Many times we have heard this phrase from our readers, who often ask us for advice on how to move abroad permanently. However, moving from theory to practice is not easy. Often, one waits for the right time and courage to leave and start anew.
Emigration abroad: an overview
Italian emigration: an overview
There is no doubt that thinking about a permanent move abroad is very different from spending a few months abroad on vacation. It takes the right motivation and careful planning. Language, culture, climate, distance from home and different food can discourage you immediately if you don't have a strong determination and motivation.
Choosing where to move abroad is never easy: one must assess the distance from home, logistics, job opportunities offered by the destination country and, no less important, one's budget. Knowing the cost of living and verifying whether it is commensurate with the salary you receive (or will receive) is a key step that needs to be addressed carefully before completing the documents and leaving. So, we asked ourselves: Where do Italians live best abroad? In which foreign country do people live best? Today we offer a range of destinations to suit every budget.
AIRE data and recent trends
We often hear about the emigration of Italians, particularly younger people, the so-called “brain drain.” But how many Italian citizens are really living abroad? And what are the preferred destinations for those who choose to change countries? The latest data from AIRE (Anagrafe degli Italiani Residenti all'Estero) indicate that. 5.6 million Italians reside in countries other than Italy. More and more citizens of all ages and from every region are deciding to leave the peninsula; in the last ten years, one million people have chosen to emigrate. At least one in ten Italians therefore lives outside the country.
Aire registration and statistics
Not everyone who leaves for a new country registers with AIRE; many maintain residence in Italy and only domicile abroad. Therefore, AIRE statistics are approximate by default: citizens actually outside the Bel Paese are at least twice as many as those registered. According to AIRE estimates, the favorite destinations for Italian citizens are, in first place, Europe, with about three million residents. This is followed by Latin America, where 1.8 million Italians live. The most popular overseas country is Argentina, with about 900,000 Italian residents, an immigration that began as early as 1870. Brazil, Venezuela, Chile, Uruguay and Colombia are also popular destinations for Italians.
The rise of graduate emigrants
When it comes to statistics, we consider the totality of those who change their lives, and from what emerges, Italians of all age groups and from every region of the peninsula are now outside Italy. However, the number of college graduates who have decided to leave the country, especially in recent periods, is growing strongly. In 2020, emigrants with a bachelor's degree increased by 5.4% compared to the previous year and by 17% compared to five years earlier. This is already a significant increase, but there is more: the incidence of college graduates who drop out of the Italian registry out of the total population aged 25-34 with a college degree has increased from 9.9% of 2019 to 10.5% of 2020.
Contrast with OECD data
Yet, according to the latest OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) report on 2020, Italy would be the country with the best work-life balance in the world. This surprising finding seems at odds with the increasing emigration of young college graduates, suggesting that other factors, such as career opportunities and economic conditions, play a crucial role in the decision to move abroad.
Moving to Spain
Choosing to emigrate to Spain is a popular decision among many Italians, who see the country as similar to Italy. Spain offers significant opportunities in the restaurant and tourism sectors, particularly in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante. It is also an ideal country for digital nomads and families.
One of the main advantages is the cost of living, which is generally lower than in Italy, although this also means lower salaries. For an Italian, moving to Spain is quite simple: just register with the registry office, obtain an NIE and register with the Seguridad Social, the Spanish equivalent of INPS.
Geographical proximity to Italy, the availability of numerous low-cost flights and a lower tax burden than in Italy are all factors that make Spain an attractive destination, whether for study purposes or to find work or start one's own business.
Moving to Portugal
Portugal is an ideal choice for those looking for a country to live in on a budget. Many Italians settle in Lisbon, but the entire territory offers job opportunities in various sectors such as agriculture, services and industry. European citizens can stay freely for three months, after which they must obtain residence authorization and carta de contribuinte. Portugal attracts Erasmus students, workers with or without families, and retirees, thanks to the favorable climate, welcoming mentality and relaxed pace of life. However, you need to know Portuguese, deal with a mixed health care system and accept lower average salaries than in Italy.
Moving to Panama
Panama is emerging as an increasingly popular destination not only among retirees, but also among digital nomads. This country offers many advantages, including a warm tropical climate, beautiful beaches, widespread use of the English language, and ease in obtaining a visa.
Moving to Panama is relatively easy, thanks to the various placement programs available for different economic needs. The cost of living is moderate: a person can live comfortably on about 1,300 € per month, a figure that may decrease further depending on the location and lifestyle chosen.
Moving to Mexico
Mexico represents a fascinating choice for those considering a move abroad. This country is known for its welcoming, a vibrant expatriate community and a more relaxed lifestyle than in the United States. Health care is cheap, there are many activities, and the cost of living is very low. However, it is important to note that some Mexican cities are among the most dangerous in the world; therefore, it is advisable to consult reliable guides and Pay attention when choosing a location to move to.
Moving to Canada
Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for those seeking a change of life, thanks to its status as a Highly developed country. The advantages are numerous: a transparent, well-paid and meritocratic job market, an excellent health care system, strong government support for those in need, and a welcoming population with a remarkable sense of civic duty. Although the cost of living in Canada is high, Salaries are adequate to ensure a comfortable existence.
Moving to New Zealand
If you are considering where to move abroad, New Zealand is an excellent choice. This country is renowned for being one of the safest places in the world, with extraordinary nature and breathtaking scenery. There is a strong expatriate community, and the process of obtaining residency and becoming a citizen is relatively simple. Although the cost of living is high, it is manageable if you can find a job that provides a salary in line with the average salary in the country.
Moving to Australia
Australia is among the most expensive countries in the world to live in; therefore, it is critical to make sure you have good employment to deal with the cost of living once you arrive. However, the reasons for relocating are numerous: the tax regime is significantly less onerous than in Italy and, in the right industry, it is possible to earn a high salary. In addition, the quality of life is excellent: companies offer ample freedoms to employees, there is constant contact with nature, and a extraordinary multiculturalism.
Regardless of the destination you choose, it is crucial to plan carefully and prepare adequately to face the new reality. Whether relocating to Europe, Latin America or more distant countries, each destination offers its own challenges and opportunities, inform yourself thoroughly, assessing one's needs and having a clear strategy are essential steps to ensure a successful transition and a rewarding new life abroad.
