San Marino residency
How to obtain residency in San Marino
RESIDENCE FOR ECONOMIC REASONS
Law No. 115/2017 Decree No. 137/2017 Residence for economic reasons is granted to foreign citizens intending to start a business activity in a corporate form in San Marino, based on the following criteria. The applicant must:
- hold at least 51% of the company;
- employ from 1 (if the company operates in a sector deemed incentivized) to 3 resident workers, full-time and on a permanent basis; if more employees are hired, at least 50% must be residents;
- pay a monthly contribution for healthcare and welfare services amounting to €350 per capita;
- hold an insurance policy with a San Marino-based company covering a minimum of €50,000 per capita.
- at the time of application, make a restricted bank deposit of €75,000 as a real guarantee for the State, to be increased to €150,000 within two years of obtaining residence (replaceable by purchasing property with a privilege in favor of the State). Residence extends to the spouse/partner and children under 25 who are dependent or have disabilities. The maximum number of residences that can be granted annually is 50.
- hold at least 51% of the company;
- employ from 1 (if the company operates in a sector deemed incentivized) to 3 resident workers, full-time and on a permanent basis; if more employees are hired, at least 50% must be residents;
- pay a monthly contribution for healthcare and welfare services amounting to €350 per capita;
- hold an insurance policy with a San Marino-based company covering a minimum of €50,000 per capita.
- at the time of application, make a restricted bank deposit of €75,000 as a real guarantee for the State, to be increased to €150,000 within two years of obtaining residence (replaceable by purchasing property with a privilege in favor of the State). Residence extends to the spouse/partner and children under 25 who are dependent or have disabilities. The maximum number of residences that can be granted annually is 50.
SIMPLIFIED RESIDENCE
Legge 71/2013 e decreto 63/2014
Law 71/2013 and Decree 63/2014
Simplified residence is granted to foreign citizens who make one or more investments in the territory of the Republic of San Marino, aimed at starting a new economic activity and/or acquiring an existing one to relaunch and/or consolidate its development.
A specific business project must be prepared, detailing the conditions required by law. Applications can be submitted:
a) by the entrepreneur if the minimum employment requirements are met;
b) by the entrepreneur and one additional person if the employment plan includes at least 20 employees;
c) by the entrepreneur and two additional persons if the employment plan includes more than 30 employees.
Residence may also be granted to family members living with the individuals listed in points a), b), and c) and included in their household.
Requirements:
- Employment of at least 5 full-time and permanent employees hired from the employment lists; 8 employees for industrial production projects (shareholders and/or their family members are excluded from this count). If more employees are hired, at least 50% must be residents.
- Purchase of an existing property at the time of transaction completion, with a minimum value of €300,000, or a bank or insurance guarantee issued by a San Marino-regulated entity.
- Acquisition of a health insurance policy covering each residency applicant for a value of €30,000 for the first 24 months.
Entrepreneurial sectors to incentivize for economic residence:
- Production of technologically advanced goods or services;
- Green economy sector;
- Hospitality and tourism sector;
- Entertainment and recreation sector;
- Commerce sector;
- Arts and culture sector;
- Traditional low-environmental-impact production;
- Health and pharmaceutical sector;
- Management, marketing, international relations, training, and research.
Law 71/2013 and Decree 63/2014
Simplified residence is granted to foreign citizens who make one or more investments in the territory of the Republic of San Marino, aimed at starting a new economic activity and/or acquiring an existing one to relaunch and/or consolidate its development.
A specific business project must be prepared, detailing the conditions required by law. Applications can be submitted:
a) by the entrepreneur if the minimum employment requirements are met;
b) by the entrepreneur and one additional person if the employment plan includes at least 20 employees;
c) by the entrepreneur and two additional persons if the employment plan includes more than 30 employees.
Residence may also be granted to family members living with the individuals listed in points a), b), and c) and included in their household.
Requirements:
- Employment of at least 5 full-time and permanent employees hired from the employment lists; 8 employees for industrial production projects (shareholders and/or their family members are excluded from this count). If more employees are hired, at least 50% must be residents.
- Purchase of an existing property at the time of transaction completion, with a minimum value of €300,000, or a bank or insurance guarantee issued by a San Marino-regulated entity.
- Acquisition of a health insurance policy covering each residency applicant for a value of €30,000 for the first 24 months.
Entrepreneurial sectors to incentivize for economic residence:
- Production of technologically advanced goods or services;
- Green economy sector;
- Hospitality and tourism sector;
- Entertainment and recreation sector;
- Commerce sector;
- Arts and culture sector;
- Traditional low-environmental-impact production;
- Health and pharmaceutical sector;
- Management, marketing, international relations, training, and research.
RESIDENCE
The Permanent Consular Committee on Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Immigration, upon proposal by the Congress of State and following a mandatory opinion from the Gendarmerie, has the authority to grant residence to foreigners who:
a) hold managerial or key positions in San Marino's healthcare or social care facilities, banking, insurance, and financial institutions, or in public security roles;
b) hold managerial or key positions in San Marino-registered companies employing a significant number of workers;
c) invest capital or have already invested in the territory, including through controlled or to-be-established companies in economic or entrepreneurial activities, ensuring commitments in employment and related/necessary real estate investments. Employee hiring must be from the employment lists, excluding shareholders and their family members from the employment count;
c-bis) present economic-financial programs or projects that are of particular interest and deemed strategic for the Republic;
c-ter) donate and commit to donating assets of cultural, social, or general public interest to the Republic, ensuring their accessibility and usability, without requiring economic investment from the applicants;
c-quater) have distinguished themselves through internationally recognized merits in the fields of science, art, and culture.
Applicants who obtain residence must independently possess the necessary means to support themselves and their healthcare needs during the first 24 months of residence if they do not have an employment position. Healthcare for this period must be secured through an insurance policy covering illness, injury, maternity, and healthcare, with annual coverage of at least €30,000.
Regarding point c) mentioned above, a five-year business plan must be submitted for the project. Entrepreneurial projects that include employment commitments and real estate investments, both for housing and company headquarters, are favorably considered.
a) hold managerial or key positions in San Marino's healthcare or social care facilities, banking, insurance, and financial institutions, or in public security roles;
b) hold managerial or key positions in San Marino-registered companies employing a significant number of workers;
c) invest capital or have already invested in the territory, including through controlled or to-be-established companies in economic or entrepreneurial activities, ensuring commitments in employment and related/necessary real estate investments. Employee hiring must be from the employment lists, excluding shareholders and their family members from the employment count;
c-bis) present economic-financial programs or projects that are of particular interest and deemed strategic for the Republic;
c-ter) donate and commit to donating assets of cultural, social, or general public interest to the Republic, ensuring their accessibility and usability, without requiring economic investment from the applicants;
c-quater) have distinguished themselves through internationally recognized merits in the fields of science, art, and culture.
Applicants who obtain residence must independently possess the necessary means to support themselves and their healthcare needs during the first 24 months of residence if they do not have an employment position. Healthcare for this period must be secured through an insurance policy covering illness, injury, maternity, and healthcare, with annual coverage of at least €30,000.
Regarding point c) mentioned above, a five-year business plan must be submitted for the project. Entrepreneurial projects that include employment commitments and real estate investments, both for housing and company headquarters, are favorably considered.
ELECTIVE RESIDENCE
Law 94/2017
Elective residence is granted to foreign citizens who meet the following requirements:
a) Purchase of a building or portion of a building intended as a personal residence or for their family, for a price of no less than €500,000; alternatively, purchase of a raw building for at least €350,000, requiring additional costs for completion, renovation, or demolition not exceeding €150,000; or:
b) A non-interest-bearing and restricted deposit for 10 years of no less than €600,000 in securities issued by the State of San Marino or a fund specially created by the State.
Granting the residence involves:
1. Payment of an initial application fee of €1,000;
2. Payment of a one-time fee of €10,000 for the applicant (only for applications pursuant previous point sub b);
3. Payment of a one-time fee of €20,000 for each family member (dependent child under 25 or with disabilities), spouse, or partner.
Applicants are required to fully cover healthcare costs through private insurance covering all related risks.
Elective residence is granted to foreign citizens who meet the following requirements:
a) Purchase of a building or portion of a building intended as a personal residence or for their family, for a price of no less than €500,000; alternatively, purchase of a raw building for at least €350,000, requiring additional costs for completion, renovation, or demolition not exceeding €150,000; or:
b) A non-interest-bearing and restricted deposit for 10 years of no less than €600,000 in securities issued by the State of San Marino or a fund specially created by the State.
Granting the residence involves:
1. Payment of an initial application fee of €1,000;
2. Payment of a one-time fee of €10,000 for the applicant (only for applications pursuant previous point sub b);
3. Payment of a one-time fee of €20,000 for each family member (dependent child under 25 or with disabilities), spouse, or partner.
Applicants are required to fully cover healthcare costs through private insurance covering all related risks.
ATYPICAL RESIDENCE SUBJECT TO A REDUCED TAX REGIME
A new form of residence has been introduced, defined as "Atypical Residence Subject to a Reduced Tax Regime."
The conditions for applying include never having been a resident of San Marino and earning income abroad.
The application must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by a €1,000 fee and the following documents and certificates:
The application is reviewed by the Congress of State, which decides within 60 days.
Tax Benefits:
Individuals granted atypical residence are entitled to a reduced tax regime, involving payment of a substitute tax of 7% on net foreign income (with a minimum of €10,000 and a maximum of €100,000), to be paid in a single installment by June 30 each year.
Restrictions for the first 10 years (until residence is consolidated):
- They cannot have employment relationships with the Public Sector or State-participated entities;
- They are not entitled to contributions, benefits, or public disbursements;
- They must cover their healthcare costs through private insurance.
The reduced tax regime ceases after 15 years or in the event of non-payment or partial payment of the substitute tax.
Applicants may request to extend residence to individuals listed under Article 16, paragraph 3 bis of Law 118/2010, including:
a) A spouse who is not legally separated, with no ongoing separation or divorce proceedings;
b) A child under 25 years of age, legitimate, legally recognized, or adopted, who is dependent, unmarried, or not in a common-law partnership. For minors, consent must be given by the other parent (if known and alive) or authorized by a judicial order;
c) A legitimate, natural, or adopted child who is dependent and unable to support themselves due to a disability.
Documentation Required for Granting Residence::
The documentation is forwarded to the Civil Registry for inclusion in the resident population, and checks are initiated regarding the submitted documents.
A maximum of 100 such residences can be granted annually.
The conditions for applying include never having been a resident of San Marino and earning income abroad.
The application must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by a €1,000 fee and the following documents and certificates:
- A copy of a valid ID, signed and certified as authentic by the public official receiving the application;
- A preliminary contract or purchase agreement for property or a preliminary rental agreement subject to the condition of residence approval;
- Certificate of residence, general criminal record certificate, pending charges certificate, or equivalent documents;
- A self-issued declaration, made to the public official receiving the application, regarding citizenships held, places of residence over the past five years, absence of criminal convictions, absence of pending charges, and compliance with tax obligations;
- Documentation proving that the applicant and their family members intending to transfer to San Marino have sufficient resources for their sustenance.
The application is reviewed by the Congress of State, which decides within 60 days.
Tax Benefits:
Individuals granted atypical residence are entitled to a reduced tax regime, involving payment of a substitute tax of 7% on net foreign income (with a minimum of €10,000 and a maximum of €100,000), to be paid in a single installment by June 30 each year.
Restrictions for the first 10 years (until residence is consolidated):
- They cannot have employment relationships with the Public Sector or State-participated entities;
- They are not entitled to contributions, benefits, or public disbursements;
- They must cover their healthcare costs through private insurance.
The reduced tax regime ceases after 15 years or in the event of non-payment or partial payment of the substitute tax.
Applicants may request to extend residence to individuals listed under Article 16, paragraph 3 bis of Law 118/2010, including:
a) A spouse who is not legally separated, with no ongoing separation or divorce proceedings;
b) A child under 25 years of age, legitimate, legally recognized, or adopted, who is dependent, unmarried, or not in a common-law partnership. For minors, consent must be given by the other parent (if known and alive) or authorized by a judicial order;
c) A legitimate, natural, or adopted child who is dependent and unable to support themselves due to a disability.
Documentation Required for Granting Residence::
- A copy of the public deed of sale or rental contract for the property;
- A declaration regarding the place of residence.
The documentation is forwarded to the Civil Registry for inclusion in the resident population, and checks are initiated regarding the submitted documents.
A maximum of 100 such residences can be granted annually.
ATYPICAL RESIDENCE FOR RETIREES
Atypical residence for retirees is granted to pensioners from the European Union, Switzerland, or countries designated by the Congress of State, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Have an annual income of no less than €120,000 or financial assets of no less than €500,000;
- Have never been a resident of San Marino or have not yet consolidated their residence.
Application Requirements:
The application must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by a €1,000 fee and the following documents:
The application is reviewed by the Congress of State, which decides within 60 days.
Taxation:
Pension income is subject to a substitute tax of 6%, regardless of whether a double taxation agreement exists between the country of origin and San Marino, and whether the income is subject to withholding tax at source. The substitute tax of 6% must be paid in a single installment by June 30 each year.
For pensioners who have served as Executives or Officials of an International Organization and have a demonstrable annual income of no less than €100,000 gross, the tax rate is reduced to 3%.
Restrictions for the First 10 Years (Until Residence is Consolidated):
- They cannot have employment relationships with the Public Sector or State-participated entities;
- They are not entitled to contributions, benefits, or public disbursements;
- They must cover healthcare costs through private insurance.
Duration of Tax Benefits:
The reduced tax regime is granted for a consecutive period of 10 years and is renewable. It ceases to apply in case of non-payment or partial payment of the substitute tax.
Extension of Residence:
Applicants may request to extend residence to individuals listed under Article 16, paragraph 3 bis of Law 118/2010, including:
a) A spouse who is not legally separated and has no ongoing separation or divorce proceedings;
b) A child under 25 years of age, legitimate, legally recognized, or adopted, who is dependent, unmarried, or not in a common-law partnership. For minors, consent must be given by the other parent (if known and alive) or authorized by a judicial order;
c) A legitimate, natural, or adopted child who is dependent and unable to support themselves due to a disability.
Documentation Required for Granting Residence:
A maximum of 500 such residences can be granted annually.
- Have an annual income of no less than €120,000 or financial assets of no less than €500,000;
- Have never been a resident of San Marino or have not yet consolidated their residence.
Application Requirements:
The application must be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by a €1,000 fee and the following documents:
- A copy of a valid ID, signed and certified as authentic by the public official receiving the application;
- A preliminary contract or promise of purchase of property or a preliminary rental agreement subject to the condition of residence approval. Applications where individuals not belonging to the same family are sharing the same property are not accepted.
- Certificate of residence, general criminal record certificate, pending charges certificate, or equivalent documents;
- A self-issued declaration, made to the public official receiving the application, regarding citizenships held, places of residence over the past five years, absence of criminal convictions, absence of pending charges, and compliance with tax obligations;
- Documentation demonstrating that the applicant and their family members intending to transfer to San Marino have sufficient resources for their sustenance;
- Documentation related to the opening of a bank account in San Marino banks.
The application is reviewed by the Congress of State, which decides within 60 days.
Taxation:
Pension income is subject to a substitute tax of 6%, regardless of whether a double taxation agreement exists between the country of origin and San Marino, and whether the income is subject to withholding tax at source. The substitute tax of 6% must be paid in a single installment by June 30 each year.
For pensioners who have served as Executives or Officials of an International Organization and have a demonstrable annual income of no less than €100,000 gross, the tax rate is reduced to 3%.
Restrictions for the First 10 Years (Until Residence is Consolidated):
- They cannot have employment relationships with the Public Sector or State-participated entities;
- They are not entitled to contributions, benefits, or public disbursements;
- They must cover healthcare costs through private insurance.
Duration of Tax Benefits:
The reduced tax regime is granted for a consecutive period of 10 years and is renewable. It ceases to apply in case of non-payment or partial payment of the substitute tax.
Extension of Residence:
Applicants may request to extend residence to individuals listed under Article 16, paragraph 3 bis of Law 118/2010, including:
a) A spouse who is not legally separated and has no ongoing separation or divorce proceedings;
b) A child under 25 years of age, legitimate, legally recognized, or adopted, who is dependent, unmarried, or not in a common-law partnership. For minors, consent must be given by the other parent (if known and alive) or authorized by a judicial order;
c) A legitimate, natural, or adopted child who is dependent and unable to support themselves due to a disability.
Documentation Required for Granting Residence:
- A copy of the public deed of sale or rental contract for the property;
- A declaration regarding the place of residence.
A maximum of 500 such residences can be granted annually.