Italy has a lot to offer: a good cuisine, a wide variety of lakes, beaches, and mountains, and a prime location in Mediterranean Europe. Italy, with its abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a very ideal place to live in. Plus, thanks to its location, it offers good connections with the rest of Europe and the world.
If you want to live in the heart of Europe and experience Italy’s lively and diverse culture, the Italian Golden Visa program, also known as the Italian Investor Visa, can be ideal for you. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the Italy Golden Visa, which is one of the easiest routes to getting residency in the country.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Key Takeaways for Italy Residency by Investment Program
- What Is Italy Golden Visa?
- Top 7 Benefits of the Investor Visa for Italy
- Eligibility Criteria for Italian Investor Visa in 2025
- Italy Golden Visa Investment Options in 2025
- The Cost of Italy Golden Visa in 2025
- Italy Investor Visa Program Requirements in 2025
- How To Get a Golden Visa in Italy in 2025: Application Process
Key Takeaways for Italy Residency by Investment Program
- The Italy Golden Visa or Investor Visa was launched in 2017 to attract foreign capital to the country. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens with a clean criminal record.
- Within the Italian residency by investment program, foreign investors have four options. They can invest €250,000 for an innovative start-up, €500,000 for an Italian limited company, €2 million for government bonds, or €1 million for a philanthropic donation.
- Investors cannot buy property to be eligible for the Italian Golden Visa. The program only grants a residence permit for the available investment options without any residency requirement.
- An Investor Visa for Italy initially gives a 2-year residence permit, which is renewable for 3 years without any minimum residency requirements after you make a qualifying investment.
- As one of the fastest processing times among other Golden Visa countries, it typically takes 3-4 months to get your residence permit.
- To get a permanent residence, you must stay in Italy for at least 5 years. For Italian citizenship, you must reside in the country for 10 years, with an opportunity to benefit from dual citizenship.
What Is Italy Golden Visa?
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. Italy Golden 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.
Top 7 Benefits of the Investor Visa for Italy
While the Italy Golden Visa program is an incentive to attract foreign direct investment into the country, it offers certain benefits to its holders.
1. Family Inclusion
Whether you want to live or retire in Italy, you can include your family members within the Italy Golden Visa. This includes your spouse, your children, and even your dependent parents, on condition that they meet the criteria.
2. Processing Times
Compared to other Golden Visa countries, the Italian investor visa application process is faster and easier. The process to get an Italian residence permit is usually 3-4 months. Therefore, if you are eligible for the program, you can easily get your EU residency in a few months after you gather your documents.
3. Tax Benefits
The main aim of the Golden Visa for Italy is to draw more foreign capital to the country. Accordingly, the tax burden on the investors’ shoulders should be minimized. For this reason, the tax rule lets new residents pay a flat €200,000 each year instead of regular taxes on foreign income.
4. Eligibility for Citizenship
Although the Italy Golden Visa program does not provide you with a direct route to citizenship, you can be eligible for Italian citizenship if you reside in Italy for at least 10 years (270 days per year).
5. Visa-Free Travel
After you obtain your residency through the Italy’s Golden Visa scheme, you can benefit from visa-free travel within the Schengen area. You can visit any 27 countries without dealing with paperwork or heavy bureaucracy.
6. Live and Work in the EU
Once you receive your Italian residence permit, you can live, work, and study in the EU without getting an extra visa. You can even start a business by meeting certain conditions. This will open up wider career opportunities, access to different markets, and a more flexible lifestyle across Europe.
7. Public Healthcare System
The Italian government offers access to a high-quality public healthcare system as one of the best in Europe. If you become a resident through Italy Golden Visa program, you can register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) and benefit from free medical services. Thus, you will have access to a system that is efficient, comprehensive, and universal.
8. High Quality of Life
Have you ever heard of “La Dolce Vita”? It refers to “sweet life” and reflects what living means to Italian citizens. Away from anxiety and stress, they experience the sweetness of living. They prioritize everyday pleasures and live life in its best conditions.
Thereby, being an expat here will offer you a good quality of life, in which there is balance and harmony in everything.
Eligibility Criteria for Italian Investor Visa in 2025
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 187
- The children above 18 (dependent on the main applicant or physically/mentally disabled)
- Parents above 65
Italy Golden Visa Investment Options in 2025
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 investment methods:
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start-up
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donations to a philanthropic initiative in Italy
The Cost of Italy Golden Visa in 2025
Italy Investor Visa Program Requirements in 2025
The application process requires some conditions to be met during your Golden Visa journey.
Required Documents for Italy Investor Visa Application
For your Italy Golden Visa application, there are certain documents you’ll need to present at different phases.
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 the legitimacy and transferability of your funds
- 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
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.
|
Investment Type for Italian Golden Visa |
Documents |
|
Investment in Government Bonds |
1. Certificate of deposit of the securities in a financial institution in Italy 2. Copy of securities dossier |
|
Investment in a limited Italian company or an innovative startup in Italy |
1. Bank statements — should indicate that an investment has been made 2. A letter of validation of the bank statement should be signed by an authorized representative of the entity 3. Certificate of Shares Deposit at an Italian Bank or Financial Institution, if you’ve acquired shares 4. A letter that confirms the receipt of the investment and a copy of the Italian atto di cessione (“act of transfer”) filed by the receiving company, if you’ve invested in an unlisted company 5. Copy of your securities dossier, if the investment has been made in a listed company |
|
Donation |
1. The copy of the public donation deed 2. Bank statements — should indicate that a donation has been made 3. A letter of validation of the bank statement should be signed by an authorized representative of the entity 4. A letter from the recipient company that confirms the donation |
All documents must be in English or Italian. If not, you need to include a verified translation.
How To Get a Golden Visa in Italy in 2025: Application Process
The application process to get an investor visa for Italy can be divided into three different phases. 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. During your investment journey, our experienced team will guide you to streamline the process.
To start this, you can fill in the contact form below, and our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Then, we will assist you in streamlining your Golden Visa journey.
2. Applying and Getting Your Italy Investor Visa
The second step is to get a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) through the official portal of the Italian investor visa. Once you get your approval, you can go to the Italian embassy in your home country to apply for a two-year investment visa.
Application
- Create a personal account on the Italian investor visa platform via https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/.
- Fill in the required forms and upload forms.
- Verify the final declaration with an electronic signature before downloading and submitting it.
3. Undergo Preliminary Check and Evaluation
The Committee Secretariat will check your Italian Golden Visa application, and you’ll receive an answer within 30 days. There are three possible outcomes:
- If your documents and application form comply with the requirements, you’ll get approval. A “Nulla Osta” will be available on your account in the portal.
- 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.
- You’ll have a reasoned rejection.
4. Getting Your Visa
- 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 embassy, you’ll be required to submit all the documentation along with your Nulla Osta.
You can go to Italy within two years of the issuance of your visa.
5. 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 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:
- Your arrival date in Italy
- Your application date at the police station
- The location of the police station where you’ve made your application
6. 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:
- If approved, your residence permit will either continue to be valid if you already have one, or be issued shortly if the application process is still ongoing
- 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.
- Your residence permit will be either revoked or not released if it’s still under process.
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 keep your investment over the two years that 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 state, the renewal of your Italy Golden Visa will be subject to approval or rejection by the Committee.
Italian Citizenship Through Italy Golden Visa
An Italy investor visa isn’t a direct route to Italian citizenship. However, if you stay in Italy for 10 consecutive years, you can petition for naturalization to get an Italian passport.
Does Italy Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, it does, and you can apply for Italian dual citizenship. This means that you don’t have to give up on your current citizenship if you obtain Italian citizenship.
However, speaking to immigration experts and authorities in your home country will be helpful before you process your application.
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 on residence and citizenship by investment programs in numerous countries worldwide, including the Golden Visa in Italy.
We have legal professionals and chartered real estate professionals on our team. We work with clients from all around the world, interested in obtaining Italian Golden Visas or in making real estate investments in Italy.
Contact us and talk to one of our experienced team members to help you with any and all your 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 percentage that applies to the value of foreign financial assets is 0.2 percent, this is 0.76 percent for the value of foreign real estate.
In order to attract high-net-worth individuals, Italy offers an alternative tax structure. This optional tax regime enables new residents to replace regular taxation on all of their income earned outside of Italian territory with a €200,000 lump sum payment once a year.
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 €200,000 substitute tax is due in full by the following June 30th of each year. By paying an extra €25,000 for each 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 whole or in part, the status will immediately lapse.
Opening a Bank Account in Italy
During the application process, you are required to open a bank account in Italy. 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
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 motivations include getting citizenship in an EU country in a shorter time and without any stay requirements, there are other options such as the Portugal Golden Visa. It’s a scheme that offers various fund investment options, which Italy Golden Visa doesn’t. 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. Although it also requires you to stay in Greece for a minimum of seven years to become eligible for citizenship, it offers a real estate acquisition route starting from €250,000.
Golden Visa Countries Comparison Table
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy Investor Visa
How much money do I need to invest to get permanent residency in Italy?
The minimum investment amount to get an investor visa for Italy is €250,000. This option is for an investment in an Italian startup.
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.
How much is a Golden Visa in Italy?
The minimum investment amounts for becoming a Golden Visa holder in Italy start from €250,000 and can go up to €2 million.
Does Italy have an investment visa?
Yes, it does. An investor visa for Italy is available for a non-EU citizen who is ready to make a financial contribution to Italy.
How can I move to 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.
