Italy Elective Residence Visa

The Elective Residence Visa is a retirement/pension visa route for Italy. It allows a stay of 1 year, renewable, asks for income of about $3,400 USD/month and takes 30-90 days to process. Work is not allowed, it can be renewed and it can lead to residency.

Visa facts verified on September 21, 2026 (Eastern Time).

Italy Elective Residence Visa: questions and answers

What is the income requirement for the Italy Elective Residence Visa?

The Elective Residence Visa asks for income of about $3,400 USD/month. We rate the application moderate.

How long does the Italy Elective Residence Visa take to process?

The Elective Residence Visa takes 30-90 days to process.

How long can you stay in Italy on the Elective Residence Visa?

The Elective Residence Visa allows a stay of 1 year, renewable. It can be renewed.

Can you work in Italy on the Elective Residence Visa?

No, work is not allowed on the Elective Residence Visa.

Does the Italy Elective Residence Visa lead to residency?

Yes, the Elective Residence Visa can lead to residency in Italy.

Is Italy the right fit?

The free 2-minute quiz ranks countries by your budget, climate and visa options. No signup to start.

Take the quiz

Other Italy visa routes

Cities in Italy

All Italy visa routes, costs and safety

Compare living costs between cities

Visa rules change often. Verify against the official government source before you travel or apply.