The residence permit for elective residence allows entry into Italy for the purpose of residence to foreigners who intend to settle in our country and who demonstrate sufficient resources to support themselves independently without engaging in any work.
Requirements for applying for a permit for elective residence:
• Availability of a residence (real estate or a lease lasting more than 12 months)
• Possession of substantial independent, stable, and regular economic resources, expected to continue into the future. These economic resources may come from: income (pensions, annuities); ownership of real estate; ownership of stable economic/commercial activities; or other sources other than paid employment.
The visa application is submitted to the Consulate or Embassy in your home country, which will assess whether you meet the requirements.
Once you have obtained the visa, you can enter Italy and present the residence permit application kit at the post office of the country where you wish to reside. The application will be sent to the relevant Police Headquarters.
The residence permit for elective residence is initially valid for one year, but can be renewed (usually for up to two years) provided the original requirements are still met. After five years of regular residence, if the necessary requirements are met, the holder of a residence permit for elective residence can request the issuing of an EU residence permit for long-term residents.
