Italy Immigration Services – Elective Residency, Investor & Working Visas

Obtaining an Italian residence permit (i.e. Permesso di Soggiorno) does not grant you a visa or valid immigration status in Italy. In order to work and/or effectively live in Italy (beyond the visa-waiver/ESTA), you will need a long-term immigration and visa solution. Navigating the Italian regulations for immigration, like any other country, should typically involve professional legal support.

At Davies & Associates, our Italy Practice Group is well-positioned to assess your individual immigration needs.

Elective Residency Visa

Italy Elective Residence Visa and Summary of the Immigration Process

The elective residency visa permits a long-term stay for foreigners who intend to take residence in Italy. Qualified candidates must meet various requirements, including proof of financial independence that does not rely on gainful employment within Italy.

To be eligible, individuals must submit documented proof of housing (to be purchased or rented) in Italy and an income of more than 32,000 EUROS of regular and stable financial resources which are likely to remain steady in the future.

Resources must derive from stable asset-based revenues (annuities, pensions), property ownership, stable economic-financial activities or other sources other than employment. In essence, the Elective Residency Visa allows qualified individuals to enter Italy for an indefinite period of time.

The process can be summarized in the following three stages:

Elective Residence Visa Application 2-6 Weeks
Residence Permit Application 3-5 Months
Residency Registration 1-3 Months

STEP 1: Elective Residence Visa

Obtaining the elective residence visa involves completing the relevant application form and providing necessary supporting documentation. The Consulate has the right to issue the visa within 90 days, but the processing time is usually between four to eight weeks, depending on the Consulate’s workload, time of year, and applicant’s nationality.

The applicant will need to show assets from a portfolio. The Consulate may request original financial statements from banks, investments/brokerage firms, or social security, all indicating current balances. Please note that balances cannot be derived from current employment or any other work activities. The deciding factor for Italian Authorities is showing a considerable amount of money and, even if the minimum income requirement set forth by the Ministry of Interior is met, there is no guarantee that the visa will be issued as each Consulate evaluates the applications on a case-by-case basis and has discretionary power to make any additional request.


STEP 2: Residence Permit Application

As soon as the Elective Residence Visa is issued, the applicant may enter Italy and apply for the Residence Permit, also called “Permesso di Soggiorno”, within eight days of arrival. It can be requested from any Post Office by submitting special forms and supporting documents. As soon as the application is filed, the Post Office will immediately issue a receipt, serving as proof of submission, which is valid as a provisory permit of stay.

The Post Office will forward the application to the competent Police Station that, usually after several months from the date of filing, summons the applicant to show up for an identification (fingerprinting) and document collection appointment.

It then takes several months (depending on the municipality) from the identification appointment to be summoned again by the Police, this time to collect the actual Residence Permit. Once the Residence Permit is issued, the immigration process is finished, and the applicant will have proper legal status in Italy.


STEP 3: Residency Registration

The final step to be taken by the applicant (if planning to stay in Italy for more than 6 months per year), is the registration of the personal residency address in Italy with the Town Hall. While some countries do not have a similar procedure, Italians and new residents are obligated to register with the Town Hall of the city where they live to establish residency.

This can be done as soon as the Residence Permit request is filed. Registering permanent residency is necessary for the following activities: lower fees on bank accounts; buying a car; issuance of an Italian ID Card (Carta d’Identità); getting a parking permit when living in a historic center; registering for the National Health Service; and Shipping of Personal Goods into the country duty-free.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT LIVING IN ITALY ON AN ELECTIVE RESIDENCY VISA

  • Education: Free public education is available to children who reside in Italy (charges may be applied for school meals where applicable)
  • Health Care:Holders of an elective residence permit can register with Italian National Health service by paying a registration annual fee (expiring on December 31st of each year). Being registered with the National Health Service entitles the foreigner to the same benefits as Italian citizens (choose a family doctor, access to all specialist tests and visits, be admitted to hospital etc.)
  • Italian Citizenship: Holders of an elective residence permit can apply for the permanent residence permit after 5 years of legal stay in Italy. In order to be eligible, an applicant must have registered as residents and filed tax returns. After 10 years of legal residency in Italy an individual may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship. In order to be eligible an applicant must have registered as residents and filed tax returns.
  • Work Prohibition: The holder of an Elective Residence Visa is prohibited from working in Italy. However, you are permitted to derive income from alternative resources, such as:
    • Ownership/Equity interest in companies and other assets. (i.e. bonds/stocks in companies;
    • Bank deposits, provided that funds are stable (the Consulate will ask to see if they have been recently deposited, for how long funds have been in deposit)
    • Company income (not as an employee, but as owner of company; the applicant can own shares of a company and/or be non executive director - with no managing powers)
    • Real estate income – ownership of real estates that generates income (i.e. rent)
    • Please note: subject to an authorization of the Police Immigration Office, it is generally possible to become shareholder/director of a new Italian company with the Elective Residence Visa, provided that no salary is paid.
  • Driving License: After one year of residency in Italy, a foreign driver’s license is no longer valid. Getting an Italian driver’s license is mandatory after being a resident in Italy for one year. Only the nationals from some countries can convert their foreign driver’s license into an Italian license. All others must apply for a new Italian license.
  • Driving License:• Taxation in Italy: An individual who obtains an elective residence visa shall not pay taxes in Italy if:
    • The applicant is not registered in the Municipality (City Hall) of the place where he lives;
    • Lives in Italy less than 183 days during the fiscal year (January to December); and
    • Does not have his habitual abode in the country.
  • Extension: The Residence Permit can be renewed before the date of expiration within Italy. The visa does not need to be renewed, as it is replaced by the Residence Permit.
    • Residency Update: Applicants are required to update their residency status in Italy when they apply for renewing their Residence Permit. Town Halls usually accept a simple communication sent by registered mail or fax, but in some cases the foreigner may need to visit the Town Hall to declare that he is still a resident in Italy.

Contact Davies & Associates Offices in Italy

Check all of our locations around the world, here

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mark is one of the best things happened to me in immigration. I was very skeptical as my last attempt to obtain an L1A was a negative one through another lawyer. Mark came in and… [made] sure that the case [was refiled] successfully. Rest assured, I can vouch for his services and will recommend him highly. Indian L1 Applicant previously denied using another law firm
★★★★★
I have been dealing with this firm for the last several years. They got my E2 visa approved followed by my E2 visa renewal as well. They are the best immigration lawyers I have ever met….. No one can give you better service than this firm. Australian E-2 visa applicant
★★★★★
Several lawyers told me I would not be able to get a TN visa. Two weeks after contacting Davies & Associates I was working in New York, visa in hand. I have recommended this firm to several friends and colleagues, they do an excellent job every time." Individual Seeking 'Impossible' TN Visa
★★★★★
Davies & Associates provided me with truly outstanding customer service 7 days a week. Technically brilliant, Davies & Associates not only successfully obtained E-2 visa status for myself and my Indian wife but also seamlessly coordinated my entire legal team, ensuring the timely completion of my acquisition." E2 Visa Applicant and Business Owner
★★★★★
I was qualified as a physician in a foreign country. Being on a J-1 visa I was facing having to leave the United States and return to my home country. Davies & Associates secured one of only 30 J-1 visa waivers available in my State, allowing me to work for a US hospital and remain in the United States." Doctor Seeking J-1 Visa Waiver
★★★★★
My exisiting immigration lawyer, who has a global reputation in immigration law, told me that "it couldn't be done". Someone suggested I speak to Davies & Associates and they obtained the immigration benefits I wanted. I will always use this firm in the future, they are miracle workers." Small Professional Business With International Offices
★★★★★
I am very satisfied with the services Mark Davies has provided me. He has a very extensive knowledge in immigration laws and has a thorough approach to any case." U Visa Applicant, A Victim of Crime
★★★★★
There is no question that Davies & Associates is clearly the leading E-2 visa law firm in the United States." E2 Visa Applicant and Business Owner
★★★★★
Extremely knowledgable, available, and reliable Mark was a god-send when dealing with USCIS. He is very experienced so he knows the ins and outs of the process, can predict response times and is very available to answer questions in a timely and friendly manner. Highly recommended to anyone trying to navigate a complicated immigration process at any stage." Syrian Marriage Based Immigrant Visa Applicant with Two Year J-1 Waiver
★★★★★
I highly recommend Davies & Associates LLC Mark Davies is a joy to work with. His extensive knowledge, speedy response and attentive service took away all my fears of dealing with immigration and visa applications. He is very generous with his time in explaining every step along the way and I have already and will in the future recommend him to anybody who is looking for an immigration lawyer." Small Business Owner and E-2 Visa Applicant