Italian Residency for an Israeli Citizen: A Case Study on Obtaining Residenza Elettiva in 2026

The story of David, an investor from Tel Aviv who successfully legalized his residence in Tuscany without the right of employment. We examine the nuances of submitting documents through the consulate, the passive income requirements, and the process of obtaining a residence card (Permesso di Soggiorno).

In 2026, Italy remains one of the most sought-after destinations for the relocation of wealthy foreign nationals. David, an entrepreneur and holder of a diversified investment portfolio in Europe and the United States, faced the necessity of regularizing his status. For the past few years, he had lived in a "tourist" mode, shuttling between Tel Aviv, Zurich, and Rome. The client already possessed a villa in the Tuscany region, where he spent the majority of his time. However, the rules of the Schengen Area (90 days within a 180-day period) restricted his freedom, and he sought to obtain a legal basis for permanent stay in his Italian home without binding himself to employment obligations.

Strategy and Selection of the Migration Programme

The client’s primary objective was to secure a status that would allow him to reside in Italy for an indefinite time, utilize local medical services, and travel freely throughout Europe, all without creating obligations to conduct business or seek employment within the country. David was categorically opposed to establishing an Italian legal entity or becoming a salaried employee, as his principal assets and business interests were concentrated outside the European Union. Given his high level of passive income and ownership of real estate, the only viable solution was the Residenza Elettiva (Elective Residence) visa.

The Residenza Elettiva programme is designed exclusively for financially independent persons. The key condition is that the applicant must support himself through passive sources: dividends, rent, pensions, or royalties. Any gainful employment within Italian territory is strictly prohibited with this type of residence permit.

The choice in favour of this programme was determined by several factors. Firstly, the absence of language proficiency requirements at the submission stage. Secondly, the possibility of converting this residence permit into permanent residency after five years of residence. Thirdly, David’s ownership of a ready-to-use property in Tuscany eliminated one of the main challenges—finding a long-term rental. Furthermore, the submission of documents took place in Tel Aviv, allowing for the comfortable preparation of the dossier without unnecessary flights.

Case Preparation: Finances and Documents

The process of obtaining a residence permit on the grounds of Residenza Elettiva in 2026 requires an impeccable evidentiary basis. Italian consulates have tightened their verification of the sources of funds. Merely demonstrating a large sum in a bank account is insufficient; one must prove the stability and regularity of deposits (continuity of income). The GARANT.in team conducted an audit of David’s assets. It was established that his monthly passive income significantly exceeded the base threshold of 32,000 euros per year, reaching figures comfortable for visa approval.

A key factor in the success was the competent structuring of the investment portfolio within the documents: income from real estate rental and dividends from securities were separated, which allowed the consul to be shown a diversified flow of funds independent of the applicant’s active labour.

Document Package for Submission

The compilation of the dossier took approximately three weeks. Particular attention was paid to translations and the legalization of certificates issued in Israel. Below is the list of documents submitted to the Consulate of Italy in Tel Aviv.

List of documents for the Type D Visa (Residenza Elettiva):

• Application form for a national Type D visa, completed in Italian.
• International passport valid for at least three months beyond the requested visa duration.
• Proof of accommodation: the deed of sale for the villa in Tuscany and an extract from the Land Registry.
• Financial guarantees: bank statements for 12 months, tax returns from Israel and the USA, and broker reports.
• Motivation letter explaining the reasons for relocation without the intent to work.
• Criminal record certificate with an apostille and translation.
• International insurance policy with coverage of at least 30,000 euros, valid within the EU.

Important: Italian consulates reserve the right to demand income higher than the established minimum. For citizens of non-EU countries, a safe benchmark in 2026 is a confirmed passive income starting from 3,500 euros per month per person.

The Stage in Italy: From Visa to Residence Permit

The review of the application in Tel Aviv took 21 days. A Type D visa valid for 365 days was affixed to the passport. The main bureaucratic process began after arrival in Italy. A request for the Permesso di Soggiorno must be submitted within 8 working days of entry.

The legalization procedure included the following steps:

• Post Office (Poste Italiane): Dispatch of the Kit Postale to the Questura and receipt of the Ricevuta.
• Police Headquarters (Questura): A visit to provide fingerprints and verify original documents.
• Registration (Anagrafe): Registration of residence in the municipality of Tuscany.

Thanks to residing in a small municipality, queues were minimal. Six weeks after submitting biometrics, David received notification that the residence card was ready. The initial residence permit was issued for a period of 1 year with the right of renewal.

Results and Advantages of the Status

Obtaining the Residenza Elettiva residence permit fully met the client’s needs. David secured the right to live in Italy year-round. His tax status is regulated separately under the double taxation avoidance agreement between Italy and Israel. He also gained access to the national healthcare system on a voluntary paid basis, which proved significantly cheaper than private insurance.

"I have long felt that Italy is my place. Thanks to the support of GARANT.in, I was able to obtain legal status without a business or employment locally. This has opened new horizons for my lifestyle and investments."

This case confirms that even amidst tightening migration rules, Italy remains open to financially wealthy foreigners, provided there is transparent confirmation of income and competent legal preparation.

FAQ

Can one work remotely with a Residenza Elettiva residence permit?

No. Any gainful employment, including remote work, is prohibited. There is a separate Digital Nomad visa for this purpose.

What is the minimum income required in 2026?

Formally, approximately 32,000 euros per year. In practice, 3,500–4,000 euros per month per person is required.

Is it mandatory to purchase real estate?

No. Long-term rental is sufficient, though ownership significantly increases the chances of approval.

Do I become a tax resident of Italy?

Automatically, no; however, residing for more than 183 days and registering with the Anagrafe may lead to this status. Tax consultation is recommended.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. The spouse and children may obtain residence permits together with the applicant, although income requirements will increase.