Introduction

Italy remains one of the most sought after locations for both residency and citizenship. Boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe it continues to be one of the most explored countries for people relocating to the EU.

The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the “Investor Visa for Italy,” was introduced in 2017 by the Italian government to promote foreign direct investment. The visa offers non-EU nationals an opportunity to get a residence visa in exchange for an investment in Italy.

The programme grants a residence permit that is valid for 2 years. After this period, the permit can continue to be extended for 3 years.

Requirements

The program entails four different investment methods:

€2 million investment in Italian government bonds
€500,000 investment in an Italian limited liability company
€250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup
€1 million donation to a philanthropic initiative in Italy

The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained during the entire period.

After 10 years, the applicant is eligible for Italian citizenship.

Qualifying Dependents

As the main applicant, you are required to provide proof of the origin of your funds.

You may include your spouse on the application. They must be over 18 years old, not be an EU citizen, and have no criminal history.

Consideration may be given for older dependents subject to application and proof of dependency.

Additionally, you can include dependent parents.

Taxation

The special flat tax regime for high-net-worth individuals:

Substitutive tax of €200,000 covering any income sourced outside Italy to be paid yearly (up to 15 years).
Availability to all individuals – including Italian citizens – transferring their tax residence to Italy if have been non-Italian tax residents for income tax purposes for 9 out 10 years preceding their relocation to Italy.
Validity for 15 years.
No reporting obligations in relation to foreign income and assets.
No Italian inheritance and gift tax on foreign-situs assets.
Possibility of extension to family members by paying €25,000 for each family member.
Preventive ruling request to the Italian tax authorities to obtain official confirmation on the eligibility requirement.
Applicability of Double Taxation Treaties with 100+ countries.
Tax residence certificate available.

Process Overview

The application process typically takes 90–120 days, with the investment required within three months from the entry date to Italy.

Time can vary based on consulate efficiency, application completeness, and any extra requirements. To avoid delays, start early and ensure all documents are in order.

All non-EU Passport holders should have a remaining validity period longer than 2 years and 3 months.

The visa can be renewed indefinitely and permanent residency can be applied for after 5 years. You are required to stay in Italy for 183 days per year in order to maintain the visa. After 10 years, citizenship can be applied for to obtain your EU/Italian Passport.

Summary of Benefits

1) Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area

2) Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities including Milan, Rome and Venice

3) Fast-track procedure with all documents issued in English.

4) No need to take test in Italian language

5) Access to excellent medical care and education facilities

6) Possibility to work or develop further businesses in Italy

7) Citizenship may be available after 10 years of residence (under special conditions)

Summary

Italy is one of the most desirable of EU locations to live. It also offers one of the lowest entry points for any programme. An investment of 250,000 EUR is all that is required to gain your residency and this can include, spouses, children and dependent parents.

Furthermore, after 10 years your Italian passport can be obtained. Essentially giving you 27 passports in 1.