The elective residency visa is one of the most popular routes to residency in Italy, but what exactly are the rules about working in the country after you arrive?
If you are looking to move to Italy as a non-EU citizen without close family ties or a job offer from an Italian employer, you have probably already come across the elective residence visa, or Soggiorno permission for elective residence, in Italian.
What is the elective residence visa?
The Elective Residency visa is the most suitable Italian visa for many applicants, with a relatively low minimum income threshold and few other strict barriers to entry. However, does it allow you to work and receive a salary after your arrival in Italy?
Can you work with an elective residence visa?
The short answer is no: the Italy Elective Residency Visa is specifically designed for people who want to move to Italy without working.
Applicants must meet a passive income requirement of at least €31.000 (about R$195) per person per year or €38.000 (about R$236) for couples, plus five percent per minor dependent .
You cannot receive income from work on Italian soil while on this visa.
The unemployment rate in Italy is one of the highest in Europe, so the government is very careful about protecting the domestic labor market (which surprised many when parliament recently passed a visa for digital nomads which allows, in theory, foreigners to work from Italy for Italian employers).
This means that the vast majority of people who move to Italy with the elective residence visa are retirees aged 60 or over.
Risks of working illegally
Of course, this doesn't mean that there won't be some people who try to bend the rules by working informally or remotely.
However, if they are caught, they will be considered in violation of the terms of their visa and may be expelled from the country — so it's safer to follow the rules.
Therefore, if your goal is to work in Italy, the elective residence visa is not the appropriate route. It is important to choose other types of visas to work legally, such as a work visa or a digital nomad visa, depending on your circumstances and professional goals.
Request for Elective Residence Visa
To apply for an elective residence visa, you must go to an Italian consulate in Brazil with the required documentation. Below are the main requirements and steps for the application:
1. Income documentation
It is essential to prove that you have a source of passive income that meets the stipulated minimum requirements:
- Minimum Income: At least €31.000 per person per year.
- Couples: At least €3 per year, with an additional five percent for each minor dependent.
Types of income that are accepted include:
- Accommodation
- Rental income
- Other investments that generate passive income
2. Proof of accommodation
You must demonstrate that you have a place to live in Italy. This can be done through:
- Rent contract
- Property ownership
- Invitation letter from an Italian resident if you are planning to stay with someone temporarily
3. Health insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance that covers all medical expenses in Italy during your stay. Insurance must:
- Be valid throughout Italy
- Cover medical emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation
4. Procedure at the consulate
To start the process, follow the following steps:
- Scheduling: Please contact your nearest Italian consulate to schedule an interview.
- Request form: Complete the elective residence visa application form.
- Presentation of Documents: Bring all necessary documentation on the day of the interview.
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