Overview
Known as the “Dolce Vita Visa” or the “Italian Investor Visa”, this program grants residency and work rights in Italy to individuals who invest €500,000 in the country. It also allows free movement within the Schengen Area.
Benefits of Italian Residency
Holders of a residency permit in Italy can travel freely across European Union countries.
Residency allows investors to work professionally within Italy.
Investors and their families can benefit from Italy’s prestigious educational institutions.
Who Is Eligible for Italian Residency?
INVESTOR
- Applicants over the age of 18
CHILDREN
- Children under 18 of the main applicant or their spouse
SPOUSE
- The applicant’s legally married spouse or registered partner
PARENTS
- Retired parents of the main applicant or their spouse
Italian Residence Permit Application Requirements
Applicants must invest at least €500,000 in shares or equity of a company established and operating in Italy. The investment must be made in a single company and maintained throughout the residency period.
Key Information
LOCATION
Southern Europe, predominantly on the Italian Peninsula.
CAPITAL
Rome
TIME ZONE
UTC+1 (Standard) & UTC+2 (Daylight Saving)
TOTAL AREA
301,338 km2
LANGUAGE
Italian
CURRENCY
Euro (€ / EUR)
Why Italy?
Work Permit
Residency grants investors the legal right to work in Italy.
Golden Visa
The Italian Investor Visa can be obtained in as little as 3 months, making it one of the fastest programs in Europe.
Education
Investors and their families gain access to Italy’s high-quality educational system.
PROGRAM MAP
150
Countries accessible without a visa
18
Countries requiring a visa
19
Countries requiring an e-visa
Frequently Asked Questions
The Italy Golden Visa, officially known as the Italian Investor Visa, is a residency-by-investment program that grants non-EU nationals the right to live in Italy.
Residency & Work Rights: Grants the ability to live, work, and study in Italy.
Schengen Freedom of Movement: Visa holders can travel visa-free across the Schengen Area.
Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, and dependent parents may be included in the application.
Favorable Tax Regime: New tax residents can benefit from attractive tax arrangements.
Innovative Start-up: Minimum investment of €250,000 in an Italian innovative start-up.
Italian Companies: Minimum investment of €500,000 in shares of Italian limited companies.
Government Bonds: Purchase of at least €2 million in Italian government bonds.
Philanthropic Donation: A minimum donation of €1 million to projects in culture, education, or public interest.
Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment): Apply through the official investor visa platform.
Visa Application: Once Nulla Osta is granted, apply for a two-year investor visa at the nearest Italian consulate.
Residency Permit: After entering Italy, apply for a two-year residency permit at the local police headquarters (Questura).
The initial residency permit is valid for two years. If the investment is maintained, it can be extended for another three years. After five years of legal residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency. After ten years, they may become eligible for Italian citizenship.
Yes. The applicant's spouse, children under 18 (or financially dependent adult children), and dependent parents can be included in the application.
Yes. New residents may benefit from a special tax regime. For example, foreign income can be exempt from Italian taxation through a fixed annual tax payment of €100,000.
The investment must be completed within three months of obtaining residency. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the residency permit.
No. Full-time residency in Italy is not mandatory. However, to maintain the residency permit, the investment must be sustained.