Italy
Elective residence & Italian citizenship by descent
Italy offers pathways for retirees, remote workers, and those with Italian ancestry. Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent food culture, and growing digital nomad scene.
Immigration Overview
Italy's Elective Residence Visa is popular with retirees and financially independent individuals. The Italian bureaucracy has a reputation for being slow, but the process is well-established if you have patience and proper documentation.
If you have Italian ancestry, you may qualify for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)—one of the most valuable passports for Americans and Latin Americans seeking EU access.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Elective Residence Visa
For financially independent individuals not working in Italy
- €31,000+ annual income required
- Cannot work in Italy
- 1 year renewable
- Path to permanent residence in 5 years
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers and entrepreneurs with Italian clients/contracts
- Business plan required
- Proof of contracts or clients in Italy
- 1-2 year permits
- Regional variations in requirements
Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)
If you have Italian ancestry (see 2025 restrictions)
- March 2025 law limits to grandparents
- Prove unbroken lineage to Italian ancestor
- All documents must be apostilled
- Can apply from abroad or in Italy
Italian Naturalization
After 10 years of legal residence (4 years for EU citizens)
- 10 years standard
- B1 Italian language required
- Financial stability
- Clean criminal record
Why Italy?
Lifestyle & Culture
Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class food, art, history. Dolce vita.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside major cities, cost of living 30-50% less than Northern Europe.
Citizenship by Descent
Parent or grandparent connection now required (2025 law change). Check eligibility.
Climate
Mediterranean climate. Mild winters, warm summers. Southern regions nearly year-round sunshine.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system (SSN). Good quality, low cost.
EU Citizenship
Italian passport = live anywhere in EU. One of the most valuable passports globally.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Italian residence:
- Valid passport
- Nulla osta (clearance) from Italian consulate in home country
- Proof of financial means (€5,824+ annual for elective residence)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax ID)
Regional variation: Requirements and processing times vary significantly by comune (municipality). Some are fast, others take months.
Ready to explore Italy?
Join the private waitlist to get an invite window. We’re opening access in cohorts so each invite comes with momentum.
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