The Italy Investor Visa is a residence by investment route open to nationals from outside the European Union, including Nigerian citizens, who place a qualifying investment or make a qualifying donation in Italy.
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.
Nigerian nationals qualify on the same basis as other applicants from outside the European Union. There is no nationality bar specific to Nigeria. The route is built around a qualifying investment rather than ancestry or prior residence, so the central tests are the legality and source of your funds, a clean background check and your ability to maintain the investment.
Nigerian applicants should plan for close scrutiny of the origin of capital and for full supporting documentation, including bank references and proof that funds can be transferred lawfully. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority before acting.
The official qualifying options are an investment of EUR 250,000 in an Italian innovative startup, an investment of EUR 500,000 in an Italian limited company, a philanthropic donation of EUR 1,000,000 to a project of public interest, or an investment of EUR 2,000,000 in Italian government bonds.
Real estate purchase does not qualify. The investment is made after the visa is approved and must be maintained for the life of the permit. Only the donation route is non recoverable, since a donation is given rather than held.
The process begins with a Nulla Osta, a certificate of no impediment, requested through the official portal. The Investor Visa for Italy Committee aims to assess applications within thirty days. After approval you apply for the entry visa at an Italian consulate and then convert it to a residence permit once in Italy.
The permit is renewable while the qualifying investment is maintained. Time spent as a legal resident can count toward later applications for long term residence or citizenship, which carry their own separate conditions. Confirm timing for your case with the official authority.
The qualifying investment dominates the budget and is held rather than spent in most routes. Consular visa charges, the residence permit, the electronic permit card and revenue stamps each carry their own government cost, set by the authorities and revised periodically. Professional fees for document preparation, translation and tax planning are separate and vary by case. Confirm every figure with the official authority and the relevant consulate.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Startup route | EUR 250,000 | Investment in an Italian innovative startup |
| Company route | EUR 500,000 | Investment in an Italian limited company |
| Donation route | EUR 1,000,000 | Philanthropic donation, not recoverable |
| Government bond route | EUR 2,000,000 | Investment in Italian government bonds |
| Government and consular fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Set by the authorities and consulate |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Investor Visa for Italy Committee, Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
Yes. The route is open to applicants from outside the European Union and there is no bar specific to Nigerian nationals. Approval depends on a qualifying investment, a clean background check and clear evidence of the source of funds. Confirm the current rules with the Investor Visa for Italy Committee.
No. Real estate purchase is not a qualifying route. The official options are the innovative startup, Italian company, philanthropic donation and government bond routes.
The committee aims to assess the Nulla Osta within thirty days, after which the consular visa and residence permit steps follow. Total time varies by case, so confirm current processing times 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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