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Italy Investor Visa: A Golden Visa Guide for Expats & HNWIs

With no minimum stay requirement and options starting from €250,000, the Italy investor visa offers one of the most flexible and affordable residency-by-investment routes in the EU.

Interest in this visa continues to grow among non-EU nationals seeking strategic entry into Europe.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • What is an investor visa in Italy?
  • What is the minimum investment for PR?
  • How do you qualify for permanent residency in Italy?
  • Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a property?
  • What is the downside of living in Italy?
  • Is Italy a good place for living?

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

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What is the Golden Visa in Italy?

The Golden Visa in Italy, officially known as the Italy investor visa, is a residency-by-investment program launched in 2017.

It was designed to attract strategic foreign capital and talent to support economic growth and innovation.

The scheme grants a two-year renewable residence permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Italy.

It forms part of Italy’s broader “Visto per Investitori” initiative, aligning with other EU investor visa models but with fewer physical presence requirements and a more straightforward application process.

This visa is particularly suited for:

  • High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs): Those looking for EU mobility, wealth diversification, and tax efficiency through Italy’s lump-sum tax regime.
  • Expats: Individuals seeking long-term residency in Italy with minimal bureaucracy.
  • Entrepreneurs and investors: Founders, venture capitalists, and corporate investors interested in Italy’s tech, luxury, and real estate sectors.

How to Get an Italy Investor Visa

Applying for the Italy investor visa involves a structured, two-stage process, starting with online approval and followed by consular application and travel to Italy.

Step-by-Step Golden Visa Application Process

  1. Obtain Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment):
    Submit an online application via the Italian investor visa portal, including your investment plan and required documentation.
  2. Receive Approval:
    If approved, the Committee for Investor Visas (part of the Ministry of Economic Development) will issue a nulla osta, typically within 30 days.
  3. Apply for the Visa:
    Take the nulla osta to your local Italian consulate to apply for the investor visa. This step must be completed within six months of issuance.
  4. Enter Italy and Finalize Investment:
    Once you arrive in Italy, you have 8 days to make the investment.
  5. Apply for the Residence Permit:
    After completing the investment, apply for the two-year residence permit at your local Questura (police headquarters).

Italy Investor Program Eligibility Requirements

  • Be non-EU/EEA citizens.
  • Be 18 or older and in good legal standing.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial resources.
  • Commit to one of the approved investment categories

Required Documents and Legal Procedures

  • Valid passport
  • Nulla osta (obtained online)
  • Investment declaration and plan
  • Proof of funds and financial documentation
  • Proof of legal source of funds
  • Health insurance and accommodation in Italy

All documents must be translated into Italian and legalized or apostilled, as required.

Renewal and Extension Conditions

The initial permit is valid for two years. To renew:

  • The full investment must remain in place.
  • The applicant must maintain legal residence in Italy.
  • Renewal grants an additional three years, after which applicants may qualify for permanent residency.

How Much Do You Have to Invest in Italy to Get a Golden Visa?

The required investment depends on the asset class chosen, ranging from contributions to public debt to equity in innovative startups. Applicants must commit to one of the following minimum investments:

  • €2 million in Italian government bonds
    This option appeals to conservative investors seeking stability, with funds held in zero-coupon bonds for at least two years.
  • €500,000 in an Italian company
    The investment must be in an active, operating company incorporated and based in Italy. The firm must meet criteria related to transparency and legal standing.
  • €250,000 in an innovative startup
    Designed to attract venture capital, this is the lowest threshold available. Startups must be registered in the Italian special registry for innovative enterprises.
  • €1 million in a philanthropic project
    Contributions must support a public interest initiative in sectors such as culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, or preservation of cultural heritage.

Comparison with Other EU Golden Visas

While other EU countries such as Portugal and Greece have historically offered golden visa programs, many have tightened requirements or phased them out altogether.

For instance:

  • Portugal now excludes real estate from its golden visa scheme and requires higher-risk fund investments.
  • Greece recently increased its minimum real estate investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in key areas.

In contrast, Italy’s investor visa remains fully operational, with relatively competitive thresholds—particularly the €250,000 startup option—and no property requirement, making it increasingly attractive to global investors.

How Much Investment is Needed to Get PR in Italy?

There is no requirement to increase the initial investment amount to obtain PR, but the investment must remain compliant throughout the qualifying period.

Permanent residency (PR) in Italy is not granted automatically through the investor visa itself.

To qualify for permanent residency, an Italy investor visa holder must:

  • Reside continuously in Italy for 5 years with a valid residence permit
  • Maintain the original qualifying investment (e.g., government bonds, company shares, startup equity, or donation)
  • Show sufficient income, stable accommodation, and integration into Italian society (including basic Italian language proficiency)

Italy PR and Citizenship Eligibility

Italy investor visa
Photo by Anh Nguyen on Pexels

While PR is attainable after 5 years, Italian citizenship through naturalization typically requires 10 years of legal residence.

Key distinctions include:

  • PR grants indefinite stay rights and access to most social benefits, but not a passport
  • Citizenship confers full EU citizenship, including voting rights and the ability to live and work across the EU

Tax Residence Implications for Long-Term Stays

Remaining in Italy long enough to qualify for PR or citizenship may lead to tax residency, which occurs when:

  • You spend more than 183 days per year in Italy, or
  • Italy becomes your center of economic and personal interests

Italy offers a flat tax regime for new residents with high net worth, allowing them to pay a fixed €200,000 annual tax on foreign income.

This is especially relevant for investor visa holders considering long-term settlement without triggering full global taxation.

Can I Get Citizenship by Investment in Italy?

Despite the term golden visa, Italy does not offer direct citizenship by investment.

Some countries offer direct citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, where large financial contributions can lead to a passport within months.

Italy, however, does not have a CBI scheme.

The investor visa grants a temporary residence permit, which can eventually lead to citizenship, but only through naturalization.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Italy?

Italy consistently ranks among the most desirable destinations for expats, retirees, and investors.

While the country offers an exceptional lifestyle and cultural richness, it’s important to weigh such advantages against challenges like language barrier and high tax rates.

Advantages of Living in Italy

  • High Quality of Life: Italy offers a relaxed pace of life, excellent healthcare, and one of the world’s best culinary and cultural landscapes.
  • Strategic Location in Europe: Residents enjoy easy access to other EU countries for business and leisure.
  • Tax Incentives for New Residents: Italy has a favorable lump-sum tax regime for HNWIs, allowing qualifying individuals to pay €200,000 annually on foreign income.
  • Family-Friendly Residency: Investor visa holders can include spouses and children, and enjoy access to public education and services.
  • Strong Healthcare System: Italy’s national health service provides affordable, high-quality care once you’re registered as a resident.

Disadvantages of Living in Italy

  • Bureaucracy: Italian administrative procedures are often slow and complex, especially for non-EU nationals.
  • Language Barrier: While English is spoken in business hubs, daily life in many regions still requires Italian fluency.
  • High Taxation on Domestic Income: While foreign income can benefit from tax breaks, income earned in Italy is subject to progressive rates.
  • Regional Disparities: Living standards, infrastructure, and job opportunities can vary significantly between the north and south.
  • Residency Obligations: Long-term visa or PR holders must maintain physical presence and comply with stay requirements, which could be a downside for highly mobile individuals.

Conclusion

The Italy investor visa offers flexible investment paths, family inclusion, and EU mobility without requiring immediate relocation or property purchase.

While it lacks a fast-track to citizenship, it appeals to high-net-worth individuals seeking estate planning benefits, lifestyle value, and a strategic European foothold.

For expats with long-term goals, it remains a strong option when paired with proper tax and relocation planning.

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