Elective Visa in Italy

Our lawyers can help with the elective residence visa process in Italy.

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What is the Elective Residence Visa?

This visa is the called the national type “D” visa and is for foreigners and expats who wish to reside in Italy without working. It’s aimed at retirees as the permit is a residence permit and not a work permit.

It’s Italy’s version of a “Wealth Visa” and is available to applicants who can show that they can financially support their lifestyle while living in the country.

It allows the main applicant’s spouse and their dependent children to join them on a family visa. The main requirement is that they too have enough wealth to support their lifestyle.

Aside from being able to travel in Italy, the holder can travel in Europe without any hassle in the Schengen area. So you can now enjoy your time exploring European cities like Paris, Barcelona or Lisbon. 

Unlike other visa applications in Italy, there’s no need to make an investment in the country.

The applicant can apply for this visa from their home country as well as from within Italy. The application must be submitted to the Consulate or Embassy.

The main requirement for the visa is that the holder can show evidence that they can support their lifestyle in Italy. It’s important to work with a qualified Immigration Lawyer because each Consulate has different requirements for assessing an applicant’s financial position.

In our experience, most Consulates require the funds to be deposited into an Italian bank account, and at Lexidy, we can assist you with opening a personal bank account in Italy.

Some of the documentation may need to be certified and translated into Italian by a professional. We provide guidance and support here as well as help with choosing healthcare insurance providers in Italy. It’s not mandatory to purchase private health insurance when moving to the country but it’s highly recommended.

The general process is as follows:

1. Gather the paperwork

For this step, you need to collect all of the important documents. This includes bank records, criminal record background checks and proof of accommodation, among others. All these documents must be translated into Italian and formally legalized. The translation must be performed by a sworn translator

2. Apply at the Italian Embassy or Consulate

From your home country:

You can file your application at your local Consulate or Embassy with all the paperwork and request an appointment with the immigration officials. It takes up to 90 days to get an answer and you need to return to the Consulate to collect visa. Once you have the visa, you can enter Italy and the permit is valid for a year

3. Move to Italy

Once the application has been approved, you will be granted a visa that will allow you to travel to Italy. The visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for one further year.

Shortly after arriving in Italy, you must declare your presence in Italy to the “Questura”, which is a local police station, and request the “Permesso di Soggiorno”. Applying for the “Permesso di Soggiorno” allows foreigners to live in the country for more than 90 days.

You then need to request permanent residence with the Italian town hall called “Ufficio Anagrafe”. After this, you receive a physical document for the “Permesso di Soggiorno”.

The Italian Golden Visa holder the right to visa-free travel throughout all of Europe’s Schengen area.

The Italian government asks applicants to supply evidence that they can support their lifestyle. Most Consulates ask for a bank certificate. It must show the account bank and must have a date close to when the application was filed. The Elective Visa Income Requirements are:

The applicant will need:

  • Passive income of at least €31,000 annually for the main applicant

  • Six months of bank statements

  • The funds must be held by the name of the main visa applicant

The Italian government also accepts tax declarations and other legal documents as proof.

The funds don’t need to be in a local bank. However, every person in Italy should have a local bank account when moving to the country.

What Documents do I need:

Most Elective Residence visa applicants require the following documentation to obtain residence in Italy:

  • Proof of accommodation in Italy

  • Private healthcare insurance from a provider that servces Italy. This isn’t mandatory but is recommended.

  • Bank certificate showing proof of sufficient funds

  • A motivation letter stating the reasons why you want to move to Italy. This isn’t the case for all Consulates.

  • A clean criminal record

  • A passport

The timeline differs depending your country of residence but generally follows the below.

Applying From your country residence:

  • Understand what’s needed: one day
  • Collect and prepare the documents: one to two weeks
  • File the request: one day
  • Decision for the request: 90 days
  • If approved, download and file the “Nulla Osta”: one day
  • Schedule Consulate Visa Appointment: 25 to 45 days
  • Receive Visa to enter Italy, which is valid for one year

Obtaining Reidence Permit in Italy:

  • Declare your presence to the local Italian Police, or Questura: Within eight days of arriving.
  • Request the “Permesso di Soggiorno”: Within eight days of arriving.
  • File the “Permesso di Soggiorno” with the Italian Town Hall, or “Ufficio Anagrafe”: One day
  • Issued with a physical “Permesso di Soggiorno” card.

In conclusion, the elective visa in Italy opens doors to a dynamic work-life experience in a country known for its captivating culture and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re eager to embrace the freedom of remote work while immersing yourself in the charm of Italy, our team is ready to assist you.

If you’re ready to start your journey in Italy or have any questions about the Elective Visa in Italy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist you and provide the legal support you need to succeed.

How can a lawyer help me with the Italian Elective Visa?

A lawyer can help you by providing legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:

Understanding the eligibility requirements

A lawyer can help you understand the eligibility requirements, including the criteria you need to meet and the documents you need to submit.

Preparing your application

A lawyer can assist you in preparing your application, ensuring that all the required documents are included and that your application is complete.

Addressing potential issues

If there are any potential issues with your application, such as gaps in your employment history or criminal convictions, a lawyer can help you address these issues and present your case in the best possible light.

Representing you in appeals

If your application is denied, a lawyer can represent you in any appeals process and help you to overcome the reasons for denial.

Providing ongoing support

A lawyer can provide ongoing support throughout the application process, answering any questions you may have and keeping you updated on the status of your application.

If you are interested in obtaining an Elective Visa in Italy, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living in Italy a reality.

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Elective Residence Visa Requirements for Italy with Giancarlo Osteto

“The Elective Residence Visa is for those who want to reside in Italy permanently, or at least for a long period of time.

  • This Visa does not allow you to work in Italy –Minimum passive income: € 32.000,00 / year
  • Must have a lease agreement or own Real Estate property in Italy
  • Health Insurance is mandatory and must comply to Italian standards”

Quality Life for You and Your Family

Why Italy?

Obtaining an Elective Visa in Italy offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Italy’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of Italian hospitality, savor its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.

Cultural immersion

Experience the rich Italian culture.

Location

Explore Europe without visa restrictions.

Stable economy

Italy has a stable and growing economy

Delicious cuisine

Taste world-renowned Italian food and wine.

Affordable living

Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.

Healthcare access

Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.

Skilled workforce

Italy has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.

Travel Opportunities

Explore diverse regions within Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as long as you provide proof that your family members are economically dependent on you and that you possess sufficient means of maintaining your family members in Italy with you for the entire duration of the Visa.

No, the Elective Residence Visa does not allow the applicant to work in Italy. Although, once the applicant is in possession of his “permesso di soggiorno”, he can convert it to a subordinate work permit, whether the requirements for the last ones subsist.

Yes, in order to maintain the residence permit for Elective Residence you must register your residence before the Ufficio Anagrafe of your city town hall, and you can not leave Italy for more than six months at a time.

Italy does not consider any proof of income coming from freelance or self-employed work. The applicant must prove to own substantial and stable private income originating from pensions, annuities, income from properties or investments funds, and income from stable economic and commercial activities.

No, Italy does not have a Visa program for those who buy Real Estate in the territory. The applicant has a registered lease contract or a registered deed to apply for the visa though.

Our Team

For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in Italy or simply an investment.

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Visit us: Via Arcivescovo Calabiana, 6, 20139 Milano MI, ItalyWrite us: info@lexidy.com – Call us: +39 02 8295 6347

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