The Elective Residency Visa: What You Actually Need

What Is It

The Elective Residency Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Italy long-term, provided they can support themselves financially without working. It is sometimes called the "retirement visa" though it is not limited to retirees.

The visa is initially issued for one year. After arriving in Italy, you apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit), which must be renewed annually. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence. After ten years, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship.

Who Qualifies

The elective residency visa is appropriate if you:

• Are retired with a pension that meets or exceeds income thresholds
• Have substantial passive investment income (dividends, interest, rental income from abroad)
• Have income from a trust, annuity, or similar passive source
• Can demonstrate consistent, stable, ongoing passive income
• Do not intend to work in any capacity while in Italy
• Have or can obtain comprehensive health insurance
• Have secured long-term accommodation in Italy

It is not appropriate if you:

• Work remotely, even for non-Italian companies (consider the Digital Nomad Visa instead)
• Are self-employed or freelance
• Plan to draw down savings rather than receive ongoing passive income
• Want to start a business in Italy (consider the Investor Visa)
• Need to work part-time to supplement your income

Income Requirements

Income thresholds vary by consulate and can change. These are typical 2025 figures, but always verify with your specific consulate before applying.

What Counts as Passive Income

• Pensions: Government pensions, private pensions, Social Security
• Investment income: Dividends, interest, capital gains distributions
• Rental income: From properties outside Italy
• Annuities: Regular payments from annuity contracts
• Trust distributions: Regular income from trusts

What Does NOT Count

• Salary or wages: Active employment income
• Business income: Even from a business you own but do not actively work in
• Savings alone: Savings can support an application but are not sufficient on their own
• Projected future income: Must be actual, current income
• Irregular or one-time payments: Income must be stable and ongoing

Application Process

The application is made at the Italian consulate in your country of residence. You cannot apply from within Italy.

1. Check requirements with your specific consulate. Requirements and procedures vary. Do not assume what applies in one location applies in another.
2. Gather required documents. This takes time. Start well in advance. Some documents have validity periods (typically 3 to 6 months), so timing matters.
3. Secure accommodation in Italy. You need proof of where you will live: a property deed if you own, or a registered long-term rental contract. Short-term rentals or Airbnb do not qualify.
4. Arrange health insurance. Coverage must be valid in Italy (and ideally all Schengen countries), with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for at least one year.
5. Book an appointment at the consulate. In some locations, wait times for appointments can be weeks or months. Book early.
6. Attend appointment and submit documents. Bring originals and copies. Be prepared to answer questions about your plans.
7. Wait for processing. Standard processing time is up to 90 days, though it can be faster.
8. Collect visa and travel to Italy. Once approved, you have a limited window to enter Italy (typically 90 days).

Documents Needed

Requirements vary by consulate. This is a typical list. Always verify with your specific consulate.

Standard Requirements

• Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond planned stay, with blank pages)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos (recent, to specification)
• Proof of accommodation in Italy (deed or registered lease)
• Proof of income (bank statements, pension letters, tax returns)
• Health insurance certificate meeting requirements
• Criminal background check (apostilled)
• Motivation letter explaining why you want to live in Italy
• Visa fee payment

Income Documentation

• Bank statements (last 3 to 6 months)
• Letters from pension providers confirming ongoing payments
• Tax returns (last 2 years typically)
• Investment account statements
• Letters from financial institutions confirming income sources
• Summary document clearly showing all income sources and amounts

Translation and Legalisation

Most documents must be translated into Italian and properly legalised:

• Official translations by certified translators
• Apostille for documents from Hague Convention countries
• Embassy legalisation for documents from non-Hague countries

After Arrival in Italy

The visa gets you into Italy. Once there, you need to complete several steps to establish legal residence.

Within 8 Days of Arrival

Apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura (police immigration office). This involves:

• Completing application forms (kit available at post offices)
• Submitting documents similar to visa application
• Paying fees
• Providing fingerprints
• Attending appointment (may be scheduled weeks later)

Register Residence

Register with the Anagrafe (municipal registry) in the comune where you will live. This establishes your official residence in Italy and is required for many practical matters including healthcare registration.

Healthcare

Once legally resident, you can register voluntarily with the Italian National Health Service (SSN). This involves an annual payment (around €400 for non-workers) but provides access to the public healthcare system including a family doctor.

Tax Implications

Becoming resident in Italy for more than 183 days per year makes you an Italian tax resident. This means worldwide income becomes taxable in Italy, though double taxation treaties may apply. Consider consulting an Italian tax advisor before moving.

Special tax regimes: Foreign retirees may qualify for a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income if they move to certain southern Italian regions. High-net-worth individuals may qualify for the €200,000 lump-sum tax regime on foreign income.

Common Problems and Rejections

Income Documentation Issues

• Failing to clearly separate passive income from active/employment income
• Relying solely on bank statements without proof of income sources
• Documents older than 3 months
• Meeting only the minimum threshold without showing additional reserves
• Currency conversion issues or unclear documentation of income in euros

Accommodation Issues

• Rental contracts not properly registered with Italian authorities
• Short-term or informal accommodation arrangements
• Missing property documentation

Other Common Issues

• Insurance policy not meeting minimum coverage requirements
• Missing translations or apostilles
• Incomplete application forms
• Unclear motivation letter
• Any indication of intent to work

Alternatives

If the Elective Residency Visa does not fit your situation:

• Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by or contracting with non-Italian companies. Allows work, requires similar income proof.
• Investor Visa (Golden Visa): For those willing to invest €250,000 to €2,000,000 in Italy. Allows work.
• Self-Employment Visa: For starting a business or working as a freelancer in Italy. More complex application.
• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Italy.
• Family Reunification: If you have close family members who are Italian or EU citizens.

Related Guides

• Visa Options Overview - comparing different routes to Italian residence
• The Residency Application Process - what happens after you arrive
• Tax Residency in Italy - understanding your tax obligations
• Healthcare in Abruzzo - accessing the Italian health system