Atypical Residence for Pensioners

San Marino's Atypical Residence for Pensioners (Residenza Atipica per Pensionati) allows foreign retirees to establish primary residence in the Republic while benefiting from a preferential 6% flat tax on pension income. The program targets private-sector retirees from EU member states, Switzerland, and other countries designated by the Congress of State. After 10 consecutive years, the atypical residence automatically consolidates into permanent registered residence with full rights.

• Minimum annual gross pension income of €120,000 from sources outside San Marino
• Minimum €300,000 in movable assets deposited and maintained in the San Marino banking system for the entire duration of residence
• Both income and asset thresholds must be met simultaneously
• Must be a retiree receiving pension income — no specific age requirement
• Must never have previously resided in San Marino, or must not have consolidated registered residence before the regulation's effective date
• Valid travel documentation for entry through Italy
• Accommodation in San Marino (purchase or rental contract); shared housing with non-family members is prohibited
• Private health insurance or voluntary contributions to the San Marino Institute for Social Security (ISS)
• Clean criminal record

• Valid travel document (expatriation document, signed and authenticated)
• Preliminary property purchase contract or rental agreement (conditional upon residence approval)
• Criminal record certificate and certificate of pending charges from country of origin
• Statutory declaration regarding citizenships held, 5-year residence history, and tax compliance
• Proof of pension income (pension certificates, bank statements)
• Documentation of San Marino bank account with minimum €300,000 in movable assets
• Health insurance documentation

The atypical residence is granted for 10 years from registration in the resident population register. It is renewable upon expiration. After 10 consecutive years, the status automatically consolidates into standard registered residence (residenza anagrafica), granting full residence rights. The preferential 6% tax rate continues even after consolidation.

Family members may be included under the main applicant's atypical residence application. Dependants are subject to the same restrictions: no public sector employment, no state benefits, and mandatory health insurance at their own expense. Family reunification applicants do not count toward the annual quota of 249 atypical residences.

Pension income is subject to a 6% substitute tax (imposta sostitutiva), replacing the standard general personal income tax (IGR). The tax is payable in a single instalment at the general income tax balance deadline. This rate applies regardless of whether a double taxation treaty exists with the applicant's country of origin. Former directors and officials of international organisations with annual income of at least €100,000 may qualify for an even lower 3% rate.

Applications are submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (Dipartimento Affari Esteri) with all required documentation and a €1,000 administrative instruction fee. The Department reviews the application and forwards it to the Permanent Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Affairs, which deliberates within 60 days. The Commission's decision is final and non-appealable. Upon approval, the applicant must complete the property transaction, open a San Marino bank account with the required assets, and register with the population register. A temporary stay permit of up to 6 months may be issued while formalities are completed.

San Marino does not issue its own entry visas — entry is through Italy, so applicants must hold valid travel documentation for Italian immigration.

Contact: [email protected], tel. +378 549 882299.

• A maximum of 249 atypical residences for pensioners may be granted per year (reduced from 500 by Delegated Decree No. 77 of 22 May 2025; modifiable annually by delegated decree)
• Failure to pay the substitute tax or only partial payment results in immediate revocation, permanently barring future applications
• Dropping below the €300,000 asset threshold in the San Marino banking system is grounds for revocation
• Health insurance lapses trigger a 90-day cure period before final revocation
• San Marino is not an EU or Schengen member, though its location within Italy provides practical access to the Schengen area