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Looking to retire in Italy? Contact us.
Picture yourself sipping espresso in a sun-drenched piazza, surrounded by centuries of history and the aroma of fresh-baked focaccia. For thousands of retirees from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, this isn’t just a vacation fantasy—it’s a realistic retirement plan.
But making the move from dreaming to actually living in Italy requires navigating one crucial gateway: the Italian visa system.
If you’re a non-EU citizen hoping to retire in Italy, the elective residence visa is almost certainly your path forward. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and building your new life under the Italian sun in 2026.
Most non-EU retirees use the Elective Residence Visa (officially called the visto per residenza elettiva) to live in Italy long term. This is Italy’s de-facto retirement visa, and it’s been the primary route for American citizens, British nationals, Canadians, and Australians seeking to call Italy home permanently. The elective residence visa is a type of Italian long stay visa (national visa type D) that enables retirees to move to Italy permanently.
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
The Italy retirement visa requirements include proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient passive income, as part of the eligibility criteria for non-EU retirees.
If you want to stay in Italy for more than 90 days in any 180-day period, you need this visa (or another long-stay route like the Italian investor visa or family reunification). The standard Schengen tourist allowance simply won’t cover a retirement lifestyle.
The elective residence visa is Italy’s official pathway for non-EU citizens who can fully support themselves without working. While there’s no visa officially labeled “retirement visa” in Italian immigration law, this is the category that serves that purpose. Once granted, the elective residency visa is typically valid for one to two years and can be renewed as long as the financial requirements are still met.
You’ll see it called many things:
They all refer to the same thing: a national long-stay visa (type D) issued by Italian consulates abroad, which allows you to enter Italy and then apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) once you arrive.
The Italian government designed this visa for:
Visa Type | Key Requirement | Work Allowed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Elective Residence Visa | Passive income (~€31K+/year) | No | Retirees, rentiers |
Italian Investor Visa | Capital investment (€250K–€2M) | Limited business activity | Investors, entrepreneurs |
Work Visa | Job offer from Italian employer | Yes | Employees |
Family Visa | Relationship to Italian resident | Depends on circumstances | Family reunification |
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need this visa at all—they can move to Italy freely and register residence directly with local authorities.
Applicants for the elective residency visa must provide proof of accommodation, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Retirees must apply for a residence permit within eight days of entering Italy after receiving their retirement visa.
Looking to retire in Italy? Contact us.
The application process for the ERV includes submitting a valid passport, visa application, photos, financial proof, accommodation proof, and police clearance certificate.
Let’s get specific about what Italian consulates look for when evaluating your application.
There is no formal upper age limit, and technically the minimum age is 18. However, consulates expect applicants to be effectively retired or at least not seeking work. If you’re 40 and claiming you want to retire in Italy, expect more scrutiny about your income sources and genuine intentions.
This is where most applications succeed or fail. Your income must be:
Typical income thresholds (2025 guidelines):
Applicant Type | Approximate Annual Minimum |
|---|---|
Single retiree | €31,000–€32,000 |
Married couple | €38,000–€40,000 |
Each dependent child | Add 5%–20% of base amount |
These figures come from consular practices in London, New York, and other major cities. They’re guidelines, not rigid legal thresholds written into statute. Your specific consulate may apply slightly different standards.
Acceptable income sources include:
Some immigration attorneys note that consulates often look more favorably on applications showing €100,000+ in annual passive income, especially for applicants targeting expensive cities like Rome or Milan.
You must demonstrate you have a long-term place to live in Italy before your visa is approved:
This means committing to accommodation before knowing whether your visa will be approved—a calculated risk you’ll need to plan for.
Applicants for the ERV must provide a signed 12-month registered lease or property deed in Italy as proof of accommodation.
Private health insurance is mandatory. Your policy must:
You’ll need:
Critical point: Any indication that you intend to work in Italy—even remotely for a foreign employer—can result in refusal. This visa is strictly for people who will not engage in employment or self-employment.
Here’s your practical, chronological checklist from preparation to arrival.
Find the nearest Italian consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over your legal residence. If you live in California, that’s likely the Consulate General in San Francisco or Los Angeles. If you’re in London, it’s the Italian Consulate General there.
Visit your specific consulate’s website and download their current elective residence visa requirements. These can vary slightly between offices.
Compile comprehensive documentation of your retirement income:
The more thoroughly you document your financial resources, the stronger your application.
Before applying, arrange:
The contract must name you specifically and show the exact address where you’ll reside.
Purchase private health insurance valid in Italy from your planned entry date. Many international insurers offer policies specifically designed for expat retirees. Budget €100–€250 per month per person, depending on age and coverage level.
Download and complete the national visa application form (tipo D – residenza elettiva) from your consulate or the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Fill it out completely and sign in black ink.
Schedule your appointment through the consulate’s booking system (often Prenot@Mi or a similar platform). Book well in advance—popular consulates may have waits of several weeks or months.
Bring all original documents plus copies. Expect:
Be prepared to explain your income sources, your plans in Italy, and why you’ve chosen the elective residence route.
Processing typically takes 30–90 days, though some consulates move faster and others slower. Avoid booking non-refundable travel until you have approval in hand.
When your passport is returned, carefully check:
You typically have 90 days from visa issuance to enter Italy.
Looking to retire in Italy? Contact us.
Your visa gets you into Italy, but legal long-term residence depends on obtaining your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) once you arrive. After several years of legal residence—typically five years—retirees may become eligible for a permanent residence permit, which grants long-term residency rights.
Within 8 working days of entering Italy, you must begin the application process for your elective residence permit. Don’t delay—this deadline is taken seriously.
Here’s what to expect:
Permit Stage | Typical Validity | Key Requirements for Renewal |
|---|---|---|
Initial permit | 1 year | Income, accommodation, insurance maintained |
Subsequent renewals | 1–2 years | Continued compliance with all requirements |
Long-term EU residence | Indefinite | 5 years continuous residence, language test |
To qualify for renewals, you must:
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for EU long-term residence status, which gives you permanent residency rights throughout the EU.
After 10 years of legal residence, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization. You’ll need to:
Becoming an Italian citizen means becoming an EU citizen—with all the rights to live and work anywhere in the European Union.
Let’s dive deeper into how consulates evaluate whether you can support yourself without working.
Italian consulates accept income that arrives regularly without you actively working for it:
Income Type | Typical Documentation Required |
|---|---|
Government pensions | Award letters, benefit statements |
Private pensions | Plan statements, payment confirmations |
Annuities | Contract, payment history |
Dividends | Brokerage statements, dividend payment records |
Rental income | Lease agreements, property deeds, bank deposits |
Interest income | Bank/bond statements |
Trust distributions | Trust documents, distribution records |
While the baseline figures of €31,000–€32,000 for singles and €38,000+ for couples are widely cited, consular practice can be stricter:
Owning property in Italy demonstrates stability and commitment, but it does not reduce or waive the minimum income requirement. You still need to show sufficient passive income to cover all living expenses.
Consulates expect to see:
A foreign bank account report (FBAR) or similar documentation showing your complete financial picture can strengthen your application.
Looking to retire in Italy? Contact us.
Italy offers everything from cosmopolitan capitals to quiet hilltop villages. Your choice shapes your budget, lifestyle, and daily experience.
Rome: The Eternal City offers world-class healthcare, vibrant expat networks, and endless cultural stimulation. Expect higher costs—€1,200–€1,800+ monthly for a central one-bedroom—but unmatched access to history, art, and Italian life at its most intense.
Florence: A smaller, more walkable city beloved by English-speaking retirees. Strong cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and proximity to Tuscan countryside. Housing costs are significant in the centro storico but more reasonable in peripheral neighborhoods.
Milan: Italy’s financial and fashion capital. Modern, efficient, and expensive. Best for retirees who want urban sophistication and easy access to the rest of Europe.
These offer rich culture at significantly lower cost:
City | Approximate 1-Bed Rent | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
Bologna | €700–€900/month | Food capital, university town, excellent transport |
Turin | €600–€800/month | Alpine backdrop, café culture, underrated gems |
Verona | €650–€850/month | Opera, romance, Lake Garda nearby |
Parma | €550–€750/month | Culinary heaven, manageable size |
Regions like Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia offer the most affordable cost of living in Italy, often with the added benefit of special tax incentives for retirees.
Advantages:
Considerations:
Spend an extended “test stay” of 2–3 months in your preferred region before signing a long-term rental or purchasing property. What feels charming during a two-week vacation may feel isolating after months of daily life.
Italy’s public healthcare system—the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN)—consistently ranks among the best in the world according to the World Health Organization and similar bodies. But access for elective residence visa holders isn’t automatic.
Italy has an excellent healthcare system that provides access to free or inexpensive public services through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
All Italian citizens and legal residents can register with the SSN to gain access to a wide range of medical services for a modest fee.
Most expats in Italy choose to supplement public healthcare with private health insurance. Retirees can access a wide range of medical services through the SSN once they obtain their residence permit.
For your visa application and initial period of residence, private health insurance is required. Expect to pay:
Age Range | Approximate Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
55–65 | €100–€180 per person |
65–75 | €150–€250 per person |
75+ | €200–€350+ per person |
Coverage should include emergency care, hospitalization, outpatient treatment, and repatriation. Pre-existing conditions often have waiting periods or exclusions—read policies carefully.
Private health insurance in Italy can cost between €100 to €500 per month depending on age and health.
The rules for elective residence holders joining Italy’s public system are less straightforward than for work visa holders:
Most expat retirees use a hybrid approach:
The Italian healthcare system delivers excellent outcomes, particularly for the cardiovascular and cancer care that many retirees eventually need. Proximity to a well-equipped hospital should factor into your location choice.
Retiring in Italy has real tax implications that must fit within the income you’re showing for your visa application. Ordinary income in Italy is taxed at rates ranging from 23% to 43%, depending on the amount. Retirees are generally required to pay taxes in Italy based on their residency status. Many retirees find that everyday expenses such as groceries and public transportation are more affordable in Italy.
If you spend more than 183 days per year in Italy and register as a resident, you become an Italian tax resident. This means:
Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
Up to €28,000 | 23% |
€28,001–€50,000 | 35% |
Over €50,000 | 43% |
Regional and municipal surcharges typically add 1–3% on top of these rates.
Italy offers a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income for retirees who:
This can dramatically reduce your tax bill compared to progressive rates. However, the regime has specific conditions—consult an Italian tax specialist before relying on it.
If you’re American, you’ll continue filing US taxes on worldwide income regardless of where you live. To avoid double taxation, retirees need to be aware of tax treaties between Italy and their home country, as these agreements determine how income is taxed and help prevent being taxed twice on the same income. American retirees in Italy must file an annual federal tax return in the US, regardless of their residency status in Italy. The foreign tax credit allows you to offset Italian taxes paid against your US tax liability, preventing true double taxation in most cases. The foreign earned income exclusion and foreign housing exclusion don’t apply to retirement income, but the tax credit typically handles the coordination. Retirees in Italy can also benefit from tax incentives and deductions that may help reduce their overall tax bill.
British, Canadian, and Australian retirees face similar home-country obligations, with double taxation treaties governing which country taxes what.
Expense Category | Single Person (Monthly) | Couple (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
Rent (1-bed, mid-size city) | €500–€800 | €500–€800 |
Rent (1-bed, Rome/Florence/Milan) | €900–€1,500 | €900–€1,500 |
Utilities | €100–€180 | €100–€180 |
Groceries | €300–€450 | €450–€600 |
Dining out | €150–€300 | €250–€450 |
Healthcare (private insurance) | €150–€250 | €300–€500 |
Transportation | €50–€150 | €50–€150 |
Total (mid-size city) | €1,700–€2,300 | €2,400–€3,000 |
Total (major city) | €2,200–€3,200 | €3,000–€4,200 |
Budget conservatively. Currency fluctuations between dollars/pounds and euros can swing your effective income significantly over time.
Italy offers a high quality of life for retirees due to its diverse regions and rich culture. The cost of living in Italy can be surprisingly affordable compared to other Western European countries.
Southern Italy generally has a lower cost of living than major cities like Rome and Milan. Retirees can enjoy a laidback pace of life in Italy, which is appealing for many.
Yes. You can include a cohabiting spouse (or registered partner) and dependent children in your application. However, household income thresholds increase—typically €38,000+ for a couple, plus additional percentages for each dependent. You’ll need civil status documents proving the relationships.
Adult children or elderly parents may qualify in exceptional circumstances involving genuine dependency, but the requirements are strict.
No. Neither employment nor self-employment in Italy is permitted. You cannot:
All income must remain passive and generated outside the Italian labor market. Even remote work for foreign nationals or companies is a gray area that can jeopardize renewals.
In practice, no. You must apply from your home country through the Italian consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Attempting to switch from tourist status to elective residence while in Italy is almost always refused.
No. A registered rental contract is perfectly acceptable proof of accommodation. Many retirees rent initially to test an area before considering a purchase.
From complete application submission to decision, expect 30–90 days. Some consulates process faster; others are slower during busy periods. Plan 3–6 months ahead to allow time for document gathering, appointment scheduling, and processing.
There’s no explicit national “minimum days” rule written into the visa regulations. However:
If you want to progress toward long-term status, plan to spend at least 6 months per year in Italy.
Sometimes, but it’s not automatic. Switching to a work visa or different category requires meeting that category’s full requirements and starting a new application. It’s bureaucratically complex and not guaranteed.
Renewals can be refused if you no longer meet financial criteria. Consulates and Questure review your current financial situation at each renewal. Plan a stable, conservative budget and keep documentation current to avoid problems.
The Italian lifestyle—rich culture, excellent food, strong healthcare, and that ineffable quality of la dolce vita—awaits those who prepare thoroughly. Start by visiting your nearest Italian consulate’s website, reviewing their specific requirements, and beginning to organize your financial documentation.
Italy isn’t just a place to visit. With the right planning, it can be where you live your best retirement years.
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