Italy•EuropeElective Residence Visa
At a Glance
1–3 months
EUR €146
Multi-year renewable
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in Italy
Overview
Long-stay residency for financially independent non-workers with EUR 31,160+ annual passive income, renewable multi-year permits processed in up to 90 days.
The Elective Residence Visa is a long-stay national visa for financially independent individuals seeking to live in Italy without working. Applicants must demonstrate annual income of at least EUR 31,160 from non-employment sources such as pensions, investments, or rental income, plus suitable accommodation and health insurance covering EUR 30,000+.
Processing takes 30 to 90 days. The permit is valid for one year and renewable annually if financial requirements remain met. Upon arrival, holders register with the local police (Questura) within eight days. Dependents are allowed under separate family reunification rules. Employment in Italy is strictly prohibited.
This visa is ideal for retirees and individuals with passive income seeking long-term Italian residence without working.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Minimum income: 31160 EUR
Health insurance required
Age: 18-
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
31,160 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photos
Income proof
Accommodation proof
Health insurance
Financial statements
Criminal record certificate
Medical examination
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Multi-year renewable visa with no maximum tenure cap — indefinite Italian residency
- EUR 31,160 annual income requirement is lower than comparable EU residence programs
- Dual intent permitted — can transition to permanent residency while maintaining visa status
- Dependents (spouse, children) allowed to join without separate applications
- No work prohibition on spouses — they can be employed in Italy
- Access to Italian healthcare, education, and public services as resident
- Flexible funding sources — pensions, investments, rental income all qualify
Worth Knowing
- Processing takes up to 90 days; passport held during review, delaying travel
- Strict income verification required; fluctuating passive income may be scrutinized
- Must maintain suitable long-term accommodation in Italy for renewal qualification
- No employment allowed for primary applicant; spouse/dependents work separately
- Annual health insurance renewal and proof of income renewal required for renewal
- Income below EUR 31,160 annually disqualifies applicant — no waivers or reduced thresholds
Application Process
Gather financial documents
Prepare income proof (pensions, investments, property income) showing minimum EUR 31,160 annually
Secure accommodation
Own or rent suitable property in Italy for at least 1 year
Prepare visa documents
Gather passport, photos, accommodation proof, health insurance, financial statements
Book consulate appointment
Schedule appointment at Italian consulate
Submit visa application
Submit application with all required documents
Biometric appointment
Attend appointment for fingerprints and photograph
Await decision
Check application status
Receive visa
Collect visa from consulate
Apply for residence permit
Within 8 days of arrival, apply for residence permit at Questura
Application Forms
| National Visa Application Form | — |
Related visas
More visas in Italy
- EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Residency
- Visa for Family Members of EU/EEA Citizens
Family
- Sporting Event Visa
Business
Retirement visas in other countries
Living in Italy
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