The Italy Golden Visa, officially known as Italy Investor Visa, is a fast-track European residency by investment program launched in 2017 under the 2017 Budget Law. The program grants a 2-year residency permit to qualified non-EU nationals through investment, with a minimum of €250,000 to a Italian innovative startup, within 3-4 months. Once obtained, it can be renewed up to three times, provided you retain your initial investment.
In previous years, the program had limited appeal compared with other European Golden Visa programs. However, as we move from 2025 to 2026, the Italian Golden Visa has gained traction, with applications doubling, particularly among those seeking lifestyle appeal in the Schengen Area. Furthermore, the program will maintain its momentum as it still offers one of the most affordable pathways in the EU, at nearly half the cost of most others, with no residency requirements. Additionally, for those willing to relocate to Italy full time, it offers permanent residency after 5 years or citizenship after 10 years of residence, subject to additional legal requirements.
March 2026: Key Takeaways for Italy Investor Visa Program
- To be eligible for Italy Golden Visa program, applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record.
- Under Italy's residency-by-investment program, foreign investors have four options. The minimum investment amounts are €250,000 for an Innovative startup, €500,000 for an Italian limited company, €2 million in government bonds, or €1 million in a philanthropic donation.
- An Investor Visa for Italy initially grants a 2-year residence permit permesso di soggiorno, which can be renewed up to 3 times without minimum residency requirements after you make a qualifying investment.
- As one of the fastest EU residency-by-investment programs, the processing time for Italy Golden Visa typically takes 3-4 months to obtain your residence permit in 2026.
- A Golden Visa in Italy does not provide citizenship by investment. However, investors who are willing to relocate can apply for permanent residency after 5 years or, for Italian citizenship through investment, after 10 years.
- There is no real estate investment option, so you cannot buy real estate to obtain residency under Italy's Golden Visa.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- What is an Italy Investor Visa in 2026?
- Benefits of the Investor Visa for Italy
- Eligibility Criteria for Italian Investor Visa in 2026
- Italy Golden Visa Investment Options in 2026
- Italy Residence by Investment Program Requirements in 2026
- Application Process: How To Get a Golden Visa in Italy in 2026
- Italy Golden Visa Processing Time for 2026
- The Cost of Italian Residency by Investment Program in 2026
- How Can You Get Permanent Residency in Italy by Investment?
- How to Get Italian Citizenship by Investment?
- Italy Tax Incentives for New Residents
What is an Italy Investor Visa in 2026?
Italy has a Golden Visa program was introduced under Article 26-bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree No. 286/1998). Accordingly, it was first launched in 2017 to contribute to the Italian Economy. The program allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence visa in exchange for an investment in Italy.
This Italian Residency-by-Investment program grants a 2-year residence permit, which allows investors and their families to enjoy visa-free travel to Schengen countries and benefit from lifestyle appeals. After this period is over, the permit can be extended for three years.
Benefits of the Investor Visa for Italy
While the Italy Golden Visa program is an incentive to attract foreign direct investment into Italy’s economy, it offers certain benefits to its holders.
- Whether you want to live or retire in Italy, you can benefit from family cohesion/reunification within the Italy Golden Visa. This includes your spouse and your dependent children.
- Compared to other Golden Visa countries, the Italian investor visa application process is faster and easier, taking around 3-4 months.
- You only make your investment required for Italy Golden Visa after receiving your approval.
- The tax implications allow new residents to pay a flat €300,000 per year instead of regular taxes on foreign income as of December 30, 2025. This tax incentive can last up to 15 years, and family members can join for an additional €50,000 each.
- The Italy Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment scheme. However, you can be eligible for Italian citizenship by investment if you have resided in Italy for at least 10 years (183 days per year).
- Through your Italian residence permit by investment, non-EU citizens can live, study, and work in Italy with low living costs, and benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen area, European Union.
- If you achieve long-term residency through the Italian Golden Visa program and obtain a codice fiscale (Italian tax code number), you can register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and benefit from free medical services.
Eligibility Criteria for Italian Investor Visa in 2026
Before investing in the Italian Golden Visa, a type of investment migration, investors must check if they meet the eligibility criteria.
The Main Applicant
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens
- Having sufficient funds to make the investment
- Making the investment
- Providing documentation of the legal source of funds
- Having a clean criminal record
- Having comprehensive health insurance coverage
Family Members
- The Spouse
- The children aged below 18
- The children above 18 (dependent on the main applicant or physically/mentally disabled)
- Your parents, on condition that they are financially dependent
Italy Golden Visa for US Citizens
Regarding Italy’s entry requirements for US citizens, it is important to note that US citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy. They can stay up to 90 days with their valid US passport, which must be for at least 3 months and have at least two blank pages available.
If their stay exceeds this period, they must apply for a residency visa. One option is the Italian Investor Visa for those seeking strategic investment opportunities. To qualify:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Invest a minimum
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start up ($297,502)
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company ($595,005)
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds ($2,380,020)
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy ($1,190010)
- Show the source of funds. They must be reliable and transferable to Italy.
Their spouse, children under 18, and adult children with disabilities may join them in their application.
Italy Golden Visa for UK Citizens
UK citizens primarily prefer to invest in Italy for retirement, particularly given as long-established non-dom regime and flat tax. Although they can travel to Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a valid British passport, they need a residence visa to live in Italy for stays exceeding 90 days.
Accordingly, they can either prefer an Elective Residency Visa or make a strategic investment through the Italian Golden Visa, as there are no physical residency requirements.
To qualify for the Italian Investor Visa, a UK citizen must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a sufficient, reliable, and transferable source of funds
- Invest in one of the qualifying investment options:
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start up (£217,451)
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company (£434,902)
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds (£1,739,610)
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy (£869,805)
Successful applicants can include their spouse and children (under 18 or of any age if they have disabilities) in their Italy Residence by Investment journey.
Italy Golden Visa Investment Options in 2026
The Italian government advises that it’s committed to making Italy increasingly attractive to international flows of human and financial capital. The introduction of the investor visa for Italy is an example of this commitment.
The program entails four different strategic assets:
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy
If you choose an eligible option among the legal investment structures, the investment must be held for at least 2 years. If you fail to do so, your residency permit may be revoked, and you will not be able to renew it.
1. Italian Innovative Start Up Investment
Among the Italian Residence by Investment program investment routes, the start-up investment is most popular due to its affordability. Investing in an innovative Italian Startup requires a minimum investment of EUR 250,000. A start-up company must be officially registered in Italy, as provided by Law 221/2012. Additionally, investors may invest only in one legal entity.
Your start-up investment must also:
- Be active for no more than 60 months
- Maintain its registered headquarters or primary production facility in Italy.
- Record annual revenues below €5 million starting from the second year of operations.
- Refrain from distributing profits to shareholders.
2. Italian Limited Company
To get Italian Residency by Investment through a limited company investment, you must invest at least €500,000 Italian shares or stocks. This company must be either a stock company (S.p.A) or a limited liability company ( S.r.l).
3. Italian Government Bonds
Investors must invest at least 2 million euros in Italian Bonds to qualify for the Italian Golden Visa. Despite the Innovative Start Up and Italian Limited Company investments, Italian Bonds are the least preferred option due to their limited returns and low risk.
4. Donations to an Italian Philanthropic Initiative
For the Italian Golden Visa, you can donate 1 million euros to an Italian philantropic initiative. This provides an opportunity for you to contribute to Italian society. This option is non-refundable; therefore, it is preferred less among the other investment routes.
Italy Residence by Investment Program Requirements in 2026
The application process requires you to meet certain conditions throughout your Italy Residence by Investment journey.
Required Documents for Italy Investor Visa Application
For your Italy Golden Visa application, you’ll need to submit specific documents at each stage.
Here’s a list of documents that you’ll need to submit for your Nulla Osta application:
- A copy of your passport, all information, such as your name, photo, and passport number, should be visible
- Your CV should highlight your educational and work background
- Bank statements to prove that you’re going to use your sources to finance the investment
- A letter from your bank confirming compliance with the FATF international standards and anti-money laundering standards.
- A clean criminal record
- A maximum of a 1,000-word letter that outlines the nature of your donation or investment, as well as your prior donation or investment experience
- Consent proof from the investment or donation recipient
- Declaration of Commitment, It must state the amount of money you are willing to invest, and where you intend to stay in Italy
Documents Required After Nulla Osta
After you receive your Nulla Osta, there are other documents you’ll need to submit to the following documents to the Italian consulate or embassy:
- Your passport
- A passport-size photo
- A copy of Nulla Osta
- The originals of all documents submitted previously
- Proof of your accommodation in Italy
- Evidence of your income from the preceding fiscal year should demonstrate that you earn more than €8,500
- Proof of residence
Opening a Bank Account in Italy
During the application process, you are required to open an Italian bank account. Depending on the bank you choose, you can either do it remotely or in person. In both cases, the bank will ask you to submit these documents:
- Your passport
- Italian Fiscal Code (Tax Number)
- Proof of address
- Financial stability
Investment Related Documents for Italy Investor Visa
Apart from the main documents you’ll need to present, there are some supporting documents that you’ll need to show, depending on your investment type.
All documents must be in English or Italian. If not, you need to include a verified translation.
Application Process: How To Get a Golden Visa in Italy in 2026
The application process for an investor visa in Italy can be divided into a few basic steps. See the steps below for each phase.
1. Get in touch with Get Golden Visa
Get Golden Visa helps individuals to get residency or citizenship by investment with more than 10 different programs. Throughout your journey with the Italy Investor Visa, our experienced team will support you with your Italy Golden Visa investment advisory and processing. We will start by analysing your priorities and goals, then our experienced team will provide you with a shortlist of the qualifying investment options for the Italian Golden Visa.
Once you select, our team will be by your side from the initial application date to the issuance of your Italian Golden Passport.
To get started, please complete the contact form below, and our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible. We will then assist you in streamlining your Golden Visa journey.
2. Applying for Nulla Osta
The second step is to get a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) through the official website of the Italian investor visa. Once you receive approval, you can visit the Italian embassy in your home country to apply for a two-year Italy investment visa.
Application process:
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Create a personal account on the official Italian investor visa platform.
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Fill in the required forms and upload them.
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Verify the final declaration with an electronic signature before downloading and submitting it.
3. Undergo Preliminary Check and Evaluation
The Committee Secretariat will review your Italian Golden Visa application, and you’ll receive a response within 30 days. There are three possible outcomes:
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If your documents and application form meet the requirements, you’ll receive approval. A “Nulla Osta” will be available on your account in the portal.
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If further documentation is required, you’ll be asked to complete it in 30 days. During this process, your application will be in the “suspended” status.
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You’ll have a reasoned rejection.
After you get your approval and Nulla Osta, you’ll need to visit the Italian embassy in your home country in six months.
At the consulate application, you’ll be required to submit all the documentation along with your Nulla Osta.
You may travel to Italy within two years of your visa issuance.
4. Getting Your Italy Investor Residence Permit
You have eight days after arriving in Italy with your entry visa to apply for a permit that is valid for two years. To receive the residence permit, you must complete your investment or donation within three months of the day you arrive in Italy.
For your residence permit card application, you’ll need to go to a local police station (Questura) where you’ll submit your passport and entry visa.
Once you complete this step, log on to the portal and fill in the following information:
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Your arrival date in Italy
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Your application date at the police station
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The location of the police station where you’ve made your application
5. Make Your Investment
This is the step where you’ll need to complete your investment. Once it’s completed, you’ll need to upload the investment proof to the portal.
Your investment proof will be assessed by the Committee. There are three potential outcomes:
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If approved, your permesso di soggiorno (residency card) will either continue to be valid if you already have one, or be issued shortly if the application process is still ongoing
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If further documentation is required, you’ll be asked to complete it in 30 days. Still, your obligation to show that you’ve invested within three months of your arrival continues.
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Your residence permit card will be revoked or not released if it’s still being processed.
Italy Golden Visa Processing Time for 2026
Foreign investors who wish to apply for an Italian Golden Visa always ask, “How long will my Italian Golden Visa journey take?”
Although the processing timeline can change depending on the investor and their file, below you can see the brief timeline for the Italian Golden Visa in 2026:
Validity of Italy Golden Visa
The Italian Investor Visa is valid for two years. You are permitted to enter Italy during this time and apply for a residence permit using your visa.
Your temporary residence permit is also valid for two years beginning on the day of your arrival in Italy.
Renewing Your Italy Golden Visa
If you maintain your investment for the two years your residence permit is valid, you may apply for a three-year renewal at least 60 days before it expires. You’ll need to have a new Nulla Osta to apply.
As with the first application, your Italy Golden Visa renewal will be subject to Committee approval or rejection.
The Cost of Italian Residency by Investment Program in 2026
| Investment Option | Min. Investment | Permit Fees | Legal Fees | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Limited Company | €500,000 | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
| Innovative Start-up | €250,000 | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
| Government Bonds | €2 Million | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
| Philanthropic Donation | €1 Million | €126.46 | €11,250 | €176.46 |
How Can You Get Permanent Residency in Italy by Investment?
The Italy Investor Visa offers only temporary residency for 2 years, renewable 3 times as long as you maintain your investment. However, if investors intend to relocate to Italy, they can be eligible for permanent Italian residency after 5 years.
Below, you will find Italy’s permanent residency card (carta di soggiorno) requirements in 2026:
- Being a legal resident for at least 5 consecutive years (183 days per year)
- A2 Level Italian Language Certificate
- Proof of sufficient income and Italian tax residency
- Clean criminal record
Once you obtain your Italian permanent residence permit card, it is valid for 10 years and can be renewed every 10 years.
How to Get Italian Citizenship by Investment?
The Italy Golden Visa program is a residency-by-investment program, not a citizenship-by-investment program. It provides 2 years of residency, renewable 3 times, with no physical presence requirement. Therefore, you cannot invest directly to obtain Italian citizenship.
However, if you are willing to relocate, the program does not require residency to obtain your Italian Golden Passport; you may be eligible for citizenship after 10 years of residency. This process also requires you to comply with the following Italian citizenship requirements:
- Living in Italy at least 183 days per year
- Proof of B1-level knowledge of the Italian language, in the form of a certificate recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education or other certifying bodies listed on the official website.
- Having enough sources of income (€8.263,31 for only the main applicants, increasing to €11.362,05 for a main applicant and spouse, with €516 for each additional child dependent)
- Having a clean criminal record
Italian Passport by Investment Application Process
If you qualify for the above-mentioned criteria, you may apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization and obtain an Italian passport. The application process for Italy Golden Visa to citizenship goes as follows:
- You must first create an account in the Ministry of Interior’s ALI portal.
- You must upload all required documents later.
- Then your file will be process which may take around 12 months.
- If your application is approved, you can obtain Italian citizenship through investment.
Italian Dual Citizenship Through Investment
Italy allows dual citizenship. This means you don’t have to give up your current citizenship upon obtaining Italian dual citizenship. However, consulting immigration experts and authorities in your home country is advisable before you begin your application for double passport, as your home country may not permit it.
Get Golden Visa: Who We Are and What We Do
Get Golden Visa is a full-service investment immigration agency and investment advisory company. We provide end-to-end solutions for residence and citizenship by investment programs in numerous countries worldwide, including the Italian Golden Visa.
Contact us and speak with a member of our experienced team to address any questions.
Contact Form
Italy Tax Incentives for New Residents
Every tax resident in Italy is required to pay income tax on their worldwide earnings. While the tax rate on foreign financial assets is 0.2%, it is 0.76% on foreign real estate. When it comes to income tax rates 23% to 43%.
To attract high-net-worth individuals, Italy offers an alternative tax structure. This optional tax regime allows new residents to replace regular taxation on all income earned outside Italian territory with a €300,000 annual lump-sum payment.
By paying an additional €50,000 per dependent, you can also include your family members under the plan. Once granted, the regime is valid for 15 years, and you can opt out at any time. If the annual lump payment is not paid in full, the status will lapse immediately.
You can apply for this tax regime if you’re ready to move your tax residence to Italy. The first condition is that you’ve not been resident in Italy for at least nine out of the last 10 years.
The €300,000 substitute tax is due in full by the following June 30th of each year.
Alternatives to Italy Golden Visa
An Italy investor visa is a good choice if you want to apply for European residency quickly. The program is fast and straightforward, with different investment options.
However, if your goal is to obtain citizenship in an EU country faster and without any stay requirements, there are other options, such as the Portugal Golden Visa. It’s a scheme that offers a range of investment fund options, unlike the Italian Golden Visa. Also, Portugal Golden Visa can lead to citizenship if you stay in Portugal for seven days on average every year.
Another option is Greece Golden Visa, which is a strategic option for those wants to buy a property in Greece. It offers a real estate acquisition route starting from €250,000. For citizenship, it follows a similar scheme to Italy as it requires you to stay in Greece for a minimum of seven years to become eligible for citizenship.
Golden Visa Countries Comparison Table
| Features | Italy | Portugal | Greece | Hungary | Latvia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | €250,000 (start-up) | €500,000 (fund) | €250,000 (real estate) | €250,000 (real estate fund) | €50,000 (Business investment) |
| Pre-Approval | Yes (Nulla Osta) | No | No | No | No |
| Processing Time | 3-4 months | 8-12 months | 6-9 months | 4-6 months | 1-3 months |
| Minimum Residency | No | 7 days per year | No | No | No |
| Citizenship | 10 years | 5 years* subject to change | 7 years | 8 years | 10 years |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: We provide advisory services based on the legislation and administrative practice in effect at the time of your consultation. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that future legal or policy changes will not affect eligibility, timing, or requirements for Italian residency.
We act as an independent advisory firm, not a government body, and all applications remain subject to Italian law and the discretion of the relevant authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy Golden Visa Program
Do I need to live in Italy to maintain my Golden Visa status?
No, you do not need to live in Italy to maintain your Golden Visa status. The program does not require you to remain in the country for a specified period.
What are the risks of the Italy Golden Visa?
The risks associated with the Italy Residency by Investment program are stated as follows:
- The return on the investment is not guaranteed.
- The process requires long-term commitment
- Liquidity problem
- Tax liabilities
- Additional costs related to the investment process
How long can you stay in Italy if you own property?
Owning a property does not give you any residency rights in Italy. If you hold a valid passport that allows visa-free travel to Italy, such as a UK or US passport, you can stay for up to 90 days. However, for stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residency card.
How does Italy treat crypto assets for investor visa source‑of‑funds documentation?
Crypto assets are not excluded in Italy Golden Visa applications, but they must be documented, traceable, and compliant with the regulatory framework.
Can I buy property in Italy without being a citizen?
Yes, you can purchase a property in Italy without being a citizen or resident. However, please note that purchasing a property does not confer any residency or citizenship rights in Italy.
Can you get Italian citizenship by buying property?
No, buying property in Italy does not confer citizenship rights. You can be eligible for citizenship through birthright, descent, marriage, and naturalization.
How much to invest in Italy to get citizenship?
You cannot buy Italian citizenship by investment. However, you can be eligible for Italian citizenship through natualization after 10 years of legal residency by holding an Italian Golden Passport.
Can you live in Italy without being a citizen?
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can. However, if you are not, and your passport only grants visa-free travel to Italy, you can stay in Italy for up to 90 days. For any stays longer than this one, you are entitled to get a residency permit, whether it is short-term or long-term.
What happens after 5 years of holding an Italian Golden Visa?
If you live in Italy full-time for a 5-year period, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
How much money do I need to invest to get permanent residency in Italy?
The minimum investment amount to get an investment visa for Italy is €250,000. This option is for the Italian startup investment.
Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a house?
Unlike other Golden Visa program countries, the Italy investor visa program doesn’t offer a residence permit in return for an investment. However, if you make a real estate purchase in Italy and start living there, you can be eligible for certain visas, such as an Elective Residence Visa. Consulting with authorities can be helpful before making a financial commitment.
Can you get Italy citizenship by investment?
An investor visa for Italy isn’t a direct route to Italian citizenship. However, if you live in Italy for 10 years (continuous legal residence), you can be eligible for citizenship through naturalization. By acquiring citizenship, it is possible to obtain an Italian passport, which is considered one of the strongest in the world. Italy’s passport ranking is 1st globally in 2024, making it one of the strongest passports in the world. It offers its holders visa-free access to 194 countries.
Can you buy an Italian passport?
An investor visa for Italy isn’t a direct means of buying an Italian passport. However, living in the country for a minimum of 10 years can make you eligible for Italian citizenship and a passport. So, this means Italy citizenship by investment is possible, although it’s indirect.
Can a US citizen live in Italy permanently?
If you want to move to Italy and have sufficient funds, you can consider getting an investor visa for Italy. It’s a direct route to Italian residency and can lead to permanent residency if you meet the stay requirements at the end of five years.
Can I retire in Italy as an American?
As one of the best countries to retire for US citizens, you can retire in Italy with a residence permit through Italy Golden Visa or the Italian Elective Residence Visa, as your passport will only let you stay 90 days in Italy. Therefore, if you plan to stay more than 90 days, you should apply for a long-term visa.
What's the difference between the Italian Investor Visa vs Elective Visa?
Among the Italian residency options, the Italian Investor Visa specifically targets those looking for a residency in Italy through investment starting from €250,000. On the other hand, the Italian Elective Visa is designed for retirees or those with passive income.
How can you compare Italy and Portugal Golden Visas in terms of family reunification?
It all depends on your family inclusion needs. In Portugal, you can include your spouse, same sex partner, minor children, children up to 26 years old, and parents over 65. However, if you have a small family, you can prefer Italy, which allows you to include your spouse, children up to 18, and mentally or physically dependent children over 18.
