HOW TO RETIRE TO ITALY FROM THE USA

​Although American citizens benefit from various immigration exemptions when arriving in Italy for short-term visas, when it comes to retirement, Americans must apply for designated immigration documents.

​Suppose you want to retire to Italy from the USA. In that case, you will likely have to apply for the Italian Elective Residence Visa, the most popular way to arrive here for retirement purposes. We can also offer detailed information about how to immigrate to Italy.
This visa type is prevalent amongst seniors from countries not members of the European Union (EU) because it is a visa that does not grant the right to work in Italy, and most seniors will not be interested in developing work-related activities here. 
The Italian Elective Residence Visa is an excellent resource if you want to relocate to Italy, as, while living here, your income can be obtained solely from the following:

1. passive income, such as the pension that you are entitled to after working in your home country;
2. from shares, bonds and others you own from participating in various corporate endeavours.

Documents to present if you immigrate to Italy from the USA 
Any candidate applying for the Italian Elective Residence Visa must prepare a set of copies prescribed by the national law in Italy.


Besides the application form, Americans must prepare the same documents imposed on any other foreign national interested in this visa program. Below is a short presentation on this matter:

• the valid passport and two recent passport-sized photos;
• proof of payment of the application fee charged for processing the visa application;
• Information on the location where the American will relocate to Italy;
• evidence of the address in Italy (rental contract, utility bills, property purchase agreement);
• Proof of having the necessary financial income, along with bank statements from the bank in America where the applicant has their account;
• A criminal background check concluded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Having proper health insurance is also needed. Please remember that the health insurance you have in your country will not be recognized in Italy; therefore, you will need to sign a private health insurance policy identified by the Italian authorities. 


Americans retiring in Italy must also be aware that not having all the documents required for the application can lead to the rejection of the visa. 

IMPORTANT MATTERS TO KNOW ABOUT ITALIAN RESIDENCE VISA:

The Elective Residence Visa is a suitable immigration document that can be issued as follows:

1. to persons who want to immigrate to Italy on a long-term basis;
2. to persons who are interested in residing here for a fixed period;
3. to persons who wish to relocate to Italy for an indefinite period.

This visa can only be issued to persons who can provide evidence of having the minimum amount of financial resources required by the Italian state, and all suitable applicants must make proof of being able to sustain their expenses in Italy for a minimum of 1 year.


This is because the visa is first issued for one year (or 365 days). All foreigners who receive this visa, including Americans who want to retire to Italy from the USA, must apply for a residence permit.


The formalities for the residence permit (or permesso di soggiorno) are completed after the arrival in the country at the police office working in the region/town/city where the person will reside.
There are certain conditions to maintain this visa throughout the years – the Italian authorities will verify every year if the foreigner still meets the primary needs under which the permit was issued.
A new residence permit will be issued if the person respects the minimum requirements for the elective residence visa.
When the American starts the formalities for the issuance of the retirement visa, they must add to the file a letter in which it is explained the reason for relocation to Italy, especially when the American applies for permanent relocation.
Other than this, the applicant must include in this letter information regarding the following:

• the place where he or she will reside;
• the names of the person (or persons) that will relocate to Italy with the applicant;
• their family connection to the applicant (the spouse, for instance).

 Our immigration lawyers in Italy can advise on how to become a permanent resident, how to become an Italian citizen and the legal options available for citizenship in this country.

Next week we can talk more about this topic.

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