Visas and residence permits in Italy
Elective Residence Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Investor Visa, Student Visa.
Types of visas for living in Italy
Elective Residence Visa
The Elective Residence Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to move to Italy permanently without engaging in any work activities. It is an ideal solution for retirees, investors, or individuals with passive income who are attracted to the Italian lifestyle and intend to live in the country continuously.
To obtain it, applicants must demonstrate stable and regular autonomous financial resources—such as pensions, real estate or financial income, or investments—sufficient to support their stay without working, as well as a home in Italy (owned or rented) to be used as their primary residence, meeting the requirements of the competent Italian consulate.
Applicants must also purchase a private health insurance policy with full coverage in Italy, without deductibles or limitations, valid for the entire duration of their stay. The visa is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional two years, leading to permanent residency after five years of continuous and legal residence.
After a thorough analysis of the client’s situation and verification of requirements, we provide comprehensive support in preparing the visa application: from drafting letters to gathering necessary documentation, and assisting with submission at the competent consulate. We also handle communications with Italian authorities and provide support for all subsequent steps, such as obtaining the residence permit and registering the residence, applying for the health card, and any other related formalities.
SmartLivingItaly also assists in the personalized search for a property—for rent or purchase—in collaboration with real estate agencies and professionals, handling every documentary detail, from lease agreements to preliminary sales contracts. We offer an integrated, comprehensive, and tailored service to guide you through every phase of your move to Italy.
Visa for Digital Nomads
The Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens to live legally in Italy while working remotely for foreign companies or as freelance digital professionals, without the need to open an Italian VAT number. It is aimed at highly qualified workers who operate in smart working mode and wish to settle in Italy while maintaining their professional activities abroad.
Obtaining this visa requires a preliminary careful assessment of the individual case, preparation and review of documentation to be submitted to the Consulate, activation of adequate health insurance, availability of suitable accommodation (through a lease agreement or other temporary solution), coordination with local professionals for the production of necessary certificates and translations, as well as support for the issuance of the residence permit once in Italy. It is also possible to extend the visa to family members, such as spouses and children.
SmartLivingItaly accompanies each client with a complete and personalized service, handling every phase of the process to obtain the Digital Nomad Visa and facilitating a hassle-free relocation to Italy.
Investor Visa
The Investor Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Italy through a significant investment in the country, representing an ideal solution for entrepreneurs, investors, and donors who wish to contribute to Italy’s economic, cultural, or social development. To obtain this visa, applicants must commit to a substantial investment, such as the purchase of government bonds, participation in the capital of an Italian company—including innovative startups—or through a donation supporting cultural, educational, or research projects.
In addition to facilitating entry and stay in Italy, this visa offers several advantages: it allows for a two-year renewable residence permit, guarantees free movement within the Schengen Area, permits extension to family members, and features an easier process compared to other visa types. After ten years of continuous residence, it is also possible to apply for Italian citizenship.
SmartLivingItaly guides investors and families through every step of the process: from selecting and structuring the most suitable investment to preparing the necessary documentation for the nulla osta and visa application, as well as providing support after arrival in Italy and during subsequent renewals of the residence permit, ensuring comprehensive and tailored assistance.
Study Visa
The Study Visa allows non-EU citizens to move to Italy to attend university courses, master’s programs, language schools, art academies, or legally recognized vocational training programs. Italy, with its prestigious universities, cultural heritage, and globally appreciated lifestyle, is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students.
Obtaining this visa requires careful preparation: applicants must demonstrate registration in a valid course, sufficient financial means for their stay, adequate health insurance, and accommodation meeting the required criteria. Direct contact with consulates, universities, and schools is often necessary, along with any required certified translations or legalizations. Once in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit and address other procedures related to residency, healthcare, and, where applicable, family reunification with parents or minor children.
SmartLivingItaly offers a complete and personalized service for students, families, and institutions, guiding every phase of the process with expertise and attention.
Work permit for descendants of Italian citizens
Law 74/2025 introduced a new type of non-quota visa and residence permit, reserved for descendants of Italian citizens who can no longer obtain citizenship by descent. Inserted into the Consolidated Law on Immigration (Legislative Decree 286/1998) via Article 27, Paragraph 1-octies, this measure allows them to work in Italy, opening a preferential lane to the labor market.
To obtain the visa, applicants must be descendants of an Italian citizen and be citizens of a country with a historical and significant emigration to Italy, as identified by a specific list prepared by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor. This opportunity offers descendants the chance to relocate to Italy and embark on a stable professional and personal path. After two years of continuous residence, they can apply for Italian citizenship by residence and, consequently, an Italian passport.
Currently, we are awaiting the interministerial decree that will specify the relevant countries, the procedures for obtaining the visa, and how to demonstrate descent. Until its issuance, descendants of Italian citizens who wish to work in Italy must follow ordinary procedures for the residence permit, including the quotas of the flow decree, unless they belong to categories already exempt.
We offer comprehensive assistance at every stage of the process: support from the visa application phase to the issuance of the residence permit, handling documentation and coordination with competent authorities. Our relocation service includes support for moving, applying for a tax code, municipal registration, housing search, real estate consulting, bank account opening, and school orientation for children, ensuring a quick and smooth integration into the new reality.
SmartLivingItaly makes your move to Italy a simple and secure journey, so you can focus on realizing your most important project: living your new life in the country of your origins.
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to move to Spain permanently without engaging in any work activities. It is an ideal solution for retirees, investors, or individuals with passive income, attracted by the Spanish lifestyle and intending to live in the country continuously.
To obtain it, applicants must demonstrate stable and regular autonomous financial resources—such as pensions, real estate or financial income, or investments—sufficient to support their stay in Spain without working. Additionally, accommodation in Spain (rented or owned) is required, to be used as a habitual residence meeting the standards set by the territorially competent Spanish consulate.
Applicants must also purchase a private health insurance policy with full coverage in Spain, without deductibles or limitations, valid for the entire duration of their stay. The visa is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional two years, leading to permanent residency after five years of continuous and legal residence.
After a thorough analysis of the client’s personal and financial situation and verification of the requirements under current regulations, we provide comprehensive support in preparing the application: from drafting letters to gathering documentation, and assisting with submission at the competent Spanish consulate. We also handle communications with Spanish authorities and provide support for all subsequent steps, such as obtaining the NIE (foreigner identification number), TIE (residence permit), municipal registration, health card, and any other formalities related to the new residence.
We offer a dedicated service for property search—for rent or purchase—in collaboration with real estate professionals and trusted local agencies. We meticulously handle all documentary and contractual aspects: from legal checks to lease agreements or preliminary sales contracts.
Our goal is to provide an integrated, tailored, and high-value-added service to guide you through every phase of your move to Spain, with efficiency and attention to every detail.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens to live legally in Spain while working remotely for foreign companies or as freelance digital professionals, without the need to register as self-employed in Spain (except in specific cases). It is aimed at highly qualified workers with at least three years of experience or a university degree, who operate in smart working mode and wish to settle in Spain while maintaining their professional activities abroad.
Obtaining this visa requires a preliminary assessment of the individual case, careful preparation of documentation (contract, proof of experience, official translations), private health insurance valid in Spain, availability of accommodation (lease agreement or similar), and local support for applying for the NIE and residence permit at the immigration office (Extranjería). The visa can also be extended to family members, such as spouses and children.
We provide a complete and personalized service, guiding each client through all phases: from preparing the consular application to obtaining the residence permit in Spain, ensuring a smooth, legal, and hassle-free relocation.
Additionally, for citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, this visa represents an important opportunity to obtain a two-year legal residence and subsequently apply for Spanish citizenship, as provided by the Spanish Civil Code.
Residence permit for investors in Spain
As of April 3, 2025, the Spanish government has officially abolished the "Golden Visa," i.e., the residence permit through real estate or financial investment. It is no longer possible to apply for residency by investing in properties, securities, or deposits. Already granted permits remain valid and can be renewed under the previous regulations.
Still, there is an active option for non-EU citizens who intend to carry out an innovative or high-economic-impact entrepreneurial project aligned with national interest. The procedure requires prior authorization and compliance with specific requirements (no criminal record, health insurance, adequate financial means).
This type of permit grants an initial residence of up to three years, renewable, with freedom of movement within the Schengen Area and the possibility to include family members. After five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years of legal residence, Spanish citizenship; reduced timelines of two years apply for citizens of Latin America, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea.
We guide investors and entrepreneurs through every phase: from project evaluation to documentation gathering, and from obtaining authorizations to managing the entire residency process.
Study Visa
The Study Visa allows non-EU citizens to move legally to Spain to attend universities, master’s programs, language schools, vocational courses, or other recognized training programs. Spain is one of the top destinations for international students due to its quality education, climate, and lifestyle.
To apply for the study visa, applicants must demonstrate registration in a recognized course, have health insurance, and adequate accommodation. The procedure involves submitting translated documents, being in touch with the Spanish consulate, and, upon arrival in the country, applying for the foreigner identity card. In some circumstances, dependent family members can also be included.
We offer comprehensive and personalized support to students and families, guiding every phase: from application preparation to assistance in Spain. This visa also serves as a useful strategy for settling in the country: upon completion of studies, it can be converted into a residence permit for other reasons, with the possibility of establishing residency in Spain. For citizens of Latin America, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, it also opens the possibility to apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residence.