Investor Visa for Italy (Italy Golden Visa)
Launched in 2017, the Italy Golden Visa allows third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss) to obtain a residence permit in exchange for an investment in Italy’s economy. The Investor Visa is issued for two years and can be renewed for an additional 3 years. Permanent residency is generally obtained 5 years after the initial application is launched. Italy has been a member of the European Union since 1958 and a member of the Schengen area since 1997.
Next Citizen ensures the highest success rates through experience and a solid track-record with the different Governments. Every year, we help hundreds of individuals and families to acquire a second residency or citizenship by investment. Next Citizen successfully helped clients from over 85 countries around the globe. Most importantly, we have a long-term view of ‘client-advisor’ relationships and commit to our clients for life.
The average processing time to obtain residency in Italy is 2–3 months.
Visa Free Travel to Europe including 29 countries in the Schengen zone.
Investment in an innovative start-up or an Italian joint-stock company.
From EUR 250,000 (depending on the option).
Spouse, minor children below 18, financially dependent parents 65+.
Typically 10 years (subject to conditions such as tax residency and legal requirements).
ITALY GOLDEN VISA • SUMMARY
The law of 11 December 2016, n. 232 (Legge di Bilancio 2017) introduced (art. 1, paragraph 148) a new case for which entry and long-term stay in Italy is permitted. Article 26-bis was added to the Consolidated Law on Immigration (TUI, Legislative Decree 286/1998), entitled “Entry and stay for investors”.
Simple process
Approval in ~30 days (as stated by program sources).
Investment is made only after residency approval.
No language test and no minimum stay requirement (program rules apply).
Residence extended to your family.
Free mobility
Visa-free travel to Europe including 29 Schengen countries.
Stay up to 3 months within any 6-month period in Schengen with multiple entries (subject to rules).
After 5 years you may be eligible for permanent residency; after 10 years of tax residency, citizenship may be possible.
Lifestyle & tax benefits
Live, work and study in Italy.
Enjoy a top-ranked destination for climate, heritage, and food.
High-quality education and healthcare access (eligibility varies).
Special tax regime for new residents: substitute tax of €100,000/year on foreign income (up to 15 years), with optional family extension.
Schengen access
The Italian Golden Visa allows visa-free access to Europe including 28–29 countries in the Schengen zone (official listings can be updated).
Want the full list? Use the “Check If You Need Visa” tool above or contact us to share the updated country list.
250,000 EUR
Investing in innovative startups or existing companies in Italy (as listed in the official website of Italian Chambers of Commerce). Investment can be in quotas or shares of innovative startups/companies referred to in art. 25, paragraph 2, of decree-law 18 October 2012, n. 179 (and subsequent modifications).
500,000 EUR
Investing in shares of joint-stock companies based in Italy (as per article 73 of the Consolidated Income Tax Act). A company is considered “operating” if it is active and has filed at least one balance sheet at the date of application. Provide the target company name and tax code when submitting the authorisation request.
24%
Other costs
In addition to the required investment, there are other costs such as professional fees, document certifications (when applicable), courier fees, and other small disbursements. Contact us for a detailed quotation outlining all costs.
Agreement & submission
Next Citizen retainer agreement signed and first payment of professional fees.
Document collection supported by a specialised Documentation Officer, aligned with Italian Government guidelines.
Submission of application.
Evaluation, embassy appointment & entry visa
The Investor Visa Committee evaluates the application and, if positive, issues a certificate of no impediment (Nulla Osta).
Within 6 months of issuance, we coordinate the embassy/consulate appointment. Original documents are submitted in person.
If successful, you receive an entry visa for investors (valid for 2 years).
Arrival, residence permit & investment
Travel to Italy.
Within 8 working days of arrival, visit the Immigration Office and submit the residence permit application.
Residence permit is issued and valid for 2 years from the entry date.
Proof of investment & renewal
Submit proof of investment.
Renewal: you can renew for an additional 3 years as long as you maintain the original investment. Submit renewal documents at least 60 days before expiry.
The estimated time to receive citizenship approval depends on due diligence processing time and the specific case.
Age
Main applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Good character
Clean criminal record and good reputation.
Health & investment
Good health (medical certificate required).
Make the declared investment within 3 months of entering Italy and maintain it for the permit validity period.
The following list serves as a general guideline. Next Citizen prepares a personalised checklist based on a full assessment.
Core (authorisation)
Nulla Osta request • Passport (all applicants) • CV • Bank statements (3 months) • Bank letter • No criminal record.
Consular originals
Original visa application docs at the consular office • Copy of authorisation • Accommodation proof • Proof of income (last fiscal year) • Photos • Proof of residence.
Investment-specific
Bank statements showing investment • Validation letter • Shares deposit certificate • Receipt/atto di cessione (if unlisted) • Securities dossier (if listed). Additional items apply for other routes.
What is the Investor Visa for Italy?
A residence permit for eligible non-EU/EEA/non-Swiss applicants in exchange for qualifying investments in Italy.
How long does it take?
Typically 2–3 months overall processing (case dependent).
Can I work in Italy?
Yes, holders of the Investor Visa are permitted to work in Italy (subject to permit conditions).
Does Italy allow dual citizenship?
Yes, dual citizenship is allowed (subject to nationality laws and individual circumstances).
Italy Residency by Investment Brochure
Content: Program Overview • Citizenship Law • Benefits • Applicants Qualifications • Investment requirements • Application Fees • Document Checklist • Visa-free list
15 pages • 700KB (as provided)
Let’s discuss Italy Golden Visa options for you
Confidential consultation
Share your nationality, country of residence, preferred investment option (start-up or joint-stock company), and whether you want to include family dependents. We’ll guide you through eligibility, costs, and the step-by-step process.
What we’ll cover
Eligibility, investment route, checklist, timeline, and submission steps.
Response time
We aim to reply quickly during business hours.