Italy is considering a proposed 26% exit tax on certain unrealized investment gains when individuals transfer their tax residence out of the country. Included in the government's draft 2027 Budget Law, the proposal has already attracted criticism from tax professionals, financial advisors and politicians.

But who would actually be affected? Would this apply to everyone living in Italy? And what about Americans with 401(k)s, Canadians with RRSPs or UK residents with private pensions?

In this special report, Samantha Wilson explains what the Italian government is proposing, who could be affected, and why the measure is facing growing opposition.

In this episode, Samantha discusses:

• The proposed 26% exit tax: What it means and how it could apply to unrealized investment gains when someone moves their tax residence abroad.
• Who could be affected: The proposed six-out-of-ten-year Italian tax residency requirement and €800,000 minimum in qualifying financial assets.
• Retirement accounts and property: What we know, what remains unclear about US 401(k)s, Canadian RRSPs and UK private pensions, and why directly owned Italian real estate is generally outside the proposal.
• The political response: Why the proposal is facing criticism and what Deputy Economy Minister Maurizio Leo said on November 5 about reconsidering it.
• What happens next: The parliamentary process, possible changes and what people living in or planning a move to Italy should know.

What to keep in mind: This is a proposal, not an approved law. Its final form remains uncertain, and important details still need clarification.

Samantha will continue following developments as the 2027 Budget Law moves through Parliament.

This episode is for informational purposes only and is not individual tax or financial advice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

When buying a home in Italy, the purchase price is only part of the financial picture. If your savings are in US dollars, Canadian dollars, or British pounds, fluctuations in exchange rates between making an offer and completing your purchase could cost you thousands.

In this episode, Samantha Wilson is joined by Rachel Canales of GC Partners to discuss what international buyers should know about transferring money to Italy and managing currency exchange throughout the property-buying process.

They discuss:

• How exchange rate fluctuations can affect your property budget and purchasing power.
• The difference between using your bank and working with a currency specialist, including fees that may be hidden in exchange rates.
• How forward contracts work and how you can secure an exchange rate for a future payment.
• Why it's important to organize international transfers well before your notary appointment, and what can cause delays.
• What to consider if your property purchase is delayed or falls through after securing an exchange rate.

Plus, Samantha answers three listener questions about buying a second home as a non-resident, qualifying for an Italian mortgage with foreign income, and whether you can recover your deposit if property checks uncover problems.

Connect with Rachel Canales

Thinking about buying property in Italy? Find out how Smart Move Italy Property can help.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Is Italy becoming a more dangerous place to live, or are we becoming more frightened by what we see online?

Recent protests, dramatic social media videos and headlines ranking Florence among Italy’s highest-crime provinces have raised questions about safety. But what do the numbers actually tell us, and how different is everyday life from what we see on our screens?

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, host Samantha Wilson looks beyond the headlines to explore what safety really means when you're considering making Italy your home.

She shares her perspective from living in Florence, where recent demonstrations made international headlines while much of the city continued with its usual weekend routine. She also explores why people are protesting, the economic pressures facing younger Italians, and how social media algorithms can distort our perception of danger.

Italy isn't perfect, and understanding its challenges is part of making an informed decision about moving here. But a few dramatic headlines don't tell the whole story.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Recent protests in Florence and other Italian cities
• Why younger Italians are frustrated by wages, housing costs and limited opportunities
• How social media algorithms influence our perception of crime and danger
• What Italy’s latest crime statistics reveal, including Florence’s ranking
• How serious violent crime rates compare across Italy, the US, Canada and the UK
• What everyday safety and community can look like when living in Italy
• How to evaluate a potential new home beyond the headlines

If you're planning a move to Italy, already living here, or simply trying to understand what’s happening, I hope this conversation gives you a little more perspective.

Thinking about moving to Italy? Visit Smart Move Italy to explore our resources and support available to help you plan your move.

Subscribe to A New Life in Italy for more honest conversations about what it takes to build a life here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network

Listen Vivace

A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/

Vivace Media Network