The Italian investor visa used to be one of the most expensive options for a long-term move to the country. But in May 2020, Italian authorities decided to lower the threshold for investors significantly, so now required investments start from €250,000. The investor is issued a residence permit for two years, which can then be extended for three. You can apply for permanent residence after five years of living in the country, and for citizenship after another five years. You can take the whole family with you.
The official website of the program
Italy launched a special program for foreign investors who are ready to make a significant contribution to the country's economy at the end of 2017. In return they can get a two-year residence permit and the ability to move freely in the Schengen area. The permit can be extended for three years afterwards, provided that the investments made are preserved.
Foreigners can choose whether to extend the investor's residence permit for the next three years or apply for a residence permit in the EU for long-term residents (permanent residence) after five years of permanent residence in Italy.
It is necessary to invest after obtaining approval for a visa, within three months after entering Italy. Capital must be retained for at least two years, during which it is not allowed to change the initial investment portfolio.
Holders of investor residence permits (unlike those who move to Italy as a financially independent person) can conduct any business in the country or get a job for hire.
€2 000 000
government bonds
Treasury certificates (CCT/CCTeu), coupon-free Treasury bonds (CTZ), long-term Treasury bonds (BTP), long-term treasury bonds linked to the inflation index in the eurozone, BTP ITALIA special government bonds.
Each type of securities requires a minimum remaining maturity of at least two years.
€1 000 000
charitable contribution
A donation to support a project of public interest in the field of culture, education, immigration, management, scientific research, preservation of cultural and natural heritage. The capital is not returned.
€500 000
assets of companies
Сompany's shares or shares of limited liability companies registered and operating in Italy. A legal entity is considered "active" if it has submitted at least one balance as of the date of application for a visa.
€250 000
investing in a startup
Shares or shares of companies that belong to the category of innovative startups. The official list of such projects is updated every week and is available on the state portal startup.registroimprese.it
A citizen of any country outside the EU and the Schengen area who has reached the age of 18 has the right to request an investment residence permit. Moreover, it is necessary to invest capital as an individual, applications from companies are not accepted.
The application can include not only a spouse and minor children, but also parents, siblings and adult children. The last three categories only in case of dependency on the applicant or with mental/physical disabilities that do not allow them to live independently.
State fees
First residence permit:
€50 for a residence permit lasting 1-2 years.
No fee is charged for minor children.
Prolongation: €100
Production of a plastic card: €30.5
Stamp duty: €16
Post office services: €30
Legal expenses
Consulting, filling out a questionnaire, collecting documents: €2,000-20,000 depending on the scope of work
A power of attorney: €100
The applicant has the right to:
The applicant is obligated to: