The Italy Golden Visa, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, allows non-EU citizens to obtain residency through investment. Introduced on November 16, 2017, this program aims to attract global investors and strengthen the Italian economy. It offers an initial 2-year residence permit that can be renewed for additional 3-year periods as long as the investment is maintained.
Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa
Residency and Family Inclusion
The Italy Golden Visa includes the main applicant, spouse, dependent children (including those over 18 if due to health conditions), and dependent parents without financial support in their home country. It offers a 2-year renewable residence permit with the option to renew every three years. Holders can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after ten years, provided they pass the B1 Italian language test.
Travel and Quality of Life
Visa holders can freely travel across the EU and Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. They also have the right to live, work, and study in Italy, gaining access to Italy’s excellent healthcare and education systems.
Ease of Access
There are no language, education, or work experience requirements. The program is open to non-EU or EEA citizens aged 18 and above. No physical residency requirement applies, and investment options start from just €250,000.
Italy Golden Visa Requirements
Applicants must be over 18 years old and a non-EU or EEA citizen. A valid passport with at least 2 years and 6 months remaining is required. Applicants must prove the legal origin and ownership of investment funds and commit to maintaining the investment throughout the permit period.
Apostilled or legalized police clearance certificates are required from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years. A clear description of the investment or donation, consent from the receiving entity, and a declaration of commitment for fund use must be submitted. Private health insurance covering the Schengen area is also required.
Italy Golden Visa Investment Options
Option 1: Innovative Startups
Invest at least €250,000 in startups registered in the official Italian startup registry.
Option 2: Italian Companies
Invest €500,000 in listed or unlisted Italian companies operating within the country.
Option 3: Philanthropic Donation
Donate €1,000,000 to projects of public interest in Italy.
Option 4: Government Bonds
Invest €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds, which are considered safe and state-backed.
Investments must be made in one legal entity only. Multiple bond investments are allowed, and funds may come from a non-EU company owned by the investor.
Step-by-Step Italy Golden Visa Process
Step 1: Due Diligence and Application (3–6 Months)
Gather the required documents, select your preferred investment option, and apply for the Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta).
Step 2: Approval and Investment
Once Nulla Osta is approved, apply for the Investor Visa at your nearest Italian consulate within six months. Attend your appointment, receive your 2-year visa, and open an Italian bank account for the investment if necessary. Dependents can also apply for their visas at this stage.
Step 3: Residency
Enter Italy within your visa’s validity period and apply for the Investor Residence Permit within eight days of arrival. The residence permit is valid for two years. Complete the investment within three months of entering Italy. Failure to do so may lead to cancellation of your visa.
FAQs – Italy Golden Visa
What is the Italy Golden Visa?
The Italy Golden Visa or Investor Visa for Italy is a residency-by-investment program offering a 2-year renewable residence permit to non-EU citizens who invest in Italy. Options include startups, companies, philanthropic projects, or government bonds.
Who can apply for the Italy Investor Visa?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, non-EU/EEA nationals, have a clean criminal record, and provide proof of legally obtained investment funds.
What investment options are available?
You can invest €250,000 in innovative startups, €500,000 in Italian companies, €1 million in philanthropic projects, or €2 million in government bonds.
Can I combine different investment options?
No, applicants must choose a single investment route and meet its full minimum amount requirement.
Who can be included in the application?
Applicants may include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. All family members receive equal residency rights.
What are the main benefits of the Italy Golden Visa?
It provides residency, visa-free Schengen travel, access to healthcare and education, and a path to citizenship after ten years.
Is there a special tax regime for investors?
Yes. Investors living in Italy for at least 183 days per year may qualify for a flat €200,000 annual tax on foreign income for up to 15 years, with additional tax exemptions.
What is the processing time?
The process generally takes between three and six months, depending on documentation and consulate schedules.
Do I need to live in Italy during the process?
Applicants do not need to reside in Italy to apply, but after approval, they must enter Italy and apply for their residence permit within eight days.
What happens if I do not complete the investment in time?
You must complete your investment within three months of entering Italy. Failure to do so results in visa cancellation.
When can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship?
After five years, you may apply for permanent residency. After ten years, you may apply for Italian citizenship if you pass the B1 Italian language exam.
What educational benefits are available for children?
Children have access to Italian public education, including lower tuition rates at local universities.
What travel privileges does this visa offer?
Visa holders can travel freely within all 29 Schengen countries. After obtaining citizenship, you gain visa-free access to over 170 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
What are the government fees and costs?
Applicants must pay around €116 for visa processing and €112 for the residence permit per applicant, plus translation and legal service fees.
What is the rejection rate for the Italy Golden Visa?
Rejection rates are low, around 1%, when all documentation and financial details are properly submitted.
How can I prove the source of my investment funds?
Provide bank statements, tax returns, employment or business records, and other documents showing legal ownership and transferability of funds.
Conclusion
The Italy Golden Visa Program offers a great opportunity for investors seeking residency in Europe while enjoying Italy’s lifestyle, culture, and business advantages. With flexible investment options, family inclusion, and a pathway to citizenship, it is one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in Europe.
If you’re considering relocating or investing in Italy, now is the time to start your application and secure your place in this prestigious program.
