Elective Residency Visa for Italy: Complete Guide

Introduction

The Elective Residency Visa is one of the most well-known ways for foreigners to live in Italy without the need to work 🇮🇹. It is designed for retirees, individuals with passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends, investments), or foreign nationals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without employment.

📌 Important: this visa does not allow any type of work in Italy. It is strictly for those who can prove independent and stable income.

Legal framework

• Regulated by Ministerial Decree 850/2011 and the Italian Immigration Law (T.U. 286/1998).
• Classified among the long-stay visas (Type D).
• Issued and processed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Embassies and Consulates.

Main requirements

To qualify for the Elective Residency Visa, applicants must prove:

1. Stable and sufficient income 💶
   • At least €31,000 per year for a single applicant.
   • Around €38,000–40,000 per year for a couple.
   • Higher amounts if dependent children are included.
   • Income must come from passive and recurring sources: pensions, rental properties, dividends, investments, royalties.
2. Accommodation in Italy 🏡
   • Rental contract or property ownership deed.
   • Proof of long-term accommodation is required.
3. Private health insurance 🏥
   • Valid in Italy for at least one year.
   • Must cover all medical expenses without limitations.
4. No work activity
   • Applicants are not allowed to engage in employment or self-employment in Italy.

Required documents

The list may vary by Consulate, but generally includes:

• Visa application form,
• Valid passport,
• Passport-sized photos,
• Proof of income (tax returns, bank statements, pension certificates, rental contracts, investment statements),
• Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental agreement or property deed),
• Private health insurance valid for at least one year,
• Marriage certificate or children’s birth certificates (if applicable),
• Round-trip flight ticket or proof of means for return.

👉 The application must be submitted to the Italian Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Collect all required documents.
2. Schedule an appointment at the Italian Consulate.
3. Submit the visa application.
4. Wait for processing (average 30–90 days).
5. Once approved, enter Italy with the Type D Elective Residency Visa.
6. Within 8 days of arrival, apply for the residence permit for elective residency at the local Questura (Police Headquarters).

Residence permit for elective residency

• The initial permit is valid for 1 year, in line with the visa.
• It must be renewed annually, proving that financial means, accommodation, and insurance remain valid.
• After 5 years of continuous residence, holders may apply for the EU long-term residence permit.
• After 10 years, they may apply for Italian citizenship by residency.

Processing times

• Visa: 1–3 months, depending on the Consulate.
• Residence permit: 1–2 months, depending on the Questura and city.

Advantages of the Elective Residency Visa

• Legal residence in Italy 🏞️.
• Access to the public healthcare system (after voluntary registration with the SSN and payment of a contribution).
• Ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area ✈️.
• Opportunity to transition to long-term residency and eventually Italian citizenship.

Limits and restrictions

❌ No work permitted in Italy.
❌ High financial thresholds, excluding many applicants.
❌ Annual renewals and strict documentation checks required.
❌ Some Consulates interpret requirements very strictly, making approval difficult.

Common mistakes

❌ Presenting irregular or one-time income instead of stable recurring income
❌ Believing that having savings in a bank account is enough (income must be continuous and demonstrable).
❌ Submitting insufficient housing proof.

❌ Providing inadequate health insurance.

Practical tips

💡 Prepare financial documentation well in advance. 💡 Secure a long-term rental contract or property purchase in Italy. 💡 Use comprehensive international health insurance plans. 💡 Consider the Elective Residency Visa as part of a long-term relocation project.

Conclusion

The Elective Residency Visa is the ideal solution for foreigners who wish to move to Italy without working, enjoying the country’s beauty, climate, and culture 🇮🇹.

📌 To succeed, applicants must prove stable income, secure accommodation, and valid health insurance. Over time, this path can lead to long-term residence and even Italian citizenship.