The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Investor Visa for Italy, is a residency-by-investment program that allows foreign investors and their families to obtain residency in Italy by making a significant investment in the Italian economy. The visa has helped attract foreign capital to the country and comes with several benefits for investors. After five years of holding a temporary residence permit, the Italian Golden Visa provides a route to permanent residence in Italy.
Along with residency, the Golden Visa in Italy offers numerous benefits, such as the right to live, work, and study in Italy, the ability to travel freely across the Schengen Area, and access to healthcare and education.
In this article, we will explore the key features of the Italian Golden Visa, including the application process, investment options, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of holding this visa for individuals and their families.
This is more of what we will cover:
- What is the Italy Golden Visa program?
- What are the benefits of an Italian Investor Visa?
- Who is eligible for the Italian Investor Visa?
- Italy Golden Visa Investment Options
- Italy Golden Visa Required Documents
- How to Apply for the Italian Investor Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
- Italy Golden Visa Application Processing Time
Key Takeaways for Italy Residency by Investment Program
Key takeaways about Italy Golden Visa |
What is the Italy Golden Visa program?
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the Investor Visa for Italy, is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU citizens to obtain legal residence in Italy by making a significant financial investment in the country.
The visa application process is quick and grants a two-year residence permit, which can be renewed for three more years. To qualify for the Investor Visa, applicants can choose to invest in innovative startups, a company based and operating in Italy, government bonds, or make a philanthropic donation.
8 Benefits of the Italian Investor Visa
The Italy Golden Visa gives investors and their families the chance to live in Italy, a country known for its rich culture, great food, and beautiful places like Lake Como, Tuscany, and the Dolomites. It also offers good healthcare, strong education, and a stable economy.
1. Visa-free travel in Schengen: You can stay in any Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
2. Exemption from EES and ETIAS Requirements: Third-country travelers must register their biometric data when entering the EU under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Additionally, travelers from countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia must apply for an ETIAS authorization to visit Europe. However, Golden Visa holders are exempt from both of these requirements.
3. Right to live and work in Italy: You can live, work, and do business in Italy without restrictions.
4. Family Reunification: Your application should include family members such as your spouse, children under 18, dependent children over 18 who have a health condition and are financially dependent, and parents over 65 without extra investment.
5. Access to healthcare & education: Enjoy high-quality healthcare and education through Italy’s public system.
6. Path to EU Citizenship: If you maintain your investment, you can apply for Italian and EU citizenship after 10 years of residency. The Italian passport ranks 22nd on the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, and gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries, including the US, UK, New Zealand, and Japan.
Dual citizenship: Italy allows dual citizenship, so you can be an Italian citizen and keep your other nationality. You might qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if you have Italian ancestry. You will need documents like birth and marriage certificates to prove your family line, and you can apply through an Italian consulate or directly in Italy.
7. No residency requirement: You are not required to live in Italy full-time to keep your visa, giving you flexibility.
8. Tax benefits – New tax residents can access a special flat-tax regime for financial advantages.
Eligibility Criteria for the Italy Investor Visa in 2025
Main Applicant
- The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- A qualifying investment or donation must be made as per government requirements.
- A clean criminal record certificate and Certificates of No Pending Charges must be provided.
- Private health insurance
- Proof of funds must include the following:
- A bank letter states compliance with FATF international anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism standards.
- A self-declaration of the investment.
- A board resolution accepting the investment.
- If required, a lawyer or accountant must certify a declaration confirming the availability and legal origin of funds.
- The investment or donation must be completed within three months of entering Italy.
- Payment of the required fees.
Qualifying Family Members
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Dependent children over 18 who are unable to support themselves due to permanent health conditions
- Dependent parents who do not have other children to support them in their home country, or parents over 65 who their other children cannot support.
Italy Golden Visa Investment Options
An Italian investor visa can only be issued for one type of investment, and you cannot combine different investments. You must maintain the investment for at least five years to keep your residence permit.
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
- €500,000 in equity in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 in an Italian innovative startup
- €1 million in philanthropic donations to arts, culture, research, education, environment, etc.
Italy Golden Visa Required Documents
When applying for the Italy Investor Visa, you’ll need to prepare different sets of documents: the general documents needed for the Nulla Osta, the Italy Golden visa application process, and the different documents needed for each investment option chosen.
The Nulla Osta is a certificate issued by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee. It confirms that the choice of the investment meets the requirements of the visa. This certificate is required before you can apply for the Investor Visa itself.
General documents for the Nulla Osta
- Contact details of the main applicant
- Valid passport, with at least 2 years and 3 months remaining
- Two recent passport photos
- Clean criminal record from any country where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years (from age 18)
- Updated CV showing your professional background and qualifications
- Details of your investment choice and proof that your financial assets are legal and transferable
- Description of the investment or donation, with proof that the recipients agree to it
- Signed declaration of commitment to invest the funds, including how much you’ll invest and where you plan to live in Italy
- Proof of authority if someone is applying on behalf of a company
Documents for the Investor Visa Application
- Copy of the Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) and all original documents submitted
- Proof of accommodation in Italy (hotel booking or lease agreement)
- The applicant must prove the legitimacy of the source of the funds to be invested
- One passport-style photo
- Your passport
- Proof of residence in the consular area where you’re applying.
Documents for the investment options
Investment type for Italy Golden Visa | Document |
Investment in Government Bonds | - Bank proof showing you bought the bonds (copy of purchase record) Note: For Government bonds, it is mandatory to deposit them in a financial institution domiciled in Italy |
Investment in a limited company in Italy, and startups | - Bank statement from the last 3 months (or longer if needed) showing the money was invested in the company |
Donation | - Copy of the official donation document (public deed of donation) |
How to Apply for the Italian Investor Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
After arriving in Italy, you will have eight days to apply for a residence permit. The investment for the option chosen must also be made within three months of being in Italy.
These are the steps to follow for the Italy Golden Visa process.
Step 1: Gather the documents
Applicants must create an account on the official Investor Visa for Italy portal. This is where you will register with your personal details, upload the required documents, and submit your application for pre-evaluation by the Secretariat of the Investor Visa Committee.
Step 2: Apply for Nulla Osta
Submit your application online through the Ministry of Economic Development. All documents must be submitted at once. Processing takes about 30 days, but may be delayed if more information is needed.
Step 3: Receive Nulla Osta approval
Once approved, you’ll receive the Nulla Osta certificate, which is valid for six months. Apply for your D visa before it expires.
Step 4: Apply for the Investor Visa
Submit your visa application at the Italian embassy or consulate with your Nulla Osta and other required documents. If approved, you’ll get an Investor Visa valid for two years, renewable for three more years.
Step 5: Travel to Italy and apply for a residence permit
Enter Italy before your visa expires to continue the process. Within eight working days of arrival, apply at the local Questura (police headquarters). This permit is valid for two years and can be renewed.
Step 6: Make your investment
Complete your investment or donation within three months of entering Italy and keep your Italy Golden Visa investment for the full duration of your residence permit.
Step 7: Renew your residence permit
After two years, you can renew your permit for three more years, provided your investment remains active and after five years in Italy, you can apply for permanent residency.
Step 8: Apply for Italian citizenship
After 10 years, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship.
How to open a Bank Account For the Golden Visa in Italy
You must have an Italian bank account as part of the Italy Investor Visa application. Depending on the bank, this can be done remotely or in person. In either case, you’ll need to provide:
- Valid passport
- Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)
- Proof of address
- Proof of financial means
Once opened, this account will transfer your qualifying investment as part of the application process.
Italy Golden Visa Costs
These are the average costs of the Italy Golden Visa. However, it is important to notes that legal fees are not fixed or official; this is an estimated private service fee charged by immigration law firms or consultants for processing and support, as it varies by firm.
Investment Option | Minimum Investment Amount | Residence Permit Fees | Legal Fees (estimation) | Renewal Fee |
Innovative start-up | €250,000 | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
Italian Limited Company | €500,000 | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
Government Bonds | €2 million | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
Donation to a philanthropic initiative | €1 million | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
Italy Golden Visa Application Processing Time
Validity of Italy Golden Visa
The residence permit for the Investor Visa for Italy is valid for two years. During this time, you can enter Italy and apply for a residence permit.
The investor residence permit is also valid for two years, starting from the day you arrive in Italy. After two years, you can apply for a three-year renewal.
Renewing your Italy Golden Visa
The main condition for you to renew your Italy Investor Visa is to keep your investment in the country and maintain a valid residence permit. With at least 60 days before your current residence permit expires, you can apply for a new three-year residence permit. Make sure to have a new Nulla Osta application before applying for a renewal.
You should also know that Italy’s Golden Visa scheme renewal is subject to approval or rejection by the Italy Investor Visa Committee, so prepare your documents carefully.
Italian Citizenship Through the Italy Investor Visa Program
Based on Italian immigration law, the Italy Investor Visa does not provide an Italy citizenship by investment program. However, by living in the country for ten consecutive years (five years through the Italy Investment Visa and five after obtaining permanent residency), you can petition for Italian citizenship by naturalization to become an Italian citizen and acquire an Italian passport.
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Italy allows dual citizenship. Italian citizens can hold citizenship in another country without losing their Italian citizenship. Similarly, foreign nationals can become Italian citizens without renouncing their original citizenship, as long as they meet the necessary legal requirements.
Italy Tax Incentives for New Residents
The Italian non-domiciled tax regime allows new residents to pay a flat €200,000 annual tax on all foreign income, regardless of type. However, capital gains from selling large shareholdings (over 20% in private companies or 2% in listed ones) during the first five years are taxed at the regular 26% rate unless you get an exemption through a special ruling.
To qualify, you must move your tax residence to Italy and not have been a tax resident there for at least 9 of the past 10 years, which must be proven with a ruling request to the Agenzia delle Entrate, along with a checklist showing your ties such as property, work, and finances. The regime lasts up to 15 years, can extend to family members for €25,000 per person, and offers exemptions from foreign asset reporting, wealth taxes, and inheritance taxes during that time.
To learn more about the Italy Elective Residency Visa
Alternatives to Italy Golden Visa
As previously mentioned, the Italy Golden Visa program is a very appealing investment program, and many non-EU citizens choose to obtain the Italian Golden Visa. However, there are other European alternatives, including
- The Portugal Golden Visa offers investment options like capital transfer, job creation, or funding scientific research. It provides residency in Portugal and access to the Schengen Area, with potential citizenship after five years.
- The Greece Golden Visa requires real estate investment. It grants residency in Greece, visa-free access to the Schengen Area, and eligibility for citizenship after seven years.
- The Cyprus Golden Visa requires investment in real estate or business. It grants permanent residency in Cyprus, with fast-track processing and the ability to include family members. Citizenship is possible after five years of legal residence.
- The Malta Golden Visa requires a three-part investment of property investment, government contribution, and donation. It offers permanent residency in Malta, access to the Schengen Area, and the option to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
If you are looking for Italian residency without needing to invest, Italy also has the Italy Elective Visa Residency, which is also known as the Retirement Visa. It allows people to live in Italy if they have enough money to support themselves without working. You must show proof of passive income, such as pensions or rent. You cannot work in Italy or your home country with this visa.
Golden Visa Comparison Table
Feature |  Italy |  Portugal |  Greece |  Malta |  Cyprus |
Minimum Investment | €250,000 (startup) €500,000 (fund or SME) | €250,000 (arts/culture) €500,000 (investment fund) | €250,000 (real estate) €500,000 in Athens or hotspots | €14,000/year rent (5 years) + €37,000 govt. contribution for both options. €375,000 purchase (5 years) + €2,000 donation for both options | €300,000 (real estate) |
Pre-Approval | Yes (Nulla Osta) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Processing Time | 3-4 months | 9-12 months | 3–6 months | 12 months | 9-12 months |
Minimum Residency | No | 7 days/year | No | No | No |
Permanent Residency | 5 years | 5 years | Immediate | Immediate | Immediate |
Family Inclusion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Italy Golden Visa
What is the Italy Golden Visa?
Italy’s Golden Visa, also known as the Investor Visa, is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU citizens that provides a residence permit in return for a qualifying financial contribution. Eligible investments include €250,000 in an innovative startup or Italian limited company, €1 million in a philanthropic project, or €2 million in government bonds. The program lets you live, work, and study in Italy, enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, and offers a path to permanent residency after five years and potential citizenship after ten years.
How long is the Italian Investor Visa valid?
The Italian Investor Visa, or Italy Golden Visa, provides an initial residence permit valid for two years. This permit can be renewed in three-year increments, provided the investor continues to maintain the required investment in Italy. After five years, the investor may qualify for permanent residency, and after ten years, potentially Italian citizenship.
Is my family eligible for the Italy Investor Visa?
Yes, your immediate family, including your spouse and minor children, can qualify for the Italian Investor Visa through family reunification. For dependent parents or adult children, you may need to show that they are financially dependent or have serious health conditions that prevent them from being supported in their home country.
Can I work with an Italy Investor Visa?
Yes, the Italy Investor Visa, also known as the Golden Visa, allows you to live, work, and study in Italy, including the freedom to work or start your own business. Your residence permit will specifically authorize work activities.
Can I obtain Italian citizenship with an Italy Golden Visa?
No, an Italian Golden Visa does not provide direct citizenship, but it offers a pathway to citizenship by investment after ten years of residency. You must live in Italy full-time, maintain residency for the required period, meet other requirements such as language proficiency, and apply for naturalization. The Golden Visa itself is an investment-based program that grants a residence permit to non-EU citizens who invest in the Italian economy.
What are the other European Golden Visa programs?
Other popular European Golden Visa programs include Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Malta. Portugal offers residency through various investment routes, including business, job creation, and research, while Spain allows residency via real estate purchases. Greece and Malta also offer real estate investment options, with Malta providing citizenship after a set period.
Does Italy allow citizenship by investment?
No, Italy does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. However, through the Italy Investor Visa, individuals can obtain residency by qualifying investments, typically in business, government bonds, or research. After living in Italy for a period of time, applicants may become eligible for permanent residency and eventually citizenship through naturalization.
Can I live in Italy if I buy property?
No, purchasing property alone does not grant you residency in Italy. To obtain residency through the Italy Investor Visa, you need to make a qualifying investment in sectors like business, research, or startups, with specific minimum investment amounts. Simply owning real estate does not make you eligible for the Golden Visa program.
How hard is it to get permanent residency in Italy?
The Italy Golden Visa program makes permanent residence easy to acquire in Italy. Provided he applicant maintains their initial investment and fulfills the residence permit requirements, they can apply for permanent residency after five years.
How long does it take to get residency in Italy?
The process to obtain residency in Italy through the Investor Visa typically takes around 2 to 3 months after the application submission. However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the specific documentation required. Once granted, you will initially receive temporary residency, which can later lead to permanent residency after five years of living in Italy.
Does the Italy Golden Visa allow real estate purchases?
No, the Italian Golden Visa program does not allow real estate purchases as a qualifying investment. But investors can still buy property in Italy under different circumstances.
