The Italy Investor Visa, sometimes called the Italian golden visa, offers residence to people who make a qualifying investment or philanthropic contribution in Italy. British nationals apply as non European Union citizens.
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.
Since the United Kingdom left the European Union, British nationals apply as non European Union citizens, which is exactly who the Investor Visa is designed for. There is no nationality bar specific to British applicants.
Applicants must show that the investment funds come from lawful and documented sources and generally need private health insurance for the residence permit. The route first requires an online application for a clearance certificate, known as the nulla osta, before the visa itself.
There are four reported routes. A minimum of 2 million euros in Italian government bonds. A minimum of 500,000 euros in shares or bonds of an Italian company. A reduced minimum of 250,000 euros where the investment goes into an innovative start up. Or a philanthropic donation of at least 1 million euros to a project of public interest such as culture, education, research or heritage.
After the clearance certificate is granted, British applicants apply for a national entry visa at the Italian consulate in the United Kingdom, then complete the residence permit in Italy. Confirm the current minimums and conditions with the official authority.
Reports indicate the process commonly takes around three to six months to reach a residence permit. The permit is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for three year periods, with no minimum physical stay reported to maintain it. Confirm current timelines and conditions with the official authority.
Beyond the qualifying investment or donation, applicants meet consular and residence permit fees and the cost of health insurance and document preparation. Confirm the current government fees with the official authority rather than relying on quoted package totals.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government bonds route | From 2 million euros | Italian government bonds |
| Company route | From 500,000 euros | Shares or bonds of an Italian company |
| Innovative start up route | From 250,000 euros | Reduced threshold |
| Philanthropy route | From 1 million euros | Project of public interest |
| Permit | Two years, renewable for three year periods | No minimum stay reported |
| Official authority | Investor Visa for Italy Committee | Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Investor Visa for Italy Committee, Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. British nationals apply as non European Union citizens, which is the group the Investor Visa is intended for.
No. It grants residency first. Italian citizenship follows national law after qualifying residence and other conditions, so treat the visa as residency.
Reports indicate there is no minimum physical stay required to maintain the permit, but you should confirm the current rule with the official authority.
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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