Planning to move to Italy on an Elective Residence Visa?

Many financially independent applicants are rejected by Italian consulates — not because they lack income, but because they misunderstand how the requirements are assessed.

Many applicants who appear to meet the requirements are still denied the Elective Residence Visa because they misunderstand how consulates interpret the rules.

This website is dedicated to the Italian Elective Residence Visa (ERV) and to helping foreign nationals — particularly from the United States and Canada — understand how to prepare a correct, consistent, and legally sound application.

Why so many applications are rejected

In our professional experience, refusals often occur because of:

• Misinterpretation of the income and financial independence requirements

• Incorrect assumptions about property ownership or rental contracts

• Inconsistent or incomplete documentation between countries

• Reliance on informal advice, forums, or outdated information

These errors are usually avoidable, but once an application is rejected, the consequences can include long delays, additional costs, and the need to reapply.

A guide written by an Italian immigration lawyer

The guide available on this site was written by Antonello D’Amico, an Italian lawyer specialized in immigration law, who regularly assists foreign nationals in relocating to Italy.

The purpose of the guide is not to offer shortcuts or guarantees — but to provide a clear legal framework, explain how consulates evaluate applications, and help applicants avoid the most common and costly mistakes.

What this guide helps you understand

This practical legal guide explains:

• Who is truly eligible for the Elective Residence Visa

• How Italian consulates interpret “stable and passive income”

• What documentation is required and how it should be presented

• Common reasons for refusal — and how to prevent them

• The difference between the Elective Residence Visa and other Italian visas

It is designed for individuals who are planning to apply in the next 6–12 months and want to proceed with greater clarity and confidence.

Who this guide is for

This guide is particularly useful if you:

• Are financially independent or retired

• Are considering relocating to Italy from the United States or Canada

• Want to avoid rejection, delays, or unnecessary legal complications

• Prefer clear, legally grounded information over informal online advice