Italy

Citizenship by Investment Overview

Investment

Minimum investment from EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million

Key Benefit

The right to live, work, and study in Italy

The Italy Residence by Investment Program

As a globally recognized tourist destination with major cities including Milan, Rome, and Venice, Italy offers investors access to a strong, well-connected EU market and the many opportunities available in the region. The program has a range of investment options available with varying investment amounts for individuals to choose from, and successful applicants gain residence rights within three to four months.

Benefits of an Italian Golden Visa

Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area
Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities
No permanent stay in Italy required
Access to excellent medical care and education facilities
Citizenship may be available after 10 years of residence (under special conditions)

Requirements for the Italy Golden Visa

To qualify for residence status in Italy, applicants can choose to invest in either of the following two program options:

Investor Visa Program

Satisfy one of the following three requirements:

A minimum of EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds
A minimum of EUR 500,000 in Italian shares (reduced to EUR 250,000 if investing in innovative start-ups)
A minimum of EUR 1 million in projects of public interest in Italy, such as culture, education, ecology, immigration management, research and development, arts, and heritage. This is a non-refundable donation

The investment needs to be maintained during the validity of the visa. A spouse, children, and dependent parents of the main applicant may also request a visa without additional investment.

Elective Residence Program

A further qualifying option, the Elective Residence Program is suitable for individuals who can prove their stable annual income at a certain quantity from abroad.

Procedure for the Italy Golden Visa

The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained. It is expected that the process of obtaining the visa will take 90–120 days from the date of application. The investment must be made within three months of entry into the country. To obtain the visa under the Investor Visa Program, investors must purchase or rent residential real estate in Italy following approval. Under the Elective Residence Program, applicants must demonstrate a stable income and have residential real estate following approval. Permanent residence is possible after five years, provided the investor has relocated to Italy.

Italian Citizenship

Successful applicants of Italy’s residence by investment program can apply for a permanent residence permit after five years of legal residence in Italy. After ten years from the initial granting of the visa, investors may apply for citizenship by naturalization. EU citizens are eligible after only four years of residence. Italy allows dual citizenship.

Italy Residence by Investment Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

The Italy Residence by Investment Program offers residence to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions to the country.
What are the investment options available for the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

Investment options for residence in Italy include the Investor Visa Program, which offers investments in government bonds, shares, or donations to public projects, or the Elective Residence Program, which requires proving a stable income from abroad.
What are the benefits of obtaining Italian residence through investment?

Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Italy, visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, and access to a rich cultural and historical heritage.
What is the minimum investment required for the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

The minimum investment starts at EUR 250,000 for investments in innovative startups.
How long does it take to process an application for the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
Can family members be included in the Italy Residence by Investment application?

Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

There are no specific residence or physical presence requirements.
What documents are required for the Italy Residence by Investment application?

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment or contribution, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain Italian citizenship through the Residence by Investment Program?

Yes, after maintaining residence for ten years, investors may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship.
What is the process for applying to the Italy Residence by Investment Program?

Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.

Country Information

As a globally recognized tourist destination with major cities including Milan, Rome, and Venice, Italy attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

Population:	61 million
Languages:	Italian, German, French
Economy:	Diversified
Currency:	Euro

Living in Italy

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is a country steeped in culture and history. Boasting over 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy has more than any other country and showcases some of the greatest treasures the world has to offer. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy stretches from the Italian Alps in the north to several exquisite islands in the south that are popular with holidaymakers from across the globe.

Italy is a founding member of the EU and NATO, and it has the fourth-largest economy in Europe. As a globally recognized tourist destination with major cities including Milan, Rome, and Venice, Italy attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. In addition to its popular urban attractions, historic sites, and black-pebbled beach tourism, visitors are attracted to the country’s fine food and wine and thriving arts scene.

In terms of geographical positioning, the country is bordered by France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, the Vatican City, and San Marino, and its languages include Italian, German, French, and Ladin, which is spoken in Northern Italy. Almost four fifths of Italy are either mountainous or hilly. The biggest islands in Italy are Sicily (also the largest island on the European continent) and Sardinia, while smaller islands include Capri, Elba, and Ischia. The University of Bologna, thought to be the world’s oldest university, founded in 1088, is found in Italy.

With its capital city Rome referred to as the ‘Eternal City’, Italy is renowned for being home to some of the world’s most important historical figures. Influential thinkers and scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Alessandro Volta were born in Italy, and key global artistic figures like Dante, Da Vinci, and Michelangelo were also from Italy. Travelers such as Amerigo Vespucci, Christopher Columbus, and Marco Polo, who were the first Europeans to tour the Americas and the East, respectively, were also of Italian nationality.

The country’s 60 million population is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from London and an eight-hour distance from New York.

Ready to Explore Your Global Opportunities?

Let DLB Global guide you in securing the right investment, residence, or citizenship solution. Connect with our experts today and start your journey with confidence.