Both routes lead to a renewable European Union residence permit through investment. They differ on the qualifying amounts, the kind of investment and the path that follows.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Italy Investor Visa and the Latvia Residence by Investment route both grant the right to live in an EU member state and to travel in the Schengen area for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Neither route hands you a passport. Citizenship can come later only through each country lawful naturalisation rules.
Italy is administered by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy through the Investor Visa for Italy committee. Latvia is administered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Italy offers several routes, reported as EUR 250,000 into an eligible innovative startup, EUR 500,000 into an Italian company, EUR 1,000,000 as a philanthropic donation, or EUR 2,000,000 in government bonds. Latvia is reported to allow real estate from EUR 250,000 with a state fee, or about EUR 50,000 into the equity of a Latvian company together with a one time state payment, plus government processing fees. Treat every figure as indicative and confirm the current amount with the official authority.
Italy issues a nomination decision before you invest, after which a visa and then a residence permit follow. Latvia processing is commonly reported at about one to three months once a complete file is submitted. Confirm current processing times with each authority.
A residence permit is not a passport. It lets you live in the issuing country and travel in the Schengen area for short stays. A passport would follow only after years of lawful residence and meeting each country naturalisation conditions, including language and presence rules. Confirm those rules before you plan around them.
Italy suits applicants who want a choice of routes, including a startup option, and who may spend meaningful time in the country. Latvia suits applicants who want a lower entry through company equity and minimal physical presence to maintain status. Your own tax position and family plans matter more than headline cost, so take advice for your situation.
| Item | Italy Investor Visa | Latvia Residence by Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Renewable residence permit | Renewable residence permit |
| Indicative minimum | EUR 250,000 to EUR 2,000,000 by route | From about EUR 50,000 company equity or EUR 250,000 real estate |
| Official authority | Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy | Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs |
| Indicative timeline | Nomination first, then visa and permit | About 1 to 3 months once complete |
| Physical presence | Confirm with the official authority | No minimum stay reported to maintain status |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Italy) and the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Latvia) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Both give a residence permit. Citizenship would come later only through lawful naturalisation under each country rules, which include residence and language conditions.
That depends on the rules of your current country and of Italy or Latvia. Confirm dual nationality treatment with the official authority and a licensed professional.
No. Qualifying amounts and fees change. Verify the current numbers with the official authority before you act.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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