Italy Investor Visa in 2026: requirements, investment options and process
Updated October 2026
The Investor Visa for Italy gives non-EU citizens a two-year residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment in the Italian economy. It is often called the Italian golden visa, but unlike other European programmes it cannot be obtained by buying property. This is how it works in 2026.
Who can apply
The visa is open to citizens of countries outside the European Union who make one of the investments below, using funds of lawful origin that they can transfer to Italy. There is no requirement to speak Italian, to live in Italy for a minimum number of days to keep the permit, or to have family ties with Italy. Applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals are currently suspended.
The four investment options
| Investment | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Italian government bonds, held for at least two years | €2,000,000 |
| Shares in an Italian company | €500,000 |
| Shares in an Italian innovative start-up | €250,000 |
| Philanthropic donation for a project of public interest (culture, education, research, cultural heritage, immigration management) | €1,000,000 |
Buying a home, even an expensive one, does not qualify. Many investors combine the two: they invest through one of the routes above and buy a property separately to live in.
The process, step by step
- Online application on the government platform, with a passport, proof of available funds and of their lawful origin, and a signed commitment to make the investment within three months of arrival.
- Clearance (nulla osta) from the Investor Visa Committee at the Ministry of Enterprises, usually within about a month.
- Entry visa at the Italian consulate in your country of residence, to be requested within six months of the clearance.
- Residence permit: within eight days of arriving in Italy you apply for the “investor” residence permit.
- The investment must be made within three months of entry, and documented.
The first permit lasts two years and can be renewed for a further three, provided the investment is maintained. Your spouse, minor children and dependent parents can join you through family reunification, without an additional investment.
Choosing the right route
- Government bonds are the simplest to manage but tie up the largest amount.
- A company investment requires real due diligence on the target: its accounts, debts, contracts and the shareholders’ agreement that will protect you as a minority investor.
- An innovative start-up has the lowest threshold, but the company must be registered in the special section of the Business Register and the risk of loss is higher.
- A donation is not recovered, and the project must be accepted as being of public interest.
Investor Visa and tax are two different things
The visa gives you the right to live in Italy. It does not decide how you are taxed. If you become tax resident in Italy you may be able to choose a special regime. Under the 2026 Budget Law, the flat tax on foreign income for new residents who move to Italy from 2026 is €300,000 a year, plus €50,000 for each family member included. Other regimes exist for people who move to Italy to work. These choices must be made with a tax adviser before you transfer your residence, not after.
Common questions
Can I get the Investor Visa by buying property in Italy?
No. Real estate is not a qualifying investment, although you can of course buy a home in addition to the investment.
Do I have to live in Italy?
There is no minimum stay to keep and renew the investor permit. Permanent residence and citizenship, however, require years of actual residence in Italy.
Can I work in Italy with this permit?
The permit allows you to live in Italy and manage your investment. If you plan to work or run a business, check the specific conditions before you apply.
The bottom line
The Investor Visa is a straightforward route to Italian residence when the investment is chosen and documented correctly from the start. Most of the work is in the preparation: the proof of funds, the choice of investment and, for company routes, the legal checks on the business you invest in.
Tell me about your plans. I will explain which route fits, what the process involves and how I can help.
Book a consultationThis article is general information and not legal advice, updated to October 2026. Rules and thresholds can change; check the current position before you apply.