The Italian Golden Visa
The road to the Italian citizenship
The Investor Visa for Italy is a two-year, renewable visa for foreign nationals intending to make an investment or donation in Italy.
Who Is Eligible for an Investor Visa for Italy?
You are eligible for an Italian Investor Visa if you are a non-EU citizen, and make a single investment into one of the following contributions to the Italian economy:
a) 2.000.000 euros investment in a Government Bond issued by Italy.
b) 1.000.000 euros philanthropic donation supporting public interest in the fields of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
c) 500.000 euros investment in a company incorporated and operating in Italy.
d) 250.000 euros investment innovative startup.
Your investment has to be directed to one single entity and held for the entire period of the visa.
Additionally, to be eligible you must have no criminal record and your financial assets must have been acquired legally, be transferable and in your name.
Starting from September 2019 investments can also be made through a foreign legal entity (e.g. Holding or Trading company).
How to Apply for an Investor Visa for Italy?
The application for an Italy Investor Visa is divided into two phases:
• The online application for a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment)
• The application for a visa at the Italian Embassy or Consulate.
Once you get the visa, you can travel to Italy and receive a Residence Permit, allowing but not obliging you to live, work and study in Italy.
After Arrival in Italy with an Investor Visa
Once you travel to Italy, you have to personally go to the Questura (Police Headquarters) to request an Italian Investor Visa Residence Permit. The Residence Permit is valid for two years, starting from when you enter Italy.
You have three months from the date of application for the Residence Permit to make your investment or donation in full. If you fail to do so, your visa will be revoked.
Throughout your time in Italy, you must maintain your investment if you intend to renew and keep your visa.
What Is the duration of an Italy Investor Visa?
The Italy Investor Visa is valid for two years. During this time, you can use the visa to enter Italy and get a Residence Permit.
The Residence Permit for an Investor Visa is also valid for 2 years, starting from the date of entry. You can apply to renew it for another three years by applying at least 60 days before it expires.
Schengen Benefits of the Italy Investor Visa
If you receive an Investment Visa for Italy, you are free to travel to all other Schengen Zone countries without a visa, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Can the Italy Investor Visa Lead to Italian Citizenship?
Yes, if you live in Italy for at least ten years, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization. As an Italian citizen, you would enjoy the right of movement (and work) throughout the entire EU, the right to vote, and to pass on your citizenship to your children.
Is physical residence required in order to receive the investment Visa and the residence permit and therefore the Schengen travel benefits?
No, it is not necessary to reside permanently in Italy to obtain a visa and residence permit.The minimum requirements of stay in Italy for the maintenance of the visa have recently been revoked. The applicant is therefore also exempt from the obligations inherent to the continuity of the stay in Italy except for the first entry into Italian territory for the execution of the investment.