{"id":2698,"date":"2022-11-04T14:43:14","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T14:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/?page_id=2698"},"modified":"2026-04-23T07:00:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T07:00:56","slug":"elective-residence-for-canadians","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/relocation-and-life-in-italy\/elective-residence\/elective-residence-for-canadians\/","title":{"rendered":"Elective Residence for Canadians"},"content":{"rendered":"
Elective residence<\/div>\n

Elective Residence for Canadians<\/h1>\n
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Canada has strong commercial relations with our country, both in the traditional Made in Italy sector (food and wine) and in innovative sectors (mechanics, pharmaceuticals). According to Canadian government sources, total trade between Italy and Canada in 2021 amounted to 13.1 billion Canadian dollars.<\/p>\n

Italy and Canada also work together in numerous multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, the G7, the G20, and NATO.<\/p>\n

Among the most relevant bilateral agreements is the Social Security Agreement (SSA)<\/strong>, revised in 2017, which allows Canadian citizens who have lived or worked in Italy to qualify for pension benefits in Italy.<\/p>\n

It is also worth noting that on November 1, 2022<\/strong>, a Bilateral Mobility Agreement<\/strong> came into effect, offering professional training opportunities to young Canadians aged 18 to 35 who are entering the workforce. For 2023<\/strong>, it is expected that 2,000 young Canadians<\/strong> will benefit from this Agreement, which allows them to obtain a 12-month work residence permit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The large and dynamic Canadian community in Italy is actively engaged in the cultural, social, political, and economic aspects of relations between the two countries.<\/p>\n

This is why elective residence for Canadians<\/strong> is a current and highly relevant topic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The elective residence visa<\/strong> allows Canadian citizens<\/strong> who own or rent a property in Italy and have sufficient economic and financial resources to enter Italy and establish their residence for long-term stays<\/strong> without the need to earn income from employment in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the elective residence permit for Canadians?<\/h2>\n
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The elective residence permit for Canadians<\/strong> allows Canadian citizens, who have applied for and obtained the prior elective residence visa<\/strong>, to stay in Italy for an extended period.<\/p>\n

The permit must be requested within 8 days<\/strong> of entering Italy. It is initially issued for one year<\/strong> and is renewable upon expiration, provided the legal requirements remain met.<\/p>\n

To request the elective residence permit<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen, after entering Italy with an elective residence visa<\/strong>, must fill out the postal kit<\/strong>, through which they will be assigned an appointment date at the Immigration Office<\/strong> of the Italian police (Questura).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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On that day, the Canadian citizen, possibly assisted by an experienced lawyer specializing in elective residence for Canadians<\/strong>, will go to the Questura<\/strong> to provide fingerprints<\/strong>. After that, they only need to wait for the communication stating that their elective residence permit is ready for collection<\/strong> at the local police station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[sign-in]<\/p>\n

What is the elective residence visa in Italy?<\/h2>\n
To apply for the \u201celective residence visa,\u201d the foreign applicant must provide adequate and documented guarantees regarding:<\/div>\n
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The elective residence visa<\/strong> allows Canadian citizens<\/strong> who can demonstrate that they can live in Italy independently<\/strong>, without the need to work, to enter and legally establish their long-term residence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The visa must be requested before<\/strong> entering Italy.<\/p>\n

The application must be personally submitted<\/strong> by the Canadian citizen<\/strong> at the Italian diplomatic or consular office<\/strong> responsible for their place of residence.<\/p>\n

To apply for an elective residence visa in Italy<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen<\/strong> must complete a standard visa application form<\/strong>, attaching all documentation proving<\/strong> they have sufficient and stable financial resources<\/strong> to support themselves without working in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Requirements to apply for the elective residence visa for canadians in Italy<\/h2>\n
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To obtain an elective residence visa<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen must demonstrate the availability of<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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  • A property in Italy<\/strong> to be used as their residence. Suitable documentation includes a property purchase contract<\/strong> or a rental contract<\/strong> duly registered with the Italian Revenue Agency<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Sufficient, stable, and regular financial resources<\/strong>, which can reasonably<\/strong> be expected to continue in the future, not deriving from employment in Italy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The financial resources, estimated to be at least \u20ac31,000 per year<\/strong>, must come from:<\/p>\n

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    • Substantial passive income<\/strong> (pensions, annuities, financial investments, etc.).<\/li>\n
    • Rental income from owned properties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Stable economic or commercial activities abroad<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Other sources, excluding employment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Additionally, the Canadian citizen<\/strong> must have a health insurance policy covering illnesses and accidents<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Although not explicitly required by law<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen must demonstrate a genuine intention<\/strong> to settle permanently in Italy. Italian administrative jurisprudence has deemed denials of the visa legitimate<\/strong> when the applicant fails to prove their real intention to reside permanently in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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      Documents required for the elective residence visa for Canadians<\/h2>\n
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      To apply for an elective residence visa<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen<\/strong> must attach all necessary documents<\/strong> to prove compliance with the legal requirements, including:<\/p>\n

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      • A property purchase contract<\/strong> or a rental contract<\/strong> duly registered with the Italian Revenue Agency<\/strong>, proving their residence in Italy.<\/li>\n
      • Documents proving financial resources<\/strong>, depending on the source of income (e.g., company balance sheets, tax returns, property ownership certificates, investment income statements, etc.).<\/li>\n
      • A certificate of private health insurance<\/strong>, along with proof of renewal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

        [album]<\/p>\n

        Health insurance requirement for the italian elective residence visa for Canadians<\/h2>\n
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        Under Article 34<\/strong> of the Italian Immigration Law (D.Lgs. n. 286\/1998)<\/strong>, foreign nationals legally residing in Italy who are not required to enroll in the National Health Service<\/strong> must obtain a private health insurance policy<\/strong> covering illnesses, accidents, and maternity<\/strong>, with a minimum coverage of \u20ac30,000<\/strong> for emergency hospitalization and potential repatriation costs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        To apply for the elective residence visa<\/strong>, the Canadian citizen must purchase a health insurance policy<\/strong> and submit proof<\/strong> along with the visa application.<\/p>\n

        Once in Italy, the Canadian citizen<\/strong> may choose either<\/strong> to continue with private insurance<\/strong> or to voluntarily enroll in the Italian National Health Service<\/strong> by paying an annual contribution based on their income<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        Application process for the elective residence Visa for Canadians in Italy<\/h2>\n
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        The Canadian citizen<\/strong> intending to obtain an elective residence visa<\/strong> should first verify with a legal professional<\/strong> whether they meet the legal requirements for the visa.<\/p>\n

        The first step is to secure a property in Italy<\/strong>. If the Canadian citizen wishes to personally purchase a property<\/strong>, they may first enter Italy with a business visa<\/strong> to complete the purchase.<\/p>\n

        Next, they must gather all necessary documents<\/strong>, ensure completeness<\/strong>, and prepare the application package<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Finally, they must fill out the standard visa application form<\/strong> and submit it to the relevant Italian diplomatic office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Due to the complexity of the process, legal assistance from an immigration expert<\/strong> is highly recommended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        How Boschetti law firm can help Canadians obtain elective residence<\/h2>\n

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        Boschetti Law Firm<\/strong> provides comprehensive legal assistance<\/strong> to Canadian citizens<\/strong> throughout the elective residence visa application process<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Services include:<\/p>\n

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        • Initial online consultation<\/strong> to identify required documents.<\/li>\n
        • Review and verification of collected documents<\/strong>, ensuring all legal requirements<\/strong> are met, including translations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Preparation of the visa application form<\/strong> and assistance in assembling the full application package<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Legal representation in case of visa denial<\/strong>, including a formal appeal<\/strong> under Article 10-bis of Law No. 241\/1990<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Assistance after obtaining the visa<\/strong>, including support in applying for the elective residence permit<\/strong> in Italy and accompaniment to the Immigration Office (Questura)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Throughout the entire process<\/strong>, Boschetti Law Firm<\/strong> liaises with Italian embassies and immigration authorities<\/strong> to ensure a smooth application process<\/strong> and protect the client\u2019s interests<\/strong> to the fullest extent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          Simple and quick steps to obtain elective residence for Canadians<\/div>\n
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          To obtain an elective residence visa, it is crucial to meticulously prepare the required documentation to demonstrate compliance with the legal requirements.<\/p>\n

          The assistance of a law firm with extensive experience in immigration law<\/strong><\/span> and specific expertise in this type of visa is essential to ensure a smooth application process.<\/p>\n

          Below is a step-by-step summary:<\/p>\n

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          1. Find a property<\/strong><\/span> to purchase (preferred option) or rent in Italy.<\/li>\n
          2. Verify eligibility<\/strong><\/span> by ensuring all other requirements for the elective residence visa are met.<\/li>\n
          3. Enter Italy with a business visa<\/strong><\/span> (if needed) one or more times to negotiate and finalize the purchase of the property. If renting, the process can often be delegated to representatives already in Italy.<\/li>\n
          4. Gather all necessary documents<\/strong><\/span>, including proof of property ownership (or a legally registered rental contract) and substantial, stable financial resources not derived from employment.<\/li>\n
          5. <\/span> Complete the standard visa application form<\/strong> for elective residence.<\/span><\/li>\n
          6. <\/span> Submit the application and required documentation<\/strong> to the <\/span>competent Italian Embassy<\/strong> (based on the applicant\u2019s place of residence in Canada).<\/span><\/li>\n
          7. Attend an interview<\/strong><\/span> at the Italian Embassy, if required.<\/li>\n
          8. <\/span> If the visa is granted<\/strong>, enter Italy and, within <\/span>8 days of arrival<\/strong>, apply for a <\/span>residence permit for elective residence<\/strong> for Canadians using the postal kit.<\/span><\/li>\n
          9. Attend an appointment at the Questura<\/strong><\/span> (police headquarters) to undergo fingerprint collection.<\/li>\n
          10. <\/span> Collect the residence permit<\/strong> on the scheduled date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            By following these steps carefully and with expert legal guidance, Canadian citizens can successfully obtain an elective residence visa for Italy<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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            Elective residence Elective Residence for Canadians Canada has strong commercial relations with our country, both in the traditional Made in Italy sector (food and wine) and in innovative sectors (mechanics, pharmaceuticals). According to Canadian government sources, total trade between Italy and Canada in 2021 amounted to 13.1 billion Canadian dollars. Italy and Canada also work […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2586,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2698","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2698"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5442,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2698\/revisions\/5442"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2586"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}