The ERV suits: Retirees receiving a pension from abroad. Passive investors living off dividends, interest or property rental income. People with significant savings who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Remote workers whose income is earned from clients/employers outside Italy and who do not intend to operate in the Italian market. It is distinct from the Italian Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2024, which allows active remote work for non-Italian entities but requires a work contract a

Completed visa application form (downloadable from the VistoperItalia portal). Valid passport (minimum 3 months' validity beyond your intended stay, 2 blank pages). Two recent passport photos. Proof of income: original pension letters, bank statements, investment account records, dividend certificates for the past 12 months. Proof of accommodation in Italy: a signed rental contract, property deed, or a hosting declaration (dichiarazione di ospitalità) from an Italian resident. Comprehensive heal

You apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of legal residence — not in Italy. Steps are: Check your local consulate's specific requirements (they differ slightly by country). Gather all documents — allow 6–8 weeks for apostilles and criminal checks. Book an appointment and submit in person. Wait: processing typically takes 60–90 days. Once approved, travel to Italy within the visa's validity window (usually 6 months). Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for a Pe

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — VistoperItalia (official visa requirements) (accessed June 2026). Italian Ministry of the Interior — Permits of Stay (accessed June 2026). Agenzia delle Entrate — Codice Fiscale for foreigners (accessed June 2026).

flight_land Visas & Residency

Italy Elective Residency Visa: Live in Italy on Passive Income

Q: What is the Elective Residency Visa?

The Visto per Residenza Elettiva (Elective Residency Visa, or ERV) is Italy's long-stay visa for non-EU nationals who choose Italy as their country of residence and can support themselves entirely from passive income — pensions, investments, rental income or similar sources. You are not allowed to work for Italian employers or Italian clients while on this visa. It is a popular choice for retirees, passive investors and those with remote income already taxed in another country.The legal basis is

Q: Minimum Income Required

Italy requires a minimum annual income of €31,000 for a single applicant. For a couple this rises to approximately €38,000, and each additional dependent adds roughly €20% to the threshold. These figures are derived from Italian law and are confirmed annually by the Italian consulates. The income must be provable through official documents: pension statements, investment account summaries, property rental contracts, dividend statements or bank certificates showing consistent deposits.Some Italia

Q: Getting the Permesso di Soggiorno

The Permesso di Soggiorno per Residenza Elettiva is initially valid for 1 year and renewable annually, provided you still meet the income requirements. After 5 years you can apply for a long-term EU residence permit (Carta di Soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), which has no income requirement and is valid indefinitely. Italian citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residency. Full information is available from the Italian Ministry of the Interior — Permits of Stay.

Q: The Codice Fiscale

Almost immediately upon arrival, you will need a Codice Fiscale — Italy's tax identification number. You will need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, register with a doctor and almost everything else. Apply in person at the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office with your passport. It is free and issued on the spot. Find your local office via the Agenzia delle Entrate office locator.

The ERV is Italy's answer for financially independent expats — here is exactly what it requires

schedule 7 min read calendar_today Updated 16 Jun 2026 flag 🇮🇹 Italy

Italy's Elective Residency Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Italy without working, supported by passive income. It requires a minimum income, private health insurance and proof of housing — but unlocks one of Europe's most beautiful places to call home.

What is the Elective Residency Visa?

The Visto per Residenza Elettiva (Elective Residency Visa, or ERV) is Italy's long-stay visa for non-EU nationals who choose Italy as their country of residence and can support themselves entirely from passive income — pensions, investments, rental income or similar sources. You are not allowed to work for Italian employers or Italian clients while on this visa. It is a popular choice for retirees, passive investors and those with remote income already taxed in another country.

The legal basis is found in the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official visa portal (VistoperItalia), which lists all requirements and the approved application forms.

Who Is It For?

The ERV suits:

Retirees receiving a pension from abroad
Passive investors living off dividends, interest or property rental income
People with significant savings who can demonstrate financial self-sufficiency
Remote workers whose income is earned from clients/employers outside Italy and who do not intend to operate in the Italian market

It is distinct from the Italian Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2024, which allows active remote work for non-Italian entities but requires a work contract and a higher income threshold.

Minimum Income Required

Italy requires a minimum annual income of €31,000 for a single applicant. For a couple this rises to approximately €38,000, and each additional dependent adds roughly €20% to the threshold. These figures are derived from Italian law and are confirmed annually by the Italian consulates. The income must be provable through official documents: pension statements, investment account summaries, property rental contracts, dividend statements or bank certificates showing consistent deposits.

Some Italian consulates (particularly in the USA) may ask for higher figures — it is essential to contact your specific consulate directly, as requirements can vary by jurisdiction.

Documents Required

Completed visa application form (downloadable from the VistoperItalia portal)
Valid passport (minimum 3 months' validity beyond your intended stay, 2 blank pages)
Two recent passport photos
Proof of income: original pension letters, bank statements, investment account records, dividend certificates for the past 12 months
Proof of accommodation in Italy: a signed rental contract, property deed, or a hosting declaration (dichiarazione di ospitalità) from an Italian resident
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy for the entire initial period (at least €30,000 coverage)
Criminal background check from each country you have resided in during the past 5 years, apostilled and translated into Italian
Consular fee (currently €116 for Italy national visas)

All documents not originally in Italian must be accompanied by a certified Italian translation.

Application Process

You apply at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of legal residence — not in Italy. Steps are:

Check your local consulate's specific requirements (they differ slightly by country)
Gather all documents — allow 6–8 weeks for apostilles and criminal checks
Book an appointment and submit in person
Wait: processing typically takes 60–90 days
Once approved, travel to Italy within the visa's validity window (usually 6 months)
Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at a local Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione or post office (kit available at any Italian post office)

Getting the Permesso di Soggiorno

The Permesso di Soggiorno per Residenza Elettiva is initially valid for 1 year and renewable annually, provided you still meet the income requirements. After 5 years you can apply for a long-term EU residence permit (Carta di Soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), which has no income requirement and is valid indefinitely. Italian citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residency. Full information is available from the Italian Ministry of the Interior — Permits of Stay.

The Codice Fiscale

Almost immediately upon arrival, you will need a Codice Fiscale — Italy's tax identification number. You will need it to open a bank account, sign a lease, register with a doctor and almost everything else. Apply in person at the nearest Agenzia delle Entrate office with your passport. It is free and issued on the spot. Find your local office via the Agenzia delle Entrate office locator.

Tax Considerations

If you spend more than 183 days per year in Italy, you become an Italian tax resident and are taxed on worldwide income (progressive rates from 23% to 43%). However, Italy has a very attractive flat tax regime for new residents: pay a single €100,000 annual substitution tax on all foreign-source income, regardless of amount. This is especially attractive for high-income retirees and investors. See our dedicated guide on Italy's Flat Tax for New Residents for details.

References & Sources

Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — VistoperItalia (official visa requirements) (accessed June 2026)
Italian Ministry of the Interior — Permits of Stay (accessed June 2026)
Agenzia delle Entrate — Codice Fiscale for foreigners (accessed June 2026)

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. Rules change frequently — always verify with official Portuguese government sources or a qualified professional before acting.