How to Get the Elective Residence Visa in Italy for Passive Income Earners
Want to live in Italy without working? Discover how passive income earners can obtain the Elective Residence Visa and residence permit step by step.
Sep 28, 2025
3 min read
Introduction
The Elective Residence Visa 🇮🇹 is one of the best options for foreigners who want to live in Italy without working. It’s designed for retirees and for those who live on passive income: rental properties, pensions, dividends, investments, or business income that does not require daily work.
The key requirement is proving that you can fully support yourself financially in Italy without employment.
Interested in Elective Residence Visa? Check the full requirements and process.
The Elective Residence Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is a national visa type D. It allows non-EU citizens to reside in Italy legally if they have stable and sufficient income, housing, and health insurance.
After entering Italy, you must apply within 8 days for the Elective Residence Permit, valid for 1 year and renewable annually.
Main Requirements
To qualify for the visa, you must show:
Minimum annual income: at least €31,000 for the main applicant 💶.
Additional income: +20% for each dependent person 👨👩👧👦.
Sources of income: pensions, rental income, dividends, investments, passive business income. Active employment in Italy is not accepted.
Housing in Italy: property purchase or a registered rental contract 🏠.
Health insurance: private coverage or registration in the Italian National Health Service (about € 700 per year) 🏥.
Clean criminal record: no serious offenses.
Documents to Prepare
Before applying at the Italian Consulate in your country, prepare:
Valid passport with at least 18 months’ validity.
Proof of income: bank statements, pension slips, investment and rental documents.
Rental contract or property deed in Italy.
Health insurance policy valid in Italy.
Criminal record certificate.
Visa application form completed.
Passport-size photos.
Where to Apply
Applicants must apply at the Italian Consulate responsible for their country of residence.
U.S. citizens: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, etc.
Russia: Moscow, St. Petersburg.
Armenia: Yerevan.
Kazakhstan: Astana, Almaty.
Each consulate may have different requirements, so always check the official website and book an appointment early.
From Visa to Residence Permit
After entering Italy, you must apply for a residence permit within 8 days 📮.
First permit: valid for 1 year.
Renewal: renewed annually by proving income, housing, and insurance.
Benefits of the Elective Residence Visa
Legal residence in Italy 🏛️.
Travel within the Schengen Area📍.
Access to Italian healthcare 🏥.
Eligibility for Italian citizenship after 10 years 🗝️.
High quality of life: Mediterranean climate, culture, food, safety, expat communities 🍝🍷.
Common Mistakes
Insufficient income proof.
Relying on active employment income.
Rental contract not properly registered.
Health insurance not covering the full visa period.
Missing official translations of documents 📑.
Tips for Retirees and Passive Income Earners
Provide bank statements covering at least 12 months.
Consider buying a small apartment in Italy 🏠.
Apply well in advance: consular processing can take months.
Look at affordable regions like Abruzzo, Puglia, or Sicily 🌴.
Remember: working in Italy is not allowed under this visa.
Conclusion
The Elective Residence Visa 🇮🇹 is the perfect pathway for retirees and passive income earners who want to enjoy the dolce vita in Italy. It opens the door to travel, culture, and, after 10 years, Italian citizenship.
Need help with the Elective Residence Visa?
Our immigration experts can help you navigate this process with personalized guidance.
