🇮🇹

Italy

Southern Europe, Europe

About Italy

Elective Residence Visa for retirees with €31,000/year passive income.

Italy's Elective Residence Visa requires proof of €31,000/year passive income and is designed for retirees and those with independent means. The country offers exceptional food, culture, and history with varying costs - northern cities expensive, southern regions and small towns affordable.

Country Overview

Key indicators to help you understand what life in Italy might be like

Cost of LivingModerate

Healthcare QualityExcellent

SafetyGood

English PrevalenceModerate

Visa AccessibilityModerate

Data last updated: 1/7/2026

Highlights

✓World-renowned food, art, and culture
✓Excellent healthcare system
✓Elective Residence Visa for passive income earners
✓Diverse regions from Alps to Mediterranean
✓Path to EU citizenship after 10 years

Considerations

!Income requirement €31,000/year for Elective Residence
!Cannot work on Elective Residence Visa
!Bureaucracy extremely slow
!English limited outside tourist areas

Visa Options

Available visa types for Americans looking to move to Italy

Digital Nomad Visa

DIGITAL_NOMAD

For remote workers employed by non-Italian companies.

12 months

$2,500/mo min

Path to ResidencyPath to Citizenship

Elective Residence Visa

PASSIVE_INCOME

For retirees and those with passive income who will not work in Italy.

12 months

$2,583/mo min

Path to ResidencyPath to Citizenship

Ready to Plan Your Move?

Get detailed guides, visa checklists, and connect with others who've made the move.

Explore All Guides

Compare with Other Countries

See how Italy stacks up against other popular destinations.

Compare Countries

Not Sure Yet?

Take our quiz to find countries that match your lifestyle and priorities.

Take the Quiz