Immigration
Tightly limited residence categories outside the EU
San Marino is not an EU or Schengen member and has no border controls with Italy, but residence is strictly regulated. Ordinary residence is scarce, so most newcomers use special or economic residence categories.
Key rules
- Residence permits are granted in limited annual numbers by government decision.
- Economic or atypical residence is tied to investment, employment or property commitments.
- Working in San Marino requires enrolment on the employment lists and an authorisation.
Governing law
- Law 118/2010 on residence and stay of foreign nationals
- Law on San Marino citizenship
In practice
There is no border post with Italy, so lawful presence is checked through residence, tax and employment records rather than at entry.