Overview
The Italy Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori) was designed to attract high-net-worth non-EU nationals to Italy through a qualifying capital commitment. Unlike real-estate-based golden visas in other EU countries, Italy's investor visa focuses on productive capital: startups, Italian companies, and government bonds, plus a philanthropic option.
The process is centralized through an online portal operated by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). Approval involves obtaining a Nulla Osta (pre-approval clearance) before applying for the actual visa at a consulate.
Who it's for
- Non-EU investors with liquidity ready to deploy into one qualifying Italian investment
- High-net-worth individuals seeking an EU base through a capital-led route
- Families seeking Italian residence and eventual EU citizenship through investment
Investment options
You must choose one qualifying investment type; combinations of smaller amounts across categories are not accepted:
| Investment type | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Innovative startup (registered in Italy) | €250,000 |
| Established Italian company (shares or bonds) | €500,000 |
| Italian government bonds | €2,000,000 |
| Philanthropic donation | €1,000,000 |
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Nulla Osta | Online application through the Investor Visa for Italy portal (MIMIT) |
| Fund legality | Documented lawful source of funds with a clear transfer trail |
| Criminal record | Clean record for the relevant look-back period |
| Investment commitment | The selected investment is made after entering Italy on the investor visa |
| Timeline | Visa must be requested at a consulate within 6 months of Nulla Osta approval |
Steps
- Select your investment category and confirm liquidity and source-of-funds documentation
- Apply online at the Investor Visa for Italy portal, submitting your passport, CV, financial evidence, and criminal record documents
- Receive Nulla Osta: the law targets approval within 30 days of a complete application
- Apply for the investor visa at a competent Italian consulate within 6 months of Nulla Osta issuance
- Enter Italy on the 2-year investor visa
- Make the qualifying investment within the conditions of your residence permit
- Apply for residence permit renewal and eventually long-term or permanent residence
Key notes
- The investment is made after arrival in Italy. Do not transfer funds before the visa is issued.
- Source-of-funds documentation must be airtight: bank statements, sale agreements, tax records, and a clean audit trail from origin to destination
- The Nulla Osta has a 6-month validity. The visa application must be filed within this window.
- Italy does not require physical presence during the investor visa period, but minimum stays apply for longer-term settlement pathways
- Italy's investor visa pairs naturally with its flat tax regime for new residents. Review both pathways together.
This content is for informational purposes only.