Golden Visa residents in Italy enjoy the following benefits: Residency in Italy and visa-free Schengen Zone access No minimum stay requirement (0 days per year – unless you’re seeking to eventually become an Italian citizen  Option to apply for permanent residency and citizenship (but then you need to settle there). Access to Italy's healthcare and education systems

Many countries in Europe, including Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Greece, offer similar programs. Italy’s Investor Visa Program is unique in that it doesn’t offer a residency by real estate investment option (and never had one). In addition, it is also one of the only programs that allow investors to commit their capital only once their residency cards have been issued (Hungary’s Guest Investor Visa are the only other European programs to offer this benefit.)