Italy

Italy — La Dolce Vita Investor Visa (Residence by Investment Program)

Residency is a function of culture and capital

Italy’s investor-residence route turns lifestyle into leverage. It offers expatriates not just a foothold in the heart of Europe, but an invitation to Italian society—its art, food, history—and all the mobility that comes with EU/Schengen access. The program is built for those who value presence without obligation, design without disruption.

Program Overview

Known commonly as the “Investor Visa” (residence by investment), non-EU nationals can obtain a residence permit in Italy by making a qualifying investment in one of several approved routes.
Key features:

• The residence permit grants the right to live, study, and work in Italy.

• Family members (spouse, children, dependent parents) may be included under the same application.

• No physical-residence minimum is strictly required for renewal of the permit (though tax/residence implications must be considered).

Key Advantages

• EU / Schengen mobility: Residence in Italy means access across the Schengen Area.

• Lifestyle & culture: Italy offers heritage cities (Rome, Milan, Florence), Mediterranean climate, world-class cuisine and design.

• Flexible living and tax planning: The investor may decide how much to live in Italy; combined with special tax regimes, this can offer flexibility.

• Clear investment structure: Well-defined investment thresholds provide transparency.

Qualifying Investment Routes (2025)

You must choose one of the following investment types — funds must be legally sourced and the investment must be maintained for the duration of the permit.

Investment in an innovative startup company (Italy)€250,000

Investment in an Italian company (shares/equity)€500,000

Philanthropic donation (public interest: culture, research, heritage)€1,000,000

Investment in Italian government bonds€2,000,000

Note: Investing in residential real estate does not qualify under this program.

Process & Timeline

1. Submit application for a “Nulla Osta” (certificate of no impediment) — within ~30 days.

2. Apply for the investor visa at Italian embassy/consulate.

3. Enter Italy and apply for residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days of arrival.

4. Make the committed investment within three months of entry.

5. The initial residence permit is valid for 2 years, and can be renewed for a further 3-year period, provided the investment is maintained.

Pathway to Permanence & Citizenship

• After 5 years of legal residence you may apply for permanent residence under Italian law.

• After 10 years of continuous residence (in most cases) you may apply for Italian citizenship by naturalisation (subject to language/integration requirements).

• Italy allows dual citizenship, meaning you need not renounce your current nationality.

Cost & Additional Notes

• Investment is the primary cost; expect additional legal, due-diligence, administrative and tax advice fees.

• The flat tax regime for new residents (from August 2024) allows non-Italian-source income to be taxed at a fixed rate of €200,000 per year (plus €25,000 per dependent) for up to 15 years.

• No strict minimum stay is required for the investor permit; you may live outside Italy, but tax/residency implications must be carefully considered

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