Italy Elective Residence Visa 2026 (Retiree & Passive Income Residency)
Live in Italy with your pension, rental, or investment income. Permanent residence in 5 years, path to citizenship in 10 years.
What is the Italy Elective Residence Visa (ERV)?
The Italy Elective Residence Visa (officially Visto per Residenza Elettiva) is a residency program that grants non-EU citizens with regular and passive income, who are self-sufficient, the legal right to reside in Italy. It can be considered the Italian equivalent of the Portugal D7 visa; it is ideal for retirees, those with rental income, and those living off investment returns. Turkish citizens along with all other non-EU nationals are eligible to apply.
2026 Income Requirements
Italian authorities require you to prove that you can support yourself without working in Italy. The official minimum thresholds for 2026 are:
- Single applicant: at least 31,000-32,000 € annual passive income
- Couple (including spouse): at least 38,000 € annually
- Each additional dependent: +20% (~€20,900)
⚠️ These figures represent the minimum baseline; consulates often request higher amounts at their discretion. Income must come from passive sources such as pension payments, rental income, dividends, and investment fund returns.
⚠️ Important: Work Prohibition
With the Elective Residence Visa, you are strictly prohibited from working in Italy — this includes local employment, freelance work, and even remote work for a foreign employer is forbidden. All your income must be passive. If you are a professional working remotely, Italy's Digital Nomad Visa (2024) is more suitable.
Permanent Residence and Citizenship
The ERV is initially valid for 1 year and is renewed annually as long as the conditions are met. With continuous legal residence:
- After 5 years, eligibility for permanent residence (permesso di soggiorno UE per lungo soggiornanti)
- After 10 years, eligibility to apply for Italian citizenship (B1 level Italian language requirement)
Required Basic Documents
In Italy, property (title deed or at least a 1-year rental contract) and private health insurance are mandatory. Additionally, proof of passive income, bank statements, apostilled documents, and a clean criminal record are required.
With Resida Global
Resida Global has specialized in overseas residency procedures since 2021. For the Italy ERV, we manage the entire process in Turkish, including consulate applications, preparation of income documentation, and arrangements for accommodation and insurance; we also provide guidance on selecting the correct visa (ERV vs. Digital Nomad).
Estimated Costs
| Consular visa fee | ~€116 |
| Residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) | ~€100-150 |
| Health insurance (annual) | ~€500-1,500 |
| Translation, apostille, notary | ~€300-600 |
| Consulting | As requested |
Costs are indicative and may vary with current official fees and exchange rates.
How the Process Works
- 1
1. Preliminary assessment
We evaluate your income and profile together; we select the correct visa.
- 2
2. Accommodation + file preparation
Rental/property deed, health insurance, and passive income documentation are prepared in Italy.
- 3
3. Consular application
Appointment and document submission at the Italian Consulate in your country.
- 4
4. Visa approval
Upon approval, a national (D) visa is stamped in the passport.
- 5
5. Entry to Italy + residence permit
Application for permesso di soggiorno within 8 days; card is issued.
- 6
6. Renewal
Annual renewal; permanent residence after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work with the Italy ERV visa?
No. The Elective Residence Visa does not permit any work — local employment, freelance, and remote work for foreign employers are prohibited. All income must be passive. If you wish to work remotely, the Italy Digital Nomad Visa is suitable.
How much income is required in 2026?
Minimum annual income of €31,000-32,000 for a single applicant, €38,000 for a couple, and ~€20% more for each additional dependent. This is the minimum baseline; consulates may require higher amounts.
Is pension income sufficient?
Yes, regular pension income is one of the most acceptable sources of income. Rental income, dividends, and investment returns are also accepted.
When can I get permanent residence / citizenship?
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence; after 10 years, you can apply for citizenship (B1 Italian language requirement applies).
Am I required to buy property in Italy?
No, purchasing is not mandatory; a rental contract of at least 1 year is also accepted. However, proof of accommodation is required.
Can I include my family?
Yes, spouse and dependent children can be included through family reunification; the income threshold increases based on family size.
Let’s plan your process together
Contact our team for a free, tailored preliminary assessment of your case.