Permit for Elective residence

What is this permit?

The residence permit for elective residency is designed for those who want to live in Italy without working, supporting themselves with their own economic resources. It is the typical permit for retired foreigners, people with annuities or passive income who choose Italy as their place of residence.

Who can apply for it?

Can apply whoever:

• Has obtained an visa for elective residence from the Italian Embassy or Consulate
• Proves to have stable and sufficient economic resources to support oneself in Italy without working (for example: pension, annuities, investments)
• Has accommodation in Italy (property or rental contract)

How/where do you apply?

You apply through the postal KIT available at authorized post offices.

Within 8 days from entering Italy, you must submit the application.

To know which documents to bring, check the page documents for first issue.

What rights does it give me? What do I have access to?

With this permit you can:

• Living permanently in Italy
• Register with the National Health Service (NHS (SSN)) or purchase private health insurance
• Apply for residency

⚠️ Attention: with this permit you CANNOT work. If you want to work in Italy, you will need to convert the permit to another type.

How long does this permit last?

The duration is 1 year and is renewable, provided that you continue to demonstrate sufficient economic resources.

When does it expire and can I renew it?

Yes, you can renew it by submitting updated documentation that proves your financial resources and housing availability. The application is made through postal KIT.

Can I convert it to another permit?

Yes — after 5 years of regular residence, you can apply for the EU residence permit for long-term residents, which gives you more rights and has no expiration date.

How much does it cost?

For the application you must pay:

• A postal payment slip of 30,46 €
• A revenue stamp of 16 €

What is this permit?

The residence permit for elective residence is intended for foreign citizens who wish to live permanently in Italy without engaging in work activities. It is designed for economically independent people who have sufficient resources to support themselves without working, such as foreign retirees or people with income from investments.

Who can apply for it?

This permit can be requested by those who:

• Have stable and documentable financial resources to support themselves in Italy without working
• Have suitable housing in Italy (owned or rented)
• Have valid health insurance in Italy
• Do not intend to carry out work activities in Italy (employed work or self-employment)
• Have already entered Italy with an elective residence visa

How/where do you apply?

Before entering Italy:

• You must apply for an elective residence visa at the Italian Consulate in your country

Once in Italy:

• Within 8 working days of entry, apply for the residence permit through postal kit (Poste Italiane)
• Or directly at Police Headquarters (Questura), if required

For the necessary documents, see the dedicated page: https://www.sospermesso.it/documenti-residenza-elettiva-primo.html

What rights does it give me? What do I have access to?

With this permit:

• You can live permanently in Italy
• You can travel freely in the Schengen area (with conditions)
• You can access health services if you have health insurance
• You CANNOT work (neither as an employee nor self-employed)

⚠️ Warning: this permit does not allow you to carry out any type of work activity in Italy.

How long does this permit last?

The first residence permit for elective residence has a variable duration, usually 1 year. It can be renewed if you continue to meet the financial and housing requirements.

When does it expire and can I renew it?

Yes, you can renew it if:

• You still have sufficient financial resources to support yourself
• You still have suitable housing in Italy
• You have valid health insurance
• You have not performed unauthorized work activities

For the documents required for renewal, see: https://www.sospermesso.it/documenti-residenza-elettiva-rinnovo.html

Can I convert it to another permit?

Conversion to other residence permits is only possible in specific cases, for example:

• Permit for employed work (if you obtain an employment contract and there are available quotas)
• Permit for family reasons (if you have an Italian spouse or regular foreign family member)
• EU permit for long-term residents (if you meet the income and residence requirements)

Conversion always requires verification of the specific requirements for the new permit.