Getting the Elective Residency Visa in Italy: A US citizen’s guide

Dreaming of life under the Tuscan sun? For many Americans, moving to Italy is about more than vacations. It’s a lifestyle choice driven by culture, climate, and a slower pace of life. If you’re financially independent and don’t plan to work in Italy, the elective residency visa (ERV) might be your golden ticket.

This guide walks you through how US citizens can apply, what’s required, and what to expect once you arrive. Whether you're planning a retirement in Florence or a sabbatical in Sicily, here’s how to make it happen.

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Table of contents
What is the Italian Elective Residency Visa? Key requirements for US citizens How to apply for the Elective Residency Visa from the US What happens after you arrive in Italy Pros and cons of the Elective Residency Visa What if you don’t qualify? Can you renew the ER Visa? Cost breakdown Real-life tips from US applicants Frequently asked questions

What is the Italian Elective Residency Visa?

The Elective Residency Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Italy long-term without working. It’s often used by retirees, remote business owners, or individuals with passive income. Unlike other visas, this one doesn’t allow you to take on local employment in Italy. Your income must be stable, consistent, and come from outside the country.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is a great fit if you:

• Are retired and receive a pension or Social Security
• Own investment properties or receive rental income
• Have income from dividends, trusts, or other passive sources
• Run a business that doesn’t require your physical presence

💡 Note: If your income is from remote work or freelancing, the ERV may not be suitable. Italy requires that ERV applicants prove they don’t need to work to support themselves.

Key requirements for US citizens

Before applying, it’s important to understand the specific documents and conditions Italy expects you to meet. In the next section, we’ll walk through the key requirements from income thresholds and proof of accommodation to the type of health insurance and background checks you’ll need. These criteria are what immigration officials will use to assess whether you’re eligible for the Elective Residency Visa.

Minimum income threshold

As of 2024, you must show a minimum annual income of €31,000 (about $33,500) if applying alone.¹ For couples, the requirement rises to €38,000–€40,000, and more if dependents are involved.² This amount must be net and recurring, and can come from:

• Pensions or annuities
• Rental income
• Investment returns or dividends
• Royalties
• Passive business income

Proof of accommodation

You must submit a valid property deed, long-term lease, or a letter from a host who owns the property where you'll stay. Short-term bookings like hotels or Airbnbs won’t be accepted.

Health insurance

You need private health insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage for medical emergencies and hospitalization, valid throughout the Schengen Area.²

Background check

US applicants must submit an FBI criminal background check, apostilled and translated into Italian.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. You’ll also need at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

How to apply for the Elective Residency Visa from the US

The application process takes planning and patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Book an appointment with your regional consulate

Find the Italian consulate responsible for your jurisdiction (based on your state of residence) and schedule a visa appointment online. Appointments can be booked weeks or months in advance due to high demand.

👀 Find your consulate here

2. Gather your documents

Prepare a complete dossier, including:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid US passport
• Recent passport-size photo
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Bank statements and proof of income
• Health insurance certificate
• FBI background check
• Copy of travel itinerary or flight reservations

3. Attend your visa interview

Bring all original documents and photocopies to your in-person appointment. Be prepared to explain your financial plan, why you’re moving to Italy, and how you’ll support yourself without working.

4. Wait for processing

Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days, depending on the consulate and time of year. You’ll receive a visa valid for one year, which must be activated by entering Italy within the validity period.³

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What happens after you arrive in Italy

Once in Italy, your journey isn’t over yet. Here’s what happens next.

1. Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)

You must apply for this within eight days of arrival. Visit your local post office to get a “kit” for the permesso application, then submit it with supporting documents.

You’ll be scheduled for an appointment at the local immigration office (Questura), where your fingerprints will be taken.

Your permesso is typically valid for one year, and can be renewed annually as long as your circumstances stay the same.³

2. Register with the local municipality

You’ll also need to register your residency with the local city hall (Comune) and get a residence certificate (certificato di residenza). This helps with local services like waste collection, healthcare registration, and obtaining an Italian ID card later on.

Pros and cons of the Elective Residency Visa

Before you apply, consider the key advantages and limitations of the elective residency visa to see if it fits your long-term plans.

Pros

• Great option for retirees and financially independent individuals
• Opens the door to long-term residency and eventually citizenship
• No need to work or start a business
• Access to Italy’s high-quality lifestyle and healthcare

Cons

• You can’t work in Italy or generate active income
• High financial threshold compared to other EU visas
• Strict documentation and bureaucratic delays
• Health insurance can be expensive without access to the public system

What if you don’t qualify?

If your income is from active work (like freelancing or remote jobs), consider the Italian digital nomad visa (expected rollout in 2025), or look into:

• Portugal D8 visa (for remote workers)
• Spain’s non-lucrative visa
• France’s long-stay visitor visa

Each has different requirements, so it’s worth comparing them side by side.

Can you renew the ER Visa?

Yes. The Italian Elective Residency Visa (ERV), formally known as a residenza elettiva permit, can be renewed each year as long as you maintain the original qualifying conditions.

To renew your ERV in Italy, you must:

1. Show ongoing, stable passive income — at least €31,000 annually, rising by 20% for a spouse and 5% for each dependent.⁴ The income must continue to come from outside Italy, such as from pensions, investments, or rental properties.
2. Maintain legal residence in Italy, with suitable accommodation matching what was declared during your initial application.
3. Hold private health insurance valid in Italy for the duration of the permit year (or be registered with the Italian national health service if eligible).

Renewal process:

• Apply at your local Questura in Italy using the annual permesso di soggiorno renewal kit (usually via Post Office)
• Pay relevant fees (around €30–€50 for the permit and card) and provide updated documentation⁵
• Attend a fingerprint and document verification appointment at the Questura

💡 Skipping Italian residence for over six months in a year may result in a non-renewable permit. After five years of continuous renewals, holders may transition to long-term EU residency, and after ten years, may apply for Italian citizenship.⁶

Cost breakdown

Here’s a clear look at the main costs involved in applying for and maintaining the elective residency visa in Italy.⁷

Expense	Estimated cost
Visa application fee	$135 (approx. €116)
Apostilled FBI check	$50–$75
Document translations	$100–$300
Private health insurance	$1,000–$2,000 per year
Permesso di soggiorno	~€100–€150 annually
Residency registration	Free or nominal fee

Note: Costs vary by consulate and provider. Always confirm current fees before applying.

Real-life tips from US applicants

• Start early. Some consulates have wait times of 2 to 3 months for appointments.
• Over-document. Bring more than you think you need—extra bank statements, tax returns, proof of pension or passive income.
• Learn basic Italian. It helps during residency registration and builds goodwill with local officials.
• Show ties to Italy. If you’ve visited before, mention this. It helps reinforce your intent to live there long term.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions? Here are quick answers to the most common concerns about the Italian Elective Residency Visa.

Can I work in Italy with the elective residency visa?

No. This visa is strictly for financially self-sufficient individuals. You cannot work or freelance for Italian companies while on this visa.

How long can I stay in Italy with this visa?

The initial visa is valid for one year. After that, you can renew it annually as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Do I need to show income in euros or dollars?

Your income can be in dollars, but you should provide clear documentation (bank statements, tax returns) and consider adding a currency conversion summary to show it meets the euro threshold.

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

Yes. To maintain your residence status, you must spend the majority of the year in Italy. Extended absences can affect renewal eligibility.

Can I bring my spouse or children?

Yes, but you’ll need to prove additional income to support them. Each dependent adds to the financial threshold required for approval.

What if my income comes from a US business I still manage remotely?

If your role in the business is passive and you do not actively work for it while in Italy, you may still qualify. But if you’re actively working, you may need to consider another visa type.

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Italy’s elective residency visa is a powerful option for Americans who want to enjoy la dolce vita full-time. With the right planning, financial documentation, and a bit of patience, it can unlock a lifestyle many dream about from sipping espresso in a Roman piazza to retiring in a sunlit Tuscan village.

It’s not the fastest path to Europe, nor the cheapest, but for those who qualify, it’s one of the most rewarding.

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Sources

1. Mbersanilaw – Elective Residence Visa Italy
2. The Italian Lawyer – Italy’s Elective Residence Visa: complete 2025 guide
3. Conslosangeles Esteri – Elective residency visa
4. Consboston Esteri – Elective residency
5. ItaliaHello – How much do I have to pay to renew my residence permit?
6. Lexology – Minimum stay requirements
7. Global citizen solutions – Elective Residency Visa Italy

Sources checked 07/02/2025