Elective residence visa: the Lazio regional administrative court clarifies the minimum income requirement

A recent ruling confirms the autonomy of consulates and a flexible interpretation of the financial requirements for living in Italy without working.

With judgment no. 12627 of June 25, 2025, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court (Section V Quater) has clarified a key issue for those wishing to move to Italy under the elective residence visa: how high must one’s income be to qualify for the visa and the subsequent residence permit?

The case arose from a challenge against the Italian Consulate in London, which had granted a visa to a British couple based on their pension and investment income deemed sufficient. Italian authorities contested the decision, arguing that the applicants’ declared income did not meet the minimum threshold of self-sufficiency indicated by ministerial guidelines.

The Court, however, upheld the Consulate’s decision, ruling that the assessment of “adequate financial means” should not rely on fixed numerical thresholds but rather on a comprehensive evaluation that considers income, assets, the stability of financial sources, and family composition. In other words, the minimum income requirement is not a rigid figure but a flexible criterion, to be interpreted on a case-by-case basis.

The judges further emphasized that diplomatic and consular authorities enjoy discretionary autonomy in evaluating visa applications: Italian authorities cannot overturn their assessments unless there is clear evidence of factual error or manifestly unreasonable judgment.

This decision reinforces the idea that the elective residence visa is not reserved exclusively for those with substantial wealth, but also for individuals who can demonstrate genuine and stable financial self-sufficiency. An important signal for many foreign nationals — especially Britons in the post-Brexit era — who see Italy not merely as a travel destination, but as a place to call home.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.