Understanding the Italian Retirement Visa Process and What You Need to Know
Jun 18, 2025
Italian Retirement Visa Process | Mitos Relocation
Retirees often choose Italy not just for its lifestyle, but for several technical and legal advantages that support long-term relocation. One key reason is the availability of the Elective Residency Visa, which provides a clear and structured pathway for non-EU citizens to legally reside in Italy without needing to work.
EU nationals need minimal bureaucracy to move to Italy, while for those outside the European Union considering retirement in Italy, understanding the visa process is a significant requirement. The Italian Elective Residency Visa, commonly referred to as the retirement visa, is the main route for retirees aiming to settle long-term without employment. This guide explains everything you need to know to navigate the application process successfully, from eligibility criteria to post-arrival steps.
How does the Elective Residency Visa Process Work?
Gaining long-term residency in Italy requires going through an application process divided into two key steps:
Visa application:
Done in your current country of residency, either at the closest Italian Consulate or at a designated visa office
Validity of 1 year
Residence permit application:
Done in Italy after your arrival
Validity of up to 2 years
Step 1: Visa Application
The Elective Residency Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is a long-stay visa designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Italy without working. It is categorized as a Type D visa, issued by Italian consulates in the applicant’s country of residence or at a designated visa office.
The Elective Residency Visa is intended for individuals who wish to live in Italy without working and who can support themselves through passive income. It is open only to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals. Applicants must meet several clearly defined criteria to qualify, ensuring that they will not place a burden on Italy’s public systems:
Proof of Financial Means: The most critical requirement is the ability to show stable and sufficient passive income. Single applicants are generally required to demonstrate an annual income of at least €31,000. Couples must show a combined income of at least €38,000. These thresholds increase if dependents are included. Accepted income sources include pensions, annuities, rental property income, dividends, or investments. Employment or business income is not allowed. The financial proof must be well-documented and consistent, such as bank statements, pension slips, or notarized income declarations.
Accommodation in Italy: Applicants must provide proof of long-term housing in Italy. This can be in the form of a legally registered lease agreement, a rental contract, or a property ownership deed. The accommodation must be valid for at least one year and available at the time of the visa appointment. Hotel bookings or temporary arrangements are not accepted.
Health Insurance Coverage: A private health insurance policy is required to cover all potential medical needs during the applicant’s stay in Italy. The policy must offer comprehensive coverage of at least €30,000 and include emergency treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation. It must also be valid throughout Italy and other Schengen countries. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the application.
Valid Passport: A valid passport is necessary for all applicants. The passport must be in good condition and valid for at least three months beyond the intended expiration date of the visa. It should also have at least two blank pages available for visa stamps.
Clean Criminal Record: In some cases, the Italian consulate will require a police clearance certificate or background check from the applicant’s country of residence. The document should be recent and may need to be translated and authenticated through the apostille process.
Completed Visa Application: A completed long-stay visa application form (Type D) must be submitted along with the required consular fee. The form includes personal, financial, and travel information and must be signed by the applicant. Inaccurate or incomplete applications may be rejected without further notice.
Statement Confirming No Plans to Undertake Employment in Italy: This visa is specifically for people who don’t need to work. You’re not allowed to take up employment in Italy under this visa.
How Do You Apply for the Visa?
The process must be initiated from outside Italy, referring to the information in the Italian Consulate or Embassy that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Early preparation is key, as appointment slots are limited.
Step-by-Step Process:
Locate Your Consulate: Find the nearest Italian consulate that covers your geographic area. In some cases, Consulates designate a visa office to process applications.
Find Out if Applications are Processed with In-Person Appointments or Mailing Submission: Use the consulate’s online system to find out and, if needed, schedule an in-person appointment. Slots can fill up weeks or months in advance.
Prepare Your Documents: Gather and organize all required documents. Translate and legalize where needed.
Attend the Appointment or Send Your Documents: Present your documents and answer any questions the consulate staff may have. Be clear and consistent in your answers.
Wait for a Decision: Processing time is typically 30–90 days. Once approved, a visa sticker will be placed in your passport.
Please note: Visas can be rejected. It is recommended to work with professionals if needed.
Requirements may vary slightly depending on your local Italian Consulate. Always check the official website or contact them directly to confirm specific documentation guidelines before your appointment.
Step 2: Apply for Residency After You Arrive in Italy
Once you enter Italy on an Elective Residency Visa, you are required to complete two essential legal steps to formalize your residency. These steps are mandatory and must be completed within specific timeframes to maintain your legal status in the country.
Step 1: Apply for the Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)
Within eight days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno, which is your official residence permit. This document confirms your legal presence in the country beyond the initial visa entry and must be renewed annually or biannually.
To begin the process:
Visit a local post office and request the "kit giallo" (yellow kit), which contains the necessary forms and instructions.
Complete the application and submit it at the same post office, along with copies of your passport, visa, proof of accommodation, income documents, and private health insurance.
Pay the required government fees.
You will be assigned a biometric appointment at the local Questura (police headquarters), where your fingerprints and a photograph will be collected. The appointment can be several months after the application. Until then, you will be on a temporary permit, which allows you to legally reside in Italy, but does not give you other rights.
Once approved, you will receive a residence permit card, which is typically valid for up to two years. This card must be renewed before it expires to maintain your legal residency.
Step 2: Register Your Residency at the Local Comune
After applying for your residence permit, the next step is to register your address with the local Anagrafe (Registry Office) of the municipality where you intend to live.
To complete the registration:
Go to the Anagrafe office and submit the following documents: your passport, a copy of your Permesso di Soggiorno receipt, your lease agreement or property deed, and your health insurance policy.
This registration, known as Iscrizione Anagrafica, formally records your residence in Italy and is essential for accessing local services.
Once registered, you may receive a certificate of residence (Certificato di Residenza), which may be required for utilities, healthcare enrollment, or tax registration.
What Are the Rules and Limits for Elective Residence Visa Holders?
Visa holders must adhere to specific legal and behavioral requirements to maintain their status in Italy.
Key Restrictions:
No Employment: Any form of paid work in Italy is prohibited.
Renewal Requirements: Every year/two years, you must show proof that you still meet income and insurance requirements.
Residency Duration: You must live in Italy for at least 183 days per calendar year to maintain residency.
Breaking any of these rules may result in non-renewal or cancellation of your permit.
What are the Benefits of Italian Residency?
Once registered, you can enroll in Italy’s national health system by paying a fee.
You can access public utilities, register for waste collection services, and utilize community facilities such as libraries and transportation cards.
Your Italian tax code allows you to sign contracts, open a bank account, and participate in legal and financial activities.
With legal residency in Italy, you can travel freely across other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Registration with local authorities enables you to participate fully in Italian civic life and exercise your resident rights.
Lawful residence allows you to access some tax incentives for foreign retirees, for example, paying just 7% flat tax on your global income if you decide to reside in a qualifying town of a maximum of 20,000 people in southern Italy.
What Happens After Five or Ten Years of Living in Italy?
The Elective Residency Visa not only allows you to reside in Italy legally but also opens a path toward long-term settlement. If you maintain continuous legal residency, you become eligible for greater benefits over time, including permanent residency after 5 years and Italian citizenship after 10 years.
That said, the requirements for both are complex and not just limited to lawful residency. These may include:
A stable income, which for a retiree will likely be sourced by renting out real estate property in Italy;
Proof of Italian knowledge and integration in the local society;
Ongoing compliance with immigration regulations during the previous period.
Citizenship offers full legal rights, including the ability to vote, obtain an Italian passport, and enjoy unrestricted travel and residence across all EU member states.
Wrapping Up
Italy’s retirement visa offers more than legal residency as it opens the door to a fulfilling lifestyle shaped by beauty, safety, and cultural richness. With access to a world-class healthcare system, a strong community spirit, and the freedom to settle in one of Europe’s most scenic countries, retirees can enjoy stability and peace of mind in their later years.
From gathering documentation and navigating consular appointments to registering with local authorities and integrating into the Italian system, every step in the process matters. That’s where Mitos Relocation Solutions steps in, not just to assist with forms but to guide you through every stage with clarity and expertise.
Whether you’re planning years or preparing to move this season, our team is ready to support your journey. Book a consultation with Mitos Relocation and begin your next chapter in Italy with confidence.
FAQs
What are the sufficient financial requirements to qualify for the visa?
You must demonstrate that you have a stable, passive income that allows you to live in Italy without working. This can come from:
Pension payments (government or private)
Rental income
Dividends or investments
Trusts or annuities
As a general guideline, the minimum required income is approximately €31,000 per year for an individual, though this can vary by consulate, and having some buffer can help with the application.
Can I switch from an Elective Residence Visa to Another Visa Type?
No, the elective residence visa is not convertible into a work, student, or other visa type while you're in Italy. If your circumstances change and you want to switch visa categories, you must return to your home country and apply for the appropriate visa from your local Italian consulate.
Do I Need to Buy a Property to Qualify for the Visa?
No, you are not required to purchase property in Italy to obtain the elective residency visa. A long-term rental agreement is equally acceptable, as long as it shows you have stable accommodation during your stay.
How Long Do I Have to Live in Italy Each Year to Maintain the Visa?
You must reside in Italy for at least 183 days per calendar year to maintain your legal residence and remain on track for permanent residency. Long-term absences from Italy may result in a loss of residency status.
Can I Rent Out My Home Abroad and Use That Rental Income to Meet the Financial Requirements?
Yes. Rental income from property you own abroad can be used to meet the passive income requirement, provided it is stable, ongoing, and adequately documented through official statements or lease agreements.
Do I Need to Show Proof of Income Every Time I Renew My Residence Permit?
Yes, at each renewal of your Permesso di Soggiorno, you must again demonstrate that your passive income remains consistent and sufficient. Failing to do so can result in the permit not being renewed.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Italy as a Retiree?
If you reside in Italy for more than 183 days per year, you are considered a tax resident and must declare your global income. Italy has signed Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with the majority of countries from which foreign retirees typically relocate. As a result, double taxation on income is generally avoided. Special tax incentives are available for retirees who relocate from abroad, opening the opportunity for significant tax savings. It's advisable to consult a tax advisor familiar with Italian and international tax laws.