Thursday 9 April 2026 15:04
Italy Expands 7% Flat Tax: 74 New Towns Added in 2026
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 […]
read the news on blog – Expats living in Rome
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.
Access to larger regional hospitals and specialized medical care that smaller villages lack.
UNESCO sites like Noto and Alberobello are now fully eligible for the tax break.
Coastal hubs with easier access to international airports and high-speed rail.
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.
SICILY
• Noto
• Taormina
• Castelvetrano
• Termini Imerese
• Misilmeri
• Belpasso
• Noto
• Taormina
• Castelvetrano
• Termini Imerese
• Misilmeri
• Belpasso
PUGLIA
• Alberobello
• Manduria
• Canosa di Puglia
• Gioia del Colle
• San Giovanni Rotondo
• Alberobello
• Manduria
• Canosa di Puglia
• Gioia del Colle
• San Giovanni Rotondo
CAMPANIA
• Pompei
• Paestum
• Poggiomarino
• San Nicola la Strada
• Pompei
• Paestum
• Poggiomarino
• San Nicola la Strada
SARDINIA / OTHERS
• Porto Torres
• Iglesias
• Ortona (Abruzzo)
• Isernia (Molise)
• Porto Torres
• Iglesias
• Ortona (Abruzzo)
• Isernia (Molise)
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.
Before you buy property, you must verify the official resident count. Here is how to do it accurately:
Step 1: The ISTAT Verification
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.
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.
Step 2: Regional Eligibility
Ensure the town is in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, or Puglia (or specific earthquake zones in Central Italy).
Ensure the town is in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise, or Puglia (or specific earthquake zones in Central Italy).
Step 3: Professional Audit
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.
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.
Beware of “Frazioni”: Sometimes a small village is actually part of a larger city (like Rome or Naples). If the main municipality is over 30k, the village usually won’t qualify.
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.
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
Use code WRTY10082 for 10% off
