Residency by Investment
Right to reside permanently in Italy
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Italian Investor Visa, allows investors and their families to live in Italy while enjoying visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
The programme encourages foreign investment in Italy through several qualifying options starting from €250,000, including investments in Italian companies, innovative start-ups, government bonds, or philanthropic projects. It offers a clear pathway to Italian residency with the potential for long-term residence making it an attractive option for globally mobile investors seeking EU access and lifestyle benefits.
Benefits
Right to reside in Italy and Schengen Visa-Free access
The Italian Investor Visa grants its beneficiaries the right to reside in Italy and also to use the residence card to travel within the Schengen Area without a visa.
Bring your family with you
Italy’s Golden Visa programme allows investors to include close family members under the same application, ensuring a seamless relocation for the household. Eligible dependants typically include a spouse or civil partner, minor children, financially dependent adult children, and dependent parents. Approved family members receive residence permits aligned with the main applicant, granting access to Italy’s healthcare and education systems as well as visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
Invest in Italian ventures
Italy offers a structured and diversified investment framework under its Investor Visa programme, allowing applicants to contribute to the country’s economic development through four qualifying routes. Investors may allocate capital to Italian government bonds, invest in shares of Italian companies, support innovative start-ups at a reduced threshold, or make a philanthropic contribution to projects of public interest. These options provide flexibility while aligning investment with Italy’s strategic sectors, enabling applicants to combine European residency with meaningful economic participation in one of the EU’s largest economies.
Flexible Residence Programme
One of the key advantages of Italy’s Golden Visa programme is its flexibility. Unlike many other residency-by-investment schemes, Italy does not impose a strict minimum physical stay requirement to maintain the residence permit. This allows investors to retain their Italian residency status while continuing to manage international business interests or reside elsewhere for part of the year. For globally mobile individuals and families, this provides valuable freedom and planning flexibility, while still offering access to the benefits of Italian residency and Schengen travel.
Experience Italian heritage
Italy offers an exceptional cultural lifestyle defined by heritage, artistry, and everyday elegance. From historic city centres and world-renowned museums to culinary excellence and vibrant local traditions, life in Italy is enriched by centuries of cultural influence. Residents enjoy a refined pace of living, strong community values, and access to some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes, from coastal retreats to countryside estates. Combined with modern comforts and international connectivity, Italy provides a lifestyle that balances inspiration, leisure, and sophistication.
Optimise your global taxes
The primary objective of Italy’s Investor Visa framework is to attract foreign capital and internationally mobile individuals to contribute to the country’s economic development.
In parallel, Italy offers a special tax regime designed to provide certainty and efficiency for qualifying new residents. With effect from 30 December 2025, eligible individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy may opt to pay a fixed annual substitute tax of €300,000 on foreign-sourced income, in lieu of the ordinary progressive income tax rates.
To access this regime, the applicant must establish Italian tax residence and must not have been tax resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten years preceding the election. An advance ruling request may be submitted to the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) to confirm eligibility.
The regime can remain in force for up to 15 years, and qualifying family members may opt in for an additional €50,000 per person per year, enabling coordinated long-term tax planning for the entire household.
Secure Your EU Residency Today
Who is this for
Italy’s Golden Visa is designed for non-EU investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure base within Europe while maintaining global mobility. It is particularly suited to internationally active business leaders, founders, and families who wish to diversify their residence options, access the EU market, and benefit from Italy’s lifestyle and legal framework without being subject to strict relocation requirements. The programme also appeals to those considering long-term European settlement, including individuals who may later pursue permanent residence or citizenship through naturalisation.
Why this country
Why Italy
Italy stands at the crossroads of culture, commerce, and European integration, offering a compelling foundation for both residence and investment. As a founding member of the European Union and the eurozone, and one of Europe’s largest economies, Italy provides regulatory stability, strong legal protections, and full access to the EU Single Market and the Schengen Area. Its diversified economy spans advanced manufacturing, luxury goods, design, agri-food, technology, and tourism, creating a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs and globally minded investors.
Beyond its economic credentials, Italy offers an unparalleled quality of life. Residents benefit from a highly regarded public healthcare system, reputable universities and international schools, modern infrastructure, and exceptional connectivity across Europe and beyond.
From historic cities and financial centres to coastal retreats and countryside estates, Italy combines heritage with contemporary sophistication. For internationally mobile individuals and families, it is not simply a gateway to Europe, but a strategic and lifestyle-driven long-term base.
Key Contacts
Dr. Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Dr. Antoine Saliba Haig
Magdalena Velkovska
Contact a Residency Specialist
Requirements
Legal Basis for the Italian Investor Visa
The legal foundation for Italy’s Investor Visa, commonly referred to as the Italian Golden Visa, is found in Article 26‑bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998), which was introduced by the 2017 Budget Law (Law No. 232/2016) to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic development. Under this provision, non-EU nationals who make qualifying investments or donations in strategic sectors of the Italian economy are eligible to apply for a dedicated long-stay visa and, subsequently, a residence permit.
The implementing details and procedural rules are set out in an interministerial decree adopted on 21 July 2017 by the Minister for Economic Development in cooperation with the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, which also establishes the criteria, investment thresholds and the role of the designated Investor Visa Committee responsible for issuing the pre-approval (nulla osta).
This legal framework ensures that the programme operates within Italy’s immigration law and supports contributions that are maintained for the duration of the residence permit, with pathways to renewal, long-term residence and eventual citizenship under the national immigration and citizenship statutes.
Eligibility Requirements
The Italian Investor Visa is available to non-EU nationals who wish to make qualifying investments in Italy, including government bonds, shares in Italian companies, innovative start-ups, or public-interest projects.
Applicants must meet general requirements such as being at least 18 years old, having no criminal record, and demonstrating the legitimacy of their funds. Specific to recent developments, Russian and Belarusian citizens are not eligible to apply under the order of the Chairman of the Investor Visa Committee dated 14 July 2023, in compliance with Recommendation C (2022) 2028 of the European Union.
Eligible applicants can also include close family members, allowing spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents to participate in the programme.
Four Different Options
Italy’s Golden Visa, offers foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain residency by contributing to Italy’s strategic economic and social sectors. Applicants can choose from four qualifying investment options:
- A €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start-up company
- A €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- A €1,000,000 philanthropic donation to projects of public interest
- A €2,000,000 investment in Italian government bonds
These diverse options allow investors to align their capital with economic growth, innovation, and cultural or social initiatives, while securing a residence permit in Italy and access to the benefits of EU mobility.
Due Diligence Process
Italy’s Golden Visa programme includes a rigorous endorsement and vetting process to ensure the integrity of all applicants. Each application undergoes thorough due diligence conducted by the relevant authorities, including verification of the source of funds, background checks, and compliance with legal and financial requirements. This process safeguards Italy’s economic and social interests while providing investors with a transparent and secure framework.
Only after this comprehensive review is a pre-approval (nulla osta) issued, allowing applicants to proceed with their chosen investment and obtain the residence permit
Process/Timeline
Assess goals and eligibility
We begin with a strategic consultation to understand your objectives, family composition, eligibility and determine the best investment route in Italy.
Obtain Nulla-Osta
The next step is to obtain the Nulla Osta, or certificate of no impediment, through the official Italian Investor Visa platform. Once your approval is issued, you can proceed to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a two-year investor visa.
To begin the application, create a personal account on the official Italian Investor Visa website. Complete the required forms, upload the necessary supporting documents, and verify your final declaration using an electronic signature. After submission, you can download the confirmation and proceed with the embassy appointment to obtain your visa.
Committee Secretariat Checks & Evaluation
Once your application is submitted, the Committee Secretariat reviews your materials to ensure they are complete and compliant. There are three possible outcomes of this evaluation:
- Approval: If your application meets all requirements, a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) will be issued and made available for download on your personal account.
- Request for Supplementary Information: If additional documents or clarifications are needed, the Committee will request these within 30 days. During this period, the application is temporarily suspended until the requested information is provided.
- Reasoned Rejection: If the application does not meet the criteria, the Committee will issue a formal rejection with the reasons for the decision.
The Committee typically issues its assessment within 30 days of receiving a complete application, ensuring a clear and structured process for all applicants.
Enter Italy with a Visa and Submit a Residence Application
Once your application is approved you should visit the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country within six months to submit the required documentation along with your certificate and apply for a visa to visit Italy
After arriving in Italy, you have eight days to apply for a two-year residence permit. To obtain this permit, you must complete your qualifying investment or donation within three months of arrival.
Applications are submitted at the local police station (Questura), where you provide your passport and entry visa. Following this, you log in to the Italian Investor Visa portal to confirm your arrival date, the date of your application at the Questura, and the location of the police station. You must then upload proof of your investment to the portal.
The initial Italian Investor Visa is valid for two years, during which you may enter Italy freely and maintain your temporary residence permit. If you maintain your investment throughout this period, you may apply to renew the visa for an additional three years at least 60 days before it expires. The renewal process requires a new Nulla Osta and is subject to approval by the Committee, following the same assessment and due diligence procedures as the initial application.
FAQs
[question]What is the Italy Golden Visa?[/question]
[answer]The Italy Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment programme that allows non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain Italian residency through one of four qualifying investment options.[/answer]
[question]Who can apply for the Italy Golden Visa?[/question]
[answer]Eligible applicants include non-EU nationals who meet investment thresholds and pass background checks.[/answer]
[question]What are the investment options?[/question]
[answer]There are four main investment options:
- A €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start-up company
- A €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- A €1,000,000 philanthropic donation to projects of public interest
- A €2,000,000 investment in Italian government bond
[/answer]
[question]Can family members be included?[/question]
[answer]Yes, the programme allows inclusion of spouse and dependent children under the same application.[/answer]
[question]Does the Italy Golden Visa lead to citizenship?[/question]
[answer]While not automatic, residing in Italy for at least 10 years may lead to citizenship subject to meeting residency and integration requirements.[/answer]
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