Italy Golden Visa – Investor visa
Italian Residence Permit for Investment Purposes
The Italy Golden Visa, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, is a residency-by-investment program launched in on November 16, 2017 to attract foreign capital and strengthen the country’s immigration system. It grants an initial 2-year residence permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Italy. Investment options range from a minimum of €250,000 in innovative startups to €2 million in Italian government bonds, with other routes including €500,000 in an Italian company or €1 million in philanthropic donations.
Italy Golden Visa – Investor visa Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Includes spouse, dependent children (including those over 18 if due to health), and dependent parents (if no support in home country)
- 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3-year periods with maintained investment
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years, and citizenship after 10 years (with B1 Italian)
Travel and Quality of Life
- Member of the EU and Schengen Area
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone (90/180 days)
- Right to live, work, and study in Italy
- Access to Italy’s healthcare and education systems
Ease of Access
- No language, education, or work experience requirements
- No physical residency requirement
- Eligible for non-EU/EEA citizens over 18
- Flexible investment options starting from €250,000
Italy Golden Visa Requirements
- Be over 18 years of age and a Non-EU/EEA Citizen.
- Passport with remaining validity of at least 2 years and 6 months at the time of submission
- Prove ownership, transferability and licit origin of funds
- Maintain investment
- Apostilled/legalized clean criminal records issued by countries where has resided for more than 12 consecutive months during the last 10 years (starting from the age of 18)
- Description of the characteristics of the investment/donation, proof of consent of recipients, and declaration of commitment to use the funds
- Have private health insurance covering Schengen area
Italy Golden Visa Investment Options
Option 1:
€250,000 Investment in Innovative Startups.
Registered in the official Italian startup registry.
(startup.registroimprese.it)
Option 2:
€500,000 Investment in Italian Companies.
(Includes both listed and unlisted companies operating in Italy)
Option 3:
€1,000,000 Philanthropic Donation.
Support projects of public interest in Italy.
Option 4:
€2,000,000 Investment in Government Bonds
(Capital-secure option backed by the Italian state)
Investment should be directed to one legal entity only.
Investments in more than one type of bonds allowed.
Investment can be made via a non EU company owned by the investor.
Italy Golden Visa – Investor visa Process
Processing time 3 to 6 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Collect required documents
- Choose a qualifying investment option
- Submit application for the Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta)
Approval And Investment
- Once Nulla Osta is approved, apply for the Investor Visa at your local consulate (within 6 months)
- Attend visa appointment and receive 2-year Investor Visa
- Apply for visas for eligible dependents
- Open a bank account in Italy (required for bond or share investments)
Residency
- Enter Italy within the visa’s validity period
- Apply for the Investor Residence Permit within 8 days of arrival (valid for 2 years)
- Complete the investment within 3 months of entering Italy
- Non-compliance leads to revocation of the process
Contact us
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italy Investor Visa Program (Italy Golden Visa) program?
The Italy Golden Visa—formally known as the Investor Visa for Italy—is a residency-by-investment initiative officially launched on November 16, 2017. Created under the 2017 Budget Law, the program aims to attract non-EU investors and strengthen Italy’s appeal as a destination for foreign capital.
This visa offers a two-year residence permit, extendable, to individuals who commit to a qualifying financial investment within the country. Investment options include €250,000 in an innovative startup, €500,000 in a limited company, €1 million in philanthropic projects, or €2 million in Italian government bonds.
Beyond residency, the program provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area, allows family members to be included, and does not impose a physical stay requirement to retain residency status. After five years of continuous legal residence, applicants can apply for permanent residency, with eligibility for Italian citizenship after ten years, subject to integration conditions such as language proficiency.
This pathway offers investors not only flexibility and long-term opportunities in Italy but also strategic access to the broader European Union.
Who is eligible to apply for the Golden Visa in Italy?
Applicants for the Italy Investor Visa must be over 18, non-EU/EEA citizens, have a clean criminal record, and provide evidence of legally obtained funds. They must make a qualifying investment in startups, companies, government bonds, or a philanthropic donation.
Who can be included as dependents in the Italy Investor Visa application?
Eligible dependents in the Italy Investor Visa application include the spouse or civil partner, minor children, adult children who are financially dependent due to health conditions, and parents who are dependent due to serious health issues and lack of support in their home country.
What are the benefits of obtaining the Italy Investor Visa?
With the Italy Investor Visa (Golden Visa), you can live, work, and study in Italy, access healthcare and education, travel freely in the Schengen Area, and apply for permanent residency and citizenship after a qualifying period. No language test or physical stay is required to maintain the visa.
What is the usual processing time for the Italy Investor Visa?
The standard processing time for the Italy Investor Visa is between 3 to 6 months.
Do I need to travel or reside in Italy during the Italy Investor Visa process?
You don’t need to reside in Italy during the application process. However, you must enter Italy with your investor visa and apply for the residence permit within 8 days of arrival.
What is the application process for the Italy Investor Visa?
To obtain the Italy Investor Visa, you must apply online for a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment). After approval, apply for the Investor Visa at your local consulate. Upon entering Italy, make the investment within 3 months and apply for your residence permit.
Can I include dependents later in the Italy investor visa process?
Yes, dependents can be added after the main applicant receives the Italy Investor Visa, by submitting separate applications at the consulate of residence.
Is there a path to Italian citizenship through the Italy Investor Visa?
Yes. With the Italy Investor Visa, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years and Italian citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal residence, provided you meet all requirements including language proficiency.
When must the investment be made under the Italy Investor Visa Program?
The investment required under the Italy Investor Visa must be made within 3 months of entering Italy. If the investment is not completed within this timeframe, the process will be considered void or revoked.