of us.

In this article we’ll explore the things you need to think about before moving to live in Italy.  If living the inimitably attractive Italian lifestyle appeals to you we don’t blame you, but ensure you know at least the basics about the country before you plan your move seriously…

As a British or an EU passport holder you can move to live in Italy without restriction but you do have to register your presence at the local police headquarters and get a residence permit.  And if you want to live and work in Italy you will of course require a work permit as well which you can also apply for through the police station.  With residency established you can apply for your fiscal code – which is like a national insurance number.  If you’re buying a property in Italy you may already have this number as it is essential as part of the buying process. 

With your residence permit you can register with the local health authority and a doctor, and if you’re retiring to Italy it’s likely you will receive free basic healthcare, and if you’re working, because your taxes go towards the state system, you too will receive basic care for free.  Please note that many British expats living in Italy choose to take out supplementary health insurance.  This is because waiting lists can be quite long for example.

The lifestyle in Italy is fabulous – there is a culture and tradition for eating well and enjoying leisure and family time.  The cost of living is relatively low compared to that in the UK – especially if you are living outside of the main cities and if you shop for local produce and you eat at restaurants favoured by the Italians themselves for example.

Many British retirees living in Italy have their pension paid into their Italian bank account – but do check about this with your own pension provider if it is your intention to put your feet up in Italy!  Additionally you should think about currency conversion costs as you will likely be paid in pounds and your Italian account will be in euros.

Testimony to the fact Italy is increasing in appeal is the fact that main foreign currency companies last year saw a large increase in the number of enquiries relating to Italy with only Spain coming out ahead.

Italy is not as well serviced as southern Spain in terms of air access – but if you’re dead set on the country for your relocation don’t let this put you off.  Just travel to Italy and spend time getting to know the regions you favour, exploring and discovering the areas where you feel comfortable.  Once you have settled on a region examine accessibility options and remember to consider train routes and motorways too as there are other ways of travelling back and forth across Europe!

Finally, as with any relocation, consider renting a property in Italy for up to 6 months before you commit to moving because you need to know what your day to day life will be like once the holiday feeling has worn off and you’re dealing with the mundane day to day living tasks - such as recycling your rubbish and finding leisure pursuits to entertain you!

Italy is certainly becoming increasingly popular with British people who are seeking an idyllic overseas country in which to live, work or retire…but you should not be swayed by popular opinion, you need to make sure the country is right for you before you make the move.