Elective Residency Visa Italy: A Comprehensive Guide

The Elective Residency Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is a long-term visa for non-EU citizens who have enough money from sources like pensions or rental income and who want to live in Italy without working.

The Elective Residency Visa offers long-term residency in Italy without the need to work, making it ideal for retirees or those with passive income. You can enjoy Italy’s culture and lifestyle, travel within the Schengen Area, and potentially pursue Italian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

This article will explore the features of an Elective Residency Visa, the application process, and the benefits of being an Italian elective residence visa holder.

This guide includes:

• What is an Elective Residence Visa?
• What are the requirements for an Elective Residence Visa?
• What is the application process?
• What are the benefits of the Elective Residence Visa?

What is the Elective Residency Visa?

The Elective Residency Visa (ERV) in Italy is designed for individuals wanting to reside in Italy without working. Often referred to as the Retirement Visa, it’s ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals. You must demonstrate stable passive income from sources like pensions, property income, annuities, or investments.

The elective residency visa is the most strictly regulated in Italy, and the law requires Consular officers to investigate elective residency visa applications thoroughly.

Benefits of the Elective Residency Visa for Italy

Why Choose the Elective Residence Visa?

• No minimum investment requirement, unlike the Investor Visa.
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• Access to Italy’s national health service, high living standards, and rich cultural heritage.
• A pathway to permanent residency and Italian citizenship after meeting residence conditions.

Advantages of long-term stay

• Quality of Life: Enjoy Italy’s Mediterranean climate, affordable living, and world-class cuisine.
• Tax Benefits: Retirees may qualify for a flat tax rate on overseas income.
• Education Access: Visa holders can enroll in Italian language courses or higher education institutions.

Access to Healthcare

Once in Italy, ERV holders can enroll in the Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), Italy’s national health service. This provides access to public healthcare, including doctor visits, specialist care, and hospitalization. Registration requires a residence permit and payment of an annual fee (approximately €2,000 per person).

Who Is Eligible for the Elective Residence Visa?

A few factors determine eligibility for the Elective Residence Visa. However, the most crucial criterion is having sufficient income from non-employment sources, such as pensions, property ownership, or investments.

Here are some of the additional criteria to be eligible:

• You must be over the age of 18.
• You must be a citizen of a non-EU country
• Your income from abroad can sustain you without working in Italy
• You want to live in Italy permanently
• You are not working remotely for a foreign company
• Individuals with adequate income from non-employment sources, such as pensions, property ownership, or investments.
• Retired persons with sufficient passive income to support themselves.
• Financially independent individuals who can prove self-sustaining financial resources.
• Families, including spouses and dependent children, provided the main applicant meets the minimum financial requirement. 

This visa is not available to those seeking employment or individuals without documented proof of passive income sources. 

Italy Elective Residency Visa Requirements

Financial requirements

To qualify, applicants must prove a steady stream of passive income. The minimum financial requirement for 2025 is:

• €31,000 per year for a single applicant.
• €38,000 per year for a married couple.
• An additional €6200 per dependent child.

Savings alone do not qualify as stable passive income but may support the application.

Required documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Completed visa application form
• A valid passport with at least two blank visa pages. It must be valid for a minimum of three months after the visa expires
• Proof of passive income e.g., bank statements, pension receipts, rental agreements.
• Health insurance coverage of at least €30,000 annually.
• Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as a rental contract or property ownership documents.
• Police clearances confirming no criminal record in your home country. If you are applying from the US, you’ll need an FBI Criminal Background check (“Identity History Summary”) issued within the last six months.
• A motivation letter explaining the reason for seeking residency.
• Visa fee receipt (€80).

All documents must be translated into Italian and officially legalized.

How to Apply for the Italian Elective Residence Visa

You must schedule an appointment at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country, collect the required paperwork, pay the visa cost, and then, within eight days of arriving in Italy, apply for a stay permit in order to apply for an Italian Elective Residence Visa.

1. Collect the necessary paperwork:

• Valid Passport: Verify that your passport will be valid for at least three months after the length of time you plan to spend in Italy.
• Completed Application Form: Visit the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate to obtain the application form.
• Passport Photos: You must have recent passport photos.
• Proof of Adequate Funds: Provide evidence that you have enough money to pay for your time in Italy. Usually, proving a minimum yearly income or bank balance is necessary for this.
• Evidence of Accommodation: Present proof of your lodging arrangements in Italy, such as a lease or proof of property ownership.
• Health Insurance: You must provide proof of sufficient health insurance coverage.
• Other Documents: Depending on your particular circumstances, you could be required to provide other paperwork, such as evidence of family or a criminal background check.

2. Schedule an Appointment:

• To schedule an appointment for your visa application, visit the website of the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your nation.

3. Send in Your Application:

• Show up for your planned appointment and send the necessary paperwork to the Italian Consulate or Embassy.
• Cover the cost of the Italian visa.
• Await your visa application’s processing.

4. Get the Visa:

• If your application is accepted, the Italian Embassy or Consulate will provide you with a visa so you can enter Italy.

5. Apply for a Stay Permit (Within 8 Days of Arrival):

• You must apply for a stay permit for elective residence purposes at the local police station (Questura) within 8 days of your arrival in Italy.
• You can live in Italy lawfully as an elective resident with this permit.

6. Renew Annually:

• The elective residence permit is renewable yearly, provided financial conditions remain unchanged.

Italy Elective Visa Fees and Costs

The Italian Elective Residence Visa application fee is €116 per person, and it must be paid in cash or money to the Italian consulate. You also need to show that you make enough money, which is normally about €31,000 for single people and €38,000 for couples annually.

Italy Elective Visa Processing Time

An Italian Elective Residence Visa can take up to 90 days to process. Therefore, applying at least 90 days before the day you want to depart is best, as expedited processing is not an option.

Italy Elective Visa to Italian Citizenship

You can apply for Italian citizenship after receiving an Italian Elective Residency Visa and living in Italy for ten years. You must meet additional requirements, such as having a steady income and a spotless criminal background.

Key Considerations for the Elective Residence Visa

Tax implications

ERV holders who spend more than 183 days per year in Italy become Italian tax residents and must file an Italian tax return. Special tax regimes, such as a 7% flat tax for Southern Italy retirees, may apply. However, progressive tax rates (23%–43%) may apply to worldwide income for individuals with high self-sustaining incomes.

Maintaining residency status

To retain the ERV, holders must reside in Italy for at least 183 days per year. The renewal process requires proof of continued financial stability. Working remotely for a foreign employer is prohibited, but income from property ownership or investments is allowed.

Elective Residence Visa vs. Other Italian Visa Options

Comparison with the D Visa (Work Visa)

Comparison with the Italian Golden Visa

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.

• We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. 
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• Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
• The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italy's Elective Residency Visa

Can I switch from the ERV to a different visa while living in Italy?

Yes, but you must meet the new visa’s eligibility requirements. You may sometimes need to return to your home country to reapply.

Can I work with an Elective Residence Visa?

No, employment is not permitted, including remote work for foreign employers. However, income from property ownership or investments is allowed.

How long is the Elective Residence Visa valid?

The visa and residence permit are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Holders must reside in Italy for at least 183 days per year.

Can I apply for permanent residency?

Yes, after five years of continuous residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit, provided you meet financial requirements and pass an Italian language test (A2 level). Italian citizenship is possible after ten years.

Can I combine income sources to meet financial requirements?

Yes, multiple passive income sources can be combined. Savings alone do not qualify but may support the application.