Italy Golden Visa 2024: The Complete Guide for Italian Residency
Are you envisioning your dream home in Italy, in the heart of the Mediterranean? You may not be an Italian citizen, but you’ve always dreamed of becoming one. Did you know you can turn that dream into reality with the Italy Golden Visa?
If you’re curious about what the Italy Golden Visa is and how to apply for it, you’re in the right place. Get comfortable, and we’ll provide you with the ultimate guide to obtaining Italian residency. If becoming an Italian citizen is your dream, the Italy Golden Visa could be your pathway to making it a reality.
What is the Italy Golden Visa
Italy Golden Visa is a program that allows non-EU residents to apply for a residence visa in Italy in return for investing in Italy. It is also known as the Investor Visa for Italy. This program was launched in 2017 in October to attract international investors and improve the Italian visa system.
It’s a two-year visa for non-EU citizens who choose to invest in important areas that help boost Italy’s economy and society. Learn about the key requirements and eligibility criteria necessary to obtain this exclusive visa. Discover how you can meet these conditions and start your path to Italian residency.
Does Italy Have a Golden Visa
Yes, Italy has a Golden Visa program available. It’s a great opportunity for all who want to invest in Italy, get a mortgage in Italy as a foreigner, and get Italian citizenship. If you’re eager to know what the Italy Golden Visa is and what the conditions are for applying for it, keep reading to uncover more details.
Italy Golden Visa Program
The Italy Golden Visa program provides investors access to a vibrant EU market and opportunities in major cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice. It offers a range of investment options with varying amounts to suit individual preferences. Approved applicants can obtain residency within three to four months.
How to Get an Italy Golden Visa: Investment Types & Options
Italy provides four types of investment for getting an Italy Golden Visa, including purchasing Italian government bonds, investing in a limited company or innovative startup, and making a philanthropic contribution. We present the table below for a clearer and more straightforward representation of the types of investments.
Investment types | Investment amount | Investment options |
| €250,000+ | Invest in stocks or shares of an approved innovative startup. A business plan is required for application. |
| €500,000+ | Invest in shares of a company incorporated and operating in Italy. Company name and tax code needed. |
| €1,000,000+ | Contribute to a project in culture, education, immigration management, research, or heritage. |
| €2,000,000+ | Buy bonds with a maturity of at least two years, such as CCT, CCTeu, CTZ, BTP, or BTP ITALIA. |
Notice: To meet the investment requirement, you must choose one of the options and cannot combine different types of investments.
For What Type of Investments May an Italian Investor Visa Be Issued?
The Italian Law specifies the acceptable investment types for the Investor Visa application. Below is a table outlining the different investment options and their requirements. The table below provides a clear summary of the investment types eligible for the Italian Investor Visa.
Type of investments | Minimum Amount of investment | Investment Requirements |
Securities issued by the Italian government | €2,000,000 | Maintained for at least 2 years. Must demonstrate that they hold and beneficially own at least €2,000,000, available and transferable in Italy. |
Shares or stocks in existing Italian companies (e.g., S.p.a, S.r.l.) | €500,000 | Maintained for at least 2 years. Reduced to €250,000 if investing in an existing Italian innovative start-up company. Must demonstrate that they hold and beneficially own at least €1,000,000. |
Philanthropic donation to Italian non-profit entity | €1,000,000 | Donation for public interest projects (culture, research, immigration management, restoration). Must commit to use the funds within 3 months of entry into Italy and have additional resources for sustenance. |
Italy Golden Visa Requirements & Eligibility Criteria
Here are the basic requirements for an investor to qualify for the Italy Golden Visa. In the next section, you’ll find the requirements for investors, and other family members. Learn what is needed to include them in your Italy Golden Visa application.
The investment funds must come from legitimate sources. The applicant must provide an Anti-Money Laundering Statement from the bank holding the funds, confirming compliance with FATF international standards. This document must follow specific guidelines set by the Investor Committee.
Italy Golden Visa Real Estate Investor Criteria
If you want to buy real estate in Italy, you are on the right path to achieving two goals with one effort. A minimum investment in real estate of EUR 250,000 grants you Italian residence through the Italy Residence by Investment program, providing access to the Schengen Area. You can have a dream home and residency permit in Italy If you satisfy the following conditions:
Age over 18
Has adequate funds to invest
Can demonstrate the legality of their income
Provides a written commitment to invest in the Italian economy
Has no criminal record or ongoing legal issues
Holds valid health insurance
Family Members' Eligibility for Italy Golden Visa
Family members are eligible to obtain a family visa and residence permit, allowing them to stay in Italy for the same duration as the primary applicant (investor). They can join the main applicant through either family reunification or family cohesion. In the table below, you can find the family members’ eligibility criteria for the Italy Golden Visa for all family members.
Category | Spouse | Children under 18 | Children over 18 | Parents |
Eligibility | Must be legally married to the investor | Must be included in the application; covers children of the spouse as well | Eligible; must be financially dependent on the investor | Eligible; must be financially dependent on the investor |
Age Requirement | No age limit | Under 18 | No age limit | No age limit |
Financial Dependency | Financially dependent on the investor | Financially dependent on the investor | Financially dependent on the investor | Financially dependent on the investor |
Marital Status | Must be married to the investor | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Additional Criteria | N/A | Must be legally recognized as a child of the investor or spouse | Must be financially dependent on the investor | Must be financially dependent on the investor |
Italy Golden Visa Benefits
The benefits of Italy's Golden Visa include a range of advantages that make it an attractive option for investors. This table highlights the key benefits, such as visa-free travel, a special tax regime, and the possibility of obtaining Italian citizenship. Additionally, it outlines opportunities for family reunification and work permit conversion, offering a comprehensive overview of what the program offers (see the table).
Benefit | Description | Conditions | Duration/Limitations |
Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries | Italian residents can travel to Schengen Area countries without needing a visa. | Must have an Italian residence permit. | Stay is limited to 90 days within 180 days. |
Creating a safe haven or moving to Italy | The Investor Visa allows the holder to enter Italy even when borders are closed. | Requires holding the Investor Visa. | Residents can stay indefinitely in Italy, but there is no obligation to live there if they do not plan to obtain citizenship. |
Special tax regime | Offers a flat tax regime for new residents in Italy. | Must spend at least 183 days per year in Italy to become a tax resident. New residents can pay an annual flat tax of €200,000. | The special tax regime is valid for 15 years. Exempts income earned outside Italy from taxation. |
European education for children | Children with Italian residences can access education under the same conditions as citizens. | Must have a valid Italian residence permit. | Enrollment in universities under the same conditions as Italian citizens, with lower tuition fees compared to foreign students. |
Residency for family members | Close family members can also obtain residency. | The application can include a spouse, minor children, disabled children over 18, and parents. | Family members receive residency with the same rights as the main applicant. |
Way to obtain Italian citizenship | Offers a path to Italian citizenship after a certain period of residency. | Must reside in Italy for 10 years. | Grants the right to live in any EU country and provides visa-free travel to more than 170 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia. |
Work authorization in Italy | The Italian Golden Visa allows the applicant to work in Italy. | Must hold the Italian Golden Visa. | Allows work in any sector or industry within Italy. |
Family reunion visa for family members | Family members of the Golden Visa holder can obtain a family reunion visa. | Family members must be included in the application process. | The family reunion visa grants the same residency rights as the main applicant. |
Study visa as an alternative option | If not investing, one can obtain a study visa to relocate to Italy. | Must apply for a study visa, which is valid for 1 year. | The study visa can potentially be converted into a work permit if all necessary conditions are met. |
How to Apply for Italy Golden Visa 2024
Applying for an Italy Golden Visa is filled out electronically. You apply on the portal of the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The application needs to be signed with an electronic signature and below in the next section is detailed information about the applying process.
Applying for Italy's Golden Visa in 2024 involves several key steps that potential investors need to follow. This process includes selecting a qualifying investment option, gathering the necessary documentation, and submitting your application through the appropriate channels. By following the 6 outlined steps, you can successfully obtain residency in Italy and take advantage of the benefits the Golden Visa offers.
Step: Application
The first step includes gathering documentation (more in the next section). After you need to apply on the Ministry’s portal. Here’s the screenshot and application process:
Create your account on the portal.
Complete the forms with contact details, CV, and investment selection and upload necessary attachments.
Download the declaration, electronically sign it, and submit it.
The Committee Secretariat will review your application and either approve it, request additional information within 30 days, or reject it with reasons if it does not meet the criteria. If additional details are required, the application will be temporarily suspended until the information is provided. The application is only evaluated once all requested materials are complete.
2. Step: Evaluation
If the Committee approves the application within 30 days, the Investor will receive an email with the Ministry’s clearance (“certificate of no impediment”). This notice will also be sent to the Italian Consulate listed in the application, allowing the Investor to proceed with their visa application. The Nulla Osta is valid for 6 months, so the Investor must apply for the visa before it expires.
3. Step: Getting Your Visa
You have 6 months to apply for an investor visa at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate. You must present the Nulla Osta along with all the documents submitted during the application process, and the visa will be issued in 7-10 days. Once issued, the visa allows you to enter Italy within 2 years, and upon expiry, the visa does not need to be renewed.
4. Step: Apply at The Local Police Station Questura
You must apply at the local police station Questura and bring your passport and entry visa with you. Afterward, log in to your page on the IV4I portal and enter your arrival date in Italy, the date of your Questura application, and the location of the Questura. Within 8 days of arrival, schedule an appointment with the local Police Office where you are staying to apply for the Permit of Stay, where you will undergo fingerprinting and photo capture, and receive a receipt confirming that your application is pending.
5. Step: Proof of Investment
To confirm your investment or donation, you need to present proof of the declared amount. This documentation should be submitted through the designated portal. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure your proof is accepted:
Upload your investment proof on the portal and provide the requested details (refer to the policy guidance for more information).
Download and electronically sign the final declaration, then re-upload it to the system.
6. Step: Getting an Italy Investor Residence Permit
The Committee will review your investment proof, and there are three possible outcomes. If approved, your residence permit will be issued or remain valid. If additional information is needed, you have 30 days to provide it, and if rejected, your permit will be revoked or not issued.
7. Step: Renewing Italy Golden Visa
The residence permit has to be renewed after 2 years of holding it, and you can apply for a 3-year extension. Submit your renewal application at least 60 days before your current Italy golden visa expires. Here are the steps for renewing the Italy Golden Visa:
Upload proof of maintaining the investment or donation (refer to policy guidance for details).
Download, electronically sign, and re-upload the final declaration to the portal.
A “Nulla Osta” will be issued and available for download on your page.
Request for Supplementary Information: You’ll have 30 days to provide additional details, during which the evaluation is paused.
If your residence permit renewal is denied, you may apply for a new investor visa (If the investment or donation is maintained for 5 years, you can apply for a long-term residence card)
Required Documents for Italy Golden Visa
To proceed with the application for Italy Golden Visa, you need to provide several key documents. These include your contact details (your name and surname, place and date of birth, nationality, place of residence, personal e-mail address, and personal telephone numbers). Additionally, you must submit the following documentation:
A copy of your passport
Your CV
Indication of the type of investment in Italy.
Evidence of ownership of financial resources.
Proof of no criminal convictions and pending charges.
A description of the investment characteristics and proof of consent from the recipients.
What Is A Nulla Osta
A Nulla Osta, derived from the Latin phrase “nihil obstat” meaning “nothing stands in the way,” is a crucial document for obtaining your Italy investor visa. To secure this, you must first receive a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) online from the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (IV4I). Once you have this certificate, you can apply for a 2-year investor visa at the nearest Italian representative in your country of residence (below the Nulla Osta example).
How Long Does it Take for An Italian Golden Visa to Be Approved?
The process for approving the Italy Golden Visa may take some time, but it is a worthwhile investment. Don’t let the duration discourage you. Below, we outline a timeline to give you an idea of the expected timeframe for approval.
Collecting the documents for Nulla Osta | 7+ Days |
The issuance of the Nulla Osta | 30 Days |
Applying for an Italy Investor Visa | 7+ Days |
Obtaining an Italy Investor Visa | 10 - 20 Days |
Applying for Italy Residence Permit | 7+ Days |
Obtaining an Italy Residence Permit Card | 30+ Days |
Italy Golden Visa Tax
Every tax resident in Italy must pay income tax on worldwide earnings. The regime is valid for 15 years, with an option to opt-out at any time. Italy offers an optional tax regime allowing new residents to pay a €100,000 lump sum annually on all foreign income instead of regular taxation.
Type of Tax | Tax Rate |
Foreign Financial Assets Tax | 0.2% |
Foreign Real Estate Tax | 0.76% |
Additional Family Member | €25,000 per family member |
Tax Payment Deadline | The €100,000 lump sum payment is due in full by June 30th each year. |
Italy Golden Visa Price
The Italy Golden Visa requires a minimum investment, with options ranging from €250,000 for innovative startups to €2 million for government bonds. Additional costs include administrative and legal fees, which can add several thousand euros. Tax implications vary, so consulting a legal or financial advisor is recommended for precise estimates.
FAQ about Italy Golden Visa
If we haven't addressed all of your concerns in the previous text, here are some frequently asked questions about the Italy Golden Visa to provide additional clarity.
How much is an Italy Golden Visa?
The cost of an Italy Golden Visa starts at €250,000 for certain investments, with additional costs for legal fees, administrative fees, and taxes.
How to Get Italian Citizenship Through Italy Golden Visa?
An Italy Golden Visa does not lead directly to Italian citizenship. However, after residing in Italy for 10 continuous years, you can apply for Italian citizenship. This allows you to potentially become an Italian citizen.
Can I get residency in Italy if I buy a property?
Yes, purchasing property in Italy can qualify you for residency through the Italy Golden Visa program, which requires a minimum investment in real estate.
What is the investor visa for Italy?
The investor visa for Italy is a 2-year visa that allows foreign nationals to reside in Italy if they invest a significant amount of capital in the country, supporting economic development and job creation.
How much do I need to invest in Italy for Permanent Residency?
The minimum sum if investment that is needed to obtain a permanent residency in Italy is €250,000.
Why Invest in Italy?
There are too many reasons why to invest in this beautiful country, but one of the most important reasons regarding long-term investments is the advantage of a secure and stable property market.
Can a foreigner own property in Italy?
Yes, a foreigner can own property in Italy.
What is the validity period of the Italian Golden Visa?
The Italy Golden Visa is valid for 2 years, allowing you to enter Italy and apply for a residence permit. This residence permit is also valid for 2 years, starting from your arrival in Italy. The visa and permit grant you legal status to reside and invest in Italy during this period.
Can you get Italian citizenship after a residence permit?
Yes, you can get Italian citizenship after 10 years of residency if you are a non-EU applicant, and after 4 years of residency if you are an EU citizen.
What is the Italy Residence by Investment Program?
An Italy Residence program is a program that obtains a residence permit for 2 years for an investor and his family, and after 10 years of residing in Italy, they can apply for Italian citizenship.
What is the minimum investment required for the Italy Residence by Investment Program 2024?
The minimum investment required for the Italy Residence by investment program 2024 is €250,000.
Can family members be included in the Italy Residence by Investment application?
Yes, the family members of the investor can be included in the Residence by investment application.
In Italy, Can The Applicant Combine Different Investment Types or Split The Investment Across Different Periods?
No, the applicant can not combine different investment types or split the investment across different periods.
Is It Recommended to Transfer The Funds to An Italian Bank Before Applying for The Investor Visa?
Yes, it is recommended to transfer the funds to an Italian bank before applying for the investor visa. No nationality is explicitly barred from the Italian investor visa program, but the Committee reserves the right to request the investor applicant to transfer the funds to an Italian bank and the origin of the applicant can prompt additional checks from the Committee However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind if the financial resources originate from:
A country listed as “High-risk third countries” under Article 9 of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive IV
A country or territory with favorable taxation systems (blacklisted countries) as identified by the Minister of Economic and Finance
Other reasons why it is necessary to rely on a trustful Italian bank or intermediary when applying for an Italy Golden Visa
As mentioned above, it is advisable to transfer funds to an Italian bank. Regarding intermediaries for applying and obtaining the Italy Golden Visa, Kredium can assist you in this process. We can also help you secure a mortgage in Italy. Feel free to contact us today.
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