Elective Residency Visa (ERV): The Ultimate Document Checklist Before You Say “Ciao” for Good

So you’re ready to break up with America.

Maybe it’s the political noise, the soul-crushing sprawl of suburbia, or just the gnawing feeling that the “American Dream” has expired. Whatever your reason, you’ve decided to trade Target runs and traffic for terracotta rooftops and morning cappuccinos. I get it. I’ve been there. And if you’ve done your research, you know that for many of us planning to live in Italy without working there, the Elective Residency Visa (ERV) is the golden ticket.

But — and this is a big but — Italy’s ERV is not for the unprepared. This isn’t a “pack your bags and figure it out when you get there” situation. Italy is beautiful, but it loves bureaucracy. And nothing tests your commitment to the dolce vita like getting your paperwork rejected after months of planning.

This guide is your no-BS, what-you-actually-need breakdown of every document you need for the ERV — drawn from real experience and real pain.

Let’s get into it.

🎯 What Is the ERV and Who’s It For?

The Elective Residency Visa is designed for non-EU citizens (yes, that includes Americans) who want to live in Italy long-term but won’t be working while they’re there. That means retirees, independently wealthy folks, and those with passive income streams like pensions, rental properties, or trust disbursements.

You can’t work in Italy on this visa, and you have to prove you can support yourself without becoming a burden on the state. Fair enough.

Most consulates want to see:

• ~€31,000/year for a single person; double that for couples

• More if you’re bringing kids or other dependents*

But the real secret? It’s not just how much money you have, but how consistently that money comes in. They want stability, not just a fat bank account.

Nota Bene: The actual amount will vary by the consulate of. your jurisdiction. Anecdotally, many people who apply see this number vary greatly so please check the requirements with your consulate.

📋 The Full ERV Document Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need to pull together before your consulate appointment (which, by the way, can be scheduled monthsout depending on where you live — so plan early).

1. Valid Passport

Obvious, but double-check it.

• Must be valid for at least three months beyond your visa’s expiration date

• Must have at least two blank pages

If your passport is within a year of expiration, renew it now. No consulate wants to deal with that mid-process.

2. Long-Stay Visa Application Form

Download it from your local Italian consulate’s website.

• Fill it out carefully

• Sign and date it

• Use block letters and blue or black ink

(Yes, really. People have had applications rejected over pen color.)

3. Passport Photos

• Two recent passport-sized photos

• No selfies, no “close enough” crop jobs

• Head-on, plain background, no filters — this isn’t Instagram

4. Proof of Financial Means

This is the big one.

You need to prove that you have:

• Passive income of at least ~€31,000/year (single person)

• ~€38,000–€40,000/year for couples (these are minimums)

• More if bringing dependents

You’ll want to show:

• Pension or Social Security letters

• Rental income contracts

• Dividends, annuities, or trust income statements

• Recent bank and investment statements

• Maybe even tax returns

Pro tip: Some consulates require the income to be monthly/recurring. If your assets are lump sum, include a cover letter explaining how you’ll draw down funds monthly to cover expenses. Assumption is that if you have a fat savings account, there is a risk of you blowing it on something as frivolous as a boat, or something else, so recurring pattern of income is the key.

5. Proof of Accommodations in Italy

This one trips people up. You need to show where you’ll be living for at least a year. You have to do this before you even apply. Yes, that means that even if you rent in Italy, apply in the US, your visa may still get rejected, so unless you can do the Schengen Shuffle, don't commit to a permanent home yet.

Options:

• Signed rental lease (most preferred)

• Property ownership deed

• Extended Airbnb/temporary housing reservation (some consulates accept this, some don’t)

If it’s a lease:

• Must be in Italian

• Signed by both parties

• Often must be notarized in Italy

Don’t fudge this. “I’ll figure it out when I get there” = denial.

6. Health Insurance

Must meet the following:

• €30,000 in annual coverage

• Valid in Italy and Schengen area

• Zero deductible, full repatriation clause

• Must cover at least 12 months

Many use providers like IMG Global, Allianz, Cigna Global, or GeoBlue. Just make sure the policy certificate clearly states the coverage limits and geographical coverage — vague PDFs won’t cut it.

7. Motivational Letter (aka “Cover Letter”)

Write this as if your future depends on it — because it does.

Include:

• Why you want to live in Italy

• Where you plan to live

• Your financial plan

• Your housing situation

• Your long-term goals (renewing, getting residency, maybe even citizenship down the line)

Make it personal, but focused. Don’t gush. Don’t get political. Be clear and serious.

8. Proof of Income

Different from assets.

Show that your income comes in regularly — monthly, quarterly, annually.

• Rental agreements

• Pension disbursement schedules

• Trust documents

• Any recurring income stream

9. FBI Background Check (sometimes required)

Some consulates want it, others don’t.

If yours does, it must be:

• Apostilled

• Possibly translated into Italian

It takes time, so don’t wait to start this.

10. Civil Status Docs (if applicable)

If you’re applying as a couple or with kids:

• Marriage certificate

• Birth certificates

• Divorce decrees (if relevant)

Must be:

• Apostilled - if you don't know what that means, I'll provide another detailed write up. I didn't know either.

• Translated into Italian (check your consulate’s rules)

11. Proof of Ties to the U.S. (Optional but smart)

Not all consulates ask, but some like to see:

• A roundtrip flight (even if you’re not using the return)

• A U.S. property deed

• Bank account with U.S. address

• Ongoing obligations or family connections

It helps show that you’re not planning to disappear into the Italian countryside undocumented.

12. Proof of Travel Insurance (Short-term)

Some consulates want separate short-term travel insurance for your flight over, in addition to the long-term health insurance.

• Covers the days/weeks before your long-term policy kicks in

• Get it if it’s required — don’t argue

13. Application Fee

Typically ~$120, paid by money order or cashier’s check to the “Consulate General of Italy.”

• Some consulates take credit cards, but don’t count on it

• Bring exact change if paying in person

🔎 What They Don’t Tell You

• Each consulate is different. They interpret the rules in their own way, so don’t rely on Reddit or Facebook groups alone — check your specific consulate’s website.

• Make extra copies of everything — one for them, one for you, and one more just in case

• Book your appointment early — some consulates are backed up months in advance

• Be patient and kind — you’re asking to live in someone else’s country, so don’t act entitled

🎯 Final Thoughts

The ERV process is… well, it’s a lot. But if you’re the kind of person willing to cross your t’s, apostille your i’s, and keep your cool when an Italian clerk tells you they “need one more document,” then you’re halfway there.

Italy isn’t just a vacation fantasy. It’s a place to slow down, live well, and reframe what life can look like post-‘Murica. But it starts with this paper trail.

If you’re serious about making the move, I’ve got tools, templates, and guides coming soon — and if you’re not already on the newsletter, go sign up. One region, one topic, one real insight at a time.

Your Italian life starts here. Don’t show up unprepared.

✨ Ready to Turn Plans into Paperwork?

Download the ERV Checklist PDF and make sure you’re not missing a single document.

📥 Download the Checklist.(Site Login Required)

📬 Subscribe to CaesarTheDay for monthly Italy region spotlights, visa tips, and expat strategies that actually help.

Subscribe Here

💬 Still overwhelmed? I get it. I’ve been there. Schedule a call and I'll walk you through it step-by-step.

Residency & Visa Consultation

60

Book Now