Italy's Tax Haven Appeal: Why the Rich Are Flocking
ItalyWed Feb 18 2026
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Italy is not just a dream destination for tourists. It's becoming a hotspot for the wealthy. Over 3, 600 millionaires moved there last year. They brought in €21 billion. Why? Italy offers a special tax deal. It's called the CR7 rule. Named after Cristiano Ronaldo, it lets newcomers pay a flat tax. The rate was €100, 000. Now, it's €300, 000. This tax covers income from abroad. But local earnings are taxed normally.
This deal is a win for Italy. It brings in extra money. The government made about €1 billion last year. Plus, new businesses create jobs. Italy's taxes are lower than in many other countries. This makes it attractive. But not everyone is happy. Some Italians criticize the system. They see it as unfair. The government raised the tax rate to address this.
Italy's economy is in trouble. It has a huge debt. So, it needs money. The tax deal helps. It also makes Italy look stable. Bond yields are dropping. This shows investors trust Italy more. Meanwhile, Germany is considering a wealth tax. This could push more millionaires to Italy. Life there is better. The weather, food, and culture are big draws.
Germany's political climate is changing. The left wants higher taxes on the rich. They see it as a way to fix social security. But economists warn this could hurt the economy. Wealth funds investments. It creates jobs. A wealth tax might backfire. It could make Germany less attractive. And it could drive more millionaires to Italy.
Italy is using its charm and tax policies to lure the rich. It's a smart move. But it's not without controversy. Meanwhile, Germany faces a tough choice. Will it tax the rich more? Or will it keep them happy? The answer could shape its future.
https://localnews.ai/article/italys-tax-haven-appeal-why-the-rich-are-flocking-3d2a0d1b
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