Italy Retirement Visa (Elective Residence Visa)
The Italy Retirement Visa (Italy Elective Residence Visa Program) permits individuals to obtain a residence permit to live in Italy without engaging in any work or business activities.
Italy Retirement Visa (Elective Residence Visa) Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- The Italy Retirement Visa (Elective Residence Visa) allows the main applicant to include eligible family members as dependents:
Dependents include:
(1) Spouse (marriage or civil partnership certificates)
(2) Dependent children (if 18 yo or more then need to show they are dependent due to health conditions)
(3) Dependent parents of main applicant (due to serious health reasons and no other relatives in their country can support them) - Right to live and study in Italy – No right to work
- 1 to 2 years residence permit, renewable for 2 years periods as long as requirements of stable income and resources are maintained. For dependents, dependency required on renewals
- Subject to conditions, pathway to obtaining permanent residency (after 5 years of legal and continuous residence) and Citizenship (after 10 years, and language B1 level test .Process may take up to 3 years)
Travel and Quality of Life
- Member of the Schengen Area and the EU
- Access to Italy healthcare and education
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
Ease of Access
- No language, education or work experience requirements
Italy Retirement Visa Requirements
- Be over 18 years of age and a Non-EU/EEA Citizen.
- Intent to reside in Italy permanently (i.e. staying less than 183 days per year could jeopardize the visa)
- Passport with remaining validity of at least 6 months at the time of submission
- Proof of stable and steady economic resources with guaranteed continuity in the future, for instance pensions, annuities, incomes from properties or investment funds, ownership of steady economic activities – subordinated work not included.
- Apostilled/legalized clean criminal records issued by countries where has resided for more than 12 consecutive months during the last 10 years (starting from the age of 18).
- Lease or deed for property duly registered with Italian Taxation Office
- Travel ticket
- Private health insurance covering Schengen
Italy Retirement Visa Conditions
- Suitable for persons able to demonstrate a stable and adequate pension income and/or financial resources, for example retired people and persons wishing to reside permanently in Italy without working.
- Money must come from stable and steady economic resources with guaranteed continuity in the future, for instance pensions, annuities, incomes from properties or investment funds, ownership of steady economic activities – subordinated work not included.
- Strictly, at least EUR 31,000 annual income required (+20% extra for spouse, +5% extra for each dependent child). In practice, a higher amount may be required – EUR 100,000 annual income is often recommended (but there could be some flexibility on a case by case basis – notably depending where the clients intend to reside).
Italy Retirement Visa (Elective Residence Visa) Process
Processing time 2 to 4 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Due diligence and documents collection
- Schedule an appointment at the local Italian consulate
- Submit application
- Attend consulate appointment in person and present necessary documents
Approval And Investment
- Obtain visa(s)
- Apply for dependents’ visas at the consulate of residence at the same time as the main applicant
Residency
- Enter Italy and apply for residence permit within 8 days of entry
- Attend appointment and submit biometrics
- Register address at the local municipality office
- Permit valid for 1 to 2 years – renewable
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italy Retirement Visa program?
The Italy Retirement Visa, officially known as the Italy Elective Residence Visa, allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit to live in Italy without engaging in any work or business activities.
Who is eligible to apply for the Italy Retirement Visa?
To be eligible for the Italy Retirement Visa, the applicant must:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have adequate stable passive income not derived from employment or business;
- Have a suitable place to live in Italy;
- Intend to reside in Italy permanently;
- Have private health insurance coverage;
- Not plan to work while residing in Italy.
What is the required passive income for the Italy Retirement Visa?
For the Italy Retirement Visa, the required passive income depends on family size:
- Main applicant: EUR 31,160 per year;
- Additional 20% for a dependent spouse;
- Additional 5% for each dependent child.
Acceptable sources include pensions, annuities, income from properties, investments, or other non-employment assets. Although the minimum is EUR 31,160, many consulates recommend an income closer to EUR 100,000 per year, especially depending on the region of residence.
Who can be included as dependents under the Italy Retirement Visa?
The Italy Retirement Visa allows the inclusion of the following dependents:
- Spouse (with marriage or civil partnership documentation);
- Minor children;
- Adult children who are financially dependent due to health conditions;
- Parents of the main applicant, if they are dependent due to health reasons and lack support from relatives in their home country.
What are the benefits of obtaining the Italy Retirement Visa?
The Italy Retirement Visa provides several benefits:
- Visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area for 90 days within any 180-day period;
- No need to invest or meet language or education requirements;
- Access to healthcare and education services in Italy;
- A pathway to permanent residency after 5 years, and citizenship after 10 years (subject to language and residency conditions).
How long does it take to process an Italy Retirement Visa application?
Processing time for an Italy Retirement Visa application typically ranges from 2 to 4 months. However, it may take longer if the consulate requests additional documentation.
Do I need to travel to Italy during the Italy Retirement Visa application process?
No travel to Italy is required during the application process. However, once approved, the applicant must enter Italy to apply for the residence permit. The applicant must also confirm their intention to reside in Italy permanently, as spending fewer than 183 days per year in Italy could put the visa at risk.
What is the application process for the Italy Retirement Visa?
Applicants must submit their Italy Retirement Visa application in person at the Italian consulate in their country of residence. Once approved, a visa is issued to enter Italy, where the applicant must apply for the official residence permit within 8 days of arrival.