Italian Republic · residence general · Leads to settlement
Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Visa for retirees and independently wealthy individuals who can support themselves in Italy without working.
- Processing time
- 4–12 weeks at consulate.
- Government fees
- Visa fee €116; permesso di soggiorno tax €80–200.
- Typical duration
- 1 year; renewable. Leads to long-term residence after 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Elective Residence visa (residenza elettiva) is for non-EU nationals who wish to live in Italy without working. Applicants must demonstrate substantial passive income or financial resources. There is no fixed minimum income — consulates assess on a case-by-case basis, but €31,000+/year for a single applicant and €38,000+ for a couple is a common benchmark. The applicant must NOT work in Italy.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Substantial passive income or financial resources (no fixed minimum — consulates assess case-by-case; €31,000+/year for single applicants is a common benchmark).
- ✓Accommodation in Italy (rental or owned).
- ✓Health insurance.
- ✓Must NOT intend to work in Italy.
Common blockers
- !Insufficient passive income or savings.
- !Intent to work in Italy (this disqualifies the application — use a work visa instead).
Typical evidence
- ·Pension statements, investment income, rental income, or substantial savings.
- ·Italian accommodation evidence.
- ·Health insurance policy.
Application pathway
Gather financial evidence
Document passive income sources.
Apply for D-type visa at consulate
Apply for an Elective Residence visa.
Register at comune and apply for permesso
Register residence and apply for permesso di soggiorno within 8 days.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck Elective Residence requirements ↗
Applicant uses the official visa portal to confirm consular evidence for passive income, accommodation, and insurance.
MAECI Visa for Italy · verified
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Related routes
Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali)
Residence permit for remote workers employed by or self-employed for companies outside Italy — introduced in 2024.
Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)
Italian citizenship through an unbroken line of descent from an Italian ancestor — no generation limit, no residence requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on an Elective Residence visa?+
No. The Elective Residence visa explicitly prohibits employment in Italy. If you need to work, you must switch to a work-permit category. Remote work for a non-Italian employer may be possible under the Digital Nomad visa instead.
How much income do I need?+
There is no official fixed minimum — each consulate assesses case-by-case. Commonly reported benchmarks are approximately EUR 31,000/year for a single applicant and EUR 38,000+ for a couple. Stable, predictable passive income (pensions, rental income, investment dividends) is preferred over savings alone. Higher-cost areas (Rome, Milan, Florence) may require more.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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