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Italy 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

Application Fee

500 EUR

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

11% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,600

Quality of Life

153/200

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 grant

2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Italy

Art. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years

Processing28-84 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum income: 8500 EUR

Investment: 250000 EUR

Health insurance required

Age: 18-

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

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 eligible
Funds for non-qualifying assets (e.g. real estate, mutual funds) do not count

Application Process

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

Prepare investment documents: Gather proof of funds, investment plan, and financial documentation

Submit visa application: Apply at Italian consulate with investment documents

Biometric appointment: Attend appointment for fingerprints and photograph

Await decision: Check application status

Receive visa: Collect visa from consulate

Complete investment: Transfer investment funds and establish Italian presence

Apply for residence permit: Within 8 days of arrival, apply for residence permit

Application Forms

Investor Visa Application

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Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 18, 2026

Dependent Visa	Spouse and minor children may join via Italy's standard family reunification procedure (Art. 28-29 b…	prefettura.interno.gov.it
Petitioner	self	investorvisa.mise.gov.it
Spouse Can Work	yes	prefettura.interno.gov.it

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