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Italian Golden VISA
Starting at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
Italy | Starting at €250,000 | EU Visa free
Essential Information
Country: Italy
Capital: Rome
Population: 59M
Language: Italian
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Program Started: 2017
Italy’s Residence by Investment Programme, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, offers foreign nationals a direct pathway to living in one of Europe’s most iconic and culturally rich countries. From bustling cities like Milan and Rome to serene countryside and Mediterranean coastlines, Italy blends lifestyle with opportunity.
The programme was introduced in 2017 to attract capital and boost economic growth. Investors can gain Italian residency and visa-free access to the Schengen Area in exchange for supporting the national economy through approved investments. Italy offers outstanding healthcare, education, and infrastructure, making it an attractive option for families and entrepreneurs alike.
10 Years to La Dolce Vita: A Roadmap to EU Citizenship.
Italy provides a structured and legally recognised route to permanent residence and citizenship through its Investor Visa programme.
After five years of continuous legal residency, investors are eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided they’ve maintained their investment and lived in Italy during this period.
Citizenship by naturalisation is available after ten years of residency, during which time the applicant must demonstrate integration into Italian society, including basic Italian language skills.
EU citizens are eligible for naturalisation after only 4 years. Italy permits dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original nationality.
The path to citizenship is built into the investor timeline, making Italy a strong option for families or individuals looking for full EU rights in the long term.
Where Your Capital Meets Culture: Smart Investments for Italian Residency.
Italy offers multiple routes to residency through its Golden Visa Programme, requiring a commitment to the country’s economic development.
The four options include:
€2 million investment in Italian government bonds, or a €500,000 equity investment in an Italian company.
€250,000 in an Italian startup.
€1 million donation to a project of public interest.
All investments must be approved by Italy’s Investor Visa Committee and maintained for the duration of the visa.
Minimal Commitments, Maximum Opportunity: Italy’s Flexible Entry Criteria.
To maintain residency under the Italian Investor Visa Programme, applicants must reside in Italy for the majority of each year, particularly if they wish to pursue permanent residency or citizenship.
There is no fixed minimum stay requirement, but genuine relocation is expected. Applicants must be 18 years or older, pass a due diligence background check, and possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their families.
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for all applicants. The programme is open to citizens of non-EU countries. While language skills are not required at the application stage, they will be needed for naturalisation.
Flat Taxes, Global Access: Unlock Italy’s Lucrative Tax Incentives.
Italy offers one of Europe’s most attractive tax regimes for new residents. Individuals who become tax residents can apply for the Non-Dom Flat Tax Regime, which allows them to pay a flat €100,000 annual tax on foreign income, regardless of amount, for up to 15 years. This is ideal for high-net-worth individuals with global income streams.
Additional family members can be included for an extra €25,000 per person. Residents are also eligible for reduced tax rates on pensions, employment income, and business income under certain circumstances.
To qualify for tax residency, applicants must reside in Italy for 183 days or more per year. Investors who do not meet this threshold are not considered tax residents and are only taxed on Italy-sourced income.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Italian Residency Program?
Once onboarded, applicants apply through the Investor Visa Committee. After approval, the Golden Visa is issued by an Italian consulate. Applicants must travel to Italy to register as residents and finalize the process. Processing time is approximately 3–4 months from submission.
Can I retain Italian residency while keeping my current passport?
Yes. Italy permits dual residency and dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while holding an Italian residence permit or even citizenship after naturalisation.
Legal Basis for Italian Residency by Investment:
The Italy Investor Visa is governed by Law No. 232 of 2016 (Budget Law), Article 1, Paragraph 148, and further clarified under Decree of the Ministry of Economic Development of July 21, 2017.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with an Italian residency permit?
With an Italian residency permit, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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