Big news for Italian retirement: You no longer have to live in a tiny village to save 93% on taxes.
As of April 7, 2026, the Italian government officially raised the population threshold for the famous 7% tax regime. Previously limited to villages under 20,000 people, the limit has jumped to 30,000 residents.
🏥 Better Infrastructure
Access to larger regional hospitals and specialized medical care that smaller villages lack.
🎭 Lively Culture
UNESCO sites like Noto and Alberobello are now fully eligible for the tax break.
✈️ Global Connectivity
Coastal hubs with easier access to international airports and high-speed rail.
Financial Impact: Standard vs. 7% Regime
| Income Source | Standard Italian Tax | 7% Special Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Pension | 23% to 43% | 7% Fixed |
| Investment Dividends | 26% | 7% Fixed |
| Rental Income (Abroad) | Progressive Rate | 7% Fixed |
Newly Eligible Towns: 2026 Highlights
Below are the most popular additions to the list, grouped by region. These towns were previously “too big” but now fall under the 30,000 resident cap.
• Noto
• Taormina
• Castelvetrano
• Termini Imerese
• Misilmeri
• Belpasso
• Alberobello
• Manduria
• Canosa di Puglia
• Gioia del Colle
• San Giovanni Rotondo
• Pompei
• Paestum
• Poggiomarino
• San Nicola la Strada
• Porto Torres
• Iglesias
• Ortona (Abruzzo)
• Isernia (Molise)
⚠️ Important: The “Double Check” Rule
Just because a town has 25,000 people doesn’t mean it automatically qualifies. It must be located in the regions of Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Abruzzo, or Molise. Towns in Northern or Central Italy (like Tuscany or Lombardy) do not qualify for the 7% rate, regardless of their size.
How to use our “Town Finder” Strategy
Before you buy property, you must verify the official resident count. Here is how to do it accurately:
Visit the ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) website. Look for the “Resident Population” data as of January 1st of the current year. The town must be under 30,000.
Ensure the town is in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, or Puglia (or specific earthquake zones in Central Italy).
Because population counts change, we recommend a pre-purchase audit. We verify the specific municipality’s status with the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) to ensure your 7% status is 100% secure.
Pro Tip: Population counts change every year. We offer a “Safe-Move Audit” where we get a written confirmation of the town’s status before you sign a lease.
Don’t Guess Your Tax Status
The 7% regime lasts for 10 years—making a mistake on the town choice can cost you thousands. Let our experts verify your eligibility today.
CONSULT WITH A TAX SPECIALIST
For retirees dreaming of a picturesque life in Italy, there are regions offering not only stunning landscapes, warm communities, and a slower pace of life, but also many towns with populations under 20,000 that qualify for Italy’s special 7% tax rate for foreign pensioners. This article will guide you through some charming small towns in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia that are perfect for retirement.
Sicily
Sicily is a treasure trove of history, nature, and culture. With affordable living costs and beautiful coastlines, it’s an attractive destination for retirees.
Castelmola: A small town perched above Taormina, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
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Salemi: This charming town in the Trapani province boasts historical sites and easy access to both mountains and beaches.
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Savoca: Famous as a filming location for The Godfather, Savoca is a quaint hilltop town with medieval charm and a tight-knit community.
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Cefalù: A coastal town known for its stunning beaches and medieval charm.
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Castellammare del Golfo: Nestled between the mountains and the sea, offering picturesque views.
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Calabria
With its stunning coastlines, lush mountains, and warm climate, Calabria offers a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of scenic beauty.
Tropea: Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea is known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and historic old town.
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Gerace: Nestled in the Aspromonte mountains, Gerace is a medieval village with a fascinating mix of Byzantine and Norman architecture.
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Stilo: A small town with a rich history, Stilo is home to the famous Cattolica di Stilo, a Byzantine church and one of Calabria’s architectural gems.
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Scilla: A charming town with mythological roots and beautiful beaches.
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Sardinia
Sardinia is known for its beaches and rugged landscapes, as well as its distinctive culture and cuisine.
Castelsardo: This medieval fortress town sits on the coast of northern Sardinia, offering stunning views, history, and a tight-knit community.
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Bosa: Located along the Temo River, Bosa is famous for its colorful houses and ancient stone streets, along with a mild climate year-round.
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Carloforte: Located on the island of San Pietro, known for its unique linguistic heritage.
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Campania
Campania, home to Naples, is a region filled with Roman ruins, coastal beauty, and vibrant communities.
Agerola: Overlooking the Amalfi Coast, Agerola offers stunning mountain views, access to hiking trails, and a welcoming community.
Ravello: Known for its iconic gardens and music festivals, Ravello is a serene town with breathtaking vistas.
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Castel San Giorgio: Located near Salerno, this town provides access to both coastal and inland landscapes, offering a relaxed lifestyle with cultural depth.
Basilicata
Basilicata is a lesser-known region, but its quiet towns, friendly locals, and low cost of living make it attractive to retirees seeking tranquility.
Rotondella: With a view of both the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, Rotondella is a small town perfect for retirees wanting a serene environment.
Bernalda: Known for its archaeological sites and charming architecture, Bernalda is close to the beach and filled with Southern Italian warmth.
Maratea: A coastal gem with beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage.
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Irsina: A hilltop town with medieval architecture and vibrant traditions.
Abruzzo
Abruzzo’s landscapes are a mix of mountains and coastline, with quaint towns and strong traditions.
Scanno: A scenic mountain town famous for its lake and medieval architecture, Scanno provides a quiet, community-focused lifestyle.
Pacentro: Nestled in the Apennine mountains, Pacentro is known for its medieval castle and panoramic views.
Castel del Monte: Set in a national park, this town is ideal for nature-loving retirees seeking peace and natural beauty.
Atri: A historic town with ancient ruins and charming streets.
Molise
Molise is a small, undiscovered region with an old-world charm and welcoming residents.
Agnone: Known for its artisanal bell-making, Agnone has charming streets, historical sites, and a friendly, supportive community.
Sepino: Near ancient Roman ruins, Sepino offers history lovers a quiet spot steeped in heritage.
Puglia
Puglia, with its olive groves, whitewashed towns, and stunning beaches, is one of Italy’s most popular regions for retirees.
Locorotondo: This whitewashed town in the Valle d’Itria is known for its conical-roofed trulli houses and a relaxed, picturesque atmosphere.
Alberobello: Known for its unique trulli houses and charming streets.
These picturesque towns promise a fulfilling lifestyle, unique Italian traditions, and a community-focused environment.
Note: The list of towns provided in this article is for informational purposes only and represents suggested locations based on available data. Before deciding to transfer your tax residence to Italy to benefit from the optional 7% tax regime for foreign pensioners, please consult a professional. Eligibility may vary, and it’s essential to verify with current guidelines that a municipality qualifies under this tax benefit according to the most recent population data available from Istat’s “Annual Municipal Survey of Movement and Population Calculation.
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