← Home / Residency By Investment

Italy

Minimum investment

€2 million

Application Process

1-2 months

Get Started

Introduction

The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the “Investor Visa for Italy,” was introduced in 2017 by the Italian government to promote foreign direct investment. The visa offers non-EU nationals an opportunity to get a residence visa in exchange for an investment in Italy.

The program grants a residence permit that is valid for two years. After this period is over, the permit can be extended for three years.

Qualifying Dependants

The spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents of the primary applicant can also apply for a visa without the need for an additional investment.

Investment Options

The program entails four different investment methods:

  • €2 million investment in Italian government bonds.
  • €500,000 investment in an Italian limited liability company.
  • €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup or innovative company.
  • €1 million donation to a philanthropic initiative supporting public interest projects in Italy.

The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained during the entire period. After 10 years, the applicant is eligible for Italian citizenship.

Process and Timeline

  • The application process typically takes 90–120 days, with the investment required within three months from the entry date to Italy.
  • Time can vary based on consulate efficiency, application completeness, and any extra requirements. To avoid delays, start early and ensure all documents are in order.
  • All non-EU Passport holders should have a remaining validity period longer than 2 years and 3 months.

Key benefits

Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area
Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities including Milan, Rome and Venice
Fast-track procedure with all documents issued in English. No need to take an Italian language test
No minimum or permanent stay in Italy required
Access to excellent medical care and education facilities
Possibility to work or develop further businesses in Italy
Citizenship may be available after 10 years of residence (under special conditions)

Application Process

Preparation Stage

    Document gathering and preparation: 1-2 months
    Collect and prepare all necessary documentation, including Italian tax code, digital signature, CV, proof of investment funds, personal identification, binding letter of intent for acquisition, and any required legalizations or translations.

Online Application Submission & Nulla osta

    Committee review: 30 days

    Submit your application through the Investor Visa for Italy online portal. The Committee for the Visa for Investors will review your application and supporting documents. The Committee has up to 30 days to evaluate your application and issue a certificate of no impediment (nulla osta) if everything is in order.

Consular Application

    Visa application at consulate: 1-2 months

    Once you receive the certificate of no impediment, within max six months, you need to apply for the actual visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. The consulate will review your application and issue the visa. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the consulate’s workload and processing times.

Entry into Italy and Investment Completion

    Entry into Italy: within 1 year from visa issuance. After receiving your visa, you must enter Italy within 1 year.

    Investment fulfillment: within 3 months of entry. Complete the required investment within three months of entering Italy.

Residency Permit Application

    Permesso di Soggiorno

    Apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local police station (Questura) within eight days of your arrival in Italy. The processing time for the residence permit can vary, but it generally takes about 1-2 months to be issued. Valid for 3 years from the date of entry.