Obtaining Italy’s Golden Visa – Investor Visa – enables high-net-worth (HNW) non-EU expats to establish legal residency in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and economically developed countries.
This government-approved residence-by-investment programme, introduced in 2017 under Italian immigration law, offers an attractive pathway for international investors seeking access to Italy’s favourable business climate, exceptional quality of life, and strategic position within the EU.
For internationally mobile families and high-net-worth individuals, Italy’s Golden Visa represents more than residency; it is a cornerstone of a wider wealth-mobility strategy, providing European access, lifestyle benefits, and long-term estate-planning flexibility.
However, the Italian government imposes strict eligibility requirements for securing this type of visa. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, provide evidence of the lawful origin of investment funds, meet nationality and age requirements, and comply with formal due-diligence and procedural standards throughout the application process.
This article will explain what Italy’s Golden Visa is and who qualifies for it. It will also outline the advantages, approved investment routes, and associated costs, along with a step-by-step overview of the application process and key legal or tax considerations relevant to globally mobile investors to help prospective applicants navigate the programme with confidence.
What You Will Learn
- The structure and benefits of the ItalianGolden Visa.
- Italian Golden Visa requirements.
- Qualifying investment routes and minimum thresholds for securing the Golden Visa in Italy.
- Italy’s Golden Visa price, renewal conditions, and the step-by-step application process.
- How Italy’s Golden Visa compares with alternative EU residency-by-investment programmes such as Greece and Portugal, and the strategic considerations for globally mobile investors.
What Is a Golden Visa in Italy?
The Golden Visa – Italian Investor Visa programme – was introduced in 2017 to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. It grants eligible non-EU investors a two-year residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment of between €250,000 and €2 million, depending on the investment route selected.
The permit can be renewed for a further three-year term, provided you maintain the investment throughout the period. Notably, holders of the Italian Golden Visa are not required to spend a minimum number of days in Italy to keep their residence permit valid; however, longer-term residence or citizenship later requires evidence of genuine residence and integration.
The programme is specifically designed for high-net-worth individuals from non-EU countries and extends to their immediate family members, including spouses, dependent children, and, in certain cases, dependent parents, subject to Italian immigration dependency rules.
What Are Italy’s Golden Visa Requirements?
Investors applying for the Golden Visa in Italy must be non-EU, non-European Economic Area (EEA), and non-Swiss citizens who are at least 18 years of age. In addition to age and nationality, they must also meet several key criteria, such as:
- Providing documented proof of the lawful origin and availability of funds for the investment.
- Having no criminal record in either Italy or their country of residence.
- Maintaining comprehensive health-insurance coverage valid in Italy.
The primary applicant may also include eligible family members in the application. These include:
- A spouse.
- Children under 18.
- Children over 18 who are financially dependent on the primary applicant.
- Parents over 65 who financially depend on the primary applicant and have no other means of support.
Note: Applicants who are citizens of countries subject to EU sanctions (for example, Russia or Belarus as of 2025) are currently ineligible for the Investor Visa.
Does Italy’s Golden Visa Program Lead to Italian Citizenship?
Italy’s Golden Visa does not grant citizenship directly; however, it can be a viable pathway to long-term residency and, ultimately, Italian citizenship.
To begin the process, you must first obtain a temporary residence permit after completing the qualifying investment.
After five continuous years of legal residence in Italy, you may qualify for permanent residence provided you meet the relevant stay, integration, and income requirements.
Italian law does not set a fixed stay rule, but in practice applicants must demonstrate genuine residence and an adequate level of integration.
You must also meet additional eligibility requirements, such as holding an Italian language certificate at the A2 level or higher and demonstrating a stable annual income at least above the statutory minimum (approximately €7,000, subject to annual indexation).
Once you obtain a permanent residence permit, you are no longer required to maintain your initial Investor Visa investment.
After legally residing in Italy for at least 10 years and passing a B1-level language proficiency test, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalisation.
The application process typically takes from six months to two years, depending on administrative processing times.
What Are Italy’s Golden Visa Investment Options?
You can choose from several qualifying investment routes to obtain Italy’s Golden Visa for non-EU citizens. It is essential to note that the investment must be made in one qualifying route only — the visa is granted for a single selected investment rather than a combination of options.
| Italy’s Golden Visa Investment Option | Required Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Investment in an Italian innovative start-up | €250,000 | The company must be registered in the official Italian innovative start-up registry. |
| Equity investment in an Italian limited company (S.r.l. or S.p.A.) | €500,000 | The company must be incorporated and tax-resident in Italy. Listed and unlisted companies are eligible, provided they are active and compliant with Italian corporate law. |
| Philanthropic donation to a public-interest initiative in Italy | €1 million | Donations may support projects of public benefit such as culture, education, scientific research, or the preservation of cultural heritage. |
| Investment in Italian government bonds | €2 million | Bonds must be purchased and held directly in the applicant’s name through an Italian-regulated financial institution. |
To maintain the visa’s validity, you must retain the qualifying investment for the duration of your residence permit (initial two-year term and any subsequent renewals). Liquidating or altering the investment during this period may lead to permit revocation or ineligibility for renewal.
Our financial advisers at Titan Wealth International provide specialised guidance for obtaining the Investor Visa in Italy. We assess your financial circumstances and goals to ensure you opt for an investment route that best aligns with your needs and long-term residency objectives.
Documentation Requirements for Each Golden Visa Investment Option
The documentation required for Italy’s Golden Visa depends on the type of investment you select. You must provide detailed evidence verifying the lawful source, transfer, and ownership of funds.
- Philanthropic donations: You must obtain a copy of the official donation deed, bank statements from the previous three months, and a written confirmation that the funds were transferred and received by the beneficiary organisation.
- Italian government bonds: You must obtain a certificate confirming that the bonds are held in custody at an Italian bank and provide a copy of the purchase record issued by the bank.
- Equity in Italian companies or innovative start-ups: You must provide a signed confirmation letter from the receiving bank and recent financial statements (normally for the previous three months) as proof of investment. Investors in companies must also supply a certificate of share ownership or quota holding issued by an Italian depository bank.
For investments in unlisted companies, an official letter confirming receipt of funds and a copy of the notarised transfer document must be provided. Investments in listed companies require a securities account statement showing the purchase and current holding.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Golden Visa in Italy?
Italian Golden Visa holders have the right to live and work in Italy for the duration of their residence permit, as well as to bring eligible family members to the country. Beyond residency privileges, the programme offers the following advantages:
- Family-friendly lifestyle and legacy appeal: Beyond the legal right to reside, the programme offers access to Italy’s family-oriented culture, and a stable environment ideal for long-term legacy planning.
- No fixed minimum-stay requirement: While continuous residence is required to qualify for Italian long-term residence or citizenship, obtaining and renewing the Golden Visa does not require you to spend a set number of days in Italy. However, physical presence may still be relevant for tax residency and future naturalisation.
- Visa-free Schengen travel: With an Italian residence permit, you can travel and stay in the 27 Schengen Area countries without additional visas or permits. You may stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in those countries, subject to each state’s local immigration controls.
- Potential for dual citizenship: Italy recognises dual and multiple citizenships. Once you obtain Italian citizenship after being a legal resident for at least ten years, you are not required to renounce your original citizenship, provided your home country’s laws also allow dual nationality.
- Access to high-quality education and healthcare: If you bring your family to Italy under the Golden Visa, your children may enrol in Italian schools and universities as resident students, subject to local admission rules and language requirements. Residents are also eligible to register with the Italian national health system (SSN) upon payment of the applicable contributions.
What Are Italy’s Golden Visa Tax Advantages?
As a holder of the Italian Golden Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Italy’s special tax regime for new residents known as the Italy lump sum tax (Regime dei nuovi residenti) if you decide to transfer your tax residence to Italy.
The regime applies to individuals who have not been tax-resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten years preceding their move.
Under this optional scheme, qualifying individuals can elect to pay a flat annual substitute tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of the amount earned.
This arrangement can substantially reduce the tax burden for HNW individuals, since Italy’s standard personal income-tax rate can reach up to 43 per cent.
When combined with Italy’s optional flat-tax regime, the Golden Visa can be integrated into a coordinated international wealth-management plan covering trusts, investment portfolios, and succession arrangements.
Note: The flat-tax regime does not apply to capital gains derived from the sale of “substantial” shareholdings during the first five years of residence. Substantial shareholdings are generally defined as holdings exceeding 2 per cent of voting rights in a listed company or 20 per cent in a private company. Such gains are usually taxed at 26 per cent, unless a tax exemption applies.
The special tax regime can be maintained for up to 15 years and, subject to approval by the Italian tax authorities, may be extended to qualifying family members at an additional annual flat tax (currently €25,000 per person).
How Much Is a Golden Visa in Italy?
In addition to the minimum investment requirement, obtaining Italy’s Golden Visa involves the following indicative official and ancillary fees:
| Types of Golden Visa Fees | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit card (permesso di soggiorno) | Approximately €70–€80 per card. | Payable to the Italian police (Questura) and post office on application or renewal. |
| Long-stay visa application | €116 per applicant | Payable at the Italian consulate or embassy. |
| Administrative stamp and electronic card issuance fees | Approximately €30–€50. | Covers biometric permit and tax stamp charges. |
| Professional or legal-advisory fees | Typically €5,000 – €10,000 + VAT, depending on case complexity. | Not fixed by law; varies by adviser and the scope of services provided. |
The table above outlines typical core costs only. Applicants should also budget for compulsory health-insurance premiums, official translations and notarisation of documents, due-diligence and background-verification fees, courier or apostille charges, and potential bank-account opening or currency-transfer costs.
All amounts are indicative and may vary by jurisdiction, exchange rate, and administrative updates.
How To Get a Golden Visa in Italy
Before you begin the application process for the Italian Golden Visa, you must first decide on your qualifying investment. Once you have chosen the investment route, take the following steps to begin the process:
- Request the Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment)
- Apply for the Investor Visa at the Italian consulate
- Enter Italy and apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
- Complete the qualifying investment and upload proof to the official portal
Request the Nulla Osta
The Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) is the pre-approval required for the Golden Visa and is issued by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (IV4I).
To obtain the Nulla Osta, you must create a personal account on the official Investor Visa for Italy online platform, complete the application, and upload the required documents, including:
- A copy of a valid passport
- Proof of lawful financial resources and ownership of investment funds
- Details of the chosen investment route
- Criminal-record certificate(s)
- Curriculum vitae
The Committee generally issues a decision within 30 days, though timing may vary. Once approved, the certificate is valid for six months, during which you must apply for the visa.
Apply for the Golden Visa
After obtaining the Nulla Osta, you must submit your visa application at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application typically includes:
- A valid passport and a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of accommodation or address in Italy (e.g. lease or hotel booking).
- The original documentation submitted for the Nulla Osta.
- Evidence of sufficient means of support to live in Italy (normally above €8,500 per year, as indexed annually).
Visa processing usually takes two to four weeks, but may extend up to 90 days, depending on local consular workload.
Obtain a Residence Permit in Italy
Upon arrival in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per investitori) at the local police headquarters (Questura) within eight working days.
Documents generally required include:
- Two passport-sized photos
- A copy of the entire passport
- Copy of the visa and entry stamp
- Proof of payment for the electronic residence-permit card (approximately €30.46)
- Receipt for the €50 permit issuance fee
- Proof of adequate health-insurance coverage
The residence permit is typically issued within one to two months of application and is valid for two years.
Complete and Maintain the Investment
You must finalise the qualifying investment within three months of entering Italy. Proof of investment must be uploaded to the official Investor Visa portal and presented to the Questura for confirmation.
Once approved, you are required to maintain the investment for the entire validity of the residence permit and any renewal period.
After two years, you may apply to renew your permit for a further three-year term, but the renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before the permit expires.
What Are the Alternatives to Italy’s Golden Visa Program?
While Italy’s Golden Visa remains popular among HNW expats due to its relatively low investment thresholds and flexible stay conditions, it may not suit all investors. For instance, individuals seeking a property-based route or a shorter physical-stay requirement may consider other EU residency-by-investment options such as the Greek Golden Visa or the Portuguese Golden Visa.
The following table outlines how the Italian Golden Visa compares to these alternatives:
| Feature | Italy Golden Visa | Greece Golden Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | €250,000 – €2 million (depending on route). | €250,000 – €800,000 (varies by location and property type). | €250,000 – €500,000 (fund or cultural-investment options only). |
| Real estate investment option | Not available under the current Investor Visa law. | Included – real-estate purchase permitted (threshold rising to €800,000 in Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and other zones). | No longer available for new applicants – real-estate routes closed in 2024; fund or cultural donations remain eligible. |
| Residency requirement | No fixed minimum stay (for permit validity). | No minimum stay to maintain permit. | At least 7 days per year on average to maintain eligibility. |
| Pathway to citizenship | After 10 years of legal residence. | After 7 years of residence. | After 5 years of residence. |
| Key advantages |
|
|
|
Get Your Free Italian Residency & Investment Strategy Consultation
Obtaining Italy’s Golden Visa or transferring residency under the lump-sum tax regime demands precise coordination between immigration, investment, and international tax planning. In a complimentary consultation with Titan Wealth International, you will:
- Clarify how Italy’s Golden Visa and tax-resident options can support your long-term mobility, succession, and wealth-diversification goals.
- Understand how to structure investments and cross-border income efficiently under Italy’s flat-tax or Investor Visa framework while maintaining global compliance.
- Understand how we can help you integrate documentation, due diligence, and coordination with trusted local legal and tax advisers into a seamless, cross-border wealth-management plan.
Key Takeaway
Italy’s Golden Visa – Investor Visa – offers high-net-worth, non-EU citizens an investment-based pathway to temporary Italian residency and, in time, potential eligibility for long-term residence or citizenship through naturalisation.
Holders are not required to meet a fixed minimum-stay requirement to maintain their permit, and may bring eligible family members to the country under the same application.
This article has outlined the eligibility criteria, qualifying investment routes, associated costs, and main advantages of obtaining Italy’s Investor Visa.
It has also explained the key procedural stages—from Nulla Osta application to residence-permit renewal—and the optional tax regime available to new residents who transfer their tax domicile to Italy.
Each investor’s position is unique. From residency and domicile status to business ownership and cross-border assets. Our role is to coordinate these elements so your Italian residency complements your broader wealth strategy and long-term objectives.
Working with our expat financial advisers at Titan Wealth International can help coordinate the immigration, investment, and tax-planning elements of your application. Our team supports clients in selecting the most appropriate qualifying investment, preparing the required documentation, and understanding the cross-border implications before obtaining Italian residence.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for personalised financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain financial advice and tax advice tailored to your particular circumstances and in respect of any jurisdictions where you may have tax or other liabilities. Titan Wealth International accepts no liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from the use of, or reliance on, this information, nor for any errors or omissions in the content.
