What is the Elective Residency Visa (ERV)?
by Adriana ruiz
What is the Elective Residency Visa?
The Elective Residency Visa is a type of long-term visa that allows non-EU citizens to live in Italy without engaging in any form of employment or business activities. This visa is particularly popular among retirees and individuals with substantial passive income sources, such as pensions, investments, or savings. The key requirement is that applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents.
To obtain an elective visa in Italy, applicants must fulfill certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the specific region or consulate where the application is submitted. However, there are some general criteria that applicants should be aware of:
✅ Financial Independence: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Italy. This can include regular income, pensions, investments, or any other means that provide a stable source of funds.
✅ Health Insurance: It is mandatory for applicants to have health insurance coverage that is valid in Italy. This ensures that they have access to necessary medical services during their stay.
✅ Accommodation: Applicants must provide proof of suitable accommodation in Italy, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents. This ensures that they have a place to reside while living in the country.
✅ Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a certificate or declaration of their criminal record from their home country, confirming that they do not have any convictions that could pose a threat to public order and security in Italy.
Once the necessary documentation is gathered, applicants can submit their application to the Italian embassy or consulate in their home country or the country where they are legally residing. The application process typically involves completing the required forms, providing the supporting documents, and attending an interview, if requested.
After Arrival in Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, visa holders must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days. This permit allows them to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days and must be renewed periodically.
Benefits of the Elective Residency Visa
One of the key benefits of obtaining an Elective Residency Visa in Italy is the opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage and way of life. Italy offers a vibrant and diverse environment, with its historical sites, art, music, and culinary traditions. Living in Italy allows individuals to explore the country’s iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as its charming villages nestled in the countryside.
Moreover, the Elective Residency Visa provides individuals with the chance to integrate into the local community, learn the Italian language, and forge meaningful connections with locals and fellow expatriates. It opens doors to participating in cultural events, joining clubs or organizations, and embracing the Italian lifestyle to its fullest.
Additionally, Italy’s strategic location within Europe offers convenient access to other European countries. With Italy being part of the Schengen Area, visa holders can travel freely within the 26 Schengen countries, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider European continent.
It is important to note that the Elective Residency Visa does not grant individuals the right to work or engage in any business activities in Italy. However, if individuals decide to pursue employment or start a business, they can explore other visa options that cater specifically to those purposes.
In conclusion, the Elective Residency Visa in Italy presents an enticing opportunity for individuals who wish to indulge in the beauty, culture, and lifestyle of this remarkable country. By fulfilling the necessary requirements and embarking on the application process, individuals can pave the way to a fulfilling and enriching experience, living la dolce vita in the heart of Italy.
Read more:
How to Benefit from Italy’s 7% Tax Rate for Foreign Pensioners
The Best Cities to Retire in Italy
12 Captivating Small Towns in Italy with Populations Under 10,000
Stay informed on the latest immigration updates in Italy and community resources—subscribe to our newsletter.
Bringing Your Family to Italy: A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
For non-EU citizens residing in Italy, having your family with you is a tangible goal. Italian law provides a framework for family reunification, allowing you to bring close relatives to live with you under specific conditions. This guide outlines the key requirements, procedures, and rights to help you navigate the process. Who Can Apply for […]
How to Become a Self-Employed Worker in Italy
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed worker in Italy? This guide explains the conditions you must meet, the procedures to follow, and the rights you can enjoy during your stay. Conditions for Self-Employment To legally engage in independent work in Italy, non-EU citizens must satisfy several conditions and obtain the […]
Transport strikes scheduled across Italy in September 2025
September is shaping up to be a turbulent month for travelers in Italy, with more than 14 national strikes scheduled. Widespread protests are expected to cause significant disruption across trains, flights, and local public transport networks. Rail and Air Travel Disruption Commuters and long-distance travelers on trains should be aware of a major nationwide strike […]
Buying Property in Italy: Understanding Judicial Real Estate Auctions or Aste Immobiliari
As a resident in Italy, you may already be familiar with the dynamics of the local housing market and perhaps have contemplated purchasing property. However, there exists a lesser-known yet potentially advantageous avenue worth exploring: Aste Immobiliari, or judicial property auctions. What Are Judicial Auctions? Judicial auctions in Italy are public sales of assets, including […]
Important Update: Changes to Shipping from Italy to the U.S.
If you live in Italy and need to send packages to the United States, there are new rules you should know about. Starting August 29, 2025, all goods shipped from Italy to the U.S. will be subject to customs duties before arriving. Until now, parcels valued under $800 could be sent duty-free, but this exemption […]
Italy’s Passport Ranks Among the World’s Most Powerful in 2025 rankings
The Italian passport remains one of the most powerful in the world, ranking third in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This prestigious position is shared with passports from Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, Finland, and Denmark, allowing holders to travel to 189 out of 227 destinations without a pre-approved visa. The index, widely regarded as a […]
Rome Takes a Historic Step Toward Autonomy
Rome is undergoing a significant transformation with the recent approval of a constitutional bill aimed at elevating its status and granting it greater autonomy. This historic reform, championed by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, seeks to address the unique challenges of governing Italy’s capital. The proposed changes are designed to improve Rome’s ability to manage its own […]
Constitutional Court Rejects Limits on Italian Citizenship by Bloodline
Rome, July 31, 2025 – Italy’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that the current rules for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) remain valid, rejecting attempts to limit automatic citizenship for descendants of Italians born abroad. Under the existing law (Law 91/1992), anyone with an Italian mother or father is automatically an Italian citizen at […]
