The Independent Means Visa in Italy (also known as the Elective Residence Visa) offers residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Italy provides a pathway to residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, digital nomads, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a European country with a high quality of life and rich cultural heritage.
Overview
A pathway to residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Italy
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with passive income from a foreign source
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
Initial 1-year residency, renewable for 2 years
Months to Visa
2-3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
No specific requirement, but must make Italy primary residence
Availability
Moderate
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
What types of income qualify as passive income?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Italian citizenship?
benefits
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Italy's vibrant and welcoming environment.
Rich cultural heritage
Access to EU markets
High quality of life
Program Stability
No minimum investment required
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Option to renew the visa once it has expired
Visa-Free Travel Countries
160
Passport Validity
10 years
Overview
Italy offers a high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming environment for foreign residents.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
What types of income qualify as passive income?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Italian citizenship?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their stable passive income.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport (and copy)+Biometrics+Passport-sized color photo
Applicant's Birth certificate+Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of accommodation in Italy
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through police clearance certificates from countries of residence in the past 5-10 years (depending on the consulate)
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Italy+Proof of Income or Wealth: Bank statements for the last 6-12 months; Proof of pension, investments, rental income, or other passive income sources; Tax returns from the previous year.
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
125
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
33
Cost of Living
26
Quality of Life
20
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Healthcare Quality
10
Internet Speed
66
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Human Freedom
36
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
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