The Italy Investor Visa, commonly referred to as the Golden Visa, is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU citizens seeking to establish a presence in Italy. Introduced in 2017, this program offers a pathway to Italian residency through significant financial contributions to the country's economy. Successful applicants receive a residence permit that is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for subsequent three-year periods, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.
This program is open to non-EU nationals who meet the following criteria:
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Clean Criminal Record: A background check is required to ensure the applicant has no serious criminal history.
Financial Stability: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support both the investment and living expenses in Italy is necessary.
Legal Source of Funds: All invested funds must be legally acquired and verifiable.
Applicants can choose from several investment avenues, each with its own minimum financial requirements:
€250,000 – Investment in an innovative Italian startup.
€500,000 – Investment in an Italian limited company.
€2 million – Investment in Italian government bonds.
€1 million – Donation to projects of public interest in Italy, such as in the fields of culture, education, research, immigration management, and environmental protection.
Residency Rights: Investors and their immediate family members (spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents) are granted the right to live, work, and study in Italy.
Schengen Area Access: The visa allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, facilitating movement across many European countries.
No Minimum Stay Requirement: There is no obligation to reside in Italy for a specific number of days annually, offering flexibility for investors with international commitments.
Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After five years of maintaining the investment and fulfilling residency requirements, investors may apply for permanent residency. Citizenship eligibility can be pursued after ten years of residency, subject to meeting language proficiency and integration criteria.
Family Reunification: The program permits family reunification, enabling investors to bring their close family members to Italy under the same residency status.
Consider a technology entrepreneur from India who invests €250,000 in an innovative startup in Milan. This investment not only supports the growth of the startup but also grants the entrepreneur and their family the right to reside in Italy. The entrepreneur can now live in Italy, explore European business opportunities, and enjoy the benefits of the Schengen Area, all while contributing to Italy's vibrant startup ecosystem.
Yes, the Investor Visa grants the right to work in Italy, including the ability to start and operate a business.
No, the program does not impose a minimum stay requirement, allowing investors to maintain their global lifestyle.
Yes, the Investor Visa allows for the inclusion of immediate family members, such as a spouse and dependent children and parents.
No, the Investor Visa does not include real estate as a qualifying investment option. Investments must be made in startups, companies, government bonds, or philanthropic projects.
The processing time can vary, but typically, applicants can expect to receive their residence permit within a few months after the application submission.
Yes, the visa is renewable for additional three-year periods, provided the qualifying investment is maintained.