Does Italy Have a Golden Visa?

Yes, like Spain, Portugal and Malta, Italy too has a golden visa program that offers an easy path to residence in the country without onerous physical presence requirements. In fact, the visa program has no requirement for investors to live in the country to maintain their visa status.

Unlike other golden visa programs in the EU, foreign investors who fulfil the minimum investment requirements of the Italy Dolce Visa or the Italian Golden Visa can maintain residence in the EU without having to live in the EU country.
The program allows investors to renew their residence permit forever as long as they continue to attain the investment requirements. Or they can apply for the Right to Remain or Permanent Residence after five years. An investor who chooses this option will be required to achieve the expected physical presence requirements to maintain the 'Right to Remain' status.

Why Choose the Italy Golden Visa?

Mediterranean climate, culture and heritage, respect for family values, globally renowned cuisine, scenic panoramas and natural beauty, easy access to the European Union and high quality of life, Italy certainly has it all.

If you are a culture buff, then the art, architecture and sculptures of cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and other UNESCO world heritage sites will probably rank high on your list of 'must visit' destinations.

Whether you love the mountains, spending time by the sea, picturesque villages, scenic vineyards, Italy covers everything.

If you prefer the outdoor lifestyle and want to live in a country with moderate temperatures through the year, then again Italy can be a smart choice. If you want easy access to Mediterranean Europe for professional reasons or for your children’s education and career, then European residency through Italy’s investor program may be ideal for you.Request A CallbackItalian Residency By Investment

Italy Golden Visa 2024 Benefits

The Italy Golden Visa program unfolds a plethora of benefits for its participants, encapsulating:No stay requirementsNo obligation to fulfill minimum stay requirements.Freedom to work Unlike other investment visa programs, the investment visa gives you and your family members the right to work in Italy.
Visa free travel across the EU Schengen AreaTravel through the entire 26 country Schengen zone and stay for up to 3 months at a time with your Italian residency card. Pathway to PR and Italian citizenshipWhile you can renew your residence permit indefinitely by maintaining the investment requirement, you also have the option of applying for permanent residence as well as Italian citizenship in the future.Significant tax benefitsHigh-net-worth individuals have the option of becoming tax residents and applying for the Special Tax Regime after getting the La Dolce Visa to minimise their tax liability on all foreign incomes.Access to national public healthcareWhile you can protect your family’s health with adequate health insurance, the Italy golden visa residence permit gives you access to the country’s national public healthcare system as well.
A fast and effective pathway to European residencyApproval of applications typically within 4 to 8 weeks.Includes your dependentsExtend the residence permit to the entire family by providing proof of financial dependency.The option to live in ItalyYou can make Italy your home base and receive all the perks of high quality healthcare, education and an exquisite lifestyle in Western Europe.Request A Call BackLast Updated on October 2024

Italy's Golden Visa 2024: Investment Options

You might be pondering how one can access this novel and refined pathway to residency. The Italy Golden Visa opens doors to residency through a variety of investment options.

Let's explore the intricacies of each investment pathway...

Option 1: Italian Government Bonds

Minimum investment— €2 million

The following financial instruments are eligible under this category

• Treasury certificates
• Zero-coupon treasury or government bonds
• Long-term treasury or government bonds
• Long-Term treasury or government bonds index-linked to Eurozone inflation

The government bonds must be purchased and held for a minimum of two years.

Option 2: Italian Limited Company

Minimum investments— €500,000

The applicant must invest at least €500,000 in an Italian limited liability company to qualify under this investment option of Italy’s Golden Visa program. This is a broad category that can also work as a financial investment where the applicant invests in an investment company that makes financial investments in other companies or businesses in the country.

While Italy doesn’t offer the golden visa against purchase of real estate, this company investment option can be used by applicants to invest in real estate, tourism, hospitality or any other sector of the Italian economy.

Option 3: Italian Innovative Startup

Minimum investment— €250,000

If the applicant chooses to invest in a limited company that is an innovative startup, then the minimum investment requirement to qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa goes down to €250,000. The official list of eligible startups can be accessed for free at startup.registroimprese.it.

This is the least-expensive option, but it can often be the riskiest route to the golden visa since startups operate in a tougher and more challenging environment compared to traditional businesses.

Option 4: Philanthropic Donation in Italy

Minimum investment— €1 million

Unlike the three categories above, the donation to a philanthropic initiative in Italy is not an investment. Instead, the Italy investor visa applicant must donate at least €1 million to a project or public interest initiative in the field of culture, education, immigration, scientific R&D or preservation of Italy’s cultural or natural heritage.

Last Updated on October 2024

Inclusion of Family Members

The following family members can be included in a single investor visa application:

• Spouses who are not legally separated and are over 18 years of age.
• Unmarried minor dependent children. Children of the spouse with another partner or children born out of wedlock too can be included, provided the other parent gives consent.
• Dependent children aged above 18 years.
• Parents aged above 65 years of age with serious health problems or ailments.
• Dependent parents aged below 65 years who do not have any other children.

Italy Investor Visa 2024 Investment Options

Ariete Capital

Ariete Capital offers a balanced and diversified portfolio of options for foreign investors considering investing in Italian companies to qualify for the Italy golden visa immigration program.

Investors have the choice of sticking to established public limited companies in Italy or exploring private placements as well as alternative investments for greater diversification of investment risks.

Since the entire portfolio consists of eligible golden visa investments, investors can focus on deploying investment strategies aligned with their risk profile and strategic investment goals.

ForeverGood Hotel

The Italian golden visa program does not offer the option of buying property to qualify for the Italian residence permit. However, investment funds like the one offered by the ForeverGood Hotel group allow investors to take advantage of the growth potential of Italy’s hospitality industry to earn attractive returns as well as to qualify for the Italy golden visa.

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Italy Tax Incentives for Investors

One significant benefit of the Italian program is that investors have the option of opting for the country’s Special Tax Regime.

For an individual with substantial foreign incomes, becoming a tax resident of Italy and opting for the Special Tax Regime can help reduce the income tax liability on all foreign incomes.

The Special Tax Regime imposes a flat tax of €100,000 per year on the tax residents’ entire foreign income. The option of paying a tax at a flat rate can result in a lot of savings for those with significant foreign incomes as compared to having to pay income tax under the standard tax regime.

The investor has the option of utilising this regime for the family members too, by paying an additional tax of €25,000 per year per additional family member. The investor can opt for this regime in the tax return and pay this amount of tax irrespective of the actual tax payable on the foreign income as per Italian tax laws.

Importantly, this advantage is available only to those who qualify for tax residence in Italy. To do so, the investor and other family members included in the application will have live in Italy for more than 183 days in a calendar year and secure tax residency.

The Application Process

How To Get Your Italian Golden Visa Application Process

Below we will outline the Visa process in detail. Those interested in applying for the program can reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation via the button below.

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Step 1: Initial Consultation with Lincoln Global Partners

During our consultation we will discuss your specific case to understand your needs, present to you how the Italian Golden Visa works, elaborating on the process and the required routes to achieve your residency goals.

Step 2: Apply for Nulla Osta or Certificate of No Impediment

The first step of the process of applying for the Italian golden visa is to obtain a Nulla Osta or a certificate of no impediment or objection. You can apply for the investor visa only after you have received this certificate.

You can apply for the Nulla Osta online. The following documents must be submitted to secure the certificate:

-Copy of passport with a validity period of no less than two years and three months.
-A brief curriculum vitae
-A letter from your bank confirming that you are in compliance with all relevant Anti-Money Laundering provisions.
-A letter from your bank, accountant or lawyer confirming that you have the required financial resources to apply for the residence permit as well as the legal origin of your investment funds.
-Proof of clean character in the form of a certificate from relevant law enforcement authorities in your country of origin confirming that there are no criminal charges against you. This certificate must be obtained from the authorities of all the countries where you have lived for more than 12 consecutive months in the past ten years.
-A digitally signed self-declaration specifying your commitment to invest in the specific private company in Italy, if applicable.
-Consent letter from the company’s legal representative for receiving the investor visa investment.
-An Italian tax identification code or tax number.

You can apply for the Nulla Osta by registering on the online Investor Visa portal and submitting scanned copies of all required documents. You will have to sign the final declaration digitally and submit the same.

The Investor Visa Committee will assess and decide on your application within 30 days. If approved, the Nulla Osta will be available for download on the portal.

Step 3: Apply for the Investor Visa

Your Italy Golden Visa application must be submitted within six months of receiving the Nulla Osta. This must be done at the nearest Italian embassy or Italian consulate in your country. Your investor visa application to the Italian consulate or Italian embassy must include the following documents:

-Copy of your valid passport
-Three passport-size photos
-Printed copies of the Nulla Osta as well as all the documents submitted when applying for the certificate.
-Proof of acceptance of your proposed investment by the recipient in Italy
-Income proof showing your annual income in the previous financial year exceeding €8,500
-After your application is processed, you will receive a two year visa stamp in your passport. This visa stamp entitles you to enter Italy as a Golden Visa investor.

Step 4: Apply for the Italian Residence Permit

The residence permit is valid for two years and you can enter Italy anytime during the two-year validity period of the visa stamp. However, the investor will have to apply for the investor visa residence permit within eight days of entering the country. The application must be submitted at the Immigration Office of the police headquarters. It must be supported by the following documents:

-A copy of your entire passport
-Two passport-size photos
-Proof of accommodation in Italy
-This residence permit will be valid for two years from the date of entry into the country.

Step 5: Make the Italian Golden Visa Investment

Unlike other golden visa options offering European residency, the main applicant is not required to make the investment until the Italian Investor visa is issued.

The investor has up to three months from the date of application for the residence permit to deploy the investment. Normally, the investor holds the investment amount in a separate Italian bank account in an institution that is regulated by the Bank of Italy.

This functions like an escrow account where the funds are held until the investor issues the instructions for the deployment of the investment. The investor visa process is completed only when the applicant submits proof of investment or donation within the three month period. The proof is submitted by uploading documentary evidence of the investment to the Investor Visa portal.

These proofs may include a copy of the bank statement showing the deployment of the investment along with a letter of validation of such statement by an authorised representative of the institution. Investors choosing to invest in a limited company in Italy will also have to submit a copy of the certificate of deposit of shares to an Italian financial institution.

This is received after the company issues the Italian atto di cessione or documentary proof of the transfer of the shares.
The final step would be uploading the digitally signed final declaration to the Italian Investor Visa portal.
The Application Process

Extension or Renewal of the Investor Visa for Italy

The Italy golden residence permit is initially valid for two years and can be extended for a period of three years. After this five year period, the validity of the visa will continue to get extended for three years at a time as long as the applicant continues to fulfil the investment requirements.

The Golden Visa is an Italian residency permit but it is not a permanent residency permit. Italy's Golden Visa gives you the right to live in the country but this right will continue as long as the investments are maintained.
So, if you have chosen the Italian company investment route, then your €500,000 investment must continue for visa renewal. This requirement does not apply to the philanthropic contribution option.

The Italian investor visa valid duration will be five years. After this the investor has the option of maintaining the investment and retaining the golden visa status. Or he/she can opt for permanent residency or the Right to Remain in Italy. Permanent residency may involve physical presence requirements and other additional conditions related to language proficiency.

Permanent resident status is essential if the investor plans to obtain Italian citizenship. It is important to note that you cannot become an Italian citizen directly through the Italian golden visa program. There is a separate process to obtain Italian citizenship.

Your Italian Golden Visa Journey with Lincoln Global Partners

You will need professional guidance and professional assistance for your Italian visa journey. From detailed immigration management and comprehensive documentation support covering the No Objection Certificate, to proofs of investments like the securities dossier investment, to assistance in selecting the right investment option for your Italy investor visa application, Lincoln Global Partners can advise and assist. We have the perfect combination of practical experience and on-ground support to help you have a stress free investment immigration experience.

Apply for the Italy Golden Visa with Lincoln Global Partners

Lincoln Global Partners, an international investment migration firm is ready to assist you every step of the way with your Investor Visa application in Italy.

Find the right answer

Italy Golden Visa : Frequently asked Questions

Checkout our FAQ's or reach out to us directly via the contact form at the bottom of the page with further questions.Does Italy have a program for Golden Visa Investors?

Yes, Italy has an investment visa program that has been designed to promote foreign direct investment into the economy. Anybody making the required investment can qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa and maintain status without any physical presence requirements.

Can I get Permanent Residency in Italy if I buy a house?

No, applicants can become Italian residents by choosing one of the four investment options, which does not include purchasing real estate.

Can you get Italian Citizenship by Investment?

No, applicants can’t become Italian citizens through investment. The program offers a residence permit that is valid for two years, with extensions for three years as long as the investment is maintained.

To acquire Italian citizenship, the main applicant has to fulfil the requirements of the Italy investor visa program, apply for the Right to Remain after five years and apply for Italian citizenship after ten years.

Can a foreigner own property in Italy?

Yes, there are no restrictions on foreigners owning property in the country. However, the real estate acquisition route will not help foreigners obtain permanent residence in Italy.

How do I renew the Italy Investor Visa?

To renew the residence permit, you must continue maintaining the investment required by the Investor visa for the Italian program. If you do so, then your la Dolce Visa will be renewed for three years at a time.

Is there a minimum physical presence requirement for Italy Golden Visa investors?

No, Italian residence permits don’t require the investor or the family members to stay in the country for a specific period of time to maintain the status.

Can Italy Golden Visa investors select multiple investment options?

No, the Golden Visa temporary residence permit is not available if you invest in multiple investment options. If you are investing in Italian government bonds, then the entire investment must be made in this option.

When applying for the Italy Golden Visa program, you don’t have the option of investing partially in Italian government securities and donating the balance amount to a cultural and natural heritage project in Italy.

What is the processing time for the Investor Visa Italian program?

It takes around 30 days for the Nulla Osta to be issued and another 30-60 days for the issue of the residence permit after entering the country.

Do all Golden Visa investors qualify for the Special Tax Rate?

No, the Special Tax Regime is linked to your tax residency. If you have tax residency in Italy, then you can opt for the special regime. This means simply applying for the investor visa for Italy will not suffice. You will have to live in Italy for at least 183 days in the year to qualify for the regime.

Can Russian and Belarusian citizens apply?

No, currently (2025), the program is not accepting applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens.