Moving to Italy

Expat banking in Italy with Barclays

Taking a job in Italy can be an excellent employment opportunity for anyone from outside the country. Retiring there is also a dream for many people.

For the thousands of expats who live and work in Italy, the country offers almost everything an expat could desire, from the magnificent art and culture of the great cities to the leisurely lifestyle of the local villaggi.

Whether you're relocating because you're going to be working in Italy or planning to retire there, you'll have an extensive list of tasks to accomplish before you leave. Top of that list should be setting up an international bank account, because that will facilitate so much of all the things you wish to achieve.

For expats in Italy, an international bank account offers:

• International bank account in a choice of currencies
• Potential financial planning opportunities if you choose to base your account offshore
• Easy management of your finances
• Easy control over your day-to-day spending using standing orders and direct debits. A cheque book is available on request
• An easy way to pay local bills.

Apply now for an international bank account from Barclays. Call +44 (0)141 352 3902^† or click on the link below and we'll call you.

Banking services in Italy compared to offshore banking

Italy arguably has more experience in banking than any other country in the world. It is believed the first bank of the modern era was founded in Genoa more than 600 years ago. Although Barclays is a relative youngster at just 300 years of age, we can offer you something a local bank account in Italy cannot - the potential advantages of offshore banking.

Offshore banking could offer you the following benefits:

• Easy access to your money worldwide
• Hold your account in a choice of currencies
• A simplified way to make international payments
• Maintain financial commitments in the UK
• Potential tax planning opportunities - interest earned on an offshore bank account is often paid gross of tax, although you may be liable to tax on the interest elsewhere
• High levels of security and stability.

Italian tax system - impact on expats

Barclays can't offer tax advice but can introduce you to our preferred tax advisers, Ernst & Young, one of the world's leading taxation companies. They can advise you on the tax situation for expats living in Italy, bringing you the timely and appropriate answers you need¹.

To arrange a no-obligation consultation, simply contact us on +44 (0)141 352 3902^† or click on the link below and we will contact you.

Over the years, Barclays has helped thousands of people buy property in Italy. Available in a range of major currencies, our international mortgages include interest-only and repayment options and can be offered for buy to let, second homes, retirement homes or even self-builds. Our service is fast and professional and we aim to make the process as smooth as possible. For more details of our international mortgage options, call +44 (0)207 114 7301^††.

Living in Italy

Italy is justly favoured by Britons for its idyllic mixture of fine food, outstanding cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery. The weather helps, too, with the country enjoying an average temperature of 24°C in the summer.

The country can be an art lover's paradise, a gastronome's heaven and a learner driver's nightmare. If we could offer two tips, one would be to make sure you open an international bank account before you move to Italy - contact us on +44 (0)141 352 3902^† to apply, or click on the link below for us to call you.

The other would be never to order a cappuccino after 11am. In Italy, it's just not done.