Italy Golden Visa Program: Investment Opportunities for Foreign Investors
The Italy Golden Visa Program offers a pathway to residence and eventual citizenship for foreign investors through strategic investments in the country's economy. Discover the investment options and benefits.
Italy Golden VisaInvestment OpportunitiesResidence PermitCitizenshipTax BenefitsReal Estate NewsJun 21, 2025
Currently, investing in Italy’s real estate does not qualify foreigners for the Italian Golden Visa program. The Italian Residence by Investment Program is limited to investments in enterprises, government securities, and philanthropic funds.
The minimum investment required for an Italian golden visa is EUR 250,000, with a maximum of EUR 2 million. To be eligible, one needs to invest € 2 million in Italian government bonds, € 500,000 in an Italian limited company, € 250,000 in an Italian innovative startup, or € 1 million in a philanthropic initiative.
Such investments can qualify one for Italy’s Golden Visa, leading to permanent residency and citizenship, with no strict residency requirements and only basic Italian language skills (A2 level) needed. According to Andri Boiko, Global Founder & CEO of Garant.in, Italian citizenship is one of the top three strongest passports in the world, offering visa-free access to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more.
Italy’s golden visa is a 2-year visa for non-EU citizens who choose to invest in Italy’s economy. The residence permit for investors lasts two years from arrival in Italy. Foreign citizens who meet all the requirements and maintain the original investment can apply for a 3-year renewal.
After five years of regular residence in Italy, foreign citizens can choose to either renew the investor residence permit for a further three years or apply for an EU residence permit for long-term residents or permanent residency.
To obtain an investor visa, you need to have the Nulla Osta al visto or the ‘no objection certificate for a visa’, which is issued by the Investor Visa for Italy (IV4I) committee. Once you have obtained the Nulla Osta, you can go to the Italian diplomatic mission in your country of residence to request a two-year investor visa.
From the moment you receive the Nulla Osta, you have 6 months to apply for an investor visa at the nearest diplomatic representation. You will need to present the Nulla Osta and the application documents. You can use the visa to enter Italy within 2 years of its issue.
With a GDP of $2.17 trillion ($36,810 per capita) in 2022, Italy has the third-largest economy in the European Union and the ninth largest in the world. Milan, Italy’s financial hub, is currently Europe’s third wealthiest city in terms of high-net-worth individuals, after only London and Paris, with more than 115,000 millionaires and 17 billionaires residing there.
Italy’s Citizenship for Indians is a subject of increasing interest and importance as more individuals explore opportunities beyond their home country. According to MEA data, more than 2 million overseas Indians stay in Italy. Boiko notes, “We see increasing interest in Italian business ventures—particularly low-risk investments like restaurants, boutique hotels, wellness centres, and real estate redevelopment in cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome.”
Why do so many wealthy individuals choose Italy despite Europe’s traditionally high taxes? Boiko explains, “The answer lies in Italy’s favourable tax regimes tailored for foreign residents, which allow significant tax optimization when income is structured correctly. Combine this with Italy’s strategic location—just one hour from Switzerland and France—and the result is a powerful mix of lifestyle, tax efficiency, and investment opportunity.”
The 2017 Budget Law contains several other incentive measures, mainly of a fiscal nature, specifically designed for individuals who intend to transfer their residence to Italy. For example, an investor visa holder can opt for the special tax regime for new residents.
Individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy may opt to pay an annual substitute tax of € 100,000 on income produced abroad, provided that they have not been tax-resident in Italy for at least nine years over the previous ten. This option can be extended to family members by paying a further annual substitute tax of € 25,000 per family member. The scheme has a maximum duration of 15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum investment required for the Italy Golden Visa?
The minimum investment required for the Italy Golden Visa is EUR 250,000, with a maximum of EUR 2 million. Investments can be made in Italian government bonds, limited companies, innovative startups, or philanthropic initiatives.
Does investing in real estate qualify for the Italy Golden Visa?
No, currently investing in real estate does not qualify foreigners for the Italian Golden Visa program. The program is limited to investments in enterprises, government securities, and philanthropic funds.
How long does the residence permit for investors last?
The residence permit for investors lasts two years from arrival in Italy. It can be renewed for three years if the investor meets all the requirements and maintains the original investment.
What are the benefits of Italian citizenship through the Golden Visa program?
Italian citizenship obtained through the Golden Visa program offers visa-free access to the Schengen Area, the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more, with no strict residency requirements and only basic Italian language skills needed.
What is the special tax regime for new residents in Italy?
New residents can opt to pay an annual substitute tax of € 100,000 on income produced abroad, provided they have not been tax-resident in Italy for at least nine years over the previous ten. This option can be extended to family members by paying a further annual substitute tax of € 25,000 per family member.
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