The elective residency visa (visto per residenza elettiva) is the usual route for people from outside the EU who want to retire to Italy or live there on their own means. In June 2025 an Italian administrative court ruled on how the income requirement applies to married couples, and the decision has often been described as a change in the rules. It was not. This guide explains how the visa works as of...
Italy places few limits on who can own a home there, but it does have one rule that surprises many foreign buyers: the reciprocity principle. Whether it affects you depends on your nationality and on whether you already live legally in Italy. This guide explains how the rule works, who is exempt, how to check your own country, and what owning property does and does not give you. It reflects the position...
Buying a home in Italy as a foreigner is more straightforward than many people expect. The process is run by a notary, and the main steps are the same whether you are buying a village house or a country villa. This guide walks through it in order, from who can buy to the day you collect the keys, with the costs to budget for along the way. Can foreigners buy property in Italy? Yes. Citizens of the...
Most home sales in Italy are free of capital gains tax, but in some cases a tax bill does apply. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand when and how taxes affect property sales. When Are Taxes Due? Capital gains tax on property sales in Italy applies only if: The property is sold within five years of purchase. It has not been your main home (where you or your family lived) for most of...
If you own a home in Italy, you will pay two local taxes every year: IMU, the municipal property tax, and TARI, the waste collection tax. You may still see a third, TASI, in older guides. It no longer exists: TASI was merged into IMU from 1 January 2020. This guide explains who pays what, how IMU is worked out with a realistic example, and when payments are due. IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica): the...
Buying a property or planning to live in Italy? The codice fiscale — a 16-character Italian tax ID — is essential. Here's a complete guide with useful links and images to help you through the process. 📌 What’s a Codice Fiscale and Why You Need It The codice fiscale is similar to a National Insurance Number or Social Security Number. You'll need it to: Buy or rent...
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