In short
The elective residence visa is for non-EU nationals with stable independent income of foreign origin who intend to reside in Italy without working there. It requires accommodation in Italy and income substantially above other entry categories. Employment income is not normally considered suitable.
Two characteristics to understand first
This is the route chosen by retirees, people living on investment income and those with substantial assets who want to live in Italy. It has two features that determine whether it is viable for you.
First, it does not allow you to work in Italy. Income must be independent and of foreign origin.
Second, the income assessment is discretionary. The Italian consulate evaluates the amount, the stability and the nature of the sources. What counts is not only the figure but whether it represents a continuing flow: pensions, annuities, rental income and investment returns qualify. Employment income, however high, generally does not.
What the consulate looks at
There is no fixed statutory threshold, and the figures circulating online should be treated as indicative. The assessment considers the whole picture.
- Documented income over recent years, with supporting bank records showing continuity.
- The nature of the sources: continuing flows rather than a static asset position.
- Accommodation in Italy, owned or leased. Consulates examine this element closely.
- Health insurance valid in Italy, with adequate cover.
- Civil status documents, translated and legalised or apostilled, where family members are included.
What comes after
The permit is renewable, with the 90 giorni lead time that applies to all residence permits, and allows you to accrue a period of legal residence.
After 5 anni you can consider the EU long-term residence permit, which requires income of at least € 7.101,12 and Italian at A2 level. After 10 anni the citizenship route opens.
One further matter to plan for in advance: transferring your residence to Italy has tax consequences that need assessing separately, before the move rather than after.
The figures cited on this page
Every amount, threshold and deadline comes from our public register of legal parameters, each recorded with its legal reference and the date we last checked it. When a value changes, this page changes with it.
| Parameter | Value | Legal reference | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticipo per la domanda di rinnovo | 90 giorni | Art. 5, c. 4 D.Lgs. 286/1998 come modificato dal D.Lgs. 16 aprile 2026, n. 83 | |
| Anni di soggiorno regolare per il permesso UE di lungo periodo | 5 anni | Art. 9, c. 1 D.Lgs. 286/1998 | |
| Importo annuo dell'assegno sociale | € 7.101,12 | Circolare INPS n. 153 del 19 dicembre 2025 | |
| Livello di italiano per il permesso UE di lungo periodo | A2 | Art. 9, c. 2-bis D.Lgs. 286/1998; D.M. 4 giugno 2010 | |
| Anni di residenza per la cittadinanza (cittadini non UE) | 10 anni | Art. 9, c. 1 lett. f) Legge 5 febbraio 1992, n. 91 |
Frequently asked questions
How much income do I need for the elective residence visa?
Can I work in Italy on an elective residence permit?
Does it lead to permanent residence?
Professional scope. Italy Immigration Hub is an administrative consultancy, not a law firm, and does not carry out activities reserved to members of the Italian Bar. Legal advice on disputes, court filings and representation before judicial authorities are handled by qualified lawyers we work with, instructed directly by the client. We are a private, independent operator with no affiliation to Italian public authorities, and the outcome and timing of any procedure depend on the competent authority. Legal notice (Italian).
Related pages in English
Full procedural detail in Italian
The Italian pages carry the complete document lists, cost breakdowns, step-by-step procedures and the mistakes that most often cause refusals.