Italy Elective Residence Visa to Retire in Italy – Requirements, and Application Steps

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The Italy elective residency visa, commonly known as the Italy retirement visa, allows non-EU citizens to move to Italy permanently if they can financially support themselves without employment. This visa is ideal for retirees with stable income from pensions, savings, or investments.

Key points

  • The application fee for a retirement visa is €116 (excluding the residence permit).
  • The official processing time is between 6 to 12 weeks.
  • You are not allowed to take up employment with this visa.
  • If you can show you have more than the required financial amount, you are more likely to obtain the visa.

Who Can Apply for a Retirement Visa to Italy?

You can apply for a retirement visa to Italy if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • You are a non-EU foreigner.
  • You are 18 years of age.
  • You have enough money to support yourself for the rest of your retirement years.

Sometimes, the eligibility process can be difficult to understand, especially if you don’t understand Italian. In this case, hiring a legal consultant will help you get a clear understanding of the requirements and complete the application process successfully.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Italy?

To retire in Italy, you must have a minimum of €31,000 annually, for a single person. For a couple, this amount is increased to €38,000, plus an extra 20% for each additional family member.

How to Apply for an Italy Retirement Visa?

The application process for an Italy retirement visa goes as follows:

Step 1. Fill Out the Application Form

You can usually find the form on the website of the corresponding Italian embassy/consulate, but you can also find it on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

Make sure to fill it out with all the correct and up-to-date information and don’t forget to sign it at the end otherwise, it’s invalid.

Step 2. Prepare the Required Documents

To submit a successful application, you have to prepare several documents that include:

  • Your valid passport.
  • Visa application form.
  • Two passport-sized photographs.
  • Proof of financial means:
    • Bank statements showing some sort of private income (pension or annuity).
    • Property ownership documents.
    • Ownership of steady economic activities.
  • Proof of accommodation.
  • A valid return flight ticket, a one-way ticket, or proof of enough means to purchase the ticket.
  • Proof of health insurance.

Please note that you may be asked to submit additional documents.

Step 3. Schedule an Appointment

Find an Italian embassy/consulate or visa center in your area here to schedule an appointment with the corresponding office to submit your application.

Please note that in case there isn’t an Italian representative in your area, you may need to submit your application at another consulate representing Italy, or at an Italian embassy/consulate in a neighboring country.

Step 4. Submit Your Application

On the day of your visa appointment, you must submit your application, and sit down for a short interview. You may also be asked to pay for the visa fee on the day of your interview.

Please keep in mind that some embassies may ask you to pay the fee before attending the appointment so you can submit proof of payment along with your application. So, make sure to verify this with the consulate/embassy in your area.

After Arriving

Within 8 days of entering Italy after receiving your retirement visa, you have to apply for your residence permit at a local police station “Questura”. On the day of your residency application, you have to provide your biometric information.

Afterward, you must register your new address with the local municipality “Comune”. Your residence permit will be initially issued for one up to two years, and then you have to renew it for the duration of your stay. After five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Why Retire in Italy?

If you’re still unsure, whether Italy is the place for your golden years, here’s a list of pros and cons to help you make a decision:

Benefits Drawbacks
Italy ranks 2nd in the world for healthcare efficiency (World Health Organization). After registering for a residence permit, retirees can access public healthcare for an annual fee of €400–€600. Applicants must purchase private international health insurance covering at least €30,000 annually before applying. Initial insurance costs can range from €1,000–€2,000 per year.
Italy’s cost of living is 25% lower than Western Europe’s average (Numbeo). Smaller towns offer rental costs up to 60% cheaper than major cities. High-income requirements to get the visa at first: €31,000 annually for individuals and €38,000 for couples, plus 20% per dependent.
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, you may be eligible for citizenship. Compared to Portugal (5 years) or Spain (10 years), the path to citizenship in Italy takes longer.
Italy has a life expectancy of 84 years, one of the highest in Europe, partly due to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Government offices and smaller towns primarily use Italian, making it difficult to complete any bureaucratic processes if you don’t speak the language.
Italy boasts 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in the world, offering retirees unparalleled cultural experiences. The visa and residence permit process involves extensive paperwork, with typical processing times ranging from 6 to 12 weeks.
Visa holders can travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone (26 countries) for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Switch from an Elective Residence Visa to Another Visa Type?

Yes, you can switch to a work visa for example if you want to work in the country, or even a family visa if you marry an Italian citizen or permanent resident. But, you have to go through the application process again from the beginning and meet the eligibility criteria for your new visa.

What Type of Income Is Considered Valid for Meeting the Financial Requirement?

You need to show proof of passive income sources, such as:

  • Pension payments
  • Annuities
  • Property rental income
  • Dividends from stocks or company shares
  • Savings interest

Lump-sum savings alone may also be considered, but this depends on the consulate/embassy.

Does My Passive Income Need to Come from Italian Sources?

No, your income can come from anywhere in the world, as long as you can prove it’s not from active employment.

Do I Need to Buy a Property to Qualify for the Visa?

You don’t have to buy a property to get the visa, but you need to show proof of some accommodation, which can also be a rental agreement.

How Long Do I Have to Live in Italy Each Year to Maintain the Visa?

While there is no specific requirement, you’re recommended to live in the country for a minimum of 6 months in the year to continue holding your visa. Unexplained absences for more than 6 months will make it more difficult for you to renew your visa.

Can I Rent Out My Home Abroad and Use That Rental Income to Meet the Financial Requirements?

Yes, as long as you can show proof of property ownership and consistent income that meets the threshold requirements.

Do I Need to Show Proof of Income Every Time I Renew My Residence Permit?

Yes, until you obtain a permanent residence permit, you must show proof that you still meet the eligibility requirements for your elective residence permit.

Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Italy as a Retiree?

Yes, after living in the country for 183 days you’re considered a resident for tax purposes. However, if you live in some southern cities, you may benefit from a 7% tax flat rate, which is an incentive to get foreigners to retire there.

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