{"id":2707,"date":"2022-11-04T14:43:55","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T14:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/?page_id=2707"},"modified":"2026-04-23T07:01:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T07:01:15","slug":"elective-residence-for-chinese-citizens","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/investments-and-real-estate\/elective-residence\/elective-residence-for-chinese-citizens\/","title":{"rendered":"Elective Residence for Chinese Citizens"},"content":{"rendered":"
Elective residence<\/div>\n

Elective Residence for Chinese Citizens<\/h1>\n
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Elective residence for Chinese citizens is a highly sought-after and relevant topic.<\/p>\n

According to data from the Ministry of Labor, as of January 1, 2021, there were 279,728 Chinese citizens<\/strong> legally residing in Italy. This places the Chinese community as the third-largest<\/strong> among non-EU nationalities, following Moroccan and Albanian communities.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the Chinese community in Italy is well known for having a high number of entrepreneurs<\/strong>, with over 53,000 individual enterprises<\/strong>, ranking second among non-EU entrepreneurship in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The elective residence visa<\/strong> is an excellent opportunity<\/strong> for Chinese citizens with substantial financial resources<\/strong> who wish to invest in Italy<\/strong> and settle permanently<\/strong>. As we will see, the Italian Embassy in China considers property ownership as sufficient implicit proof<\/strong> of the financial stability required<\/strong> to obtain an elective residence visa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the elective residence permit for Chinese citizens?<\/h2>\n
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The elective residence permit<\/strong> for Chinese citizens<\/strong> allows them to reside in Italy long-term<\/strong> without being required to generate income from employment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A Chinese citizen<\/strong> who can demonstrate stable financial resources<\/strong> from real estate income, pensions, stock dividends, etc.<\/strong>, which are expected to remain stable in the future<\/strong>, has the possibility to obtain an elective residence permit<\/strong> for themselves and their dependent family members<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The minimum financial requirement<\/strong> to obtain an elective residence visa and permit<\/strong> for Chinese citizens<\/strong> is \u20ac31,000 per year<\/strong>. This amount increases if the Chinese citizen applies for the visa for a dependent family member<\/strong> as well.<\/p>\n

With the elective residence permit<\/strong>, a Chinese citizen<\/strong> can integrate into Italian society<\/strong>, beginning the ten-year residency period<\/strong> after which they may apply for Italian citizenship<\/strong>. The elective residence status<\/strong> does not prevent Chinese citizens from engaging in entrepreneurial activities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the elective residence visa for Chinese citizens in Italy?<\/h2>\n
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The elective residence visa<\/strong> for Chinese citizens<\/strong> allows entry into Italy for those who can prove financial self-sufficiency<\/strong>, without needing to work as an employee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A Chinese citizen<\/strong> can still engage in entrepreneurial or artisanal activities<\/strong> but is not required to demonstrate employment income<\/strong> since the financial resources must come from rents, pensions, stock ownership, financial investments, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Elective residence for Chinese citizens<\/strong> is a great opportunity<\/strong> for Chinese investors<\/strong> with substantial financial resources<\/strong> who wish to move to Italy<\/strong> and live off stable income sources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

To obtain an elective residence visa<\/strong> and residence permit<\/strong>, a Chinese citizen<\/strong> must have a property in Italy<\/strong> to use as their residence. For wealthy Chinese citizens<\/strong> with strong liquidity<\/strong>, purchasing property is preferable<\/strong> over renting.<\/p>\n

The elective residence visa<\/strong> must be applied for at the Italian Embassy<\/strong> by submitting a standard application form<\/strong>, along with documents proving eligibility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Documents required for the elective residence visa for Chinese citizens<\/h2>\n
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There is no standardized<\/strong> official list of documents required for the elective residence visa<\/strong> for Chinese citizens<\/strong>. However, based on general eligibility requirements<\/strong>, the following documents are typically required:<\/p>\n

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  • Copy of passport<\/strong> (all pages).<\/li>\n
  • Registered lease contract<\/strong> (duly recorded with the Italian Revenue Agency) or a notarized deed of property purchase<\/strong>. Some embassies may accept a preliminary purchase agreement<\/strong> (known as a \u201ccompromesso\u201d).<\/li>\n
  • Financial documents<\/strong>: company balance sheets, income tax returns<\/strong>, property ownership certificates<\/strong>, investment portfolio reports, etc.<\/li>\n
  • Health insurance certificate<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Proof of prior visits to Italy<\/strong>, online messages or call logs indicating relationships in Italy, or other evidence justifying the desire to settle in Italy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    After gathering the required documents, the Chinese citizen\u2014preferably assisted by legal professionals experienced in elective residence visas<\/strong>\u2014must complete the visa application form<\/strong> and submit it to the Italian Embassy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Health insurance for the elective residence visa from China<\/h2>\n
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    To apply for the elective residence visa<\/strong>, a Chinese citizen<\/strong> must obtain an international health insurance policy<\/strong> valid for at least 30 days<\/strong> with a minimum coverage of \u20ac30,000<\/strong> for emergency hospitalization and repatriation expenses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This requirement is established by Article 34, paragraph 4(a) of Legislative Decree 286\/98<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This insurance is mandatory<\/strong> for any foreign citizen applying for a visa to enter Italy or the Schengen Area<\/strong> who is not enrolled in the Italian National Health Service (SSN)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The purpose of this insurance<\/strong> is to cover medical and hospitalization expenses<\/strong> for foreign citizens<\/strong> during their stay in Italy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Application process for the elective residence visa for Chinese citizens<\/h2>\n
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    A Chinese citizen<\/strong> seeking to apply for the elective residence visa<\/strong> must first verify eligibility<\/strong>, ideally with the assistance of immigration law professionals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Since the first requirement<\/strong> is to have a property in Italy<\/strong>, the initial step<\/strong> is to identify a property<\/strong> in Italy to purchase or lease<\/strong>, unless the applicant already owns a residence<\/strong> in Italy.<\/p>\n

    Property ownership<\/strong> is strongly recommended<\/strong> because owning real estate exempts the Chinese citizen from proving \u20ac31,000 in annual income<\/strong>, as property ownership is considered sufficient proof of financial stability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    For property purchases<\/strong>, a Chinese citizen<\/strong> may prefer to personally visit Italy, negotiate, and view potential properties<\/strong>. It is therefore advisable to first enter Italy with a business or tourist visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    For rental properties<\/strong>, negotiations and contract execution can be delegated<\/strong> to a representative<\/strong> already residing in Italy.<\/p>\n

    Even if the Chinese citizen owns property in Italy<\/strong>, proof of additional financial resources<\/strong> (other than employment income) must be submitted. These may include:<\/p>\n

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    • Pension income<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Real estate rental income<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Dividends from stock ownership<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Returns from investment funds<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Additionally, the applicant must demonstrate a legitimate reason for wishing to reside in Italy<\/strong>, such as family relationships<\/strong>, personal interests, cultural ties, or business interests.<\/p>\n

      Once the complete document set is prepared<\/strong>, the applicant can submit the visa application at the Italian Embassy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      Requirements for the elective residence visa from China to Italy<\/h2>\n
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      A Chinese citizen<\/strong> applying for the elective residence visa<\/strong> must visit the competent Italian Embassy<\/strong>, based on their place of residence, and submit the application<\/strong> along with all necessary documents<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      The application must be accompanied by documentation proving the following:<\/p>\n

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      • Availability of a property<\/strong> to establish residence<\/strong> in Italy.<\/li>\n
      • Ownership of stable financial resources<\/strong> expected to continue in the future<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Valid health insurance policy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • Genuine intent to settle permanently in Italy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Regarding property ownership<\/strong>, the Italian Embassy and Consulates in China<\/strong> have implemented a policy to facilitate elective residence visas for Chinese citizens<\/strong> who demonstrate intent to purchase a residential property in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        This means that purchasing a home in Italy automatically satisfies the minimum economic requirement<\/strong> (\u20ac31,000 per year).<\/p>\n

        However, even with property ownership<\/strong>, we still recommend submitting additional financial documentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Furthermore, Italian administrative courts have ruled<\/strong> that applicants must prove<\/strong> they genuinely intend to live in Italy<\/strong>, preventing misuse of the elective residence visa<\/strong> for purposes other than permanent relocation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        How Boschetti law firm can help you obtain an elective residence visa for Chinese citizens coming to Italy<\/h2>\n

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        Boschetti Law Firm assists Chinese citizens<\/strong> applying for an elective residence visa<\/strong>, offering continuous and high-level legal services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Our legal assistance and consultancy<\/strong> for the elective residence visa<\/strong> start with assessing eligibility<\/strong>, proceed with the collection of required documents<\/strong>, and conclude with the electronic delivery of a complete application package<\/strong> to be submitted to the Italian Embassy<\/strong>, including a pre-filled application form<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Clients who also require assistance for the elective residence permit<\/strong> can benefit from additional support, including the submission of the residence permit application<\/strong> through the Italian postal system (Poste Italiane)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Additionally, clients can authorize our firm to accompany them to the Immigration Office at the Police Headquarters (Questura)<\/strong> on the day of their appointment, during which they will be required to submit fingerprints<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Throughout the process, our law firm represents and supports<\/strong> foreign applicants in their interactions with the Embassy and the Immigration Office (Questura)<\/strong>\u2014the public authorities responsible for processing applications. We handle all communications, follow-ups, and procedural compliance<\/strong> to protect our clients\u2019 interests to the fullest extent of our professional expertise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        With many years of experience in immigration law<\/strong>, we provide high-quality legal services<\/strong> for Chinese citizens seeking an elective residence visa<\/strong>, ensuring efficient processing<\/strong> and minimizing delays<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

        Moreover, we prepare legal defenses against a possible visa rejection notice<\/strong>. If the Embassy<\/strong> deems the applicant ineligible after reviewing their documents and conducting the required interview<\/strong>, we challenge the decision<\/strong> and provide additional evidence to prove compliance with legal requirements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

        Simple and fast steps<\/div>\n

        Simple and Fast Steps to Obtain an Elective Residence Visa for Chinese Citizens<\/h3>\n
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          \n
        • Identify a property<\/strong> in Italy to purchase<\/strong> (preferred option) or rent<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Verify that all other requirements<\/strong> for the elective residence visa<\/strong> are met.<\/li>\n
        • Enter Italy with a business visa<\/strong> (one or multiple times) to negotiate and finalize<\/strong> the property purchase. If renting, the process can be handled remotely<\/strong> through representatives in Italy.<\/li>\n
        • Collect all necessary documents<\/strong>, including proof of property ownership<\/strong> or a registered lease agreement<\/strong>, along with stable and sufficient financial resources<\/strong> that are not derived from employment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Attend an interview at the Italian Embassy in China<\/strong>, if required.<\/li>\n
        • Complete the standard visa application form<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Submit the application and supporting documents<\/strong> to the Italian Embassy<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • If the visa is granted<\/strong>, enter Italy and apply for a residence permit<\/strong> within 8 days<\/strong> via the Italian postal system (Poste Italiane)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Attend an appointment at the Immigration Office (Questura)<\/strong> for fingerprinting (biometric data submission)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        • Collect the residence permit<\/strong> upon approval.<\/li>\n
        • Register your residence<\/strong> in Italy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n


          \n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          Elective residence Elective Residence for Chinese Citizens Elective residence for Chinese citizens is a highly sought-after and relevant topic. According to data from the Ministry of Labor, as of January 1, 2021, there were 279,728 Chinese citizens legally residing in Italy. This places the Chinese community as the third-largest among non-EU nationalities, following Moroccan and […]<\/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-2707","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2707","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=2707"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5443,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2707\/revisions\/5443"}],"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=2707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}