Residency by Investment
in Italy

•Live, work and study in Italy
•Schengen Access
•3rd Strongest Passport globally

Minimum Investment Amount

€250,000

Processing Time

3 – 6 months

Key Residency Benefit

Route to Italian Citizenship after 10 years

Min. Investment€250,000

Processing Time3 – 6 months

Why is Italy a popular investment location?

Italy is strategically located in Southern Europe, acting as a bridge between Western Europe, the Mediterranean region, and North Africa. As a founding member of the European Union and part of the Eurozone, Italy offers investors access to the single European market, a stable regulatory framework, and the Euro as a reliable currency.

Italy ranks favourably in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report thanks to progressive reforms that simplify administrative procedures and improve digital public services.

The country provides competitive tax incentives, particularly for innovative startups and industrial investments. Foreign investors can easily establish and manage companies in Italy, benefiting from a highly skilled workforce, strong manufacturing and technology sectors, and well-developed infrastructure.

Furthermore, Italy has specific programmes supporting innovation, research, and development, as well as sustainable investments, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking long-term growth in Europe.

About the Italy Residency by Investment programme

The Italy Investor Visa grants foreign nationals a residence permit in Italy in exchange for making a qualified investment. The programme is designed for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens. It is currently not available to Russian and Belarusian citizens or applicants holding dual citizenship with Russia or Belarus.

Applicants can choose from several investment options, including government bonds, equity stakes in Italian companies, innovative startups or philanthropic donations to public interest projects. This variety offers flexibility for investors seeking European residency.

The Italy Investor Visa allows the holder to live and work in Italy, with no minimum stay requirement to maintain the permit. The initial residence permit is issued for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years provided the investment is maintained. Maintaining the investment for a total of five years (the initial two years plus the three-year renewal) allows the holder to obtain permanent residence.

After ten years of continuous legal residence, investors may apply for Italian citizenship through the standard naturalisation process. While there is no language proficiency requirement for the visa application, language and integration requirements apply for citizenship. Italy permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality upon acquiring Italian citizenship.

What are the Benefits of Residency by Investment in Italy?

Visa-free travel to the Schengen area

Fast-Route to EU residency

Multiple cost-effective investment options

Minimal physical presence requirement

Include family members

Leads to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Visa-free travel to the Schengen area

Fast-Route to EU residency

Multiple cost-effective investment options

Minimal physical presence requirement

Include family members

Leads to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

Learn more about Residency by Investment in Italy

How to obtain Residency by Investment in Italy

Equity Investment in an Italian Company

- Minimum investment: €500,000

Investment in an Innovative Startup

- Minimum investment: €250,000

Philanthropic Donation

- Minimum investment: €1,000,000

- No refund or transfer of funds back to the donor

Government Bonds

- Minimum investment: €2,000,000

Ready to speak to a specialist?

Key Benefit of Residency by Investment in Italy

The Italy Golden Visa offers a flexible way to secure residency in an EU country. After 10 years, investors can apply for citizenship and one of the strongest passports globally.

Italy is an EU country, meaning that as residents, investors can travel freely within the Schengen area and other EU member states. Italy also offers competitive tax incentives to its residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Italy Application Process

Step 1

Choose an Investment Option and Gather Required Documents

Step 1

Choose an Investment Option and Gather Required Documents

Step 2

Submit the Online Application for Review

Step 2

Submit the Online Application for Review

Step 3

After approval by the Investor Visa Committee, use the Nulla Osta certificate to apply for an entry visa at the consulate.

Step 3

After approval by the Investor Visa Committee, use the Nulla Osta certificate to apply for an entry visa at the consulate.

Step 4

Upon arrival in Italy, apply for the initial residence permit, which is valid for two years, within eight days.

Step 4

Upon arrival in Italy, apply for the initial residence permit, which is valid for two years, within eight days.

Step 5

Prove that the investment has been made within three months of arrival; otherwise, the permit will be revoked.

Step 5

Prove that the investment has been made within three months of arrival; otherwise, the permit will be revoked.

Step 6

Apply for the second residence permit, valid for three years, if the original investment or donation has been maintained throughout the two-year duration of the initial permit.