Stay In Italy For Elective Residence: How It Works

permesso di soggiorno per residenza elettiva min

The residence permit for elective residence in Italy is a residence permit issued to foreign nationals who intend to settle in our country, without working. This permit allows the holder to reside in Italy for a maximum period of two years, renewable.

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Requirements For A Residence Permit

The following requirements must be met to apply for the permit:

  • Being a citizen of a country not belonging to the European Union or the European Economic Area
  • Not having a criminal record in Italy or the country of origin
  • Demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to support yourself independently without carrying out any work activity
  • Have accommodation in Italy

Who Can Apply

Italian legislation provides for four cases for which it is possible to request the above-mentioned permit:

  1. Non-EU citizens in possession of an entry visa for elective residence, who must prove that own a house to be used as a residence and economic resources (such as pensions, annuities, or real estate)
  2. Non-EU citizens holding a work permit, family reunification permit, or autonomous work residence permit. In this scenario, the applicant may convert the previous permits into a new permit for elective residence
  3. Non-EU citizen belonging to the family unit of an EU citizen (companion(s), de facto cohabitant(s), or dependent(s) living with an EU citizen).
  4. The documents proving these relationships must be issued by the country in which the EU citizen previously resided
  5. Non-EU citizens working for institutions of the Vatican City State.

Documents Required

To apply for a residency permit, the following documentation must be submitted:

  • Application for residence permit
  • Valid identity document
  • Birth certificate
  • Criminal record certificate issued by the country of origin.
  • Declaration of sufficient means to maintain one’s subsistence.
  • Declaration of accommodation in Italy
  • An insurance policy against the risk of accidents and illness.

The request must be submitted to the competent Police Headquarters. After assessing the documentation, the Police will decide whether to issue the residency permit.

Advantages And Disadvantages

This permit offers the following advantages:

  • It allows you to stay in Italy for a maximum period of two years, renewable.
  • Allows for public health care.
  • Allows for public education.
  • Allows you to vote in local elections.

However, there are also disadvantages, such as:

  • It does not allow you to work in Italy.
  • It does not allow you to obtain a permanent residence permit.

The residence permit may not be renewed if it is established that the foreign national has interrupted his stay for more than six months.

After five years have passed since it was first issued, it will be possible to apply for a long-term residency permit. After ten years, on the other hand, the foreign citizen may apply for Italian nationality.

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