If you’re thinking of buying property in Italy and making the move permanent, you’ll need to understand the residency process. But don’t worry, while it can sound daunting, getting residency in Italy is absolutely achievable with the right knowledge and preparation.
This guide will break it down clearly, help you decide the right visa path, and walk you through what to do step by step. Whether you're retiring, working, or starting fresh, let’s get you one step closer to la dolce vita.
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Residency vs. citizenship: know the difference
Residency and citizenship are often confused, but they’re not the same. Residency means you have legal permission to live in Italy for a set amount of time (which can be extended or made permanent). Citizenship, on the other hand, usually requires many years of residence plus additional legal steps, and grants full rights like voting and holding an Italian passport.
For property buyers planning to move to Italy, residency is the first and most important step.
Choose the right visa
If you're coming from outside the EU (including the UK or US), you'll need a long-stay visa (known as a visto nazionale, or D visa) to apply for residency. There are several types depending on your situation. We recommend reading our complete breakdown of Italian visas to understand the options in detail.
The most common visas for property buyers are:
1. Elective Residency Visa (ERV) – for retirees or financially self-sufficient people who don’t plan to work in Italy.
2. Work Visa – for those who have a job offer or plan to work as freelancers/self-employed.
3. Investor Visa – for those investing significant capital in Italy.
4. Family Reunification Visa – for joining a spouse or family member already living in Italy.
Once you have your visa, you can enter Italy and begin the residency application process.
Step-by-step: how to get residency in Italy
Once you’ve secured the right visa, you’ll follow this process:
1. Apply for your visa at the Italian consulate in your home country For Brits: Italian consulates in the UK For Americans: Italian consulates in the US
This must be done before you travel. Visa processing can take 1–3 months, so plan ahead.
2. Enter Italy and apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) Within 8 days of arrival, go to your local post office (Ufficio Postale) and collect the residency kit.
3. Submit your application Complete the forms, include copies of your visa and other documents, and submit your kit at the post office. You’ll be given a receipt and an appointment at your local immigration office (Questura).
4. Attend your Questura appointment At this appointment, you’ll provide biometric data and finalise your application.
5. Register your residency with the local town hall (Comune) This is known as iscrizione anagrafica. Once you’re approved, you’ll be officially recognised as a resident.
What documents do you need?
You’ll typically need the following documents when applying for your Italian residency:
Valid passport with visa
Proof of accommodation (property deed or rental contract)
Proof of sufficient income or financial means
Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)
Health insurance or proof of enrolment in the national health system
Passport-sized photos
Completed residency forms
You can download visa application forms and guidance from the official Italian visa website.
Brits buying in Italy: what to know
Post-Brexit, UK citizens are no longer EU citizens, meaning you must follow third-country national rules. The Elective Residency Visa is the most common route for UK retirees and second-home buyers.
For US citizens, the process is broadly similar. If you're not planning to work, the Elective Residency Visa is the most straightforward option. Working expats will need to secure a job offer or freelance visa before arrival.
After five years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo). This offers more stability and fewer renewal requirements.
If you're thinking even longer term, some buyers also explore the path to Italian citizenship, either by residency (after 10 years), marriage, or descent.
Why it’s worth the effort
Yes, Italian bureaucracy can be slow and occasionally baffling. But the rewards are rich. Once you have residency, you’ll enjoy:
Access to Italy’s excellent healthcare system
The right to live in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries
A solid legal foundation for your property and lifestyle
The ability to stay in Italy long-term without visa worries
For many buyers, the journey to residency is just part of the greater goal: building a life in a place that inspires and restores. If you’re still deciding where to settle, take a look at our guide to where to buy property in Italy to explore hidden gems, regional lifestyle perks, and market tips.
Getting residency in Italy is a process—but not an impossible one. With patience, good preparation, and the right support, thousands of expats successfully make the move every year. Whether you're sipping espresso on your new terrace, chatting with neighbours at the market, or tending vines on your smallholding, residency is your ticket to living a fuller, richer life in Italy. And it all starts with knowing how.
Buona fortuna - your Italian chapter is just beginning.
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Our favourite budget properties in Italy
Searching for affordable property in Italy? Explore our monthly roundup of Italy’s best budget homes, from rustic farmhouses to elegant apartments and historic townhouses. With prices starting at just €53,000, these charming picks make la dolce vita surprisingly attainable.
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