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Italy Elective Visa White-glove support
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Plan on €31,000 a year in passive income per adult. Italy sets no single official figure: Boston and New York name about €31,000 per applicant, while other US consulates publish no number and ask for “substantial and steady” income, decided case by case. We tell you what your consulate expects before you sign a lease.

Yes. Social Security, pensions, annuities, rent and investment income are exactly what the visa is for. Consulates want the income in your own name, your last two tax returns and statements showing it arrive; a large savings balance on its own rarely convinces.

No. The elective residence visa allows no work of any kind in Italy, including remote work for a US employer or clients. If you work, the Italian Digital Nomad Visa is the right route, and we say so in the first call.

Yes, and it surprises most Americans. You need a residential lease of at least twelve months, registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate, or a deed, in your name before the consulate appointment. Airbnb, hotels or a friend’s invitation do not count. We review the contract and check the registration before you sign.

Consulates may take up to 90 days and cannot be rushed. Add one to three months to find the home and build the file, and the permesso di soggiorno after landing: plan five to nine months from first call to residence card.

Under the US–Italy treaty, US Social Security is generally taxable only in the United States; private pensions and IRA withdrawals are generally taxed in Italy. Some retirees qualify for a 7% flat tax on foreign income in small southern towns of up to 30,000 inhabitants. This is general information, not tax advice; our tax consultation gives you the real numbers before you decide.

Yes. A dependent spouse, minor children and dependent adult children living with you apply alongside you. Most US consulates want means shown for each adult, and each family member usually has their own application and appointment. We prepare all files together.

After ten years of registered residence in Italy, with B1 Italian. The 2025 reform restricted citizenship by descent, not this residence route. An EU long-term residence permit is available after five years, with A2 Italian.