Who can apply
The visa is set out in interministerial decree 850/2011, which covers visa types. It's for people with ample, stable and documented resources of their own who can live in Italy without doing any work.
Passive, recurring income counts, such as:
- retirement benefits and pensions (INSS, private pension plans, Social Security);
- rental income from properties under lease;
- dividends, interest and investment income;
- annuities and trusts.
Salaries and self-employment income, even if remote, generally don't count. If you work remotely, the right path is usually the digital nomad visa.
reference minimum annual income for one person
for a spouse (about €37,200 for a couple)
per child included in the application
the visa does not allow you to work in Italy
Minimum income and how consulates assess it
The reference amount of €31,000 per year is three times the Ministry of the Interior's subsistence table. It goes up by at least 20% with a spouse and at least 5% per child. But keep in mind: it's a minimum, not a guarantee.
Housing before you apply
Unlike other visas, here you need to have your home before you go to the consulate: a purchase deed or a lease registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, usually long-term. Hotel or Airbnb bookings don't work. The property must be suitable for the size of your family.
That means paying rent before you have the visa. Plan for this cost with the moving cost simulator.
Health insurance
You need private health insurance valid in Italy, covering hospitalization and treatment, usually for at least one year. Once you're a resident, you can look into voluntary enrollment in the Italian health system (SSN) for an annual fee.
Step by step
Organize your proof of income
Bank statements, letters from INSS or your pension fund, leases and tax returns. All apostilled and translated.
Choose a city and secure housing
Compare cities with our comparison tool. Then rent with a registered lease or buy.
Buy insurance
An annual policy with good coverage, valid throughout Italy.
Apply for the visa at the consulate
Bring your passport, application form, photos, proof of income, housing and insurance. Processing times vary, usually two to four months.
Arrive and apply for the permesso
Within eight business days of entry. The initial permesso is usually valid for one year and renewed annually, as long as you actually keep living in Italy.
Residence and taxes
Register with the comune and talk to your commercialista about reporting worldwide income and special regimes.
Taxes: what to consider
Once you become a resident, you report your worldwide income in Italy, with a credit for taxes paid abroad under the applicable treaty. Two special regimes are relevant for this group:
| Regime | How it works | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Flat tax for new residents (art. 24-bis TUIR) | €300,000 per year on foreign income since 2026, plus €50,000 per family member; up to 15 years | High-net-worth individuals who haven't been Italian tax residents in 9 of the last 10 years |
| 7% for retirees (art. 24-ter TUIR) | 7% tax on foreign-source income, for up to 9 years after the year of the move | People receiving a foreign pension who move to a small town in the South |
The 7% regime applies to comuni in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Campania, Basilicata, Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia. Since April 2026, the cap was raised to comuni with up to 30,000 residents (previously 20,000). You must not have been an Italian tax resident in the previous five years. Some comuni in central regions hit by earthquakes also qualify [confirm current list].
Estimate the impact with the tax calculator. Wrong tax choices in the first year are hard to fix: decide with your commercialista before you move.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely on this visa?
No. The visa assumes you live without working. Working can cost you the permesso at renewal.
Can I later convert to a work permesso?
In some cases, yes, as long as you meet the requirements and quotas are available. Review it with our partner lawyer.
Can my wife and kids come with me?
Yes, usually through family reunification, with higher income (20% for a spouse, 5% per child). Elderly parents only in rare cases, with proven financial dependence.
Do assets without monthly income count?
Some consulates accept substantial assets as a supplement, but the general rule calls for recurring income. Confirm before putting together your application.
After how many years can I apply for permanent residence?
After five years of legal residence, you can apply for the EU long-term permesso, as long as you meet the income, housing and language requirements.
Sources: Consular fact sheet on elective residence (D.I. 850/2011, art. 13; Ministry of the Interior Directive of 3/1/2000) (accessed Oct 2026); Consulate of Italy in Benghazi (Jun 2026); Impatria, 2026 guide (2026); Fiscomania, €300,000 flat tax (2026); Forbes Italia (May 2026); FiscoeTasse, 7% regime and Law 34/2026 (2026).