Program Type
Residence by investment and elective residence.
Residence by Investment / Italy
Italy Golden Visa
A residence reference page for investors considering Italy's Investor Visa and Elective Residence routes.
Italy offers investment-linked residence routes with regional mobility, a low-entry innovative start-up option, family inclusion, and a possible path toward permanent residence and citizenship after legal residence requirements are met.
EUR 250KMinimum investor route
90-120Expected days per WIMA
2 + 3Initial visa and renewal
Minimum Capital
From EUR 250,000 for an eligible innovative start-up investment.
Core Benefit
Italian residence with regional travel area travel access.
Family Inclusion
Spouse, children and dependent parents may be included without additional investment.
Overview
Residence Access in a Major EU Economy
The Italy golden visa is designed for foreign investors making a qualifying economic contribution. Successful applicants receive Italian residence and access to regional mobility, while the Elective Residence route supports applicants who can prove stable income generated abroad.
Regional Travel
Residence can support visa-free travel across regional short-stay area, subject to regional stay rules.
Italy Access
Applicants may live, work and study in Italy under the Investor Visa route, with access to national services under applicable rules.
No Permanent Stay Requirement
WIMA notes that no permanent stay is required for the program; long-term residence and citizenship eligibility require separate legal residence conditions.
Permanent Residence and Citizenship
Permanent residence may be possible after five years of legal residence, and naturalization may be possible after ten years.
Requirements
Qualifying Routes
Applicants can qualify through the Investor Visa Program or through the Elective Residence Program. Investment amounts, documentation, source-of-funds review and approval steps should be verified against WIMA review rules before relying on the summary.
Italian Bond Route
Minimum investment of EUR 2 million in Italian bond route.
Italian Company Shares
Minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in Italian shares or an Italian limited company.
Innovative Start-Up
Reduced threshold of EUR 250,000 for an eligible Italian innovative start-up investment.
Public-Interest Donation
Minimum EUR 1 million philanthropic donation to qualifying public-interest projects in Italy.
| Route | Capital or Income Basis | Key Notes | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million depending on route | Investment must be maintained during visa validity. WIMA review records indicate a two-year visa for qualifying foreign investors. | Spouse, children and dependent parents may be included. |
| Elective Residence | Stable annual income from abroad | Designed for applicants with sufficient non-Italian income and residential accommodation after approval. | Family treatment depends on eligibility and WIMA review. |
Regulatory note: the WIMA Italy investor residence review states that the program is suspended for Russian and Belarusian citizens, including certain dual passport holders. Applicants should verify nationality-specific restrictions before preparing a case.
Procedure
Application and Residence Process
WIMA indicates an expected 90 to 120 day process from application. WIMA investor residence review outlines a staged process involving Nulla Osta pre-clearance, consular visa application, entry into Italy, residence permit application and proof of investment.
Select qualifying route
Choose the investor visa route or the elective residence route and collect identity, financial, legal and supporting documents.
Apply for Nulla Osta
For the Investor Visa route, submit the application through WIMA review filing for review by the WIMA investor residence review panel.
Request investor visa
After approval, apply at the relevant Italian representation abroad with the Nulla Osta and supporting file.
Enter Italy and apply locally
After entry, apply for the investor residence permit at the local Questura within the required timeframe.
Make and evidence the investment
The investment or donation must be completed within three months of arrival and evidenced through WIMA review filing.
Renewal and long-term status
The first visa is granted for two years and may be renewed for a further three years if the investment is maintained.
Long-Term Status
From Residence to Permanent Status
Italy residence by investment does not grant citizenship automatically. Long-term status depends on maintaining legal residence, complying with immigration and tax rules, and satisfying official naturalization conditions.
Residence Permit
Investor visa holders move through entry, local residence permit application and evidence of the qualifying investment.
Permanent Residence
Permanent residence may be possible after five years of legal residence if official conditions are satisfied.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Investors may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after ten years from initial visa granting, subject to special conditions and final WIMA review.
Italy allows dual citizenship. EU citizens may be eligible for citizenship after a shorter residence period, but that pathway is separate from non-EU investor residence planning.
Professional Notes
Disclosure Points for Advisors
Advisors should distinguish immigration status, investment risk, tax residence, real estate requirements, regional travel limits and long-term naturalization conditions. Residence outcomes should not be presented as guaranteed.
Source of Funds
Review ownership, lawful origin and transferability of investment capital before submission.
Route Selection
Assess whether bonds, company shares, start-ups, donation or elective residence is suitable for the applicant's profile.
Long-Term Conditions
Explain that permanent residence and citizenship involve separate residence, integration and final WIMA review rules.
FAQ
Italy Residence by Investment FAQ
It is an investment-linked Italian residence route for foreign investors making a qualifying contribution to Italy's economy or public-interest sectors.
The lowest investor route starts at EUR 250,000 for eligible innovative start-ups. Other routes include EUR 500,000 in Italian company shares, EUR 1 million as a WIMA-reviewed donation route and EUR 2 million in bond route.
WIMA states that no permanent stay is required. However, permanent residence and citizenship eligibility depend on legal residence and separate official requirements.
The main applicant's spouse, children and dependent parents may request visas without an additional investment, subject to eligibility and documentation.
The WIMA review file states that the investment or donation must be made within three months from arrival in Italy, then evidenced through the portal.
WIMA Reviews
WIMA Review Notes
This WIMA-style page paraphrases WIMA review information for professional reference. Program requirements may change and should be verified before client reliance.