San Marino is an independent microstate in the center of Italy, attracting foreigners with a high level of security, political stability and favorable taxation. In 2025, various types of permits are available for obtaining a residence permit: study, work, investment, for pensioners, etc. Learn about the advantages of living in this country, types of residence permits and important nuances of immigration

San Marino is an independent microstate in the center of Italy, which is increasingly attracting foreigners, including pensioners from Austria, the USA and Argentina, due to its high level of security, political stability and favorable taxation. The country is famous for its picturesque landscapes, developed medical system and high quality of life.

How to get a residence permit in San Marino in 2025? The current rules in our new guide.

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Why get a residence permit in San Marino

The local government provides benefits to its citizens and foreigners who have a residence permit on many social and economic issues. Therefore, getting a GNP or PMP in San Marino makes sense for the following reasons:

- Freedom of movement within the European Union

Despite the fact that the country is not formally a member of the said association, its residents have the right to move around the European Union without a visa. This applies to residence and travel. As for work and business, separate rules apply.

- Reduction of personal tax rate

Residing in San Marino gives you the right to become a tax resident of this country. This means that taxes must be paid only on income received in San Marino. However, this only applies to taxes for individuals. In addition, different countries have their own rules for taxation of citizens, so this issue should be clarified separately.

- Accessible social programs

Citizens of San Marino, as well as foreigners with a residence permit, receive high-quality medical care. Children have access to free education on preferential terms. Students are also provided with benefits, but their amount depends on the specific EU country and university.

How to get a residence permit in San Marino?

San Marino is not part of the EU or the Schengen zone, but the process of entering the republic and staying there is simple. Since travelers must first pass through Italy - part of the EU and the Schengen zone, they must still follow these rules.

After entering San Marino, if you plan to stay for a long period, you will need to obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) from the San Marino Gendarmerie.

Main types of residence permits in San Marino in 2025

The main types of permits you can obtain are: selective residence, atypical residence, special, study and investment.

1. Study permit

Issued to students studying in primary, secondary school or university. The permit is valid for a minimum of one year and can cover the entire period of study.

2. Special permits (work permits)

They are divided into:

- Permanent - for employees with an open-ended employment contract;

- Seasonal - for those whose contracts last no more than 10 months.

3. Family reunification permit

Issued to family members, for example, if you are married to a citizen of San Marino.

4. Economic residence (investment permit)

For entrepreneurs and investors who meet the following conditions:

- majority ownership of the company's shares;

- payment of medical contributions - 350 euros per month per person;

- availability of a medical insurance policy with a coverage of at least 50,000 euros;

- contribution to a bank account - 75,000 euros at the start, increasing to 150,000 euros within 2 years.

Simplified conditions for investors:

- hiring at least 5 employees (8 for industrial projects);

- purchase of real estate for at least 300,000 euros;

- medical insurance for 24 months with a coverage of 30,000 euros.

Areas that give the right to economic residency:

Technology, green economy, tourism, entertainment, trade, art, ecological production, healthcare, marketing, international relations, education and research.

5. Selective residence

You can get it by investing: real estate worth €500,000 or more, or real estate worth €350,000 plus €150,000 in renovations, or €600,000 in government bonds held in a bank for 10 years.

The application is submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fee is €10,000. The decision is made by the State Congress within 60 days.

6. Atypical residence (for pensioners)

From April 28, 2025, San Marino has tightened the rules for pensioners who want to obtain an atypical residence permit. Applicants must now meet two key financial conditions:

- A confirmed annual gross income of at least €120,000. Income may include not only pension payments, but also rental income, dividends and other financial gains.

- A portfolio of liquid financial assets worth at least 300,000 euros, which must be kept in a San Marino bank throughout the period of residence. Liquid assets include cash or investment securities held in the country. Real estate, trusts or other illiquid assets are not taken into account unless converted into appropriate liquid financial instruments.

7. Permit with preferential tax treatment

For those who receive income exclusively outside San Marino and were not previously a tax resident. Tax - 7% on all foreign income, minimum 10,000 euros, maximum 100,000 euros per year;

Registration fee - 1,000 euros.

It is necessary to confirm economic independence and have housing in the country.

Public sector employment is prohibited.

Mandatory health insurance.

After 10 years of residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Checklist for moving to San Marino

Basic requirements

- No criminal record

- Adequate housing

- Financial capacity for self-sufficiency

- Private health insurance (recommended in the first years of residence)

Documents required for obtaining a residence permit

- Valid passport or other identity document.

- Certificate of current residence.

- Certificate of no criminal record from the country of origin.

- Proof of income or assets.

- Health insurance policy.

Timeframe for obtaining a residence permit in San Marino

- Preparation of documents – 1-2 months

- Consideration of the application – up to 60 days

Fulfillment of additional requirements depends on the chosen type of residence

Citizenship of San Marino: by descent and by naturalization

Obtaining citizenship of San Marino is a long process, so it is often recommended to first apply for permanent residence as soon as the opportunity arises. At the same time, citizenship can be obtained both by descent and by naturalization.

Citizenship by descent is regulated by Law No. 114/2000 and provides for the following conditions:

- If both parents are citizens of San Marino, you are automatically entitled to citizenship.

- If only one of your parents is a citizen of San Marino, you have 12 months after reaching the age of 18 to apply for citizenship.

- If one of your parents is a stateless person, you can also apply for citizenship.

If both parents are stateless and you were born in San Marino, you are also entitled to citizenship.

Citizenship by naturalization is possible after at least 20 years of residence in the country. In this case, minors whose parents have obtained San Marino citizenship are automatically entitled to it. The period of residence is reduced to 10 years if you are married to a San Marino citizen or have parents of Samarese origin, even if you were not born in the country yourself.

In 2025, San Marino is a profitable destination for retirees, entrepreneurs and investors. However, the new requirements for atypical residence for retirees require in-depth financial preparation. At the same time, the preferential tax system, quality of life and security make the country attractive for long-term residence.

Need help? Contact our certified migration lawyers to obtain a residence permit in San Marino as quickly and easily as possible.

Reminder! San Marino is one of the smallest states in Europe, and the only European country that is landlocked and borders only one state. However, despite this, the country attracts foreigners looking for career prospects. We have already told you what is needed for employment in San Marino.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in San Marino;

Legal advice on business issues in San Marino;

Travel insurance for foreigners in San Marino;

Medical insurance around the world.