QI am an American citizen and have been invited to stay with my uncle and aunt (Italian citizens) at their home in Italy for six months. What do I need in terms of insurance, visas, and other legal documentation? I don’t plan to work, I will be travelling or staying with them.
AUS citizens can stay in Italy for three months without a visa as long as their passport is valid for three months after their planned return to the United States. If they have high and continuous economic resources they can request an “elective residence” visa which will allow them to stay in Italy, without the possibility of working. This allows entry to Italy for foreigners who can demonstrate that they have suffi cient fi nancial resources to support themselves without working. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a place to stay where they can elect domicile and economic resources (pensions, annuities, real estate, stable economic/commercial activities or other sources other than employment). The duration of the residency permit for elective residence is one year, renewable in Italy at the Police Headquarters with territorial jurisdiction as long as the original requirements are maintained. Once elective residence has been obtained, the citizen in question may register with the Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service) but it is often advisable to supplement this assistance with private insurance that covers the entire period of residency in Italy. American tourists wishing to drive in Italy should obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the US. If they are still abroad when the permit expires they can apply for a new one by mail through the American Automobile Association (AAA). Valid American driving licences may also be used if accompanied by a sworn translation in Italian.
Laura Protti,
LEP Law