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France vs Italy for retirees
On retirement, France grades strong (85 of 100) and Italy grades strong (85 of 100) and on healthcare, France grades strong (73 of 100) and Italy grades strong (73 of 100). [FR K1] [FR R1] [IT R1] [IT R2] [IT R3] [FR H1] [IT H1] The table below sets France and Italy side by side on every factor we have checked, and it does not rank them.
Side by side
France and Italy, factor by factor.
Each grade is against the same published measure for both places, with its source and the date we checked it. Research information, not advice.
| Factor |  France |  Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement | 85 of 100Strong Strong: the "visiteur" card is for people who stay without working, and Service-Public lists it among the permits that count towards the five years needed for the EU long-term resident card. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Carte de résident de longue durée-UE (étranger en France depuis 5 ans). Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: the elective residence visa is for people with stable income that does not come from work, and consulates describe it as for those who plan to reside permanently; the Polizia di Stato says the EU long-term residence permit can be requested after five years with a valid residence permit. Source: Elective residency visa (Los Angeles consulate); Elective residency (New York consulate); Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Healthcare | 73 of 100Strong WHO UHC service coverage index 82 (2023). Source: UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1). Checked 15 October 2026. | 73 of 100Strong WHO UHC service coverage index 82 (2023). Source: UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1). Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Cost of living | 31 of 100Weak Price level 0.766 of United States prices (2025). Source: Price level index (GDP), France. Checked 15 October 2026. | 41 of 100Mixed Price level 0.690 of United States prices (2025). Source: Price level index (GDP), Italy. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Safety | 34 of 100Mixed Global Peace Index 2026: 99th of 163. Source: Global Peace Index 2026, overall rank. Checked 15 October 2026. | 63 of 100Mixed Global Peace Index 2026: 35th of 163. Source: Global Peace Index 2026, overall rank. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Community | 60 of 100Mixed Expat Insider 2026 Ease of Settling In: 16th of 31. Source: Expat Insider 2026: Ease of Settling In. Checked 15 October 2026. | 63 of 100Mixed Expat Insider 2026 Ease of Settling In: 14th of 31. Source: Expat Insider 2026: Ease of Settling In. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Climate | 42 of 100Mixed Toulouse, the main city: 6 comfortable months a year (May to October). Source: Climate normals 1991–2020, Toulouse-Blagnac (WMO 07630). Checked 15 October 2026. | Unknown Turin, the main city, has no usable official 1991–2020 normals: the only Turin station in the WMO set sits on a hill at 709 m, not in the city. |
| Visa, United States passport | 85 of 100Strong A visitor card is open without a French job offer: valid 1 year at most and renewable, no minimum age, no deposit, and resources of about EUR 17,700 a year (about US$19,900 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under US$60,000. To be safe, have more than EUR 18,000 a year. It does not allow work. A one-year renewable card is read here as a year or more. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Visa de long séjour (séjour de plus de 3 mois à 1 an). Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: A national remote worker and freelancer visa is open without a local job offer for a stay of a year, renewable while the conditions hold, with no minimum age and no deposit or investment. Income test about 24,800 to 27,000 euros a year (about US$27,800 to $30,300 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than 28,000 euros a year. Needs a qualification, six months of experience and a registered lease. Source: Digital nomad / remote worker visa (New York consulate); Digital nomad / remote worker visa (Los Angeles consulate). Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Visa, Canada passport | 85 of 100Strong A visitor card is open without a French job offer: valid 1 year at most and renewable, no minimum age, no deposit, and resources of about EUR 17,700 a year (about US$19,900 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under US$60,000. To be safe, have more than EUR 18,000 a year. It does not allow work. A one-year renewable card is read here as a year or more. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Visa de long séjour (séjour de plus de 3 mois à 1 an). Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: A national remote worker and freelancer visa is open without a local job offer for a stay of a year, renewable while the conditions hold, with no minimum age and no deposit or investment. Income test about 24,800 euros a year (about US$27,800 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than 25,000 euros a year. Needs a qualification, six months of experience and suitable accommodation. Source: Digital nomad / remote worker visa (Ottawa embassy); Digital nomad and remote worker national visa (Toronto consulate). Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Visa, Australia passport | 85 of 100Strong A visitor card is open without a French job offer: valid 1 year at most and renewable, no minimum age, no deposit, and resources of about EUR 17,700 a year (about US$19,900 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under US$60,000. To be safe, have more than EUR 18,000 a year. It does not allow work. A one-year renewable card is read here as a year or more. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Visa de long séjour (séjour de plus de 3 mois à 1 an). Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: A national remote worker and freelancer visa is open without a local job offer for a stay of a year, renewable while the conditions hold, with no minimum age and no deposit or investment. Income test about 25,500 euros a year (about US$28,600 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026); a remote employee's contract must pay about 33,000 euros, still under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than 26,000 euros a year. Needs a qualification, six months of experience and a registered lease. Source: Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Sydney consulate); Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Melbourne consulate); Schengen visa checklist: digital nomads and remote workers (Adelaide consulate). Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Visa, New Zealand passport | 85 of 100Strong A visitor card is open without a French job offer: valid 1 year at most and renewable, no minimum age, no deposit, and resources of about EUR 17,700 a year (about US$19,900 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026), well under US$60,000. To be safe, have more than EUR 18,000 a year. It does not allow work. A one-year renewable card is read here as a year or more. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Visa de long séjour (séjour de plus de 3 mois à 1 an). Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: A national remote worker and freelancer visa is open without a local job offer for a stay of a year, renewable while the conditions hold, with no minimum age and no deposit or investment. Income test about 25,500 euros a year (about US$28,600 at the ECB rate of 9 October 2026); a remote employee's contract must pay about 33,500 euros, still under the US$60,000 line. To be safe, have more than 26,000 euros a year. Needs a qualification, six months of experience and a registered lease. Source: Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Wellington embassy). Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Schools | Unknown Our research doesn't cover schools yet. | Unknown Our research doesn't cover schools yet. |
| Lifestyle | 72 of 100Strong Expat Insider 2026 Quality of Life: 9th of 31. Source: Expat Insider 2026: Quality of Life. Checked 15 October 2026. | 56 of 100Mixed Expat Insider 2026 Quality of Life: 18th of 31. Source: Expat Insider 2026: Quality of Life. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Work and career | 50 of 100Mixed Mixed: fixed broadband is 48.9 per 100 people (2024), over the 30 line, but the official pages reviewed describe no residence route made for remote work for foreign employers, and the visitor card does not allow work. Source: Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card); Carte de séjour "entrepreneur/profession libérale"; Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, France. Checked 15 October 2026. | 85 of 100Strong Strong: a national visa for remote workers and freelancers exists, and fixed broadband is 31.8 per 100 people (2024), over the 30 line. Source: Digital nomad / remote worker visa (New York consulate); Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, Italy. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| Internet | 100 of 100Strong 48.93 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people (2024), above the 30 line. Source: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, France. Checked 15 October 2026. | 71 of 100Strong 31.78 fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people (2024). Source: Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, Italy. Checked 15 October 2026. |
| English | 60 of 100Mixed EF EPI 2025 score 539 (38th of 123), between the 499 and 550 anchors. Source: EF English Proficiency Index 2025: France. Checked 15 October 2026. | 42 of 100Mixed EF EPI 2025 score 513 (59th of 123), in EF's moderate band. Source: EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Italy. Checked 15 October 2026. |
Where they differ
Where the grades fall in different levels.
A different level is a difference in the measure, not a verdict on either place. What matters depends on your own circumstances.
- Cost of living: France grades weak (31 of 100) and Italy grades mixed (41 of 100). [FR C1] [IT C1]
- Lifestyle: France grades strong (72 of 100) and Italy grades mixed (56 of 100). [FR Q2] [IT Q2]
- Work and career: France grades mixed (50 of 100) and Italy grades strong (85 of 100). [FR K1] [FR K2] [FR K3] [IT K1] [IT K2]
Compare
The comparison for everyone.
Questions about France vs Italy for retirees.
Which pensions and savings count towards the income test in France and Italy?
France's visitor card counts pensions, and a family member's resources can count; child benefits don't (more than €1,500 net a month for one person, to be safe). Italy's elective residence is for stable income that doesn't come from work; our sources don't list which pensions or savings count, so ask your consulate.
Can years of retirement residence lead to permanent residence?
France: years on the visitor card count towards the five continuous years for the EU long-term resident card, which lasts 10 years; absences of up to 6 months at a time are allowed. Italy: the EU long-term permit can be requested after five years with a valid permit; Wellington says elective residence is not renewable.
How are pensions taxed in France and Italy?
Italy taxes residents on worldwide income at 23%, 33% and 43% in three bands for 2026; the 1982 Australia–Italy convention taxes pensions only where you live. France's scale for 2025 income runs 0%, 11%, 30%, 41% and 45% per share. French rules for pensions and any pensioner regimes aren't covered here.
What health cover do retirees need on a long-stay visa in each country?
France: the visitor card needs health insurance for your stay; public cover (PUMa) opens 3 months after you arrive and you keep it by living there at least 6 months a year. Italy: a 2024 Bologna notice gives a €2,000 yearly minimum for voluntary enrolment; whether elective-residence holders may join is unknown.
Can you keep an Australian, Canadian or New Zealand pension while living in France or Italy?
Australia's Age Pension can be paid abroad at a proportional rate. Canada's CPP can be paid abroad; OAS needs 20 years' residence in Canada since age 18. New Zealand Super can be kept if you apply 6 weeks before you leave. US Social Security abroad isn't covered here. Ask the paying agency.
Sources
Where each figure comes from.
Every figure on this page links to the page we read, with the date we checked it.
- [FR K1] Carte de séjour "visiteur" (visitor residence card), Service-Public.fr (French government information service). Checked 15 October 2026. Page verified 1 June 2026: valid 1 year at most and renewable; resources of EUR 1,477.93 net a month for a single person; health insurance; no work in France.
- [FR R1] Carte de résident de longue durée-UE (étranger en France depuis 5 ans), Service-Public.fr (French government information service). Checked 15 October 2026. Page verified 1 June 2026: five years in France on listed permits, including the temporary "visiteur" card, count towards the card.
- [IT R1] Elective residency visa (Los Angeles consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated page; the visa is for people who wish to reside permanently in Italy and can show high self-sustaining income and financial assets; no work allowed.
- [IT R2] Elective residency (New York consulate), Consulate General of Italy in New York (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated page; income must not come from work, 'typically around €31,000 per person'; the visa does not allow any work.
- [IT R3] Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo, Polizia di Stato (Italian Ministry of the Interior). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated PDF; the EU long-term residence permit can be requested only by someone who has held a valid residence permit for at least five years; short-stay permits do not count.
- [FR H1] UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1), World Health Organization. Checked 15 October 2026. France: 82 out of 100 (2023), read from the WHO Global Health Observatory API on 15 October 2026.
- [IT H1] UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1), World Health Organization. Checked 15 October 2026. Italy: 82 out of 100 (2023), read from the WHO Global Health Observatory API on 15 October 2026.
- [FR C1] Price level index (GDP), France, World Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 2025: 76.57 (United States = 100), read from the World Bank API on 15 October 2026.
- [IT C1] Price level index (GDP), Italy, World Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 2025: 68.96 (United States = 100), read from the World Bank API on 15 October 2026.
- [FR S1] Global Peace Index 2026, overall rank, Institute for Economics and Peace. Checked 15 October 2026. France ranks 99th of 163 countries (score 2.083).
- [IT S1] Global Peace Index 2026, overall rank, Institute for Economics and Peace. Checked 15 October 2026. Italy ranks 35th of 163 countries (score 1.712); read from the report PDF on 15 October 2026.
- [FR Q1] Expat Insider 2026: Ease of Settling In, InterNations (Expat Insider survey, private). Checked 15 October 2026. France ranks 16th of 31 countries.
- [IT Q1] Expat Insider 2026: Ease of Settling In, InterNations (Expat Insider survey, private). Checked 15 October 2026. Italy ranks 14th of 31 countries.
- [FR W1] Climate normals 1991–2020, Toulouse-Blagnac (WMO 07630), Météo-France (WMO Climate Normals 1991–2020 via NOAA NCEI). Checked 15 October 2026. Toulouse, the main city for France's climate grade: monthly mean daily highs 9.7 to 28.5 °C; 6 comfortable months (May to October).
- [FR V1] Visa de long séjour (séjour de plus de 3 mois à 1 an), Service-Public.fr (French government information service). Checked 15 October 2026. Page verified 9 October 2026: more than 3 months in France needs a long-stay visa (type D) from the French consulate, valid from 3 months to 1 year; one of its cases is a visitor who can live on their own resources; it does not allow work.
- [IT K1] Digital nomad / remote worker visa (New York consulate), Consulate General of Italy in New York (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated page. A national visa for non-EU citizens who work remotely while living in Italy, for freelancers (digital nomads) and employees (remote workers); only for highly qualified people. Jurisdiction rules differ by consulate.
- [IT K3] Digital nomad / remote worker visa (Los Angeles consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated page, partly written in 2024. For US residents: income of at least three times the health-contribution exemption level from work done in Italy, a permit issued for one year and renewable at the Questura, no minimum age, no deposit or investment.
- [IT K4] Digital nomad / remote worker visa (Ottawa embassy), Embassy of Italy in Ottawa (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. Undated page. For the Ottawa consular area: income from the previous fiscal year in the country of residence above 24,780 euros; qualification and six months of experience; no minimum age, no deposit or investment.
- [IT K5] Digital nomad and remote worker national visa (Toronto consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Toronto (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Checked 15 October 2026. No clear date. For the Toronto consular area: same national visa, the page prints no euro income figure; no minimum age, no deposit or investment.
- [IT K6] Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Sydney consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Sydney (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), PDF. Checked 15 October 2026. Undated checklist in the July 2026 upload folder. For New South Wales: income for the previous financial year of at least 8,500 euros x 3 (25,500 euros); no minimum age, no deposit or investment.
- [IT K7] Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Melbourne consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), PDF. Checked 15 October 2026. Undated checklist in the July 2026 upload folder. For Victoria and Tasmania: same figures as Sydney.
- [IT K8] Schengen visa checklist: digital nomads and remote workers (Adelaide consulate), Consulate General of Italy in Adelaide (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), PDF. Checked 15 October 2026. File name dated 14 August 2026. Prints 25,500 euros as three times the health-contribution exemption level.
- [IT K9] Digital nomad / remote worker visa checklist (Wellington embassy), Embassy of Italy in Wellington (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), PDF. Checked 15 October 2026. Undated checklist in the July 2026 upload folder. For New Zealand citizens or permanent residents: income for the previous financial year of at least 8,500 euros x 3 (25,500 euros); no minimum age, no deposit or investment.
- [FR Q2] Expat Insider 2026: Quality of Life, InterNations (Expat Insider survey, private). Checked 15 October 2026. France ranks 9th of 31 countries.
- [IT Q2] Expat Insider 2026: Quality of Life, InterNations (Expat Insider survey, private). Checked 15 October 2026. Italy ranks 18th of 31 countries (Quality of Life Index).
- [FR K2] Carte de séjour "entrepreneur/profession libérale", Service-Public.fr (French government information service). Checked 15 October 2026. Page verified 1 June 2026; the route for freelancers and self-employed people, not a remote-worker route.
- [FR K3] Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, France, International Telecommunication Union, via the World Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 2024: 48.93 per 100 people, read from the World Bank API on 15 October 2026.
- [IT K2] Fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, Italy, International Telecommunication Union, via the World Bank. Checked 15 October 2026. 2024: 31.78 per 100 people, read from the World Bank API on 15 October 2026.
- [FR F1] EF English Proficiency Index 2025: France, EF Education First (private test-taker index). Checked 15 October 2026. Score 539, global rank 38 of 123 countries and regions; the 2025 edition was the current one on 15 October 2026.
- [IT F1] EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Italy, EF Education First (private test-taker index). Checked 15 October 2026. Score 513, global rank 59 of 123 countries and regions, down 15 points on the previous score; global average 488; the 2026 edition was not yet published on 15 October 2026.