How to get the Elective Residency Visa (ERV). Your Ticket to retire in Italy!

Getting an Elective Residency Visa (ERV) for a non-EU citizen might be the key to turning the Italian retirement dream into reality.

This visa, affectionately known as the "Retirement Visa," is perfect for those over 50 who are ready to enjoy la dolce vita in Italy without working. Whether you're drawn by art 🎨, food 🍝, nature 🌿, or simply a slower, richer way of life, Italy warmly welcomes those who come with open hearts and steady passive income.

🛂 What Is the Elective Residency Visa?

The ERV allows non-EU citizens to reside in Italy for up to two years at a time, renewable. Unlike other visas, it’s specifically designed for people who are financially self-sufficient and do not intend to work in Italy. That makes it ideal for retirees or those living on pensions, savings, or investment income.

But let’s be clear: while the ERV opens many doors, it also requires careful planning and documentation.

📋 What Do You Need to Qualify?

Here’s a quick look at the key requirements:

• Proof of financial stability: Around €38,000 per year in passive income for a single applicant, plus 20% for a spouse.

• Private health insurance: You’ll need coverage for the full duration of your stay, costing around €2,000–€2,700 annually, depending on income, to access the Italian national healthcare system.

• Long-term accommodation: No Airbnbs or holiday homes! You must have a valid lease, a proof of ownership, or a “Cessione di Fabbricato” declaration from a landlord.

• One-way ticket to Italy: Yes, really - because this isn’t a vacation, it’s a relocation.

Each Italian consulate has its own guidelines, so it’s essential to check with the one responsible for your region.

🏡 Life in Italy with the ERV

Once you arrive, you’ll need to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit) and register your address with the local Anagrafe (municipal office). This step makes your stay legal and unlocks everyday essentials like opening a bank account or getting a local SIM card.

With your ERV and residency in hand, here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• 🛫 Freedom of movement within the EU (90 days in other Schengen countries)

• 🏥 Access to public healthcare, once registered and paying modest annual fees

• 🏦 Ability to open an Italian bank account and manage local finances

• 🧘 Eligibility for resident discounts on transport, cultural events, and more

• 🧾 Potential tax benefits for retirees and expats, including flat-rate tax schemes

• 🇮🇹 A path to permanent residency or even citizenship after several years

  
  

🧳 Getting Settled: Practical Tips

• Start gathering documents early - bank statements, insurance proof, and housing paperwork.

• Be prepared for bureaucratic quirks - Italy is famous for charming confusion, so patience is key.

• Choose your location and find connections with locals for support and services.

🌅 Why It’s Worth It

Italy offers more than just stunning landscapes and incredible cuisine (though that’s a good start!). It provides a culture of community, appreciation for the good things in life, and a rhythm that encourages you to slow down and savor each moment.

If you’ve spent decades working hard, why not spend the next chapter living beautifully and healthily?

📌 Final Thought

Retiring in Italy isn’t just a fantasy - it’s a very real possibility with the Elective Residency Visa. It takes preparation and paperwork, yes, but in return, you get a chance to live in one of the most beautiful, culturally rich, and soul-nourishing countries in the world. ...your Italian life might be closer than you think. 🇮🇹✨