Elective Residency Visa in Italy
If you wish to move to Italy full-time without the need to work, elective residency could be the perfect option for you. This type of visa is ideal for U.S.-UK or Canadian retirees looking for a lower cost of living, individuals with substantial savings, or those with a steady income from sources outside of Italy.
Income Requirements
To be eligible, you'll need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself in Italy. As of now, the minimum annual income requirement by Italian law stands at about €32,000 for a single applicant. This amount increases if your residence application will include your spouse or children.
Other Eligibility Requirements
You'll need to secure suitable accommodation in Italy before making your move. This could be a rental agreement for at least a year or proof that you own property in the country. You'll also need to secure a private health insurance policy that's valid in Italy for at least a year from your planned entry date. The application process requires you to submit comprehensive documentation at your appointment with the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This documentation includes proof of financial resources, accommodation arrangements, and health insurance coverage. You will also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. Upon approval of your visa application, you will be authorized to enter Italy.
Finalizing Elective Residency in Italy
After arriving in Italy, you have eight days to apply for a residence permit, known as a "Permesso di Soggiorno," at the local police headquarters (Questura). This is a crucial step in establishing your legal status in the country.
Next comes the process of registering your residency with the local municipality or Comune. Once you submit a successful application, you will be considered a resident within 48 hours. However, your residency isn't officially confirmed until a municipal officer verifies that you're actually living at your stated address. This check usually happens within 60 days of your application.
Once you're registered as a resident at a specific address, that status remains valid until you move. If you do change addresses, even within the same municipality, you'll need to report this change.
Other logistics to complete upon arrival in Italy
While you're settling in, don't forget to obtain an Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale) and open an Italian bank account. These steps will make your day-to-day life in Italy much easier, in effecting daily services and conducting any business in Italy.
Our services
Navigating the elective residency visa process can be complex, particularly for those who are not fluent in Italian and who are not familiar with the legal system. For this, our firm is equipped to assist you throughout this process, particularly for U.S. clients. With one of our consultants being a U.S. citizen, we possess a unique understanding of the challenges faced by American clients seeking to establish residency in Italy.
Our bilingual team provides comprehensive assistance, including:
Personalized eligibility assessments
Preparation and review of necessary documentation
Translation services for all required paperwork
Guidance on financial requirements and property acquisition
Assistance with health insurance options
Support in communications with Italian consulates and local authorities
Post-arrival services, including residency registration and obtaining a tax code (Codice Fiscale)
Francesca simplifies the complexities of the visa application process and guides applicants through the intricacies and obstacles of the Italian bureaucracy to ensure a simple transition to a new life in Italy.
Further Information
To learn know more about becoming a legal resident in Italy and its advantages, read our blog post here.
