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Residency by investment, the Italy Investor Visa

A residence route for non EU nationals who make a qualifying investment or donation in Italy, structured so clearance comes before any money moves.

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Reference
Official authorityInvestor Visa for Italy Committee, Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy
ProgrammeItaly Investor Visa
Information current as ofJune 2026
Official source →

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.

Reviewed by the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 6 June 2026.

Overview

The Italy Investor Visa lets a non EU national earn an Italian residence permit by committing a qualifying investment or a philanthropic donation. It sits within Italy wider migration framework and is run through a dedicated national portal.

A distinctive feature is the order of steps. Applicants seek a clearance certificate, the Nulla Osta, before transferring funds. Treat this page as a map of the route, not a final answer, and confirm every figure with the official authority before acting.

Qualifying routes

Public reporting describes four qualifying options. An investment of 250,000 euro in an innovative Italian startup, 500,000 euro in an Italian limited company, 2 million euro in Italian government bonds, or a philanthropic donation of 1 million euro to a project of public interest such as culture, education, research or heritage.

Routes and thresholds can change. Confirm which options are open and the current minimum on each with the Investor Visa for Italy Committee.

Timeline

Reported processing for the clearance and residence permit is commonly in the range of three to six months, though individual cases vary. The first permit is typically issued for two years and can be renewed. Confirm current processing times and renewal conditions with the official authority.

Indicative costs

The qualifying investment or donation is the largest commitment. Government and processing charges, plus any professional support, sit on top. See the table for the structure and confirm the current amounts with the official source.

What it unlocks

The visa grants the right to reside in Italy with travel within the Schengen Area under the usual rules. It is a residence route. Any later path to long term residence or citizenship follows separate Italian rules with their own conditions, which you should verify independently.

ItemIndicative amountNotes
Innovative startup route250,000 euroConfirm the current figure with the official authority
Italian limited company route500,000 euroConfirm the current figure with the official authority
Government bonds route2,000,000 euroConfirm the current figure with the official authority
Philanthropic donation route1,000,000 euroProject of public interest
Government and processingConfirm the current figure with the official authoritySet by the Italian authorities

Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Investor Visa for Italy Committee, Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.

Common questions

Do I invest before or after approval

Public guidance describes a clearance first model, where a Nulla Osta is issued before funds are transferred. Confirm the current sequence with the official authority.

Is this a direct route to citizenship

No. It is a residence route. Italian citizenship follows separate rules with its own residence and other conditions.

Is approval guaranteed

No. Applications are assessed and due diligence applies. A clearance can be refused.

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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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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