Italian Residency by Investment | Italy Investor Visa and Golden Visa

Italian Residency by Investment | Italy Investor Visa and Golden Visa

17 Aug 2023

🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much

Explore your visa options for the Italy investor visa and Italy Golden Visa to obtain Italian residency through the Italy Golden Visa program in 2023.

Italy’s captivating allure lies in its tranquil and picturesque cities, delectable culinary offerings, efficient transportation networks, reasonable cost of living, and alluring tax incentives. It presents an irresistible proposition for investment and relocation. What could surpass the appeal of gaining access to EU advantages, embracing retirement in the Italian embrace, extending hospitality to your loved ones, and more?

How to Obtain Residency in Italy with an Investor Visa?

Italy offers a multitude of enticing visa avenues for Non-EU nationals, enabling them to establish roots in the country through investments or by demonstrating a stable passive income.

To qualify for residency status through investment in Italy, candidates have the option to explore either of the following two program pathways:

Visa Option

Requirements

Investment

Work Permitted

Duration

Italy’s Golden Visa

Minimum investment of €250,000 into an innovative startup.

€250,000

Yes

Valid for 2 years, renewable for an additional 3 years. Eligible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years.

Italy Elective Residence Program

Passive income of at least €31,159.29 per year, not from employment.

Proof of consistent passive income

No

Initially granted for 1 year, renewable for an additional 2 years.

The Italy Golden Visa

Introduced in 2017, the Golden Visa caters to high-net-worth individuals capable of making substantial contributions to Italy’s economy and society. It places strong emphasis on prioritizing Italy’s Golden Visa, ensuring the prompt acquisition of Italian residency within a matter of months.

Who Is Eligible for an Italy Investor Visa (Golden Visa)?

  • Nationals of non-EU member states or Schengen Area countries.

  • An unblemished criminal record.

What Are the Investment Options for the Italy Golden Visa?

  • €2,000,000 invested in government bonds.

  • €1,000,000 philanthropic donation for cultural, educational, immigration, scientific research, and cultural/natural heritage preservation purposes.

  • €500,000 channeled into an Italian limited company.

  • €250,000 directed towards an innovative startup venture.

Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa Program:

  • Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area.

  • Option to apply for permanent residency after 5 years and pursue citizenship after a specific time of residing in Italy.

  • No mandatory continuous stay in Italy.

  • Access to top-tier healthcare and education facilities.

  • Unrestricted employment opportunities, either as an employee or a self-employed professional.

  • Equal privileges for your family members.

  • Potential to adopt a special tax regime with a fixed annual payment of €100,000, regardless of overseas income or assets.

The Italy Golden Visa: FAQs

What is the process to apply for an Italy investor visa?

Initiating your journey involves obtaining a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment), which is the initial step for any Italian visa application. Fortunately, for the Italy Golden Visa, this can be efficiently done online. Subsequently, within six months of acquiring your Nulla Osta, you can apply for the Golden Visa at the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate.

What to do after entering Italy with an Italian golden visa?

Upon arriving in Italy, you have an 8-day window to apply for a residence permit. This entails visiting the Ufficio Immigrazione (Immigration Office) of the Questura (Police Headquarters) to request the permit.

The granted residence permit remains valid for 2 years, commencing from your entry date. Should you maintain your initial investment, renewal for an additional 3 years is possible through the Investor Visa portal.

The application for renewal should be lodged at least 60 days before the permit’s expiration. The investment must be sustained to retain your visa.

After an uninterrupted 5-year stay in Italy with the Italy Investor Visa, you can seek permanent residency and relinquish the investment obligation.

Is the Golden Visa citizenship by investment?

The INVESTOR VISA affords residency, not citizenship. However, after fulfilling residency duration requirements, you can apply for Italian citizenship and a passport.

The Italy Elective Residence Program

If you possess verifiable and consistent passive income, the elective visa option might align with your preferences. This income should not originate from active employment during your stay in Italy, but rather from your personal savings, investments, or pension.

The elective residence path, known as “residenza elettiva” in Italian, welcomes foreign nationals who aspire to make Italy their permanent home, sustaining themselves financially. However, it’s important to note that engaging in work within Italy is not permitted under this program.

Who is Eligible for an Elective Residence Visa?

To be eligible for an elective residence visa, certain primary criteria must be met:

  • Proof of a passive income, excluding earnings from employment, of at least €31,159.29 per year for individuals or €38,000 per year for married couples, along with documented accommodation in Italy (either property ownership or a leased apartment).

  • Special emphasis is placed on demonstrating a stable and substantial income unrelated to work (consulates typically expect an income exceeding the legally defined amount) and showcasing a genuine intention to establish permanent residency in Italy.

  • Holders of an elective residence permit (permesso di soggiorno per residenza elettiva) are restricted from engaging in employment.

Benefits of the Italy Elective Visa Program

  • Access to Free Education: When relocating with family members, children are entitled to free public education.

  • Enrollment in National Health Care: Visa holders can voluntarily join the Italian National Healthcare System, gaining access to comprehensive medical care, including specialist consultations, tests, hospital admissions, and minimal or no fees.

  • Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of lawful stay, elective residence permit holders can apply for the Permanent Permit of Stay (Permanent Card) for long-term residents, contingent on registration and tax compliance.

  • Potential for Italian Citizenship: With a decade of uninterrupted legal residency, individuals can become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship, necessitating resident registration and tax filing.

  • Tax Advantages: High-income or family applicants can explore the Italian Flax Tax Lump Sum Regime, offering a fixed tax amount irrespective of income or assets.

  • No Quota Limits: Unlike other visa categories, there are no yearly limits on the number of applications or relocations to Italy.

How Long Can You Stay in Italy with the Elective Residence Visa?

When considering the Elective Residence Visa for Italy, it’s important to understand the duration of your stay. Initially granted for one year, this visa offers the opportunity for an extended presence in the country, and you have the option to renew it for two additional years.

How Can You Renew the Elective Residence Visa?

The Elective Residence Visa for Italy is like a key to staying longer. After the first year, you can ask for more time – up to two more years. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the program and experience Italy for a total of three years.

Can You Obtain Italian Citizenship with the Elective Residence Visa?

Even though the Elective Residence Visa doesn’t directly grant you Italian citizenship, it’s an important step if you’re considering becoming one later. This visa allows you to live in Italy for an extended period, which is one of the requirements if you intend to apply for Italian citizenship in the future. So, while it doesn’t provide immediate citizenship, it can bring you closer to achieving that goal.

What Are the Step-by-Step Procedures for Applying for the Elective Residence Visa?

To initiate the visa application process, you will need to submit a well-prepared application to the relevant Italian Consulate, aligned with your current place of residence. It’s crucial to meticulously compile and provide all necessary documents, demonstrating your passive income that meets the specified financial threshold, as well as evidence of your accommodation arrangements within Italy.


FAQs: Italy Investor Visa and Residence Permit

1. Is it hard to obtain a residence permit in Italy?

In 2022, approximately 12.7% of visa applications for Italy were not approved, indicating that while it may not be incredibly easy, it is certainly achievable. By strategizing your approach and adhering to the stipulated regulations, you can enhance your prospects of successfully obtaining the required permit. Long-term visas can also be more complicated than short-term visas, so seek professional guidance to avoid visa rejections. Book a FREE 10 minute discovery call with us!

2. How can you achieve permanent residence status in Italy?

Gaining permanent residence in Italy involves a multi-step process. Acquiring an investor visa through programs like the Italian Investor Visa Program is one viable route. Upon successful entry and investment within the country, individuals have the opportunity to establish themselves as long-term residents. The process typically entails demonstrating commitment and compliance with residency requirements over a specific period, often several years.

3. What is the special tax regime in Italy?

Italy offers a special tax regime for certain categories of residents, which can be particularly advantageous for Italy investor visa holders. This regime may provide tax incentives and benefits for those relocating to Italy, including reduced taxation on foreign income and assets. It’s advisable to consult with legal and financial experts to fully understand and navigate this tax regime.

4. Are there alternatives to the investor visa program?

Indeed, aside from the Italy investor visa program, there exist alternative pathways to securing residence in Italy. These may include specialized work visas, family reunification options, study visas, or entrepreneurial routes. Exploring these alternatives can offer a comprehensive perspective on the various avenues available to individuals seeking to establish themselves in Italy. Visit here for more information.

Ps. If you like this article, we would appreciate it if you share it with your connections. 

Back to Blog



See Other Blog Posts

a view of a building through a window
a view of a building through a window
a view of a building through a window
a view of a building through a window

Everything you need to know | Apply for Italian citizenship in Italy

Everything you need to know | Apply for Italian citizenship in Italy

21 Mar 2024

10min

a woman sitting at a desk talking on a cell phone
a woman sitting at a desk talking on a cell phone
a woman sitting at a desk talking on a cell phone
a woman sitting at a desk talking on a cell phone

No appointment at Italian Embassy for Citizenship? | Your new solution

No appointment at Italian Embassy for Citizenship? | Your new solution

20 Mar 2024

5min

blue and yellow star flag
blue and yellow star flag
blue and yellow star flag
blue and yellow star flag

Italian Visa requirements | How to stay in EU and Schengen area

Italian Visa requirements | How to stay in EU and Schengen area

14 Mar 2024

pavement between buildings
pavement between buildings
pavement between buildings
pavement between buildings

Check out the Italian citizenship requirements | Applying by Descent

Check out the Italian citizenship requirements | Applying by Descent

28 Feb 2024

6min

gold and black metal tool
gold and black metal tool
gold and black metal tool
gold and black metal tool

12 Golden Visa Program for EU countries by investment

12 Golden Visa Program for EU countries by investment

1 Feb 2024

9min

selective focus photo of brown and blue hourglass on stones
selective focus photo of brown and blue hourglass on stones
selective focus photo of brown and blue hourglass on stones
selective focus photo of brown and blue hourglass on stones

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship by blood?

How long does it take to get Italian citizenship by blood?

23 Jan 2025

6min

assorted-color item lot
assorted-color item lot
assorted-color item lot
assorted-color item lot

Apply for an Italian Passport Requirements | Get Italian Citizenship

Apply for an Italian Passport Requirements | Get Italian Citizenship

11 Sept 2023

5min

🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much
🔴🔴🔴  I worked a lot to create this image, please consider sending a small donation to support my work.
►► My Paypal link is in my profile 
Thank you so much

Italian Residency by Investment | Italy Investor Visa and Golden Visa

Italian Residency by Investment | Italy Investor Visa and Golden Visa

17 Aug 2023

8min

us a flag under white clouds
us a flag under white clouds
us a flag under white clouds
us a flag under white clouds

Applying for Italian Citizenship by Descent in the UK

Applying for Italian Citizenship by Descent in the UK

3 Aug 2023

4min

white concrete building during daytime
white concrete building during daytime
white concrete building during daytime
white concrete building during daytime

Submitting Italian Citizenship Application: Expectations & Rejection?

Submitting Italian Citizenship Application: Expectations & Rejection?

6 Aug 2025

9min

people walking on sidewalk during daytime
people walking on sidewalk during daytime
people walking on sidewalk during daytime
people walking on sidewalk during daytime

5 Ways to Become an Italian Citizen

5 Ways to Become an Italian Citizen

17 May 2023

12min

the sun is setting over the roman colossion
the sun is setting over the roman colossion
the sun is setting over the roman colossion
the sun is setting over the roman colossion

Apply for Italian citizenship by descent through your great-grandparents

Apply for Italian citizenship by descent through your great-grandparents

25 Apr 2023

7min

a room with boxes and a window
a room with boxes and a window
a room with boxes and a window
a room with boxes and a window

What are Legal Requirements for Starting a small business in the UK | Business Law

What are Legal Requirements for Starting a small business in the UK | Business Law

14 Apr 2023

10min

A stack of thick folders on a white surface
A stack of thick folders on a white surface
A stack of thick folders on a white surface
A stack of thick folders on a white surface

What documents do I need to obtain Italian citizenship?

What documents do I need to obtain Italian citizenship?

30 Mar 2023

8min

brown concrete house
brown concrete house
brown concrete house
brown concrete house

How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent

How to Apply for Italian Citizenship by Descent

27 Mar 2023

7min

person in blue jacket sitting on brown wooden chair near brown wooden table during daytime
person in blue jacket sitting on brown wooden chair near brown wooden table during daytime
person in blue jacket sitting on brown wooden chair near brown wooden table during daytime
person in blue jacket sitting on brown wooden chair near brown wooden table during daytime

All You Need To Know About Getting A Self-Employment Visa In Italy

All You Need To Know About Getting A Self-Employment Visa In Italy

16 Dec 2022

6min

three men laughing while looking in the laptop inside room
three men laughing while looking in the laptop inside room
three men laughing while looking in the laptop inside room
three men laughing while looking in the laptop inside room

How To Live And Work In Italy With The Italian Start-up Visa

How To Live And Work In Italy With The Italian Start-up Visa

5 Dec 2022

3min

a person sitting on a bench with a laptop
a person sitting on a bench with a laptop
a person sitting on a bench with a laptop
a person sitting on a bench with a laptop

Digital Nomad Visa In Italy

Digital Nomad Visa In Italy

28 Nov 2022

6min

man standing beside another sitting man using computer
man standing beside another sitting man using computer
man standing beside another sitting man using computer
man standing beside another sitting man using computer

Startup Lawyers London: Why Do You Need To Get Startup Legal Advice?

Startup Lawyers London: Why Do You Need To Get Startup Legal Advice?

13 Jan 2020

5min

a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background
a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background
a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background
a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background

Incoterms 2020 changes: New Version Defined

Incoterms 2020 changes: New Version Defined

7 Jan 2020

10min

a group of different social media logos
a group of different social media logos
a group of different social media logos
a group of different social media logos

Social Media Influencer Marketing: How To Avoid Legal Pitfalls

Social Media Influencer Marketing: How To Avoid Legal Pitfalls

3 Dec 2019

7min

Metro newspaper
Metro newspaper
Metro newspaper
Metro newspaper

Brexit In The UK And Italy

Brexit In The UK And Italy

29 Oct 2019

4min

aerial view of boat on water
aerial view of boat on water
aerial view of boat on water
aerial view of boat on water

Understanding Incoterms 2010

Understanding Incoterms 2010

6 Aug 2019

3min

low angle view high rise buildings
low angle view high rise buildings
low angle view high rise buildings
low angle view high rise buildings

Setting up a limited company in the UK: Here’s all you need to know

Setting up a limited company in the UK: Here’s all you need to know

1 Feb 2019

1min

Do you qualify for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

Do you qualify for Italian Citizenship by Descent?

7 Feb 2025

5 min

A guide to the Italian Healthcare system

A guide to the Italian Healthcare system

31 Jul 2024

4 min

Why would you want to move to Italy?

Why would you want to move to Italy?

31 Jul 2024

3 min

Your first 6 months in Italy and what you should do

Your first 6 months in Italy and what you should do

19 Jul 2024

4 min

Three women sitting at a bus station
Three women sitting at a bus station
Three women sitting at a bus station
Three women sitting at a bus station

Why engaging a lawfirm could be worse for you

Why engaging a lawfirm could be worse for you

11 Jul 2024

2 min

At DolceVisa®, we're building a new kind of citizenship application. One that's built and designed for the way we live today. Traditionally, people have to go through law firms which are open from 9-5 which means taking time out of the workday, or doing it themselves, which is long, expensive and tedious.

DolceVisa® is a company registered in England & Wales, Company no. 15547884.
Registered Office: 200a Stockport Road, Timperley, England, WA15 7UA. DolceVisa®  is not a law firm. Copyright © 2024 DolceVisa® – All Rights Reserved.

Palazzo Law Boutique is a trading name of DolceVisa Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 15547884). DolceVisa® is a registered trademark.




DolceVisa® 2025

Made with love in London

At DolceVisa®, we're building a new kind of citizenship application. One that's built and designed for the way we live today. Traditionally, people have to go through law firms which are open from 9-5 which means taking time out of the workday, or doing it themselves, which is long, expensive and tedious.

DolceVisa® is a company registered in England & Wales, Company no. 15547884.
Registered Office: 200a Stockport Road, Timperley, England, WA15 7UA. DolceVisa®  is not a law firm. Copyright © 2024 DolceVisa® – All Rights Reserved.

Palazzo Law Boutique is a trading name of DolceVisa Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 15547884). DolceVisa® is a registered trademark.




DolceVisa® 2025

Made with love in London

At DolceVisa®, we're building a new kind of citizenship application. One that's built and designed for the way we live today. Traditionally, people have to go through law firms which are open from 9-5 which means taking time out of the workday, or doing it themselves, which is long, expensive and tedious.

Dolce Group

DolceCommunity

DolceHour

Partners

Investors

Press

DolceVisa® 2025

DolceVisa® is a company registered in England & Wales, Company no. 15547884.

Registered Office: 200a Stockport Road, Timperley, England, WA15 7UA. DolceVisa®  is not a law firm. Copyright © 2024 DolceVisa® – All Rights Reserved.