Golden VisaActive

Italy Golden Visa

Italy · Europe

2.8
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

—

Application Fee

—

Processing Time

12–16 wks

Difficulty

—

Duration

24 months

Path to Citizenship

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Overview

Italy Golden Visa offers non-EU citizens residency through a €250,000 investment in an innovative startup, with no minimum stay requirement and path to citizenship after 10 years.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityNon-EU nationals only

Restricted to non-EU nationals. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are ineligible as the program targets foreign investors from outside these areas. Sanctioned nationalities (e.g., Russia, Belarus as of 2025) may face additional exclusions.

Minimum IncomeNot specified
Minimum Investment$275,000 USD
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedYes
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical PresenceNot specified
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableYes
Duration24 months
Leads to PRYes
Years to PR5 years

Requirements Checklist

- **Identity Documents:**

- Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond stay)

- Passport-sized biometric photos

- **Financial/Investment Proof:**

- Proof of $275,000 USD business investment commitment

- Evidence of lawful origin of funds

- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses (no minimum specified)

- **Health:**

- Comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy (no medical exam required)

- **Accommodation:**

- Confirmation of suitable accommodation in Italy (rental, hotel, or ownership)

- **Other:**

- Clean criminal record from country of residence

- Cover letter outlining investment plan (no apostille, FBI check, or interview needed)

📍 Application location: Start with online submission for Nulla Osta via the Italian Investor Visa portal, open to non-EU applicants worldwide. Then apply for the Type D visa at the Italian consulate in your home country. After entry, finalize the residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at a local Questura or Post Office in Italy within 8 days of arrival.

Tax Information

Optional €200,000 annual flat tax on foreign income for tax residents (183+ days/year in Italy)

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Permitted

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Research investment options

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    📄 Prepare required documents

    2-4 weeks

  3. 3

    📬 Submit Nulla Osta online

    Same day

  4. 4

    ⏳ Wait for Nulla Osta approval

    4-8 weeks

  5. 5

    📅 Apply at Italian consulate

    1-2 weeks

  6. 6

    🏛️ Enter Italy and invest

    1 week

  7. 7

    🏛️ Apply for residence permit

    2-4 weeks

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

The minimum investment required is $275,000 USD, specifically in business investments as per the program's rules. This qualifies non-EU nationals for the initial 24-month residence permit. Ensure funds are lawfully sourced, as proof is required during application.
Qualifying investments are limited to business types, such as investments in Italian companies or startups. Real estate is not listed as a qualifying option in the structured requirements. You must maintain the investment to renew the visa.
This is a residence-only visa with 0 days/year physical presence required to maintain it. No minimum stay is needed for the initial 24-month permit or renewals. However, for permanent residency after 5 years, longer-term residence may be expected.
0 days per year are required to maintain the Italy Golden Visa. Holders enjoy full flexibility without fixed stay rules. This makes it ideal for expats keeping primary residence elsewhere.
Yes, dependents are allowed, including spouses and children. The program extends residency rights to eligible family members under the same application. Specific dependency rules apply for adult children and parents.
Yes, it leads to permanent residency (PR) after 5 years. Citizenship timeline is not specified in the requirements. Continuous compliance with renewal conditions is key for the PR pathway.
Yes, local work is permitted anywhere in Italy. Holders can live, work, or study without restrictions on employment types. No local income limit is specified.
Tax residency triggers if staying 183+ days/year in Italy, with an optional €200,000 annual flat tax on foreign income available for tax residents. No special tax treaty with the US is confirmed. US expats should consult advisors on worldwide income reporting.
Processing time is 12-16 weeks from submission. This covers the Nulla Osta approval and visa issuance for non-EU applicants. Invest after initial approval to minimize risk.
Yes, comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy is required. It must cover the applicant and dependents throughout the stay. Private coverage suffices for the application.

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At a Glance

Renewable✓ Yes
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✓ Yes (5yr)
Local Work✓ Permitted
Health InsuranceRequired
NationalityNon-EU nationals only
Admin Ease1.7/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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