Major Legal Update: A Game-Changer for Families Applying for Italy’s Elective Residency Visa (ERV)
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We have important news: a landmark decision from an Italian court is poised to transform how families apply for one of Italy’s most challenging visas—the Elective Residency Visa (ERV).
The Problem (Until Now)
For years, families—especially from the U.S. and U.K.—have struggled with an unreasonable requirement: consulates insisted that each adult in the household independently meet the €31,000 annual income threshold, even if all funds came from a shared account.
This meant couples had to prove a combined income of at least €62,000, regardless of how finances were structured.
The Breakthrough Ruling
In late June, the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale del Lazio (Regional Administrative Court of Lazio) ruled against this interpretation. The case was brought by a British couple who were denied their ERV in 2022. Although they had a shared passive income of over €53,000, their application was rejected because neither partner individually met the €31,000 threshold.
The court’s decision now confirms: that’s not how the law should be applied.
What the Court Actually Said
The court made two important clarifications:
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Income Thresholds Apply to the Household—not Individuals
The law does not require each family member to meet the full income requirement separately. Instead, it states that financial resources must be adequate for the entire household.Specifically:
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The main applicant must show at least €30,540 per year.
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Each additional family member must add €18,660 to the total.
✅ This means a couple without children would only need a combined income of just over €49,000, not €62,000.
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Children Are Not Expected to Prove Income
The judge also criticized the absurdity of expecting children to demonstrate personal income. The previous policy implied that even minors needed to meet a €30,000+ income standard, which is clearly unreasonable.
What This Means for You
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If your application was previously denied because shared income wasn’t accepted:
You now have strong legal grounds to reapply or appeal. -
If you’re just beginning the process:
Consulates can no longer legally require every adult applicant to individually meet the €31,000 threshold. That interpretation is no longer enforceable.
One Caveat
The court did not clarify whether an application is valid if only one spouse has an income and the other has none. That question remains unresolved. However, if both spouses contribute to a combined household income that meets the new thresholds, you’re in a much stronger position.
Final Thoughts
This ruling isn’t just about financial paperwork—it reflects a broader recognition of families and shared economic realities in Italian immigration policy. While bureaucracy often takes time to catch up, this decision is a major step forward.
If you were denied in the past for applying as a couple or combining income, now may be the right time to try again.
Need Help with Your Application?
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