Italy Elective Residence Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 30 May, 2025

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Italy Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 3.8

Internet Infrastructure 5.0

Country Stability 4.0

Cost of Living 4.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0

Taxes 3.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length 1 year

Possible to extend? Yes, renewable annually

Who can apply? Financially self-sufficient individuals who wish to reside in Italy without working, such as retirees or those with passive income.

Minimum Income Requirements Proof of sufficient stable income, generally around €31,000+ per year for a single applicant (varies by consulate).

Time for visa applications Usually 2 to 4 weeks.

Want to know if you can apply?

Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

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Dreaming of life in Italy? The elective residence visa might be your ticket.

Imagine spending your mornings sipping espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, your afternoons wandering through Renaissance art museums, and your evenings enjoying homemade pasta in a medieval village. If you've ever dreamed of living in Italy—not as a tourist, but as a resident—there’s a visa designed just for you.

The Italy Elective Residence Visa is your gateway to experiencing la Dolce Vita without needing to work in Italy. Tailored for retirees, remote earners, and anyone with passive income or substantial savings, this long-stay visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Italy full-time, legally and peacefully.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—straight from official Italian sources—so you can plan your move with confidence.

Italy Elective Residence Visa Overview

The Italy Elective Residence Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is a long-stay visa introduced under Italian immigration law to offer a pathway for financially independent foreigners, especially retirees and high-net-worth individuals, to live in Italy without working.

This visa was designed to attract financially stable residents who contribute to the Italian economy by spending, renting, buying property, and integrating into local communities, without taking jobs from the domestic workforce. It aligns with Italy’s interest in encouraging long-term settlement by non-EU nationals who bring passive income, cultural engagement, and stability.

Importantly, this visa is not for workers, students, or digital nomads expecting to earn income in Italy. It is a non-working visa, and Italy enforces that condition strictly.

Who Is It For?

The Italy Elective Residence Visa is intended for non-EU citizens who meet the following criteria:

They do not intend to work or conduct business in Italy.
They have a stable, passive income stream, such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or savings interest.
They want to reside in Italy long term, often for lifestyle, retirement, or personal reasons.
They can afford private health insurance and long-term housing.
They can prove strong ties to their home country and the ability to comply with Italian residency rules.

This visa is not suitable for individuals seeking employment in Italy or planning to freelance, even remotely. Some Italian consulates explicitly reject applications if there is any intent to work, even online.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

Once approved, the Elective Residence Visa lets you:

Enter Italy legally for long-term residence.
Apply for a residence permit (“permesso di soggiorno”) within 8 days of arriving in Italy.
Live in Italy full-time, rent or buy property, and integrate into Italian life.
Renew your residence permit annually, provided you continue to meet income and insurance requirements.
Move freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

What it does not allow:

You cannot work or engage in any income-generating activity in Italy.
You cannot switch to another visa type easily while in Italy (you would usually need to return to your home country to apply for a different visa)
You cannot sponsor family members automatically—they must apply separately for family reunification or their own elective residence visas.

Italy Elective Residence Visa Requirements

To apply for the Italy Elective Residence Visa, you’ll need to prepare a full application with supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility, financial stability, and intent to reside in Italy long term.

These are the standard documents typically required by Italian consulates:

Completed long-stay visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2, meeting Schengen format requirements)
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay and have at least 2 blank pages)
Copy of your passport’s main page and any previous Schengen visas.
Visa fee payment (varies by consulate; typically around €116)
Cover letter explaining your reasons for moving to Italy, lifestyle plans, and personal motivations.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

This is the core requirement for the Elective Residence Visa. You must prove that you have passive, stable, and sufficient income to support yourself without working. Income must come from non-employment sources, such as:

Pensions
Annuities
Rental income
Investment dividends
Royalties
Trust funds
Substantial savings (in some cases)

Most consulates require a minimum annual income of around €31,000 for a single applicant. For couples, the requirement is typically around €38,000–€40,000, plus more for any dependents.

Private Health Insurance

You are required to provide proof of comprehensive private health insurance that:

Covers all medical expenses and hospitalization.
Has a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Is valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.
Covers you for at least one year.

You must present the insurance policy certificate, with the coverage clearly stated in writing. Some consulates also require a letter from the provider confirming that the insurance is valid in Italy and does not include significant exclusions.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Proof of Accommodation in Italy

You’ll need to show where you plan to live in Italy. This can include:

A rental contract.
A property deed if you own a home.
A notarized letter of invitation if you’re staying with family or friends, along with a copy of their ID and housing documents.

Short-term hotel bookings are not typically accepted for long-stay visa purposes.

How to Apply for the Italy Elective Residence Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Italy Elective Residence Visa involves several stages, from preparing your documents to attending a consular interview. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Step 1: Choose the Right Consulate

Your application must be submitted to the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence (not citizenship). Each consulate has its own procedures, appointment system, and checklist, so start by identifying the correct one for your location.

Step 2: Schedule a Visa Appointment

Most Italian consulates require you to book your visa appointment online well in advance. Some consulates book out weeks or even months ahead, especially during peak seasons.

Use the Prenot@mi portal or the consulate's own booking platform.
Choose the “National Visa” or “Elective Residence Visa” category.
Book early—appointment slots can be limited.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Carefully gather all the documents required by your specific consulate. This includes:

Long-stay visa application form.
Valid passport and passport photos.
Proof of income, accommodation, and health insurance.
Supporting letters and translations (where needed)

Step 4: Write a Detailed Cover Letter

Prepare a personal cover letter explaining:

Why you want to live in Italy.
Your lifestyle plans.
Confirmation that you will not work.
A brief overview of your financial means.

This helps consular staff understand your intent and assess your application more holistically.

Step 5: Submit Your Application In Person

Attend your scheduled appointment and bring physical copies of all required documents. You’ll typically:

Submit your application packet.
Pay the visa fee (usually around €116)
Answer a few questions from a consular officer.

Some consulates will take your fingerprints and digital photo (biometrics) at the time of submission.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary by consulate but usually take 2 to 6 weeks. During this time:

You may be contacted for additional documents.
Some consulates allow online tracking; others do not.
If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.

Step 7: Enter Italy and Apply for a Residence Permit

Once you arrive in Italy, you must:

Apply for a residence permit (“permesso di soggiorno”) within 8 working days.
Visit the local post office (ufficio postale) to collect your application kit.
Submit your application, then attend an appointment at the Questura (police station)
Receive your residence card and official registration.

How Much Does the Italy Elective Residence Visa Cost?

As of 2025, the Italy Elective Residence Visa costs approximately €116. This fee must be paid at the time of your visa appointment, and most consulates accept payment in local currency, based on the current exchange rate. Some may only accept money orders or cashier’s checks, so be sure to check the payment instructions on your specific consulate’s website.

In addition to the visa fee, you should also budget for:

Document translations and notarizations.
Apostilles (if required)
Travel costs to and from your visa appointment.

Keep in mind that this is only the visa application fee—once in Italy, you’ll also need to pay separate fees for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) and any required administrative stamps (marca da bollo).

Taxes for People With an Italian Elective Residence Visa

Living in Italy under an Elective Residence Visa has tax implications, especially if you become a tax resident, which typically happens if you spend more than 183 days per year in Italy. While this visa doesn’t allow you to work, your worldwide passive income may still be subject to Italian taxation depending on your residency status and tax treaty protections.

You are generally considered a tax resident in Italy if:

You spend more than 183 days in Italy in a calendar year.
Italy becomes your center of vital interests (e.g. main home, family, lifestyle)
You are registered with the Italian registry of residents (Anagrafe)

Once you meet these conditions, you are legally required to file taxes in Italy, even if your income comes from abroad.

If you become a tax resident, Italy can tax your:

Foreign pensions.
Rental income from properties abroad.
Investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains)
Any other passive income sources.

This is why it’s important to consult a tax professional when applying for this visa, especially if you have complex or high-value income streams.

Italy has double taxation treaties with many countries, including the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. These treaties help prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income.

For example:

U.S. citizens may still have to file with the IRS, but can offset taxes using Foreign Tax Credits.
UK citizens may be able to apply personal pension relief based on the treaty.

Every country’s treaty is different, so it’s essential to speak with a cross-border tax advisor and check your country’s tax treaty with Italy.

Living in Italy with an Elective Residence

Living in Italy with an Elective Residence Visa offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a country celebrated for its rich history, world-renowned cuisine, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you choose to settle in a bustling city like Rome or Milan, a charming coastal town, or a quiet village in the countryside, Italy provides an exceptional quality of life. It has a warm climate, a strong sense of community, and a deep appreciation for art, tradition, and leisure. Every day life here is often marked by relaxed meals with fresh, local ingredients, lively piazzas filled with friendly neighbors, and a slower pace that encourages enjoying the simple pleasures.

The visa’s appeal lies not only in the lifestyle but also in the freedom to explore Europe easily, thanks to Italy’s central location within the Schengen Area. From wandering through historic sites to attending festivals, art exhibitions, and local markets, life in Italy offers endless opportunities for enriching experiences. The healthcare system, excellent public services, and well-developed infrastructure make it comfortable for long-term residents. For those seeking a fulfilling, culturally rich, and tranquil life abroad, the Elective Residence Visa opens the door to embracing “la dolce vita” in one of the world’s most beloved destinations.

Best Cities to Live in Italy

Choosing where to live in Italy depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and what kind of experience you’re seeking. From vibrant urban centers bursting with history and culture to tranquil towns offering stunning natural beauty and slower rhythms, Italy has a diverse range of places perfect for those relocating with an Elective Residence Visa. Here are three standout cities that consistently attract expats and long-term residents for their unique charms and high quality of life.

Rome

Italy’s capital, Rome, is a dynamic blend of ancient history and modern living. Known as the “Eternal City,” it offers iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and countless piazzas bustling with life. Living in Rome means enjoying world-class cuisine, museums, and a thriving arts scene, all while benefiting from excellent public transportation and amenities. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods cater to all tastes—from trendy Trastevere to elegant Prati—making it a compelling choice for those who want a rich cultural experience combined with urban convenience.

Florence

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is famed for its Renaissance art, stunning architecture, and charming cobblestone streets. It’s smaller and more manageable than Rome but packed with beauty and history at every turn. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, a slower pace, and access to incredible Tuscan landscapes, vineyards, and culinary traditions. Florence is ideal for those seeking an artistic, relaxed lifestyle with easy access to both city comforts and countryside escapes.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital, offering a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a modern edge. It’s perfect for expats who appreciate a fast-paced lifestyle, world-class shopping, and a thriving business environment—even if you’re not working, the city buzz and international flair are inspiring. Milan boasts excellent healthcare, public transport, and cultural events, from opera at La Scala to contemporary art galleries. It’s a hub of innovation and style, appealing to those who want an energetic and diverse urban experience.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Italy is the Euro. €1 EUR = $1.137 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Italy is around €2,066, which equates to approximately $2,349 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Rome

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,153.77 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,272.73 per month
Basic Utilities - €193.51 per month
Wi-Fi - €26.82 per month
Public Transport - €1.50 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400–€600 per month

Florence

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,006.82 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,985.29 per month
Basic Utilities - €193.84 per month
Wi-Fi - €29.86 per month
Public Transport - €1.70 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400–€g00 per month

Milan

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,395.71 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,882.86 per month
Basic Utilities - €188.21 per month
Wi-Fi - €27.11 per month
Public Transport - €2.20 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €500–€600 per month

Can I work in Italy with an Elective Residence Visa?

No, the Elective Residence Visa does not permit employment or self-employment in Italy. It is intended for financially independent individuals who can support themselves through passive income or other means without working in the country.

How long is the Elective Residence Visa valid for?

The visa is typically issued for one year and can be renewed annually as long as you continue to meet the financial and insurance requirements.

Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

Yes, you can apply for family reunification to bring close family members (spouse, dependent children) to Italy, but they will need to apply for their own visas and meet relevant requirements.

Do I need to apply for a residence permit once I arrive in Italy?

Yes, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) within 8 working days of entering Italy. This permit allows you to legally reside in the country during your visa's validity.

Can I get help applying for the Italy Elective Residence Visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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