Best for: retirees with high passive income. NO work allowed
Compare this visa against 17 other pathways across 6 European countries based on your nationality, income, family situation, and goals.
Take the Visa Wizard → Browse PropTren Map →The Elective Residency Visa is one of Italy's primary residency routes for retirees and individuals with stable passive income. Best for: retirees with high passive income. NO work allowed
This visa is designed for non-EU citizens. Minimum monthly income requirement: €2,700 from pension, rental_income, dividends.
After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in Italy. Citizenship becomes available after 10 years of continuous residence.
Pensioner 7% flat tax in South Italy (Article 24-ter).
Holders pay a flat 7% rate.
Important: Retirees relocating to municipalities <20K population in South Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, etc.) get 7% flat tax for 9 years.
12-month rental or ownership
Submit financial + accommodation proof
1-year initial
Move to South Italy <20K population municipality
Citizenship at year 10
The total cost of obtaining the Elective Residency Visa ranges from €916 to €2,500, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.
Yes — the Italy Elective Residency allows family members to be included as dependents.
The Italy Elective Residency is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy.
Citizenship is available after 10 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.
This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.
Non-EU/EEA citizenship. €32,000+/year passive income (€38,000+ couple). Long-term accommodation in Italy (1-year lease or ownership). ZERO work in Italy allowed. Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.
€2,700/month minimum (€32,400/year). Income source must be: pension, rental_income, dividends. €32,000+/year stable passive income (€38K for couple)
Pensioner 7% flat tax in South Italy (Article 24-ter). Flat tax rate of 7%. Retirees relocating to municipalities <20K population in South Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, etc.) get 7% flat tax for 9 years.
Typical processing time is 60-120 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.
Application fee: €116. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €800 on average. Total: €916-€2,500 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.
Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 10 years.
Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically +20% of base requirement. Each child adds 20% to the income threshold.
ZERO work in Italy — even remote for foreign employer is grey. 7% pensioner tax requires moving to specific small towns (not Florence/Rome). Property registration costs vary widely (1-9% depending on type)
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