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www.bs-rsa.com
ITALY Golden Visa
Foreigners obtain Italy residence by investment to unlock business opportunities, improve quality of life, and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
4+ months
Obtaining period
Obtaining period
No residency required
Before or after obtaining the status
Before or after obtaining the status
Visa-free Schengen
Visits under the 90/180-day rule
Visits under the 90/180-day rule
2 years
Validity of the first residence permit
Validity of the first residence permit
Italy Investment Visa is an investor visa introduced in 2017. It allows the holder to enter Italy and apply for a residence permit.
The eligibility requirements are set out in the Policy Guidance. First, an investor applies for a D visa at an Italian consulate in their country of residence. After entering Italy, they must submit documents for a residence permit within eight days.
The eligibility requirements are set out in the Policy Guidance. First, an investor applies for a D visa at an Italian consulate in their country of residence. After entering Italy, they must submit documents for a residence permit within eight days.
Applicants may include their spouse, children, and parents in the visa application.
To obtain the visa, an applicant makes an investment in a startup, a business, or government bonds. Alternatively, it is possible to make a charitable donation. The minimum investment starts at €250,000.
The process takes at least four months.
To obtain the visa, an applicant makes an investment in a startup, a business, or government bonds. Alternatively, it is possible to make a charitable donation. The minimum investment starts at €250,000.
The process takes at least four months.
9 benefits of Italy Golden Visa
- Freedom of movementHolders of an Italian residence permit, together with their families, may live in Italy and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries.
- No minimum stay requirementSome residence by investment programs require residents to spend a certain number of days in the country each year to maintain their status. To keep an Italian residence permit, an investor is not required to live in Italy.
- Path to citizenshipA residence permit by investment is the first step towards Italian citizenship. After five years of residence, an investor may apply for permanent residence. After a further five years, they may apply for Italian citizenship.
- Access to European banking servicesItalian residents can open accounts with European Union banks in euros, US dollars, and other major currencies. These accounts may be used for international transfers, domestic payments, or savings.
- Business opportunitiesItaly’s diversified economy offers a wide range of business opportunities. A strong manufacturing sector, especially in luxury goods, automotive, and mechanical engineering, together with a well-developed tourism industry, creates favourable conditions for business growth.
- Tax regime for new residentsIf an investor becomes a tax resident of Italy, they may apply for a special tax regime and pay a fixed annual tax of €200,000 on foreign income for up to 15 years, subject to meeting the program conditions.
- Access to healthcare and educationResidents may access Italy’s public healthcare system, which is recognised for its high standards. Their children may also attend public schools and benefit from the Italian education system.
- Safety and quality of lifeItaly consistently ranks highly in quality-of-life indices. Residents benefit from a safe environment and a comfortable lifestyle.
- Strategic locationItaly’s central location in Europe makes it convenient for travel and business not only across the continent but also to other regions worldwide.
Requirements to apply for the Italy Investment Visa
Aged over 18
Not a citizen of the European Union
Has a legal source of income from abroad
Has no criminal record
Holds valid medical insurance
Not a citizen of the European Union
Has a legal source of income from abroad
Has no criminal record
Holds valid medical insurance
Legally married to the investor
Up to and including 17 years old
Financially dependent on the main applicant
Unmarried
Have no children of their own
Unmarried
Have no children of their own
Aged over 65
Financially dependent on the main applicant
Have no other children
Financially dependent on the main applicant
Have no other children
Investment options for obtaining a Italy Golden Visa
Options
Investment in startup— €250,000+
Business investment— €500,000+
Charitable donation— €1,000,000+
Government bonds purchase— €2,000,000+
Investment in startup— €250,000+
Business investment— €500,000+
Charitable donation— €1,000,000+
Government bonds purchase— €2,000,000+
Details
Investment in an innovative Italian startup approved by the Italian government. The investor must submit a business plan at the time of application.
Investments may be made in listed or unlisted shares of a company that is registered and operates in Italy.
A charitable donation to a project of public interest in areas such as culture, education, scientific research, preservation of cultural heritage, and other socially significant fields.
Purchase of Italian government bonds, with a commitment to hold the investment for at least two years.
Investment in an innovative Italian startup approved by the Italian government. The investor must submit a business plan at the time of application.
Investments may be made in listed or unlisted shares of a company that is registered and operates in Italy.
A charitable donation to a project of public interest in areas such as culture, education, scientific research, preservation of cultural heritage, and other socially significant fields.
Purchase of Italian government bonds, with a commitment to hold the investment for at least two years.
Key documents to apply for a Italy residence by investment
- Passport
- Foreign national identity card
- Photographs
- Medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of sufficient income and its source
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Children’s birth certificates, if applicable
- Nulla Osta certificate
- Certificate of professional experience
- Property purchase or rental agreement in Italy
- Written commitment to invest in the Italian economy
- Proof of investment
How to obtain residence permit in Italy: step‑by‑step process
A compliance specialist reviews the investor’s personal and financial background. At this stage, the investor provides only a copy of their passport.
The preliminary check helps determine whether the applicant meets the visa requirements and reduces the risk of refusal
The preliminary check helps determine whether the applicant meets the visa requirements and reduces the risk of refusal
The investor obtains a Nulla Osta, a certificate confirming the absence of obstacles to visa issuance. The application is submitted via a dedicated online platform. Passportivity’s lawyers assist with creating a personal account, completing the application form, and uploading the required documents.
The application is reviewed within 30 days. If all documents are in order, the investor receives an electronic certificate. A copy is sent to the Italian visa centre.
The application is reviewed within 30 days. If all documents are in order, the investor receives an electronic certificate. A copy is sent to the Italian visa centre.
The Nulla Osta is valid for six months. During this period, the investor must book an appointment at an Italian visa centre and submit documents for the Investor Visa. Passportivity’s lawyers prepare the documents for submission, including translations and notarisation, if required.
The visa centre forwards the application to the Italian consulate, where it is reviewed within up to 120 days. Approval is issued through the investor’s personal account on the platform.
The Investor Visa is valid for two years. During this period, the investor must enter Italy and:
- personally submit documents for a residence permit within eight days at the local immigration office, Questura or police station;
- transfer the investment or make a charitable donation within three months, depending on the selected option.
The investor uploads proof of the completed investment to the platform. The documents are reviewed within up to 30 days.
Once the residence permit application is approved, the residence cards are delivered either to the investor’s address in Italy or to Passportivity’s address.
We are an official partner of Passportivity in South Africa.
