I love Italy, I'd like to retire there soon. I'm tenacious, and not given to complaining. That said, in the interests of reporting back to like-minded folks (and venting a bit), here's what I've learned I must do, in trying to arrange an ER visa:
Make a consulate appointment a couple of months ahead (just learned for Chicago it isn't really an appointment until it is confirmed 10 days prior).
If the appointment is confirmed, fly to Italy for a week or so just prior, find an apartment and sign a contract. It would preferably start a month or so after, and would likely require at minimum first months rent, a month deposit, and a month's rent realtor fee. Hard to say without being there.
Buy a 6 month health insurance policy for Europe and a 1-way ticket for a future date.
Return to Chicago (not my home city, that's Denver) for a couple of days to submit my application, apt contract, insurance, and flight res..
Fly back to Denver, cross fingers, and wait for a reply. Although chances are I get it, it is far from certain. My current passive income is just above the minimum, but has been for only a few months. So this is a gamble, risking at least a few thousand dollars, time and trouble. I'm now coming to understand this kind of risk is commonplace when trying to relocate overseas. As all this has come to light, the long-held 'I'll retire to Italy' idea becomes a much tougher decision than I ever imagined.
Considering other countries with less convoluted requirements: Spain, Thailand. Ha ha. Turns out every country has its own special set! :^)
Make a consulate appointment a couple of months ahead (just learned for Chicago it isn't really an appointment until it is confirmed 10 days prior).
If the appointment is confirmed, fly to Italy for a week or so just prior, find an apartment and sign a contract. It would preferably start a month or so after, and would likely require at minimum first months rent, a month deposit, and a month's rent realtor fee. Hard to say without being there.
Buy a 6 month health insurance policy for Europe and a 1-way ticket for a future date.
Return to Chicago (not my home city, that's Denver) for a couple of days to submit my application, apt contract, insurance, and flight res..
Fly back to Denver, cross fingers, and wait for a reply. Although chances are I get it, it is far from certain. My current passive income is just above the minimum, but has been for only a few months. So this is a gamble, risking at least a few thousand dollars, time and trouble. I'm now coming to understand this kind of risk is commonplace when trying to relocate overseas. As all this has come to light, the long-held 'I'll retire to Italy' idea becomes a much tougher decision than I ever imagined.
Considering other countries with less convoluted requirements: Spain, Thailand. Ha ha. Turns out every country has its own special set! :^)
