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Golden Visa Partners

2026 Program Guide

Italy Golden Visa & Residence Permit

The Italy Investor Visa offers residence through a EUR 250,000 investment in an innovative startup, EUR 500,000 in an Italian company, EUR 2 million in government bonds, or a EUR 1 million donation. There is no real estate option; pre-approval is obtained before the investment, and there is no stay requirement.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program
Investor Visa
Startup
EUR 250,000
Italian company
EUR 500,000
Government bonds
EUR 2,000,000
Donation
EUR 1,000,000
Stay requirement
None (5 years for PR)

Who is it for?

  • Those seeking EU residence through a startup or company investment rather than real estate.
  • Cautious investors wanting assurance (pre-approval) before investing.
  • Those wishing to live in Italy or establish a strong EU base.
  • Entrepreneurs wishing to enter the startup ecosystem with EUR 250,000.

Four Investment Routes

The Italy Investor Visa offers four routes: EUR 250,000 in an innovative startup, EUR 500,000 in an Italian limited company, EUR 2,000,000 in government bonds, or a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public-interest project. There is no real estate route. The most accessible option is the startup route.

The Pre-Approval (Nulla Osta) Advantage

A key advantage of Italy is that there is no requirement to make the investment first. Eligibility approval (nulla osta) and the investor visa are obtained through an electronic application first; the investment is only completed after entering Italy. This provides a low-risk, secure structure for the investor.

Flat Tax Regime for New Residents

New tax residents relocating to Italy can benefit from paying an annual flat tax on foreign income. In 2024, this flat amount was raised to EUR 200,000 per year for new applicants. This regime can be attractive for those with high foreign income; it should be assessed based on individual circumstances.

Matching the Route to Your Goals

Italy's Investor Visa offers four distinct commitments, and the right one depends less on budget than on what an applicant actually wants to do. Entrepreneurs drawn to Italy's innovation economy may favour the startup or company routes, while those seeking a more passive position might look to government bonds or a philanthropic donation. What unites them is a reassuring sequence: you secure pre-approval, the nulla osta, before any money moves, then obtain the investor visa, complete the investment, and receive your residence permit. Because there is no physical presence requirement, the route suits investors who want the option of Italy without an immediate relocation, as well as families, since relatives can be included in the application. Sensible planning still matters. You will need a clean criminal record and a firm investment commitment, and preparing health cover and family documents in advance keeps later steps simple. For those who do choose to settle, permanent residence becomes possible after a qualifying period. Given that each route carries different obligations and long-term implications, it is worth mapping your goals against the options with a qualified adviser before you begin.

Benefits

  • Schengen access and life in Italy.
  • A secure process with pre-approval before investment.
  • No physical presence requirement.
  • Family members can be included.
  • Possibility of permanent residence after 5 years.

Requirements

  • Approved investment or donation (startup, company, bonds, or charity).
  • Pre-approval (nulla osta) from Italian authorities.
  • Clean criminal record and investment commitment.

Costs

Innovative startup
EUR 250,000
Italian limited company
EUR 500,000
Government bonds
EUR 2,000,000
Charitable donation
EUR 1,000,000

Process

  1. Pre-approval

    Obtaining electronic eligibility approval before investing.

  2. Investor visa

    Obtaining the visa and entering Italy.

  3. Investment

    Completing the investment after entry.

  4. Residence permit

    Obtaining and renewing the residence permit.

FAQ

Can I get Italian residence by buying real estate?
No. There is no real estate option under the Italy Investor Visa.
Do I need to invest first?
No. Eligibility approval and the visa are obtained first; the investment is made after entering Italy.
Do I have to live in Italy?
There is no minimum stay requirement; however, 5 years of actual residence is required for permanent residence.
What is Italy's flat tax regime?
New residents relocating to Italy can pay an annual flat tax on foreign income (raised to EUR 200,000 for new applicants in 2024).
Which family members can be included?
A spouse, dependent children, and, under certain conditions, dependent parents can be included in the application.
When can I apply for citizenship?
Italian citizenship can generally be applied for after 10 years of legal residence.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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