Italian Investor Visa Guide: How the Italy Golden Visa Works
LEARN HOW THE ITALY GOLDEN VISA WORKS (INVESTOR VISA)
The Italian investor visa, often referred to as the Italian golden visa, is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residence in Europe. While Italy is not the only country offering a residence-by-investment program, the Italy investor visa stands out for its flexibility, relatively fast processing times, and access to the European Union.
This guide explains how the Italy golden visa works, the benefits it offers, investment options, application requirements, and how it can eventually lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Benefits of the Italian Golden Visa
One of the main advantages of the Italian investor visa is the ability to stay in Italy long term, well beyond the standard 90-day limit within a 180-day period that applies to non-EU nationals.
The visa is initially valid for two years, which is longer than many comparable residence permits. As long as the investment remains in place and all conditions are met, the Italy investor visa can be renewed for an additional three years. After this period, holders may apply for permanent residency.
Additional benefits of the Italian golden visa include visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, access to Italy’s public healthcare system, and the right to live, work, study, or retire in Italy.
Residency approval in as little as three months
Visa-free access to 29 European countries
Entry into the European market through an Italian residence permit
High quality of life with full residency rights
No minimum physical residence requirement to maintain the visa
To qualify for the Italy golden visa, applicants must make a qualifying investment in the Italian economy through one of the following routes:
€2,000,000 invested in Italian government bonds
€500,000 invested in an existing Italian company, or €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
€1,000,000 donated to a qualifying philanthropic initiative, such as education, research, culture, or the arts
The investment does not need to be completed before applying for the Italian investor visa, but it must be finalized within three months of entering Italy. Investments cannot be combined and must fall entirely within one of the approved categories.
Applicants are also required to submit an anti–money laundering declaration confirming the lawful origin of the funds. While optional, transferring funds to an Italian bank account can simplify compliance and verification.
Requirements for the Italian Investor Visa
The Italy investor visa is not subject to annual quotas, meaning applications can be submitted year-round. In addition to meeting the financial thresholds, applicants must provide:
A nulla osta confirming there are no legal impediments
A valid passport
A recent passport-sized photograph
A professional résumé
Criminal background checks
Documentation proving the chosen investment
Italian authorities may conduct further due diligence on both the applicant and the investment. The investment must remain in place for the entire validity of the Italian golden visa and any subsequent renewals.
Processing Time and Application Steps
The application process begins with the request for a nulla osta, which typically takes around 30 days to be reviewed by the Committee Secretariat. Additional documentation may be requested during this phase.
Once approved, applicants have six months to submit their Italian investor visa application at their local Italian consulate. After the visa is issued, the applicant may enter Italy.
Within eight days of arrival, it is mandatory to apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura. This permit matches the initial two-year validity of the Italy golden visa and can later be renewed for an additional three years.
Proof that the investment has been completed must be submitted within three months of entering Italy.
Permanent Residency and Italian Citizenship
After five years of continuous legal residence, holders of the Italy investor visa may apply for permanent residency, known as the carta di soggiorno. Citizenship by naturalization may become available after ten years of residence, depending on individual circumstances.
Recent changes introduced under the Tajani Decree have shortened residency requirements for some applicants. Individuals with Italian parents or grandparents who do not qualify for citizenship by descent may apply for citizenship after just two years of residence. For EU citizens, the standard requirement is four years.
Final Considerations
The Italian golden visa offers a clear, flexible path to European residency with long-term advantages for investors and their families. If you are considering applying for the Italian investor visa or exploring other residency or citizenship options, the team at Italian Dual Citizenship is available to help.
You can contact us at info@italiandualcitizenship.net or explore our website for detailed information on Italian immigration and citizenship law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italy Residence by Investment Program?
It is a framework that allows foreign nationals and their families to obtain Italian residence through significant economic contributions.
What investment options are available?
Options include the Italian investor visa, which covers government bonds, company shares, or qualifying donations, as well as the Elective Residence Program for individuals with stable foreign income.
What are the benefits of Italian residence through investment?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Italy, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to Italy’s cultural and lifestyle advantages.
What is the minimum investment required?
The lowest qualifying investment is €250,000 for innovative Italian startups under the Italy golden visa framework.
Can family members be included?
Yes. Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents may be included in the Italian investor visa application.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No. There is no mandatory physical presence requirement to maintain the Italy investor visa.
Can the Italian golden visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. After ten years of residence, applicants may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship.
How does the application process work?
Applicants select a qualifying investment, submit the required documentation, and undergo due diligence before receiving approval.
This page was last updated by Marco Permunian
Additional Resources:
- How to get an Italian passport
- Italian citizenship by marriage
- Italian citizenship by marriage Australia
- Italian citizenship by marriage Canada
- Become Italian citizen
- Italian citizenship by descent
- How to get Italian citizenship through great grandparents
- Benefits of Italian dual citizenship
- Italian citizenship by marriage UK
- Italian citizenship 1948 case
- Italian citizenship requirements
- Italian citizenship by marriage Brazil, Argentina and South America
- Dual Italian citizenship
- Italian citizenship jure sanguinis South Africa
Do You Qualify?
Want to know if you are eligible for Italian Golden Visa? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to learn more about the process.
