On this page you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Elective Residency Visa, also known as the Retirement Visa, for Italy. Be sure to also read our article on the subject, which you can find here.
1. Is the “Retirement Visa” only for retirees?
No, the “Elective Residency Visa,” as it’s also known, is available for anyone with passive income. This could include stocks or other investments, as well as rentals.
2. How can I apply for the visa?
In order to apply for the elective residency visa, you will need to submit the following:
- Visa application form
- Passport photo
- Valid passport
- Proof of income (bank letters, financial institutions, U.S. Social Security institutes, tax returns, etc.)
- Registered lease or property deed
- Letter explaining intentions for moving to Italy
- One-way plane ticket
3. What qualifies as “proof of lodging” for the visa?
You will need to demonstrate that you have a valid and registered rental contract or a deed for a property that you own in Italy. It is important to note that hotels, Airbnbs, and similar temporary lodging are not considered as fulfilling the visa requirements.
4. What is the income requirement for each applicant?
The minimum passive income required for the elective residency visa is approximately €31,000 per year. Keep in mind that this will need to be adjusted to the corresponding currency amount in your home country, which could be slightly higher. Most consulates have required that each applicant—which includes each member of a household applying together—demonstrate funds corresponding to €31,000 per year in order for the visa to be accepted.
5. What is the income requirement for the rest of the household?
Back in July 2025, there was a positive ruling by the administrative court in Rome that reversed a rejected application on the basis of the consulate having required €31,000 per person. The administrative court decided that the consulate’s decision had been unfair, particularly to apply the full income requirement to minor children. The court referred to the table for determining the means of support for entry into Italy as established on March 1st, 2000 by the Interior Ministry’s Directive. According to this table, the daily income requirement for a single person would be €27.89, or roughly €31,000 annually, but this daily amount is lowered by about 10 euros for additional family members. In the case of a spouse, for example, the added amount would be €18,660 annually.
Even though this ruling does not necessarily mean the consulates will follow it as a precedent going forward, it is a good indication they might listen to it as a directive, since each application is examined on a case-by-case business. The ruling also demonstrates that consulate decisions can be successfully appealed if the applicant is unhappy with them. If you have concerns about meeting the income requirement, we encourage you to talk to one our experts.
6. How long does the visa last?
The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewing the accompanying residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) yearly, so long as conditions continue to be met.
7. Can I study or work while on the visa?
You are allowed to study while on the visa, but keep in mind that there is a separate student visa that Italy offers specifically for those who plan to study in the country. If your purpose for entering Italy is for study, it would be best to use that particular visa.
Work of any kind is not allowed on the elective residency visa. All income must be passive. If you intend to work while in Italy, there are various work visa options available, including the new digital nomad visa.
8. Where are the best places to retire in Italy?
Location will depend greatly on the passive income of the applicant(s), the cost of the living in the desired region, and what kind of environment they desire, be it city or country, seaside or mountains, or something in between. Tuscany, Lazio, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo, and Lombardy tend to be some of the most popular places, whether for their cities, culture, or geography. That said, don’t be afraid to move around and explore areas that do not usually attract expats.
