When it comes to planning for your retirement, you may be wondering what to do with the nest egg you’re about to receive. Do you stay where you are, move to a new home – potentially near family – or do you up sticks and move to an entirely new country to live out a lifelong dream?
For those approaching retirement age, the prospect of moving overseas might be a very appealing indeed. You’ll be able to enjoy a different climate, a different culture, and in many cases, superior public services in addition to the delights that the locale brings.
If you’re open to the idea of retiring abroad, but you’re not sure where your latter years may be best spent, then perhaps the stunning Mediterranean country of Italy can’t tempt you. A highly appealing destination, Italy boasts thousands of years of history, amazing food, and wonderful weather among many other benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the country, and how it might appeal to would-be retirees in Britain.
How many Brits live in Italy?
Around thirty-thousand British nationals live in Italy, with most of them concentrated in the country’s north. Lombardy houses around 20%, while Lazio is home to 18%. According to a survey launched by the British embassy in Rome, around 60% of Brits living in the country have been doing so for more than a decade, and just under 40% have been there for more than twenty years. This goes to show that there’s a quality of life that just can’t be beaten.
6 advantages of retiring in Italy from the UK
There are several distinct advantages to a retirement spent in this part of the world and below, we’ll take a look at six of the best.
Healthcare
Italy boasts an affordable and high-quality system of healthcare. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, residents enjoy a quality of care that’s comparable to most developed nations. Even better, your medical expenses are covered, which means that you won’t find yourself caught out if you find yourself in need of the healthcare services.
The food
Of course, if you’ve spent even a little bit of time contemplating retirement in Italy, then you’ll have spared a thought for the quality of the food. Pasta, pizza, espresso, gelato – there’s a huge amount to love about gastronomic culture in Italy and if you’ve visited before you’ll appreciate that simplicity is key here with top quality ingredients and leisurely meals a given.
Varied living costs
While the major tourist spots in Italy have a deserved reputation for being exorbitant, Rome and Venice we’re looking at you, this isn’t a fair reflection of the country as a whole. Pick the right part of the country, and you can expect to enjoy very reasonable living costs so that you can spend your money on travel, at the local boutiques or on that classic car you’ve always dreamed of.
Quick citizenship
You don’t need to live in Italy for all that long to apply for citizenship, especially if you’ve got family connections in the country. The standard waiting time is around a decade, but for those with Italian heritage, it’s reduced. If you have a skilled immigration solicitor on your side, then things will be even easier, and you’ll be well on your way to living la dolce vita without the stress.
The weather
It should go without saying that Italians benefit from scorching-hot summers and mild winters. If the idea of a holiday in the country is appealing, then so too will be the idea of living there for the long term. Be prepared to ditch the long, dark winters of the UK and embrace a warmer climate enabling you to enjoy more of the outdoors for longer.
The culture
Italy has an easy-going café culture that matches well with retirees, but that’s not to say that taking it easy is mandatory. If you’d like an active retirement, then you can climb the alps during summer – and ski down them in winter, and you’ll have a wondrous new home country to explore, from bustling cities full of incredible architecture and history to inviting natural landscapes.
