Is Italy paying $33,000 to move there?

Yes, the southern Italian region of Calabria offered up to €28,000 (around $33,000) to people under 40 willing to move to small, depopulating villages and start a business, as part of its "active residency income" project to revitalize rural areas. While the scheme began in 2021, similar initiatives exist, like Tuscany's grants for home renovation in mountain towns, but specific programs change, so checking official regional sources is key.

Is Italy offering $29,000 to move there?

A small Italian village that offers new buyers grants of up to $29,000 to relocate is expanding its program. Radicondoli, in the Siena hills in Tuscany, is now also offering to pay half of newcomers' rent until early 2026 if they move to Italy.

Can Americans get paid to move to Italy?

Get paid to move to Italy

Well, you might be in luck! A steady fall in Italy's population since 2014 has affected regional towns the hardest. So, local governments are offering relocation grants and other financial incentives to incoming expat communities.

Can foreigners apply for Italy's relocation grant?

In fact, many relocation grants stipulate that you either have EU citizenship or are already in possession of a valid visa/permit of stay to remain longer than 90 days in the territory. Obtaining an Italian visa can be a complex and daunting process, but is by no means impossible.

Can a US citizen just move to Italy?

No, a U.S. citizen cannot just move to Italy; you must obtain the correct long-stay visa before you go, as you can only stay for 90 days visa-free for tourism, and longer stays (over 3 months) require a specific visa like a work, elective residence (for passive income), digital nomad, or student visa, followed by applying for a permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay) upon arrival. The process involves applying at an Italian consulate in the U.S., gathering extensive documentation (proof of income, housing, etc.), and can take several weeks or months. 

Italy Will Pay You $33,000 to Move There in 2025! 🇮🇹💰 | How to Apply + Best Cities to Relocate

Can you collect US social security and live in Italy?

Absence from U.S. territory

Normally, people who are not U.S. citizens may receive U.S. Social Security benefits while outside the U.S. only if they meet certain requirements. Under the agreement, however, you may receive benefits as long as you reside in Italy regardless of your nationality.

Which Italian town is paying $30,000 to live there?

Yes, the town of Presicce-Acquarica in Puglia, Italy, offers up to €30,000 (around $30,000 USD) to people who buy and renovate homes in their historic center to combat depopulation, requiring you to purchase an older home (built before 1991) and become a resident. This is part of a broader trend in Italy, with other towns like Radicondoli in Tuscany offering similar incentives for relocating and revitalizing smaller communities, often with additional benefits for families or new businesses. 

Can I move to Italy without a job?

The elective residence visa allows US citizens to live in Italy without working. Applicants must show proof of sufficient passive income (typically €31,000+ per year for individuals) and comprehensive health insurance. Employment or business activity in Italy is not permitted under this visa.

What is the Italy relocation program 2025?

On July 4, 2025, Italy's Council of Ministers approved a landmark immigration reform: the Flow Decree (Decreto Flussi) 2026–2028. This three‑year framework authorizes nearly 500,000 work permits for non‑EU nationals, the country's largest allocation to date.

Which Italian village offers $23000 to move there?

The depopulated picturesque Tuscan village of Radicondoli is paying people to move there, offering up to €20,000 (about $23,000) to buyers of vacant homes, plus an additional €6,000 for expenses.

What is the income limit to move to Italy?

Income Stability and Financial Independence

To qualify for an Italian Elective Residence Visa, you must have a financial income of €32,000. If you are married, this number increases to €38,000. In addition, if you come as a family, you must have 20% more income per child.

Are $1 homes in Italy still available?

Yes, Italy is still selling abandoned homes for the symbolic price of €1 (around $1) in many small towns to revitalize communities, with programs active in 2025 and continuing into 2026, though buyers must commit to substantial renovations (often €15,000+) and cover legal fees, making it a complex but potentially rewarding project for restoration. Towns in regions like Sicily, Umbria, and Abruzzo participate to bring new life and tax revenue, attracting international interest despite the significant renovation commitment. 

Is healthcare free in Italy?

Costs of the Italian Healthcare System

In-patient care and primary care are free, as is visiting a doctor. However, the public health system uses a "co-pay" system (cost-sharing between the SSN and the patient) for specialist visits, diagnostic procedures, and prescription medication.

What jobs are in demand in Italy?

Italy has high demand for skilled professionals in Healthcare (doctors, nurses, therapists, geriatric care), Engineering (software, mechanical, aerospace, renewable energy), and IT (software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity), alongside a significant need for tradespeople (electricians, plumbers) and teachers (STEM, English). The tourism, logistics, and manufacturing sectors also offer opportunities, particularly for those with specialized digital or artisanal skills. 

What village in Italy will pay you?

This picturesque village is paying people $23,000 to move there. Radicondoli, a tiny depopulated village in Tuscany, has launched a new program to entice people to relocate there.

Is it cheaper to live in Italy or the USA?

Yes, living in Italy is generally significantly cheaper than in the U.S., especially outside major cities, with lower costs for housing, food, and healthcare, though lower salaries and higher taxes on income can balance this out, meaning your purchasing power depends heavily on your income source and location within Italy. 

What is the 7% rule in Italy?

Italy's 7% tax rule is a special flat tax regime for qualifying foreign retirees who move to specific small towns in Southern Italy, taxing all their foreign-sourced income (pensions, rentals, dividends, etc.) at a flat 7% for up to ten years, while also exempting them from wealth taxes on foreign assets, designed to revitalize Southern regions. To qualify, you must not have been an Italian tax resident for the prior five years and must hold foreign pension income, moving to a municipality with under 20,000 people in Southern Italy. 

Can a U.S. citizen live in Italy permanently?

As a second immigration strategy, American citizens can permanently move to Italy by becoming Italian nationals. This is possible if you meet the requirements to apply for the Italian Citizenship. There are different types of Italian Citizenships you can apply for, depending on the requirements you meet.

Where is the safest and cheapest place to live in Italy?

See below the list of cities and reasons why they are the cheapest and best ones to live as an expat.

• Palermo. It is not one of the most famous favourite cities in Italy. ...
• Padova (Padua) ...
• Bari. ...
• Pisa. ...
• Bologna. ...
• Lecce. ...
• Naples.

How do I apply to move to Italy?

After coming to Italy, the Americans must obtain a permesso di soggiorno (permit of stay). Within 20 days of receiving the permit to stay, Americans must go to the local Vital Statistics Bureau to apply for residency. The residence permit can be obtained in 1-2 months.

Why is Presicce, Italy abandoned?

With a population barely exceeding 9,000, it has become emblematic of a broader trend sweeping across many small towns in Italy—an exodus driven by economic hardship and dwindling opportunities. The roots of Presicce's decline can be traced back to Italy's long-standing economic struggles.

What is the downside of retiring to Italy from the USA?

The main downsides of retiring to Italy from the U.S. include navigating complex bureaucracy and slow administrative processes, overcoming the language barrier, dealing with potentially inconsistent public services and infrastructure, and the challenges of tax and healthcare systems, while also adjusting to a slower pace of life, potentially isolated small towns, and varying costs depending on location. 

How long can you live outside the US without losing Social Security?

U.S. citizens can generally live outside the U.S. indefinitely and still collect Social Security, provided they submit proof of life annually and meet requirements, but non-citizens usually have benefits stopped after six consecutive months abroad unless they qualify for an exception or are from a country with a special agreement. Non-citizens must often prove lawful presence in the U.S. for 30 days to start benefits, and rules vary significantly by country and citizenship status. 

Which country has the best Social Security in the world?

Of the countries under study, The Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg and Denmark offer their citizens the best protection against social risks. The citizens of Greece, Spain and Romania are found to be less protected.