The Elective Residency Visa provides a clear pathway for relocating to Italy.

Elective Residency Visa

 What is the Elective Residency Visa?

The elective residency visa allows entry into Italy for an open, long-term visit to foreigners who intend to take residence in Italy and who are able to do so by financially supporting themselves autonomously, without the need for employment.

How do I qualify for the Elective Residency Visa?

In order to qualify for the Elective Residency visa, applicants must generally submit the following:

• Proof of derived income in excess of €32,000 / year from “non-working sources”

• Proof of housing in Italy (purchase or rental)

How do I prove financial stability for the Elective Residency Visa?

In order to be granted permission to remain in Italy for an indefinite period of time, the applicant needs to demonstrate overall financial stability. By law, this means proving that you have a reliable, steady reserve of income from “non-working” sources. In other words, salary from existing or future employment does not qualify.

It is necessary that you demonstrate income in excess of €32,000 / year from these “non-working” sources. Examples include:

• Pensions / Annuities / Stocks & Bonds / Trust Accounts & Inheritance / Real-Estate Proceeds / Dividends & Distributions

Can I work in Italy with the Elective Residency Visa?

No. The holder of an Elective Residence Visa is prohibited from working in Italy. Financial Resources must derive from:

o   Bonds / stocks in companies;

o   Bank deposits, provided that funds are stable (the Consulate will ask to see if they have been recently deposited, for how long funds have been in deposit, etc.)

o   Company income (not as an employee, but as owner of company; the applicant can own shares of a company and/or be non-executive director - with no managing powers)

o   Real estate income – ownership of real estates that generates income (i.e. rent)

Subject to authorization of the Italian Immigration Authorities, it is generally possible to become shareholder/director of a new Italian company with the Elective Residence Visa — provided that no salary is paid.

How do I apply for the Elective Residency Visa? What is the process to become resident in Italy?

1. Elective Residency Visa is filed with the respective Italian Authority (i.e. Italian Consulate)

2. File the Permit of Stay Application (i.e. permesso di soggiorno)

3. Registration of Residency (at the local town hall)

Where do I submit an application for the Elective Residency Visa?

Elective Residency visas will be adjudicated by the Italian Consulate abroad.

Can you help me file an application with the Italian Consulate?

Yes. The first-step in obtaining the elective Residency visa is lodging an application with the Italian Consulate. This is where the visa is issued and all relevant documentation is submitted.

What is the processing time to receive an Elective Residency Visa?

The Italian Consulate has up to 90-days to render a decision — however, depending on where the Consulate is based (i.e. Miami / London) and the current volume of applications this may take between five-eight weeks.

What type of documentation do I need to provide to the Italian Consulate? 

The applicant will need to show financial assets from a portfolio. The Consulate may request original financial statements from banks, financial/brokerage firms, public social security programs and pension programs — all indicating current balances.

If you own or direct a business and have equity positions in a company, this may also be valid proof of non-working source income. You will be required to provide supporting documentation for receiving dividends and distributions from this respective entity.

As emphasized above, demonstrating financial stability and the ability to support yourself while living in Italy is critical. Sources of income cannot be derived from current employment or any other work activities.

My Elective Residency Visa was approved, now what?

The second step in this process is the permit of stay application, also known as the Permesso di Soggiorno, application. You must do this within 8-days of arriving in Italy.

Italian Residency Permit Application (i.e. Permesso di Soggiorno)

What is a Permesso di Soggiorno? Do I need this to remain in Italy?

If you are planning to become a resident in Italy, you will need to obtain your resident permits — or the Permesso di Soggiorno. This can be requested from any Post Office (Poste Italiane) by submitting the necessary supporting documents.

How long does it take to obtain the Permesso di Soggiorno?

This depends — likely several months. After the submitting the necessary information with the Italian Post Office, the request will be forwarded to the Italian Police Authorities (i.e. Questura) responsible for handling the remainder of the residency request. Processing times for receiving an interview date for necessary formalities (i.e. biometrics and document review) will depend on where you reside (i.e. Milan v. Naples) and the respective Questura.

The next step will be for the applicant to visit the Questura to obtain the physical residence permit. Usually, it will take the Questura several months to process the application — however, it is important to note that during this period of time you are still in proper legal status within Italy.

I plan to remain in Italy for more than six-months in a year — is this okay?

If you plan to remain in Italy for longer than six-months per year you must register your address in Italy with the local Town Hall (i.e. commune). You are advised to do this once the permesso di soggiorno is requested.

What benefits do I get if I become an Italian Resident?

Going through the formal procedures of registering your residency in Italy can provide several advantages. First of all, it is required by law if you are remaining in Italy for more than six months per year. Otherwise, it does have certain advantages for future-planning and social benefits, such as: opening a bank account, registering for the national health service, public education system, and obtaining a drivers license.

Do I need to pay taxes in Italy?

Generally, an individual who obtains an elective residence visa shall not pay taxes in Italy if you:

-       are not registered in the Municipality (City Hall);

-       live in Italy less than 183 days during the fiscal year (January to December); and

-       do not have your habitual abode in the country.

Becoming an Italian Resident will likely have important tax-consequences, and it is important that you seek advice of a qualified Italian commercialista (i.e. Italian Accountant)