Chinese nationals can apply for the Italy Investor Visa, the route often called the Italian golden visa. This page sets out the options and what to confirm 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.
The Italy Investor Visa is open to applicants from outside the European Union, which includes Chinese nationals. Applicants are aged 18 or over and must show a clean record and lawfully held funds.
Applicants first obtain a nulla osta, a clearance issued through the official committee, before applying for the visa. The qualifying capital must be the applicant's own and cannot be borrowed or leveraged.
There are four qualifying options and you choose a single one. Capital cannot be spread across more than one option.
The options are an investment in an Italian innovative startup, an investment in an Italian limited company, the purchase of Italian government bonds, or a philanthropic donation. There is no real estate option under this visa.
Processing is often quoted at about 3 to 6 months to the residence permit. The visa first grants a two year residence permit, renewable for three years at a time, with no minimum stay tied to the renewal. Permanent residency may be possible after five years under set conditions. Treat timelines as indicative.
The qualifying investment amounts are shown below. The full amount must be transferred once the visa and permit are in place. Government and professional fees are separate. Verify every figure with the official authority before committing funds.
| Option | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italian innovative startup | EUR 250,000 | Single option must be chosen |
| Italian limited company | EUR 500,000 | Single option must be chosen |
| Italian government bonds | EUR 2,000,000 | Single option must be chosen |
| Philanthropic donation | EUR 1,000,000 | Donation, not refundable |
| Government and professional fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Separate from the qualifying investment |
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. The visa is open to applicants from outside the European Union, including Chinese nationals, who meet the eligibility and source of funds requirements.
No. The Italy Investor Visa does not include a real estate option. The qualifying choices are a startup investment, a company investment, government bonds, or a philanthropic donation.
The permit renewals are not tied to a minimum stay, but residency for naturalisation or permanent residency has its own rules. Confirm the current requirements 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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