La dolce vita, made permanent. Italian residency for financially independent individuals who are ready to make Italy home.
Italy - Elective Residence Visa
The Italy Elective Residence Visa (ERV) allows financially independent individuals, retirees, and families to live in Italy without working, running a business, or making any investment. It is designed for those whose income comes from pensions, dividends, rental income, or other passive sources, and who want a permanent, legal base in one of Europe's most desirable countries.
The permit is renewed annually and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency after five years and Italian citizenship after ten. Eligible new residents may also benefit from some of Italy's most attractive tax regimes, including the 7% flat tax on all foreign income for retirees relocating to qualifying Southern Italian towns, and the €300,000 annual flat tax on worldwide foreign income for high-net-worth individuals.
Because we care about our clients beyond the visa process, we are always looking for ways to improve the support we offer. That is why we have partnered with MoveToItaly.net, a platform that provides detailed region-by-region data comparisons covering cost of living, healthcare access, climate, and quality of life across Italy. Whether you are drawn to the pace of a Tuscan village or the convenience of a city like Bologna or Lecce, MoveToItaly.net helps you make an informed decision about where to settle before you commit.
Eligibility, Benefits, Timelines and Costs
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Eligibility
Financially independent: income must come from passive sources only, such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or investments. No employment or business activity is permitted
Minimum annual income of approximately €31,000 for a single applicant, with higher thresholds for couples and dependent family members
Proof of long-term accommodation in Italy, either owned property or a registered rental agreement
Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Italy for the full duration of stay, minimum coverage of €30,000
Clean criminal record from your home country and any country of residence in the past five years
Income must be regular, verifiable, and sustainable, supported by bank statements, pension letters, dividend records, or equivalent documentation
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Benefits
No investment required: no capital lock-up, no Golden Visa, no minimum asset threshold
Live in Italy without working, without running a business, and without any employment obligations
Visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, 26 countries
Spouse and dependent children can be included in the same application
Pathway to permanent residency after five years and Italian citizenship after ten
Access to Italy's public healthcare system and world-class culture, infrastructure, and lifestyle
7% flat tax on all foreign-sourced income for retirees relocating to qualifying Southern Italian towns, valid for up to ten years
€300,000 annual flat tax on worldwide foreign income for high-net-worth individuals relocating to Italy, valid for up to fifteen years
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Timelines & Costs
Processing time: approximately 12 to 18 weeks from application submission, depending on consulate appointment availability and processing times
Full support from €10,000, covering the initial visa application and residence permit, including legal documentation, translations, lawyer's fees, coordination with authorities, consulate preparation, local setup, and Questura permesso di soggiorno application
Ongoing support for all temporary residency renewals and compliance requirements is included
Strategic guidance on permanent residency and citizenship pathways is included
Applications for permanent residency or citizenship are not included and are quoted separately should you choose to proceed
Final fees may vary depending on the number of applicants, jurisdiction, and complexity of the individual case
Italy is waiting. Are you ready to make it home?
The Elective Residence Visa is one of the most straightforward pathways to long-term residency in Europe for those who have already built their financial independence. Robert and Martin will review your profile, confirm your eligibility, and walk you through every step of the process, with no obligation and no pressure.
