Apply for the Italy Elective Residence Visa
Retiring in Italy isn’t just a fantasy – it’s a practical, legal path to a better life abroad. The Italy Elective Residence Visa gives Americans with passive income a chance to trade stress for sunshine, bureaucracy for beauty, and burnout for la dolce vita.
Why Apply for the Italy Elective Residence Visa
No Job Needed
The Italy Elective Residence Visa is for those with passive income – no work or investment required. Show you can support yourself financially, and enjoy retirement in Italy.
No Investment Required
You don’t need to buy property or start a business. Pensions, dividends, retirement distributions, or rental income are enough to qualify.
Easy Long-Term Stay
Access the ability to live in Italy full-time. Just renew your residency annually with no pressure to commit long-term unless you want to.
Couple-Friendly
It’s easy (and affordable) to apply for the Elective Residence Visa as a couple. The income requirement only goes up for two people.
Clear Consulate Process
Apply through an Italian consulate in the US, not locally in Italy. That means clearer rules, an English application, and less bureaucracy.
Ready to Explore Your Options in Italy?
Who is the Italy Elective Residence Visa for?
Retired Professionals
You’ve worked hard and saved. Now it’s time to live well. If you have pension or investment income, the Elective Residence Visa is your key to Europe.
Burned-Out Executives
You don’t want another decade of meetings and Medicare premiums. You want great food, better sleep, and a slower life you can control.
Solo Adventurers
You don’t need millions to retire in Italy. You just need about US$35,000 a year in passive income, including retirement, investment, or rental income.
Passive Income
You need at least €32,000 a year per applicant from passive pensions, investments, or rental income. Generally, no active employment income is allowed. Dependents bring additional income proof requirements.
Accommodation
To apply, you’ll need a Italian lease or property deed in your name for at least one year. Short-term bookings like Airbnbs or hotels rarely count.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least two years and three months beyond your application.
Health Insurance
Private coverage for €30,000 a year per person is required, valid throughout the Schengen Zone.
Clean Record
You’ll submit a background check showing no criminal history in your current country of residence.
Motivation Letter
Applicants must write a personal letter explaining why they want to live in Italy permanently.
Nationality
This visa is for non-EU/-EEA/-Swiss citizens only. That includes Americans.
Request Your Italy Visa Infosheet
The Italy Elective Residence Visa Process
Step 1
Eligibility Check
Book a Freedom Consult. We’ll confirm if you qualify for the Elective Residence Visa, whether a different visa or jurisdiction better fits your goals, and flag any issues before you start.
Step 2
Document Prep
The Freedom Files will handle your paperwork: Income proof, insurance, criminal record, and more. Plus, we’ll help you legalize and translate the documents for use in Italy. At this step, you’ll also need to find a rental or home to buy in Italy.
Step 3
Submit Application
Upon full completion of the requirements, the Freedom Files will submit your application to the Italian consulate for approval. We’ll also liaise with the government to fast-track their decision.
Step 4
Wait for Approval
Processing typically takes Freedom Files clients fewer than 90 days. In the rare event the Italian consulate requests an interview, our relocation experts will prepare you.
Step 5
Travel to Italy
Once approved for the Elective Residence Visa, you and your dependents must enter Italy before the temporary visa expires. Within eight days of arrival in the country, you must register at the local police station to apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno residency card.
Step 6
Local Registration
Register your address with the Anagrafe. This is essential for healthcare, taxes, and visa renewal in Italy.Â
Step 7
Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
To renew your visa annually at the local precinct, you need to show you’re still meeting the Elective Residence Visa requirements (e.g. income, residency, address) and residing in Italy for at least 270 days a year. Any absence from Italy for more than six months will void your permit.
After five years of continuous legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency. After ten years, you’re eligible for Italian citizenship.
Other Italy Visas
FAQs About Italy Elective Residence Visa
How Much Does the Italy Elective Residence Visa Cost?
Standard government and processing fees can total up to ~€500. The Freedom Files also handles the process for you – from the application to government liaising to appointment setting in Italy. Our services are designed to save you time and get you a fast approval.Â
When Can I Apply for Citizenship with the Italy Elective Residence Visa?
After ten years of continuous legal residency. You can apply for Italian permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence (270+ days in each year) under the Elective Residence Visa and citizenship after ten years. The key is continuous. The Freedom Files expat experts help clients maintain compliance and citizenship eligibility with residency rules, renewals, and reporting.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes with the Italy Elective Residence Visa?
Yes, if you become a tax resident. If you spend more than 183 days a year in Italy (which is required to renew your visa annually), you’ll be considered an Italian tax resident and taxed on worldwide income. But Italy has a double tax treaty with the United States and incentives like the 7% flat tax in some Southern Italy towns and the €200,000 flat tax regime that can reduce your burden. The Freedom Files works with tax advisors to help you make smart decisions based on your goals.
How Long Does the Italy Elective Residence Visa Process Take?
1-4 months. This timeline includes document preparation, application submission, processing time, and residency approval in Italy. Some consulates are faster than others. The Freedom Files helps you prepare your file thoroughly and liaise with the government, so you get approved for the immigration path that makes sense for your goals.
Can I Bring My Family with Me on the Italy Elective Residence Visa?
Yes, if you meet the higher income requirement. To include your spouse and dependent children on the same Elective Residence Visa application, be prepared to show more passive income (around €30,000 extra for a spouse and €6,200 per each dependent). We guide families through this and help them with relocation logistics once approved.