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Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
ItalyItaly•Europe
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Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

Golden Visa PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €116

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Italy flag

Living in Italy

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€21,000
Quality of Life
156/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Italy's 2-year residence-by-investment route for non-EU citizens placing EUR 250K-2M into innovative start-ups, companies, government bonds or philanthropy.

Italy's Investor Visa is a residency-by-investment route run by MIMIT for non-EU citizens. Four options qualify: EUR 250K in an innovative Italian start-up, EUR 500K in an Italian limited company, EUR 1M as a philanthropic donation, or EUR 2M in Italian government bonds. Applicants must be 18+, prove lawful funds, and show income of at least EUR 8,500.

The IV4I Committee issues a Nulla Osta within 30 days; the applicant then requests a D-type visa at the consulate within six months. After arrival the residence permit is requested within 8 days and the investment completed within 3 months. The initial permit lasts 2 years, renewable in 3-year tranches, and an EU long-term residence card is possible after 5 years.

This visa is ideal for high-net-worth investors and start-up backers seeking Italian and Schengen residency without a minimum physical-presence requirement.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Italy flagItaly

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity10 years
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum income: 8500 EUR

Investment: 250000 EUR

Health insurance required

Age: 18-

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

8,500 EUR/yr

Investment

250,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Proof of funds

Investment plan

Financial statements

Accommodation proof

Health insurance

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Four investment routes from EUR 250K (start-up) to EUR 2M (government bonds)
  • 2-year residence permit, renewable in 3-year tranches while investment held
  • No minimum physical-presence requirement to keep the permit valid
  • Pathway to EU long-term residence card after 5 years of legal residence
  • Open to all non-EU nationalities with no annual quota
  • Spouse and minor children may join via family reunification and work in Italy
  • Nulla Osta decision delivered within 30 days of a complete application

Worth Knowing

  • Investment must be completed within 3 months of arrival in Italy
  • Renewal requires a fresh Nulla Osta proving the investment is still in place
  • Family members enter via separate family-reunification procedure, not auto-included
  • Personal income of at least EUR 8,500 required in addition to the investment
  • Suspensions can apply to specific nationalities (e.g. Russian/Belarusian dual passports)
  • Minimum EUR 250,000 investment in an Italian innovative start-up (lowest tier)
  • Legal entities cannot apply - only individuals are qualifying
  • Funds for non-qualifying assets (e.g. real estate, mutual funds) do not count

Application Process

1

Identify investment option

Choose qualifying investment: startup, company, bonds, or philanthropy

2

Prepare investment documents

Gather proof of funds, investment plan, and financial documentation

3

Submit visa application

Apply at Italian consulate with investment documents

4

Biometric appointment

Attend appointment for fingerprints and photograph

5

Await decision

Check application status

6

Receive visa

Collect visa from consulate

7

Complete investment

Transfer investment funds and establish Italian presence

8

Apply for residence permit

Within 8 days of arrival, apply for residence permit

Application Forms

Investor Visa Application—

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