The Italy Investor Visa offers residency to people who make a qualifying investment or donation. South African nationals can apply, and 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 Investor Visa is open to applicants from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland. South African nationals qualify on that basis and can apply with a clean criminal record.
There is no language or prior residence requirement to obtain the visa. Confirm the documents needed for South African applicants, including how your funds are evidenced, with the official authority or your consulate.
There are four qualifying options. They are an investment of EUR 250,000 in an Italian innovative startup, EUR 500,000 in an Italian limited company, EUR 2,000,000 in Italian government bonds, or a philanthropic donation of EUR 1,000,000 to a project of public interest.
Real estate does not qualify. The investment is made after the application is approved and must be held for the life of the permit. Only the donation is not recoverable, since a donation is given rather than invested.
The process begins with a Nulla Osta, a certificate of no impediment, issued through the official portal by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee, which aims to decide within thirty days. You then apply for the entry visa at an Italian consulate and convert it to a residence permit in Italy. The first permit runs for two years and can be renewed.
The main cost is the qualifying investment, which is held rather than spent in the investment routes. Consular and residence permit charges apply separately and change from time to time.
We do not name or recommend firms. To compare vetted, independent advisors for tax and legal planning, use Get Matched, and confirm the current figures with the official authority.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative startup | EUR 250,000 | Held for the life of the permit |
| Italian limited company | EUR 500,000 | Held for the life of the permit |
| Government bonds | EUR 2,000,000 | Held for the life of the permit |
| Philanthropic donation | EUR 1,000,000 | Not recoverable |
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 visa is open to nationals from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, which includes South African nationals, provided they have a clean criminal record and a qualifying investment.
The lowest option is EUR 250,000 in an Italian innovative startup. Other routes require more. Confirm the current options with the Investor Visa for Italy Committee.
There is no minimum stay required to keep the investor permit, and no language test to obtain it. Verify the current rules 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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