Italy Golden Visa: A Complete Guide for 2025

Introduction to Golden Visa

• The Italy Golden Visa program offers a residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment in the Italian economy.
• The program is designed to attract foreign capital and promote foreign direct investment.
• It provides a pathway to Italian residency and eventually Italian citizenship.
• The Italy Golden Visa program is a popular choice among foreign investors seeking residency in Italy.

Italy Investor Visa Program

• The Italy Investor Visa program is a residency-by-investment program that grants a residence permit to non-EU citizens.
• The program requires a minimum investment in Italian government bonds, an Italian company, or an innovative startup.
• The investment must be maintained for at least two years to qualify for the residence permit.
• The Italy Investor Visa program is a key part of the Italian government’s efforts to promote foreign direct investment.

Benefits of Residency

• The Italy Golden Visa program offers several benefits, including visa-free access to other Schengen countries.
• Residents can live, work, and study in Italy, and have access to the country’s public healthcare system.
• The program also provides tax benefits, including a flat tax on foreign income.
• Family members can also be included in the application, making it a popular choice for families.

Italian Investor Visa

• The Italian Investor Visa is a type of residence permit that is granted to foreign investors who make a qualifying investment in Italy.
• The visa is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years.
• The Italian Investor Visa is a popular choice among foreign investors seeking residency in Italy.
• It provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventually Italian citizenship.

Italy Golden Visa Requirements

• To qualify for the Italy Golden Visa program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including a clean criminal record and sufficient financial resources.
• Applicants must also have a valid passport and health insurance that covers them in Italy.
• The application process involves submitting documents to the Italian embassy or consulate, and then applying for a residence permit in Italy.
• The Italy Golden Visa requirements are designed to ensure that applicants are eligible for the program and can meet the necessary investment requirements.

Family Members and Dependents

• The Italy Golden Visa program allows family members to be included in the application, including spouses, children, and dependent parents.
• Family members can also apply for a residence permit and enjoy the same benefits as the main applicant.
• The program is a popular choice among families seeking residency in Italy.
• Family members can also work and study in Italy, and have access to the country’s public healthcare system.

Bank Account and Financial Requirements

• To apply for the Italy Golden Visa program, applicants must have a bank account in Italy and sufficient financial resources.
• The bank account must be used to make the qualifying investment and to pay any necessary fees.
• Applicants must also have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members in Italy.
• The financial requirements are designed to ensure that applicants can meet the necessary investment requirements and support themselves in Italy.

Italian Citizenship

• The Italy Golden Visa program provides a pathway to Italian citizenship after 10 years of continuous residency.
• Applicants must meet certain requirements, including language proficiency and integration into Italian society.
• The Italian citizenship application process involves several steps, including submitting documents and passing a language test.
• Italian citizenship provides several benefits, including visa-free access to other EU countries and the right to live and work in Italy.

Living in Italy

• Italy is a popular destination for foreign investors and expats, with a rich culture and history.
• The country offers a high standard of living, with access to good healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
• The Italy Golden Visa program provides a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship, making it a popular choice among foreign investors.
• Living in Italy can be a rewarding experience, with a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant culture.

Travel Opportunities

• The Italy Golden Visa program provides visa-free access to other Schengen countries, making it easy to travel throughout Europe.
• Residents can also travel to other countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, with a valid passport and visa.
• The program provides a high level of travel freedom, making it a popular choice among foreign investors.
• Travel opportunities are one of the key benefits of the Italy Golden Visa program.

Tax Implications

• The Italy Golden Visa program provides several tax benefits, including a flat tax on foreign income.
• Residents are also exempt from wealth tax and inheritance tax, making it a popular choice among foreign investors.
• The program provides a favorable tax environment, with a low tax rate and few tax implications.
• Tax implications are an important consideration for foreign investors, and the Italy Golden Visa program provides several benefits.

Conclusion

The Italy Golden Visa program is a popular choice among foreign investors seeking residency in Italy.

The program provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventually Italian citizenship, making it a popular choice among families and individuals.

The program offers several benefits, including visa-free access to other Schengen countries, a high standard of living, and a favorable tax environment.

The Italy Golden Visa program is a rewarding experience, with a warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Italian Golden Visa. 

Who is eligible for Golden Visa in Italy? 

Eligibility for the Italian Golden Visa is primarily for non-EU citizens aged 18 or older. Key requirements include:

• A clean criminal record.
• Lawfully acquired and sufficient financial resources to cover both the chosen investment and living expenses in Italy.
• Proof of the intended investment.
• Valid health insurance.
• A written declaration committing to making the investment within three months of entering Italy.

Family members, such as a spouse and dependent children (under 18), can typically be included in the application.

How much is the Golden Visa for Italy?

The minimum investment amount for the Italian Golden Visa varies depending on the chosen investment option:

• €250,000: Investment in an innovative Italian startup. This is the most accessible option.
• €500,000: Investment in an existing Italian limited company (listed or unlisted shares).
• €1,000,000: Philanthropic donation to a cultural, scientific, or public interest project.
• €2,000,000: Purchase of Italian government bonds, to be held for a minimum of two years

Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a property?

No, directly purchasing property in Italy does not automatically grant you a visa or residency permit. Unlike some other EU countries, Italy’s Golden Visa program does not have a direct real estate investment option for residency. However, buying property can be a factor that helps in obtaining certain other types of visas, such as the Elective Residence Visa, if other strict requirements (like sufficient passive income without needing to work in Italy) are met.

It is possible to gain “exposure” to real estate and qualify for the Golden Visa by investing in a limited company or a SICAF (investment fund) that, in turn, invests in real estate.

Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a property?

“Easiest” can be subjective and depend on individual circumstances and investment preferences. However, based on current programs and minimum investment thresholds, Italy is often cited as having one of the lowest-cost Golden Visa programs.

Other relatively accessible programs mentioned are Italy (€250,000 for a startup), Greece (€250,000 for real estate, though this is changing), and Hungary (€250,000 in approved investment fund units).

What is the cheapest Golden Visa for Italy?

The cheapest Golden Visa option for Italy is an investment of €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup.

How long does it take to get Nulla Osta Italy for the Italian Golden Visa in 2025?

The Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) is a crucial initial step for the Investor Visa. The processing time for obtaining the Nulla Osta typically takes 2 to 3 months after the application is submitted through the official Investor Visa for Italy portal. Once issued, you have six months to apply for the visa at the competent Italian consulate or embassy.

Can I get a Golden Visa in Italy?

Yes, you can get a Golden Visa in Italy if you are a non-EU citizen and meet the eligibility criteria, including making one of the qualifying investments.

Which country is ending the Golden Visa program?

Several countries have recently ended or are in the process of ending their Golden Visa programs due to concerns about housing affordability, security risks, and other socio-economic impacts. As of April 3, 2025, Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program. Other countries that have discontinued similar programs include the UK, Canada, Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

How much do I need to invest in Italy to get citizenship?

There is no direct “citizenship by investment” program in Italy. The Golden Visa provides a pathway to residency, which can eventually lead to citizenship. After 10 years of continuous legal residency in Italy (typically after 5 years of temporary residency and then 5 years of permanent residency), you may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship, subject to meeting language proficiency, integration requirements, and having a clean criminal record. The investment amounts mentioned earlier (€250,000 to €2,000,000) are for the initial residency permit, not directly for citizenship.

Can I get Italian citizenship if I buy property in Italy?

No, buying property in Italy does not automatically confer Italian citizenship. Italian citizenship is primarily based on the principle of jure sanguinis (right of blood), meaning you can be eligible if you have Italian ancestors. Residency (which can be obtained through various means, including the Golden Visa after investment) is a separate path that can eventually lead to citizenship after a long period of continuous residency (typically 10 years).

What is the downside of Italian dual citizenship?

While Italian dual citizenship generally offers many advantages (e.g., freedom of movement in the EU, access to social services), some potential downsides can include:

Dual obligations: You may be bound by the laws and obligations of both countries, which could sometimes conflict (e.g., military service in some countries).

Double taxation: Depending on tax treaties between Italy and your other country of citizenship, you might be subject to taxation in both countries on your global income. US citizens, for example, are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residency.

Barriers to certain jobs: Some government or sensitive jobs may have restrictions on dual citizens.

Administrative complexity and cost: The process of obtaining dual citizenship can be complex, time-consuming, and involve legal fees.

What is the Golden Visa rule for Italy?

The Golden Visa rule for Italy, officially known as the “Investor Visa for Italy,” allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by making one of four qualifying investments:

€250,000 in an innovative startup.

€500,000 in an Italian limited company.

€1,000,000 philanthropic donation.

€2,000,000 in Italian government bonds.

The initial residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years. There is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the Golden Visa residency permit.

Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a house?

As mentioned, no, directly buying a house does not grant residency under the Italian Golden Visa program. While property ownership can be a factor for other types of visas (like the Elective Residence Visa, which requires substantial passive income), it’s not a standalone path to residency via investment in Italy.

Which European country has the best Golden Visa?

Determining the “best” Golden Visa depends on an applicant’s priorities (cost, path to citizenship, type of investment, family inclusion, etc.). However, some of the most popular and often cited as having good programs (though some are changing or ending) include:

Portugal: Historically very popular due to flexible residency obligations and a clear path to citizenship (though the real estate option has ended).

Greece: Offers residency through a relatively low real estate investment (though the minimum is increasing in some areas), but the processing time is very long.

Malta: Offers both residency and citizenship by investment, but with higher investment thresholds.

Italy: Offers diverse investment options, including a relatively low entry point for innovative startups, and no minimum stay requirement.

Is there an investment visa for Italy?

Yes, Italy has an investment visa program officially called the “Investor Visa for Italy” (often referred to as the Golden Visa). It was introduced in 2017 to attract foreign direct investment.

How much do I need to invest in Italy for PR?

To get on the path to Permanent Residency (PR) in Italy through the Investor Visa, you need to make one of the qualifying investments: €250,000, €500,000, €1,000,000, or €2,000,000 depending on the investment type.

The Investor Visa grants an initial two-year residence permit, renewable for three years. After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, you can apply for permanent residency.

What is the Dolce visa investment in Italy?

The “Dolce Visa” is another, more informal, name sometimes used to refer to the Italy Golden Visa (Investor Visa program). It’s not a separate visa category but rather a popular nickname for the residency-by-investment scheme designed to attract non-EU nationals to invest in Italy. The investment options are the same as those listed for the Golden Visa.

How to get an Investor Visa in Italy?

The process for obtaining an Investor Visa in Italy generally involves these steps:

Choose a qualifying investment and gather proof of funds and their lawful origin.

Apply for a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) through the official Investor Visa for Italy online portal. This typically takes 2-3 months.

Once the Nulla Osta is approved, apply for the Investor Visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence within six months.

After receiving the visa, enter Italy within six months of its issuance.

Complete the investment within three months of entering Italy.

Apply for your residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local Questura (police headquarters) within eight days of entering Italy, providing proof of the completed investment.

How do I get a Golden Visa in Italy?

The process to get a Golden Visa in Italy is the same as described for the “Investor Visa for Italy” above. It requires a qualifying investment and following the specific application procedures.

Can I get residency in Italy if I buy property?

Again, no, direct property purchase does not lead to residency through the Italian Golden Visa. While it might be a factor for other visa types requiring passive income, the Golden Visa itself requires specific financial investments in companies, startups, government bonds, or philanthropic donations.

What is the easiest way to get residency in Italy?

The “easiest” way to get residency in Italy depends on your circumstances.

For those with significant capital, the Investor Visa (Golden Visa) can be a relatively straightforward path, especially the €250,000 startup investment, as it doesn’t require physical presence.

For those with substantial passive income and no need to work in Italy, the Elective Residence Visa (Visa for Residenza Elettiva) is an option, although it requires proof of significant and stable income from non-employment sources.

For those with Italian heritage, citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) is a highly desirable path, as it directly grants citizenship and then residency rights.

Other paths include work visas, family reunification visas, and study visas, but these are tied to specific purposes.

How much is a Golden Visa for Italy?

The cost of the Golden Visa for Italy starts from €250,000 for an investment in an innovative startup, ranging up to €2,000,000 for government bonds.

How much does the gold visa cost?

The “Gold Visa” or “Golden Visa” for Italy costs a minimum of €250,000 for an innovative startup investment. The specific cost depends on the chosen investment route, as outlined in earlier answers.

Can a US citizen get Italian Golden Visa?

Yes, US citizens are eligible to apply for the Italian Golden Visa. The requirements and investment options are the same for US citizens as for other non-EU citizens. It provides a popular pathway for wealthy American families to gain Italian residency.

How much do you need to invest in Italy to get residency?

You need to invest a minimum of €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup to get residency through the Investor Visa program. Other investment options require higher amounts: €500,000 for a limited company, €1,000,000 for a philanthropic donation, or €2,000,000 for government bonds.

Does Italy have a golden passport?

No, Italy does not have a “Golden Passport” program (i.e., a direct citizenship by investment program). The Italian Golden Visa program grants residency by investment, which can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after a long period of continuous residency (typically 10 years) and fulfillment of other naturalization requirements.