A Dream Retirement in Italy 
Retire in Italy for an amazing and unique retirement destination.
Learn more about retiring in Italy in IL Postcards. Imagine what it would be like to retire in Italy. Imagine being able to spend every springtime in Rome or Venice or Florence-can't you just picture yourself meandering beside the Arno river on a perfect May evening when all the terracotta roofs and ancient palaces are bathed in that special Florentine glow? But you don't have to spend all your time in Florence or any of the other great art cities to experience the magic. Italy's landscapes are as gorgeous as they are diverse. Historic walled towns, timeless villages crowning dozens of little hilltops like tiaras, and fields covered with bright yellow sunflowers. Gnarled olive groves and lemon, orange, and almond trees, golden beaches and jewel-like Alpine lakes are found throughout the country. Discover romantic, mysterious islands, smoldering Mount Etna, or the glittering peaks of the snow-covered Alps and the Dolomites. The Italian lake district is admittedly well trodden, but what do you know about the islands of Sardinia and Sicily? Or of Le Marché, an exquisite region on the eastern coast that shares the same luscious Renaissance landscapes as Tuscany and Umbria, but where properties are much more sensibly priced? Or of Apulia far in south, a languid land of olive trees fringed by the turquoise Adriatic Sea, and noted for its curious dome-shaped trulli houses? Wondering if you can afford retiring in Italy? Well, you can. There are numerous options and benefits available to expats wishing to retire to Italy. Italian Retirement Visa 
Retiring in Italy will provide a natural and
immediate spark to your retirement.
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The Elective Residency Visa is the type of visa generally used by foreigners who are retired and can collect income from a retirement or pension plan. To obtain an Elective Residency Visa, you must apply in person to the specific Italian consulate that covers your jurisdiction before leaving home. To be eligible for this visa, you must provide, along with a few official forms, proof of financial means such as original financial statements from banks, investment/brokerage firms, Social Security, etc., indicating current balances. Such balances cannot be derived from current employment or other work activities. In other words, you cannot finance your residence in Italy through work. You will also need to provide a rental agreement or deed for property in Italy, and proof of valid medical insurance.
Federal benefits and veterans' services
Those in receipt of monthly benefits from a Federal agency (Social Security, Department of Veterans' Affairs, etc) should contact the Federal Benefits office if you are changing your address or wish to inquire about procedures for having benefit checks sent overseas. It is also possible to arrange to have social security checks paid directly into your Italian bank account. Health care
As far as health care is concerned, Italy ranks among the World Health Organization's top 10 countries for quality health services, which is very important for many people considering a retirement in Italy. By contrast, the U.S. only holds 37th place, despite being the highest spender. However, although medical facilities are considered to be adequate for any emergencies, many public hospitals are overcrowded and under-funded. Italy has a national health plan (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), which provides for hospital and medical benefits. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are legally residing in Italy can apply to join the plan. Eligibility for the plan depends on certain criteria, i.e. your nationality, work permit, etc. If you are a resident of Italy and covered by the national health plan, hospital services will be provided to you and your dependents, free of charge. Visitors, or persons not enrolled under such a plan, are expected to pay full hospital charges and then claim a reimbursement from their insurance provider. Cost of living
Generally speaking, living in Italy can be quite inexpensive if you learn to adapt to a European lifestyle, which is probably healthier in any case than living in the U.S. if you reduce or avoid consumption of imported U.S. goods and eat local produce, for example. Electricity is expensive but it is also true we have longer days and fewer electrical appliances. Heating is kept on at lower temperatures but from Rome southward, it's really only necessary for one to four months a year depending on how far south you go. Most regions where heating is a necessity use gas heating as it is cheaper. Learn more about retiring in Italy in IL Postcards.
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