Complete Guide to San Marino: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Your ultimate 2025 Complete Guide to San Marino – Europe's oldest republic and a medieval enclave in Italy. No visa required (90-day Schengen access via Italy), explore Città di San Marino's three towers, hike Monte Titano trails, and shop duty-free. Discover elective residency via €500K real estate investment for tax-optimized living (17% flat corporate tax), grasp the stable economy under Captains Regent Alessandro Rossi & Milena Gasperoni, and savour piadina flatbreads. This detailed guide covers everything: top destinations, practical tips, and aviation insights for seamless San Marino travel and business.
Introduction to San Marino
San Marino, with 34,000 resilient citizens, is a Pyrenees-like microstate atop Monte Titano — the world's oldest republic (since 301 AD), duty-free haven, and Ferrari testing ground. In 2025 it draws 3M day-trippers from Italy to its three towers and wine cellars. This guide covers seamless entry, elective residency paths, and icons like Guaita for immersive San Marino travel.
San Marino Independence Date
September 3, 301 AD – traditional founding by Saint Marinus. Celebrated as Republic Day with Borgo Maggiore crossbow tournaments and feasts.
How to Apply for San Marino Visa – 90 Days Visa-Free
No visa required; entry via Italy (Schengen rules). 90 days visa-free in 180 for 100+ countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia). ETIAS (€7) mid-2025. No border controls; passport stamped in Italy.
San Marino Elective Residency 2025 – Investment Route
€500K real estate purchase or €600K government bonds (10-year hold) → 1-year elective residence permit (renewable, no work allowed). €10K fee; health insurance required. Path to permanent after 5 years, citizenship after 30 (renounce others).
Top Places to Visit in San Marino
- Città di San Marino – Three Towers (Guaita, Cesta, Montale)
- Monte Titano – Hiking trails, cable car
- Palazzo Pubblico – Government palace, changing of the guard
- Basilica di San Marino – Founder's tomb
- Piazza della Libertà – Central square
- Museo di Stato – History exhibits
- Castello di Guaita – Medieval fortress
- San Marino Adventure Park – Ziplines, family fun
Economic Activities & 2025 Outlook
Nominal GDP ≈ €2 billion, 2.0% growth. Sectors: tourism (60% GDP), banking (17% tax haven), manufacturing (ceramics, wine), retail (duty-free).
How to Buy a SIM Card in San Marino
TIM San Marino (best coverage) or Vodafone at stores/kiosks. €10–15 starter with 10–20GB data. Passport required; Italian SIMs roam seamlessly.
Who Leads San Marino?
Captains Regent: Alessandro Rossi & Milena Gasperoni (April–October 2025; ceremonial heads, elected every 6 months).
Political Status
Parliamentary diarchy republic; EU customs union (no membership). Stable coalition focuses on tax transparency, tourism growth.
Aviation Services in San Marino
No airport; access via Rimini (Italy). San Marino Aircraft Registry for private jets; medevac via Italian services; scenic helicopter tours from Rimini over Titano.
Culture, Piadina & Festivals
Piadina flatbreads, tesina wine. Festivals: Medieval Days (Jul), Crossbow Palio (Sep 3).
Safety & Practical Tips
Extremely safe; no crime. English/Italian spoken; Euro currency. Day-trip from Rimini (20min drive).
Plan Your San Marino Journey
From tower climbs to wine tastings, San Marino delights. KiliFlying Air offers charters from Italy for your microstate adventure.
Contact: +255 744 303 141 or message us