The visa a retiree actually needs — the Italy retirement visa (its proper name is the elective residence visa) — plus EU vs non-EU, the requirements and the other routes, explained without the jargon.
If you hold an EU passport (including dual citizens), you don't need a visa at all — you simply register as a resident once you arrive.
If you're a non-EU citizen — American, British, Canadian, Australian and so on — you'll apply for a visa before you move, and then convert it into a residence permit in Italy.
What most people mean by an Italy retirement visa is the elective residence visa: there is no visa literally called a "retirement visa", but this is the one retirees use. It's designed for people who can support themselves from stable, passive income — a pension, Social Security, investments — without working in Italy.
The main Italy retirement visa requirements: as a rough guide you'll need to show around €31,000 a year of stable income for a single applicant, roughly €38,000 for a couple, plus more for dependants, along with somewhere to live and private health insurance for the first period. You apply at the Italian consulate that covers where you live now.
Not everyone qualifies through pension income. If you'd rather secure residency through an investment, Italy's investor visa — often called the golden visa — is the route: broadly, a qualifying investment in an Italian company, an innovative startup, government bonds or a philanthropic donation, in exchange for a renewable residency that can lead to permanent status.
It's more involved than the retirement route and the sums are significant, so we handle it through our specialist practice. If an investment-based move fits you better, Move to Dolce Vita covers the investor visa in full — get in touch and we'll point you the right way.
Once in Italy, non-EU arrivals apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) and register with the local town hall. That registration is also what lets you join the health service and, if you qualify, elect the 7% tax regime. We prepare the paperwork so it goes smoothly.
Roughly €31,000 a year for one person and about €38,000 for a couple, from stable passive sources, plus more for dependants. We confirm the exact position for your consulate.
Yes, to obtain the visa. Once you're resident you can move onto Italy's national health service for a low yearly fee.
No — it's for people living on passive income, not employment. If you plan to work, a different route applies.
Plan three to six months ahead; timelines vary by consulate. A clean application avoids delays.
Yes, with a somewhat higher income requirement. We handle the family paperwork together.
Yes: UK citizens are now non-EU and need a visa, usually the elective residence visa, just like Americans.
Tell us your plan and we'll confirm the right route — and prepare the application so nothing slows it down.
Prefer to read first? The whole journey is in Marco's book.