Italian citizenship offers a range of advantages for foreign nationals, especially those exploring strategic paths like investor-based and birthright routes. Becoming an Italian citizen can give you dual citizenship and enjoy visa-free travel across the European Union as an EU member. This provides access to healthcare, education, mobility, and economic benefits throughout Europe.

For many, the traditional routes to obtain Italian citizenship can be drawn out and strict. That is why pathways like  investment have grown more popular. These options blend practicality with long-term planning, making Italian residency more accessible.

In 2017, the Italian government launched the Investor Visa program to attract foreign direct investment. This Italian investor visa, also referred to as the Italian Golden Visa, grants an initial residence permit valid for two years and allows renewal for up to three more years, provided that the qualifying investment is maintained. 

Overview of the Italy Golden Visa program

The Italy Golden Visa program provides a legal pathway for foreign investors to live in Italy by making approved economic contributions.

What the Golden Visa is

The Golden Visa, officially called the Italy residence by investment program or the investor visa for Italy, is a residence-by-investment program for non-EU citizens. It was created to attract foreign investment and to provide a pathway to Italian residency through specific financial commitments.

Visa holders can enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and the right to reside in Italy and other EU countries. The program allows residency for both the investor and their family members, provided the qualifying investment is maintained for the full duration of the residence permit. If the investment is withdrawn before the permit expires, the visa can be revoked.

The initial residence permit is valid for two years. It can be renewed for a further three years if the investment remains active and all program requirements continue to be met.

Requirements for the Italian Investor Visa

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Italian investor visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Make a minimum financial investment through one of the approved options. This can include €2 million in government bonds, €500,000 in an Italian limited company, €250,000 in an innovative startup, or €1 million in a philanthropic donation.
• Demonstrate proof of self-sufficiency for both the applicant and their family, usually shown through bank statements and documentation of available funds.
• Provide a clean criminal record and obtain a certificate of no impediment (Nulla Osta). These are essential for both the investor visa application and, later, the residency process.

Required documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying:

• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity period extending at least three months beyond the intended visa duration.
• Proof of funds, including bank statements and records confirming that the investment capital is legally acquired and available.
• Investment-related documents such as contracts, proof of payment, descriptions of the investment, and any necessary consent from the investment recipient.
• A curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional background.
• A criminal record certificate and supporting documents proving the legal origin of funds.
• The certificate of no impediment to confirm that the applicant meets all legal and investment requirements. This is issued by the investor visa committee after application approval.
• Certified translations of any documents not in Italian or English.

How to apply for the Italian Golden Visa: step-by-step guide

Apply via the official platform

Applicants begin by creating an account on the official investor visa portal and submitting their application along with required documentation. This includes identity information, details of the proposed investment, criminal records, proof of funds, and personal declarations. The investor visa committee reviews applications, typically issuing the certificate of no impediment (Nulla Osta) within 30 days. If additional documentation is needed, applicants must respond within a set timeframe to avoid suspension of the process.

Obtain the certificate of no impediment (Nulla Osta)

If the initial review is successful, the committee issues the Nulla Osta, which allows the applicant to proceed to the consular phase. This certificate remains valid for six months.

Apply for the visa at the nearest Italian consulate

With the Nulla Osta, applicants must submit a Type D investor visa request at their local Italian embassy or consulate. The processing time generally ranges from 10 to 20 days, though it may take up to 120 days in some cases.

Enter Italy and apply for a residence permit

After obtaining the entry visa, applicants must enter Italy within 180 days. Within eight working days of arrival, they must apply for their investor residence permit at the local Questura (police headquarters). The applicant also needs to complete the declared investment within three months and upload proof through the official platform.

Receive the residence permit and renew as eligible

The residence permit is typically issued within 30 to 40 days after the fingerprinting appointment. It is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years if the investment remains active and the applicant continues to meet program requirements.

Benefits of the Italian Golden Visa

Investors pursuing the Italian Golden Visa gain a powerful combination of flexibility, social access, family security, and tax efficiency.

Visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone

Holders of the Golden Visa can travel freely across Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days, offering flexibility for both personal and business purposes. This region-wide mobility is a major attraction for international investors.

Residence permits for the investor and family

The program extends to immediate family members, including spouses, dependent children, and, in many cases, dependent parents. All eligible dependents are granted the same residence rights as the main applicant, simplifying relocation logistics.

Access to healthcare, education, and EU residency

After establishing legal residence, individuals and their families gain access to Italy’s public healthcare system and its educational institutions. Residency also opens doors to social services and enables study or employment across EU countries.

Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship

After five years of continuous residence, investors may apply for permanent residence. After ten years, they can pursue Italian citizenship, offering the right to vote, full EU integration, and greater long-term security.

Flat tax regime for foreign income

High-net-worth individuals relocating to Italy can opt into a flat tax regime, paying a €100,000 annual flat tax on all foreign-sourced income, valid for up to 15 years. The regime also features rich exemptions, no inheritance and gift tax on foreign assets, no obligation to report foreign holdings via the RW form, and no separate tax on foreign financial assets (IVAFE) or real estate (IVIE). Family members may join for an additional €25,000 per person annually.

Including family members in the application

When considering the Italy Golden Visa scheme, one of the key benefits for applicants is the ability to bring loved ones along.

Who qualifies as a dependent

The Italy investor visa allows for the inclusion of close family members under local immigration rules. Eligible dependents include:

• The spouse or legally recognized partner
• Children under 18, including those of the spouse
• Adult children over 18 who are financially dependent or have a health condition
• Parents, particularly if they are dependent or over 65 years old

These family members can be added either through family reunification, cohesion, or in advance of travel, depending on timing and circumstances.

What dependents receive

Once included and approved, family members are granted residence permits with the same rights as the investor:

• They receive residence permits tied to the main applicant’s visa, valid for the same duration.
• They enjoy equal rights and benefits, including the ability to live, work, and study in Italy, as well as access to public services such as healthcare and education.
• Each dependent must submit the same required documents and financial proof as the main applicant.
• Investors must complete the qualifying investment within three months of arriving in Italy, and all investments must be made before applying for the residence permit.

Tax rules for Italian investor visa holders

Individuals become Italian tax residents if they spend 183 days or more per year in the country, or if they have their habitual abode, domicile, or registration as residents in Italy. Tax residency means being subject to tax on worldwide income.

Income earned within Italy continues to be taxed under the standard progressive IRPEF system, with rates ranging from around 23% to 43%, and additional regional and municipal charges.

To renew the Italy investor visa, holders must submit their application at least 60 days before their current permit expires.

Pathway to Italian citizenship

The Italy Golden Visa offers a structured pathway to Italian citizenship, beginning with permanent residency and culminating in naturalization.

Permanent residency after 5 years

Investors holding the Golden visa can apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence in Italy. This status allows individuals to reside in Italy indefinitely and grants most rights similar to Italian citizens, except for voting and holding public office. Continuous stay is key; absences from Italy must generally not exceed six consecutive months or ten months in total over five years. A permanent residence permit removes the need for further investment renewal, provided eligibility conditions are met.

Citizenship application after 10 years

After maintaining residence for ten years, individuals may apply for Italian citizenship through naturalization. Applicants must demonstrate successful integration, knowledge of the Italian language (minimum B1 level), and a clean criminal record. Applying for citizenship allows the individual and their family to gain full rights, including voting and obtaining an EU passport.

Dual citizenship

Italy permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their original nationality while acquiring Italian citizenship. This provision is particularly advantageous for investors seeking to maintain ties with their home country while enjoying the benefits of Italian and EU citizenship.

Visa-free travel in the Schengen Zone

Holding an Italian residence permit through the Italy investor visa program or the Italian Golden Visa program offers significant mobility advantages within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries. This temporary residence permit not only supports your residency in Italy but also facilitates seamless travel, living, working, and studying across member states, allowing Italian residents to enjoy the benefits of the EU’s freedom of movement.

90 days within any 180-day period

Under the rules governing the Schengen Zone, non-EU nationals with a valid Italian investor visa can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rolling timeframe assesses each day of stay by looking back at the previous 180 days. If an individual has already spent 90 days within the Schengen Area during that period, they must wait until enough days have passed before re-entering.

Travel flexibility

The visa allows for multiple entries and exits within the 180-day window, provided the total duration does not exceed 90 days. For example, an investor might spend 30 days in Italy as part of the Italy investor visa application process, then travel to France for 30 days, followed by a visit to Spain for another 30 days, all within the same 180-day period. This mobility supports the goal to attract foreign capital and promote foreign direct investment by providing investors with the freedom to manage their assets and interests across multiple European markets.

Rights within Italy

Beyond travel benefits, the Italian Golden Visa program grants investors and their families the right to live, work, and study in Italy without restrictions. This access includes entry to Italy’s public healthcare system, education opportunities, and employment prospects, all of which enhance integration into Italian society. Additionally, residency can unlock potential tax benefits for those meeting certain criteria, providing further incentives to invest in the Italian economy.

Conclusion: securing your future with the Italian Golden Visa

The Italian Golden Visa offers a clear and structured path to residency in Italy and eventual citizenship. While the minimum investment requirements and paperwork can be demanding, the long-term benefits are substantial for those looking to secure a stable future in Europe. Through the Italian residency by investment route, investors gain access to Italy’s vibrant economy and unlock the freedom to live, work, and travel throughout the Schengen Zone.

Securing your place in Italy is more than just meeting requirements; it is about embracing a journey toward new possibilities within a country rich in culture and opportunity. Navigating the Italy investor visa program and the path to residency that can lead to naturalization requires careful planning, attention to detail, and expert guidance. Each step, from making the minimum investment to submitting your Italy investor visa application and maintaining your temporary residence permit, is part of a greater plan to establish a secure future in Italy and the EU.

If you are ready to explore the benefits of the Italian Golden Visa and test your eligibility for residency and citizenship, Aprigliano International Law Firm is here to guide you. With extensive experience in Italian residency by investment and immigration services, Aprigliano specializes in helping foreign investors and their families unlock the full potential of living and investing in Italy’s thriving economy.

Contact us today to know more about our services and how we can help.