What do I need to know before retiring in Italy?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Italy, they said...
"Just come and look around. I never, ever tell someone that "this is the place" for you. I've lived all over Italy and have dozens of "favorite" places to live, work or visit," said a member in Fiesole, Italy.

Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Before retiring in Italy, it's important to understand the residency and visa requirements. Also, research the cost of living, which can vary significantly between regions, with northern cities generally being more expensive than southern or rural areas, and consider healthcare services, as access and quality may differ across regions. Finally, it's beneficial to visit potential retirement locations to assess amenities, climate, and community fit," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.
I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!
Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!
Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Italy?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Italy?
- Will I be able to find a job in Italy?
- What is life like in Italy?
- What do expats in Italy appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Italy?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Italy accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Italy like?
- What are healthcare services like in Italy?
- What are medical services in Italy like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Italy?
- What are emergency services like in Italy?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Italy?
- How are local medical facilities in Italy?
- As a foreigner living in Italy, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before retiring in Italy?
If you live in Italy, newcomers to Italy would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.