The Elective Residence Visa — in plain terms
The Elective Residence Visa (visto per residenza elettiva) allows non-EU nationals with sufficient autonomous passive income to establish permanent residence in Italy. Governed by D.M. 850/2011. Work — of any kind — is not permitted under this visa.
A chi si rivolge
Retirees with foreign pensions, rentiers with investment or property income, individuals living off dividends or capital gains. Popular with American, British and South American applicants.
What “passive income” means
Income from non-work sources only: pensions, annuities, rental income, dividends, interest, financial investments, or — following TAR Lazio 2024 rulings — substantial liquid capital held in a bank account.
Two phases, applicant-led
Like the Digital Nomad Visa: Phase 1 is the consulate visa application, Phase 2 is the Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days of arrival. No employer involvement.
In sintesi — the numbers that matter
Do you qualify? — four requirements
Non-EU nationality
Available to citizens of non-EU countries. UK nationals are eligible post-Brexit.
MandatoryAnnual passive income of at least €31,000
Income from non-work sources. In practice €35,000–40,000 is strongly advisable — consulates apply the threshold with discretion. Increases with family members: +20% per spouse, +5% per dependent child.
Mandatory · Non-work sources onlyAlloggio in Italia
Owned or leased property in Italy. Owning property significantly strengthens the application.
Mandatory · Owned or leasedGenuine intent to reside permanently
The consulate assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to establish Italy as their primary residence. Ties to Italy strengthen the application considerably.
Assessed by consulate · CriticalThe threshold is a floor, not a target. Applications at exactly €31,000 without property in Italy are frequently refused. We help applicants structure documentation to maximise approval prospects.
Three tax regimes for new Italian residents
7% flat tax for pensioners in the South
Foreign pensioners who transfer residence to a municipality of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants in Southern Italy may opt for a 7% flat tax on all foreign-source income for 10 years (Art. 24-ter TUIR). One of the most competitive regimes in Europe for retirees.
€100,000 flat tax for high earners
New residents who were not Italian tax residents in 9 of the preceding 10 years may opt for a €100,000 annual flat tax on all foreign-source income. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals. Mutually exclusive with the 7% pensioner regime.