Elective Residency Visa

Support for Italy’s Elective Residency Visa: proof of income, accommodation, health insurance, and residence permit for non-workers.

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Income Evidence

We help you document pension, investments, or other passive income to meet consulate thresholds.

Accommodation & Insurance

We support proof of lodging in Italy and health insurance as required for elective residency.

Visa & Permit

We guide you through the visa application and residence permit for elective residency.

The Elective Residency Visa (visto per residenza elettiva) is for non-EU nationals who wish to live in Italy without working, supported by stable income such as pensions, annuities, or returns on investments. Consulates require proof that you can support yourself and any dependents without engaging in employment in Italy. Requirements typically include a minimum income level, accommodation, and health insurance.

We assist with gathering and presenting income evidence (pension statements, investment portfolios, rental income, etc.), proof of accommodation in Italy, and health coverage that meets consular and permit rules. We help you prepare the visa application and, after entry, the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per residenza elettiva) and renewals.

Typical Requirements

What you need to prepare for the Elective Residency Visa

1. Minimum Income (The Most Critical Point)

You must prove an ample, stable and regular annual income. Exact figures can vary by consulate; the general baseline often applied is:

Single applicant: approximately €31,000–€32,000 per year.
Couples: approximately €38,000 per year.
Additional dependants: add around 20% of the base amount per child or dependent.

Important: This income must be entirely passive. Remote work salaries or employment income are not accepted. Accepted sources include: pensions, annuities, rental income from property, investment dividends, company profits (where you do not take part in direct management), or income from real estate funds.

2. Proof of Accommodation

Unlike a tourist visa, for Elective Residency you must already have a place to live in Italy before applying.

Rental contract: Must be long-term (minimum 12 months) and duly registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency).
Own property: Deed of purchase (or equivalent) for a habitable property in Italy.

Note: Hotels or short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) are not accepted for this visa type.

3. Health Insurance

You must have private international health insurance that:

Provides minimum coverage of €30,000.
Covers hospitalization, emergencies and repatriation.
Is valid for the entire Schengen area and for at least the first year of your stay—until you can enrol in the Italian public health system (SSN, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) after obtaining your permesso di soggiorno.

4. Basic Documentation

National visa application form (Type D) for long-stay visas.
Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the end of the requested visa.
Recent passport-style photographs meeting consulate specifications.
Motivation letter: A letter written by you explaining why you wish to live in Italy and detailing your financial situation (sources and level of income).

Depending on the consulate, you may also need a no-work declaration, police or judicial clearance (clean record), and apostille/legalization and certified translations for documents issued abroad. We help you assemble a complete, consulate-ready dossier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Elective Residency Visa for Italy

What income qualifies for elective residency?

Only passive income qualifies. Accepted sources include pensions, annuities, rental income, investment dividends, company profits (where you do not manage the company directly), and real estate fund income. Remote work salaries or employment income are not accepted.

What is the minimum income required?

The exact amount can vary by consulate. A common baseline is around €31,000–€32,000 per year for a single applicant, approximately €38,000 for couples, and about 20% more per dependent. We provide up-to-date figures and help you demonstrate that your income meets or exceeds the requirement.

Can I work in Italy on an elective residency permit?

No. Elective residency is for those who will not work in Italy. If you plan to work, you need a work-based visa and permit. We can advise on the right pathway for your situation.

What happens after I enter Italy?

You must apply for a residence permit for elective residency (permesso di soggiorno per residenza elettiva) within the deadline. We guide you through the kit, documents, and appointment.

Can I renew or convert to another permit later?

Elective residency permits can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the income and other conditions. Conversion to work or other categories may be possible in certain cases. We advise on renewal and conversion options.

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