I appologize if this question has been

08/16/2014 - 14:32

I appologize if this question has been asked a dozen times before. I'm new to the forum, and new to Italy having visited 6 times in the past 20 years. My wife and I are in the initial phase of relocating to the Veneto for at least part of our retirement years and are somewhat stumped on the topics of residency and healthcare coverage.Just a bit of background for anyone who can offer advice...we are both Canadians in our early 60s, born and bred in Canada. We think my wife is entitled to UK citizenship as her Dad imegrated to Canada from Scotland many years ago. We have paid into Ontario's OHIP since our teens and with respect to incomes, expect a modest lifestyle swapping material possesions for healthy activities. I speak some Italian having self-studied. We have an appointement booked with the Italian Ebassey in Toronto but they only allow 1/2 hour... not much time for getting advice on major life desicions.Our concerns are two-fold; what does the Italian government consider adequate income to be allowed to be granted resisent status for the purpose of retirement (no work), and second, what are the requirements for opting into the nation's healthcare system? We want to remain Canadian citizens but reside over there for years at a time. All of our income is pension-based and will be taxed in Canada. The more I try to research the heathcare system the more confused I get. I guess as Canadians we're somewhat spoiled with access to our system, is system Italy's really similar? Do I need expat insurance? Is Group Insurance available privately in Italy at a reasonable cost.. say under $400 CDN per month per family? Can one get group health insurance in Italy through associations like clubs or in my case a Pilot's association? Any advice would be appreciated, advice from another Canadian who's been-there-done-that would be amazing! Thanks :-) 

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But I do still have most of the reply...Have a look at this... if you have not already done so http://www.fin.gc.ca/treaties-conventions/in_force--eng.asp worry if you have not! Only joking, there is a lot to learn... I've not read your DTA with Itay (double tax agreement), but likely it will give you an idea what you are up against. Doubt you wife these days has any UK ties, but in any case I don't think it would make a difference - could be wrong...Can't recall the detils of the amount of income you need, but think it was around €10,000 - get used to thinking in Euro... Off the top of my head I can't see how you will get around the tax DTA and your wish to live here for years...Health costs I think will be within your budget, but in any case a lot of comune don’t even ask for it when you apply for residency.There are a number of Canadians here in Abruzzo, unfortunately lots buried as they died here in WW2  (:  But as a consequence  quite a number now sem to live here. Check around for other forums sites in Abruzzo to get more information.

Hi again, I quickly glanced through our governments website link you posted and it sure sounds to me as if I'm taxed as a Canuck before the money leaves Canada so the Italian government does not tax me again.. thankfully. Yes, I've been to a war grave near Cassino on an early visit to Italy and I was saddened at the sight of so many young Canadian graves. They were hard times for everyone. All of my elder relatives served. My Dad, still living, flew bombers out of England with the RCAF and my Uncle, also still living (94) served in the 4th Canadian Div, twice wounded in Holland. We have a proud heritage. 

Hi, thanks for taking the time to respond. BTW, If the forum sent me a reply notification I must have missed it.I'm going to check out the link you've added and see how it applies to us. My accountant suggested that Canada and Italy have a tax agreement so if I'm required to file it'll be no tax owning as all of our taxes are withheld at the Canadian source. I don't think we have an option there.Thanks again.

Yes it is a double taxation agreement (DTA), but the devil (or salvation) is in the detail. Have no idea of the rate of tax in Canada or allowances, but basically if your total tax in Canada is less than that you would pay in Italy, they could do you for the difference. There are lots of other little quirks, but not a great deal to worry about, well until they catch up with you... smiley