Elective Residency Visa

An applicant must demonstrate housing and financial resources for a minimum of one year. Upon arriving in Italy, applicants must apply at the local Questura (police headquarters) for a permesso di soggiorno (residency permit).

Americans must have an entrance visa which should be obtained at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy, in order to remain in Italy more than three months and gain resident status. This procedure will take several weeks to complete so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the departure date.

The Elective Residence Visa is issued for one year. After five years of continuous legal residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency. After ten years, they may become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by residency, subject to language and integration requirements.

Income Stability and Financial Independence To qualify for an Italian Elective Residence Visa, you must have a financial income of €32,000. If you are married, this number increases to €38,000. In addition, if you come as a family, you must have 20% more income per child.