European Union · Residency by InvestmentSchengen Visa-Free

Italy Residency by Investment Program

Italy Residency by Investment allows investors and their families to live in Italy while contributing to its economy. This program offers EU mobility, residency rights, and access to Italy’s world-class culture and lifestyle.

Check Your Eligibility

Program Overview

Italy Residency by Investment

Italy's Investor Visa offers residency in one of Europe's most desirable countries, with Schengen access, a business-friendly tax exemption regime, and immediate family reunification — all backed by a 2-year renewable residency permit.

Investor visa with right to live and work in Italy — EU's 3rd strongest passport
Immediate access to all 26 Schengen Area member states
Business tax exemption on qualifying foreign income under Italy's flat-rate regime
Family reunification visa available at the time of application
Path to Italian citizenship through naturalisation after 10 years of legal residency
World-class lifestyle, education, and healthcare access throughout Italy

At a Glance

Program Type: Residency by Investment
Investment Starting From: €250,000 – €2,000,000
Visa-Free / Access: Schengen
Residency Required: Minimal presence
Family Members: Can be included

Cost Breakdown

Investment Required for Italy Residency

Under Italy’s Investor Visa programme, qualifying investors may contribute €2 million in Italian government bonds, invest €500,000 in the shares of an existing Italian company, or €250,000 in an innovative startup. The selected investment must be maintained for the required period to preserve residency status.

Minimum Investment

Qualifying routes include innovative startup (€250,000), company shares (€500,000), or government bonds (€2,000,000).

Government & Fees

Visa application and processing fees apply; notarial and legal costs vary by investment type.

Innovative Startup

from €250,000

Estimated total cost

Investment into a qualifying innovative Italian startup company.

Company Shares

from €500,000

Estimated total cost

Investment into shares of an existing Italian company.

Government Bonds

from €2,000,000

Estimated total cost

Purchase of Italian government bonds (titoli di Stato) with a 2-year minimum hold.

Structuring, tax planning, and advisory costs depend on chosen investment route and investor profile.

Process

Italy Residency by Investment Process

Step 1 – Initial Consultation

Sign an agreement to delegate advisory services for application, due diligence, and legal processes, and confirm the most suitable investment route.

Step 2 – Business Setup & Registry

Complete the required investments and, where applicable, register the chosen company or investment structure in Italy.

Step 3 – Initial Visa Application

Submit the Type-D Investor Visa (VO) application from your country of residence with supporting documents and proof of intended investment.

Step 4 – Enter Italy

Once approved, travel to Italy and receive an initial 12-month temporary residence permit linked to your investment.

Step 5 – Residence Permit Issuance

Finalise the investment and obtain your longer-term residence permit for you and your family members, subject to ongoing compliance.

Timeline

Processing Time for Italy Residency

Estimated processing time for Italy residency is 2–3 months after document submission and investment completion.

Application preparation, investment planning, and submission to Italian authorities

Government review, approval, and issuance of the Investor Visa

Entry into Italy, temporary permit issuance, and conversion into a longer-term residence permit

Common Questions

Italy Residency by Investment – FAQ

Key questions about the Italy residency by investment programme, including minimum investment, family inclusion, timelines, and travel rights.

Investors can choose €2 million in government bonds, €500,000 in shares of an existing Italian company, or €250,000 in an innovative startup recognised by the Italian government.

Processing usually takes 2–3 months from the time complete documentation is submitted and the investment requirements are satisfied.

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can apply for family reunification visas and receive residence permits linked to the main investor.

Tax treatment depends on your tax residency status and structure. Investor representative offices may be exempt from certain local taxes, while personal taxation depends on where you are considered tax resident.

No language test is required for initial residency. Italian language proficiency may be required at a later stage if you apply for citizenship.

Next Step

Check Your Eligibility for Italy Residency by Investment

BFG Global Mobility provides a confidential eligibility assessment to determine whether you qualify for the Italy program and to outline the most efficient pathway for your circumstances.

Check Your Eligibility