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Italy | EU Golden VISA
Secure residency in Italy with expert-led guidance
Starting at €250,000
EU Visa Free
6 Months Processing Time
italy | Starts at $250,000 | eu Visa Free
Essential Information
Country: Italy
Capital: Rome
Population: 59M
Language: Italian
Timezone: GMT+1
Currency: Euro (EUR)
VISA Free Access: EU Visa Free
Program Started: 2017
Program Overview
Italy’s Residence by Investment Program — also known as the Investor Visa — was introduced in 2017 to attract foreign capital and foster economic growth.
It offers residency in one of Europe’s most iconic nations, with access to the full Schengen Area. From Milan to Rome, and Tuscany to Sicily, investors can enjoy world-class healthcare, education, and lifestyle benefits.
Residency is granted for 2 years initially and is renewable. The program is open to non-EU nationals and supports family inclusion. Investors gain legal status in Italy with minimal setup friction, and a defined path toward long-term European citizenship.
Investment & Pricing Options
Applicants must select one of four government-approved routes:
€250,000 in an Italian innovative startup
€500,000 in shares of an Italian company
€2 million in government bonds
€1 million philanthropic donation to a public interest initiative
Funds must be maintained for the duration of residency. All investment options require prior approval from Italy’s Investor Visa Committee.
Eligibility & Dependents
To qualify, applicants must:
Be 18+ with a clean criminal record
Pass due diligence checks
Hold valid private health insurance
Show sufficient financial means to support dependants
Eligible dependants include spouse, children, and parents.
There’s no language or education requirement to apply. Naturalisation, however, requires Italian language proficiency.
Application Timeline & Process
The Italy RBI process is structured and fast-moving:
Day 1: Onboarding, due diligence, and engagement
2–3 weeks: Application submitted to the Visa Committee
3–6 months: Approval, consulate-issued visa, travel to Italy
2 weeks: Residency registration and 2-year permit issuance
Applicants must complete their investment within the 2-year visa validity period. Free From Borders provides full concierge support from document prep to post-arrival registration.
Why choose Italy?
EU Visa-free Schengen access
Multiple investment options
Path to permanent residency after 5 years
Citizenship after 10 years
Flat tax regime: €100,000/year on worldwide income
Dual citizenship permitted
Family-friendly, EU lifestyle upgrade with clear, legal structureItaly is a unique blend of lifestyle, opportunity, and long-term EU access. Whether relocating or investing remotely, this program offers flexibility and credibility in equal measure.
What Are the Procedures and Timeline for the Italian Residency Program?
Once onboarded, applicants apply through the Investor Visa Committee. After approval, the Golden Visa is issued by an Italian consulate. Applicants must travel to Italy to register as residents and finalize the process. Processing time is approximately 3–4 months from submission.
Can I retain Italian residency while keeping my current passport?
Yes. Italy permits dual residency and dual citizenship, so you can maintain your current nationality while holding an Italian residence permit or even citizenship after naturalisation.
Legal Basis for Italian Residency by Investment:
The Italy Investor Visa is governed by Law No. 232 of 2016 (Budget Law), Article 1, Paragraph 148, and further clarified under Decree of the Ministry of Economic Development of July 21, 2017.
Which countries can I travel to in the EU with an Italian residency permit?
With an Italian residency permit, you can travel visa-free to:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.
We advise consulting with your Free From Borders advisor for the most up-to-date information at the time of your application. We are not responsible for any changes to the above that occur during or after your application is completed, as these changes are beyond our control and at the discretion of foreign governments' border policies.
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