Now Let’s Make It Happen.
You’ve Dreamed About Retiring in Italy.
THE ELECTIVE RESIDENCY VISA
Is This the Right Visa for You?
It’s particularly well suited to retirees who have reliable passive income from sources such as pensions, investments, annuities or rental income.
To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate sufficient ongoing passive income, secure a home in Italy and show that you can support your life here without employment.
The ERV Is About More Than Having Savings
Think pensions, Social Security, investment income, annuities, rental income or a combination of these.
While the official minimum starts around €31,000 per year for a single applicant, in practice we recommend planning for approximately €40,000+ in reliable annual passive income.
ERV INCOME REQUIREMENTS
Take the 2 minute quiz and find out
Takes just a few minutes. Get a better idea of whether the ERV could be right for you.
A Strong ERV Application Has a Few Key Pieces
That typically includes:
Reliable Passive Income
Income that can continue without working in Italy.
A Home in Italy
A qualifying long-term lease or property you own.
Private Health Insurance
Coverage that meets the requirements for your application.
A Well-Prepared Application
Financial records and supporting documents that clearly demonstrate your eligibility.
The exact requirements can vary depending on your consulate and personal circumstances.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
We Know the Elective Residency Visa
For more than a decade, we’ve helped people turn their plans for Italy into a real, legal move.
Our team is based in Italy and works with ERV applicants every day, navigating consulate requirements, financial documentation, housing and the practical details that come with establishing residency here.
You’re not simply applying for a visa. You’re preparing for a life in Italy. And we understand both.
WHY SMART MOVE ITALY?
Samantha Wilson was an indispensable advocate for my wife and I in the labyrinth of legal hurdles to entering Italy with an ERV.
Look what I got! Thank you so much for all of your help and support. I coundn't have done it without you.
We are so excited to receive our ERV's today! We are super thankful for Smart Move which helped immensely!
Thank you so much Sam. I'm certain this wouldn't have happened without your support and help.
From Application to Your New Life in Italy
From Application to Your New Life in Italy
01. Prepare Your Application
Gather your financial, housing, insurance and supporting documentation for your Italian consulate.
02. Apply at Your Consulate
Submit your ERV application and attend your consular appointment.
03. Get Your Visa & Make the Move
Once approved, you can make the move to Italy and begin the residency process after arrival.
04. Establish Residency in Italy
Apply for your permesso di soggiorno and complete the steps to officially establish residency.
THE ERV PROCESS
How much income do I need for the Italy Elective Residency Visa?
The commonly published starting point is approximately €31,000 per year for a single applicant, although requirements and how income is assessed can vary by Italian consulate.
In practice, we recommend that a single applicant plan around €40,000 or more in reliable annual passive income to present a stronger Elective Residency Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m not sure whether I qualify for the Elective Residency Visa?
That’s exactly where we recommend starting.
Our free Elective Residency Visa eligibility quiz will help you understand whether the ERV may be the right path for your move to Italy and what you may need to consider before applying.
Can married couples apply for the Elective Residency Visa together?
Each spouse must apply independently for their own Elective Residency Visa. There is no single or joint ERV application for a married couple.
Each applicant must demonstrate that they meet the required minimum level of passive income. A couple’s qualifying income may be considered together when demonstrating the required financial resources, but both spouses must independently qualify and submit their own visa application.
Financial requirements for couples can vary by Italian consulate, so it is important to confirm the requirements of the consulate where you will apply.
Can you help me find a rental for my ERV application?
Yes. Securing appropriate accommodation is an important part of the Elective Residency Visa process, and our team in Italy can assist with finding and securing a qualifying rental when rental assistance is included in your service or added separately. [submit rental enquiry]
This is particularly helpful because the housing requirements for an ERV application are not always the same as simply finding somewhere you would like to live.
What if I want to prepare my ERV application myself?
You absolutely can.
Our ERV DIY Lab was created for people who want to manage their own application but don’t want to figure everything out from scratch. It walks you through the process and gives you the resources you need to prepare your application with greater confidence.
How long does the Italy Elective Residency Visa take?
Processing times vary depending on the Italian consulate and your individual application. Italian authorities may take up to 90 days to process a national Elective Residency Visa application.
However, the complete process begins well before your consular appointment. Gathering financial documentation, securing appropriate housing in Italy and preparing your application can take several months, so we recommend starting early.
Will I become an Italian tax resident with an Elective Residency Visa?
Yes. You are "electing residency in Italy." so yes, you will become a taxable person. Italian tax residency is an important part of the planning process.
Your tax position depends on your individual circumstances, income, assets and applicable tax treaties. We strongly recommend understanding the Italian tax implications before establishing residency, rather than waiting until after you move.
Can you review my application before I submit it?
Yes. If you’ve prepared your Elective Residency Visa application yourself, you can purchase an ERV Application Review before your consular appointment.
Our team will review your application and supporting documentation, identify potential issues or missing information and provide recommendations before you submit.
How do I get started with Smart Move Italy?
If you’re still wondering whether the Elective Residency Visa is right for you, start with our free ERV eligibility quiz.
If you already know the ERV is your likely path and want personalized advice about your situation, you can book an ERV consultation with our team.
