Americans can retire in Italy using the Elective Residence Visa, a path designed for those with passive income.
Italy's Elective Residence Visa (Visto di Residenza Elettiva) is built for retirees and remote workers with stable income from outside Italy. You don't need to work in Italy; you need to prove you can support yourself without working there.
The income requirement sits around €1,400–€1,500 per month (indexed annually), though it varies by region and family size. You'll need to show bank statements, pension documents, or investment income for the past year. The visa is renewable annually and leads to permanent residency after five years.
Prove stable passive income, and Italy welcomes you as a resident.
The process: apply at an Italian consulate in the US, provide proof of income, secure housing in Italy, and pass a background check. Once approved, you have 90 days to enter Italy and register with local authorities. Healthcare is included in the Italian system once you're registered as a resident. This is one of Europe's most straightforward retirement visas for Americans.
Source: original report ↗
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