LONG TERM STAYS IN ITALY
Q Could you explain the current legislation regarding extended stays for non-EU citizens in Italy please, including how the 90-day allowance is calculated within the 180-day period. Also, how would one go about obtaining elective residence?
A Non-EU citizens do not generally need a visa or permit for short tourist or visiting trips to the EU or countries in the Schengen area, such as Italy, as long as they stay for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. There are several ways to work out the 90 days allowed stay. One way to do it is to check the date you are planning to leave the Schengen area on your next trip. Then count back 180 days from that date and add the number you have already spent in that 180-day period to the number you intend on spending during your next trip. If the total number of days calculated is 90 or less, then you are within the allowed time.
Those who wish to stay in Italy for longer and have high and continuous financial resources, can request an ‘elective residence’ visa which will allow them to live in Italy, however without the possibility of working. The elective residence visa allows entry to Italy to non-EU citizens who can demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves independently without working. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a place to stay where they can elect domicile, and sufficient economic resources (pensions, annuities, real estate, stable economic-commercial activities or other sources other than employment). Owning a property in Italy is not required as long as the applicant can prove they have suitable accommodation to stay in Italy. Should the applicant plan to live in rented accommodation, a suitable written rental agreement must be provided.
Once elective residence has been obtained, the citizen in question may register with the Italian Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service) but it is often advisable to continue supplementing this assistance with private insurance that covers the entire period of residency in Italy. The permit will not be renewed if the applicant was not in Italy for six months or more the previous year. This permit is particularly suitable for those who wish to spend most of their time in Italy and establish their permanent base.