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Retiring in Italy After Brexit Knowing your Options
Italy, with its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and warm Mediterranean climate, has been a dream retirement destination for many Britons for many decades. However, the significant changes brought about by Brexit have raised questions and concerns about the feasibility of retiring there. There are legal hurdles to overcome when relocating to Italy or attempting to gain Italian citizenship. Therefore, it is important to seek expert legal advice from Italian lawyers when considering a change of domicile.
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In this guide, if you are considering retiring to we will explore whether it is easier organise your retirement to Italy from the United Kingdom (UK) or from the European Union (EU). We will also discuss how to obtain an Italian retirement visa, and how our Italian avvocato's (lawyers) at Giambrone and Partners can assist.
Retiring to Italy and gaining Italian citizenship after Brexit
Find out if retiring in Italy and gaining a residence permit is the best option for you
Find out how long it can take a British citizen to obtain an Italian retirement visa
Here's how our lawyers can help you
Can I Still Retire in Italy After Brexit?
Yes, it's still possible for UK nationals to retire in Italy post-Brexit, but the process and requirements have changed.
Now, UK nationals wanting to retire in Italy need to apply for a visa and meet the specific requirements applicable to the visa you have chosen. The most suitable visa for retirees is the Italian Elective Residency Visa. This visa is designed for individuals who wish to retire in Italy and can demonstrate adequate income derived from pensions, savings, or investment income to support themselves without the need to work in Italy.
You can find out more about retiring in Italy as a British retiree in our previous guide.
Is it Beneficial to Retire to Italy?
There are pros and cons to retiring to Italy:
Cost of Living: Compared to some parts of the UK, Italy offers a lower cost of living, especially in the southern regions or rural areas. You can enjoy quality food, wine, and other essentials at affordable prices.
Culture & Lifestyle: Italy boasts a rich culture, filled with arts, music, festivals, ancient history and traditions. The pace of life is generally slower, particularly in the countryside, allowing retirees to truly unwind and enjoy their surroundings.
Healthcare: Italy's healthcare system ranks among the best in the world. Although it's essential to be informed about the healthcare rights of non-EU retirees and private medical insurance requirements, the standard of care is generally high.
Climate: From Alpine climates in the north to Mediterranean warmth in the south, Italy offers a diverse range of weather patterns to suit different preferences.
However, there are also challenges like bureaucracy, and adapting to a new way of life. It’s essential to visit and spend time in Italy, ideally in various seasons, to see if it aligns with your retirement goals.
If you are struggling with gaining Italian residency, get in touch with our expert Italian avvocatos today.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain an Italian Retirement Visa?
Obtaining an Elective Residency Visa (often considered the most suitable for retirees) involves several steps and the timeline can vary. Here's a general overview:
Assemble your Documents: You'll need a valid passport, proof of income, this is often demonstrated by sight of your bank statements (there is a minimum amount required, however, that varies yearly but is typically around €31,000 for a single person, more for couples), health insurance coverage, and a place of residence in Italy, among other documents.
Application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation, you can submit your visa application at the Italian consulate in the UK.
Length of Time: The time it takes for the consulate to process your application and issue a visa varies, but typically, it might take between 1-3 months. It's crucial to plan ahead and be patient.
Finalising in Italy: Once you arrive in Italy with your visa, you will need to obtain a residency permit ('permesso di soggiorno'). This involves another application, including fingerprinting, and might take several months to process.
How Giambrone and Partners can Assist
In conclusion, while Brexit has introduced new layers of complexity for UK nationals wishing to retire in Italy, it's by no means an impossible dream, with adequate planning, a full understanding the requirements, and the guidance and assistance of an international lawyer, Italy can still be your retirement haven.
If you would like assistance when retiring and moving to Italy, do not hesitate to contact our Italian avvocato's today. We have vast experience helping retirees in all aspects of their move to Italy including communicating with the Italian consulate on our client's behalf.
To get started, contact a member of our experienced legal team today.