Italy · Retire or live on savings
Italy Elective residence
Income needed: €31k+ a year ≈ $35k
Elective residence visa (residenza elettiva)
Checked against official sources on Change log
Key facts
Elective residence is a retire or live on savings route for Italy. Applicants need income of €31k+ a year ≈ $35k. You can't take local work. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.
- Money needed
- €31k+ a year ≈ $35k
- Government fees
- €116 ≈ $130 · €30.46 ≈ $34
- Processing
- Up to 90 days
Cost, time and long term
To apply: 2 government fees listed below; income to show €31k+/yr ≈ $35k; decision: up to 90 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.
Government fees€116 ≈ $130 · €30.46 ≈ $34
- EUR 116 (≈ $130)National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate.
- EUR 30.46 (≈ $34)Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable.
Shown, not spent€31k+/yr ≈ $35k
- EUR 31,000 a year (≈ $34,600)Stable passive income (pensions, annuities, property, trusts, funds) of more than EUR31,000 (≈ $34,600) per applicant; dependent spouse and children also shown at that level per applicant.
RenewalRenewable
Request renewal at least 90 days before the permit expires; the Questura checks that the original conditions still apply.
Permanent residenceAfter 5 years of residence
The EU long-term residence permit needs five years on a valid residence permit, income at least the annual social allowance, and an Italian language test; it is issued within 90 days.
CitizenshipAfter 10 years of residence
Naturalisation needs 10 years of legal residence (4 years for EU citizens) and Italian at level B1 or above.
ProcessingUp to 90 days
A residence permit must be issued, renewed or converted within 90 days of the application when requirements are met (Art. 5(9)).
Where to applyFrom abroad
Apply in person at the Italian consulate for the national long-stay visa, then request the permit at the Questura.
Consulate General of Italy in BostonConsulate General of Italy in New York
Why this route may not fit
Check this before you apply.
- Applications are made from outside Italy, not after arriving
- Work isn't allowed on this route
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports
What you'll need
Who can apply2
- The applicant has stable passive income and plans to live permanently in Italy.
- The visa does not allow any work in Italy, and work income cannot be used to prove means.
What you must show2
- Passive income of more than EUR31,000 (≈ $34,600) per year per applicant, from pensions, annuities, property, trusts or funds.
- A dependent spouse, minor children and dependent adult children living with the parents are shown at the same level.
Documents3
- A registered lease or deed for lodging in Italy for the whole period.
- Bank and institution letters and the last two years of tax returns showing the income.
- A letter explaining the reasons for moving to Italy.
Steps1
- Apply in person at the Italian consulate for the national long-stay visa.
What happens at day 183
How Italy decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.
- Tax residence
- At least 183 days in a tax year (184 days in leap years)A person who for most of the year (at least 183 days, 184 in leap years) satisfies at least one residence condition is resident in Italy for income tax.
- Foreign-source income
Flat lump sum EUR 300,000
Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years.
- Special regime
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income · Tax relief
All tax rules for Italy Tax records checked
Full official text
National visa for people with substantial stable passive income who will live permanently in Italy without working. Income from employment is not counted. 1 2 3 4 5 6
What you must show and pay
- Income of over EUR 31,000 a year (≈ $34,600) · Stable passive income (pensions, annuities, property, trusts, funds) of more than EUR31,000 (≈ $34,600) per applicant; dependent spouse and children also shown at that level per applicant. 1
- A fee of EUR 116 (≈ $130) · National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate. 4
- A fee of EUR 30.46 (≈ $34) · Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable. 5
Requirements
- The applicant has stable passive income and plans to live permanently in Italy. 1 2
- The visa does not allow any work in Italy, and work income cannot be used to prove means. 1 2
- Passive income of more than EUR31,000 (≈ $34,600) per year per applicant, from pensions, annuities, property, trusts or funds. 1
- A dependent spouse, minor children and dependent adult children living with the parents are shown at the same level. 1 2
- A registered lease or deed for lodging in Italy for the whole period. 1 2
- Bank and institution letters and the last two years of tax returns showing the income. 1 2
- A letter explaining the reasons for moving to Italy. 1 2
- Apply in person at the Italian consulate for the national long-stay visa. 1 2
Stay
- The entry visa is issued for 365 days. After arrival the holder requests a residence permit at the local Questura, which checks each year that the requirements are still met and re-issues the permit.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.
Nationality
Non-EU/EEA nationals Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.
Work
No work activity is allowed.
Family
A dependent spouse and minor children, and dependent adult children living with their parents, may be included if their own means are shown. Your spouse or partner may not work in Italy on this visa.
Official sources
- Elective residency visa · Consulate General of Italy in Boston (MAECI) · checked 2026-10-10
- Elective residency · Consulate General of Italy in New York (MAECI) · checked 2026-10-10
- The visa for Italy: long-stay visa types (investors, self-employment, subordinate work, elective residence, research, study, working holiday) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
- Cost for a visa and how to pay · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa) · checked 2026-10-11
- How, where and how much: applying for a residence permit · State Police (Polizia di Stato) · checked 2026-10-11
- Elective residency visa (national visa) · Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 5 (residence permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 9 (EU long-term resident permit) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Citizenship by residence, Art. 9 of Law 91/1992 · Ministero dell'Interno · checked 2026-10-11
- Law 91/1992, Art. 9.1 (Italian language level B1 for citizenship) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
Elective residence and its alternatives
| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elective residence | Needs income of €31k+ a year ≈ $35k | – | No |
| D7 passive income visa Portugal | Needs income of €920+ a month ≈ $1,030 | 2 yr, renewable | – |
| Non-lucrative visa Spain | Needs income of €2,400+ a month ≈ $2,680 | 1 yr, renewable | No |
| Independent means permit Greece | Needs income of €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910 | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| Visitor card France | Needs income of €1,478+ a month ≈ $1,650 | 1 yr, renewable | No |
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for the Elective residence?
Income of over EUR 31,000 a year (≈ $34,600). Stable passive income (pensions, annuities, property, trusts, funds) of more than EUR31,000 (≈ $34,600) per applicant; dependent spouse and children also shown at that level per applicant. A fee of EUR 116 (≈ $130). National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate. A fee of EUR 30.46 (≈ $34). Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable.
How long can I stay on the Elective residence?
The entry visa is issued for 365 days.
How long does the Elective residence take to process?
A residence permit must be issued, renewed or converted within 90 days of the application when requirements are met (Art.
Can I work on the Elective residence?
No. No work activity is allowed.
Can I bring my family on the Elective residence?
A dependent spouse and minor children, and dependent adult children living with their parents, may be included if their own means are shown.
Who can apply for the Elective residence?
Non-EU/EEA nationals Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.
Does the Elective residence lead to permanent residence in Italy?
Time on the Elective residence counts toward permanent residence in Italy, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Elective residence counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence.
Is there a tax break for Elective residence holders in Italy?
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income (Art. 24-bis TUIR, flat tax): Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.
Tax
Special regime
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income (Art. 24-bis TUIR, flat tax)
Tax relief
Details
- Who: Not resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten tax periods before the option starts
- Limit: €300k/yr ≈ $335k
Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years.
Taxed on
Foreign-source income of eligible individuals who transfer residence to Italy; Italian-source income is taxed under ordinary rules.
Who it applies to
- Not resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten tax periods before the option starts.
- The option is made in the tax return for the transfer year or the next one; an advance ruling request (interpello) is possible.
- Family members who meet the same residence test can be added at EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) each a year from 1 January 2026 (EUR25,000 (≈ $27,900) for earlier cohorts).
- The option can exclude chosen foreign states, whose income is then taxed under ordinary rules with a foreign tax credit.
Exclusions
- Italian-source income stays under ordinary taxation.
- Gains on substantial participations (Art. 67(1)(c) TUIR) realised in the first five option periods are outside the lump sum.
- Revocation or loss of the option (for example for non-payment) bars a new option.
Limits
- EUR 300,000 a year (≈ $335,000) · Main taxpayer: residence transferred from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025 art. 1 paras. 25-26 raised EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) to EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000))
- EUR 50,000 a year (≈ $55,900) · Per family member, residence transferred from 1 January 2026
- EUR 200,000 a year (≈ $223,000) · Main taxpayer: residence transferred 11 August 2024 to 31 December 2025
- EUR 25,000 a year (≈ $27,900) · Per family member, transfers before 1 January 2026
- EUR 100,000 a year (≈ $112,000) · Main taxpayer: transfers before 11 August 2024
Tax residence
The cohort is set by the date residence is transferred to Italy. The lump sum is paid in one instalment by the balance-payment deadline, and the option lapses after fifteen tax periods.
Visas
No visa is needed for the election; it is a tax option.
Other taxes
Italian VAT, social contributions and local taxes are separate.
Checked against official sources on Change log
More in Italy
Retirement and live-on-savings visas elsewhere
Head to head
≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
Ask the AI about this route AI
An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.
How this was checked
Checked on 2026-10-12 against 10 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.
Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.
- Elective residency visa · Consulate General of Italy in Boston (MAECI) · checked 2026-10-10
- Elective residency · Consulate General of Italy in New York (MAECI) · checked 2026-10-10
- The visa for Italy: long-stay visa types (investors, self-employment, subordinate work, elective residence, research, study, working holiday) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
- Cost for a visa and how to pay · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa) · checked 2026-10-11
- How, where and how much: applying for a residence permit · State Police (Polizia di Stato) · checked 2026-10-11
- Elective residency visa (national visa) · Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 5 (residence permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 9 (EU long-term resident permit) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Citizenship by residence, Art. 9 of Law 91/1992 · Ministero dell'Interno · checked 2026-10-11
- Law 91/1992, Art. 9.1 (Italian language level B1 for citizenship) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.