Launched in 2017, the Italy Golden Visa is one of the most underrated programs of its kind globally.
Boasting an exceptionally fast application process (just 3-4 months), no minimum in-country presence requirements, a pre-approval step, as well as offering access to the country’s acclaimed €200,000 Lump Sum Tax Regime, Italy’s Golden Visa ticks a lot of critical boxes.
Then, of course, there is Italy itself: A place a jaw-dropping scenic beauty, with warm, family oriented locals, a rich cultural heritage, and sumptuous cuisine.
And now, with Portugal facing multi-year processing delays and the Spanish Golden Visa program terminated, Italy is finally stepping into the international limelight as a premium Plan B destination.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the Italy Golden Visa requirements – from its minimum invest options and applicant requirements, to the mandatory process steps, documentary requirements and what’s required to naturalize.
Minimum Golden Visa Investment Requirements
€500,000
Italian Company
Shares/Stocks
MOST POPULAR OPTION
Please note that the minimum hold period for the investment based options (Innovative Startup, Company Shares or Stocks, and Italian Government Bonds) is two years. However, in order to renew your Golden Visa residency for an additional 3 years, you’ll have to maintain your investment.
In effect, therefore, you’ll have to maintain your Golden Visa investment for as long as you hold Temporary Residency status in Italy (i.e., until you gain Permanent Residency).
Important: Italian Investor Visa applicants have to choose a single one of these categories, i.e. your capital cannot be deployed across more than one program option. Moreover, investments or contributions executed (even partially) before the visa application is submitted do NOT qualify for the Investor Visa…
Now, let’s look at your available program options in more detail…
Key Program Requirements
| Key Criteria And Considerations | Italy Golden Visa |
|---|---|
| Minimum Person Net Worth Requirement? | No |
| Address In Italy Required (Rented or Purchased)? | Yes |
| Minimum Annual Income Requirement? | Yes (€8,500+ per year) |
| Passive Income Requirement? | No |
| Health Insurance Coverage Required? | Yes |
| Minimum Primary Applicant Age? | 18 Years |
| Family Members Eligible For Inclusion | Spouse, Parents, Children Under 18 |
| Russians and Belarusians Eligible? | Not Currently |
| Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) Required? | Yes |
| Clean Criminal Record Required? | Yes |
| Clean Source of Funds Requirement? | Yes |
| Detailed CV and proof of qualifications held? | Yes |
| Minimum In-Country Presence Requirement? | None (0 Days Per Year) |
| Tax Liabilities Triggered? | Typically only after 182 days p.a. spent in Italy |
Application Process Requirements (2025)
Getting Your Nulla Osta (Certificate Of No Impediment): Steps And Requirements
Getting the so-called Nulla Osta (AKA a Certificate of No Impediment) is a vital step in the Italian Investor Visa application process.
In essence, this document confirms that your proposed investment (and the investment vehicle you’re opting for) meets the program requirements as set out in Italian law.
Importantly, the actual transfer of funds is only required AFTER you’ve received visa approval, thus significantly reducing the level of risk up-front.
The steps required in obtaining the Nulla Osta typically include:
- Obtain an Italian Digital e-Signature: Obtain your Italian e-Signature with the help of your case advisor. The Digital e-Signature (Firma Digitale) is a legally recognized electronic signature used in Italy to sign documents digitally, ensuring their authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation.
- Register on the Investor platform: Register on the official Italian Investor Visa platform, accessible at investorvisa.mise.gov.it.
- Submit your application: The official application form must be completed in either English or Italian. Essential supporting documentation must also be uploaded to this site (see the most important documentation to be included below).
- Program compliance checks: The Investor Visa Committee Secretariat reviews the application for completeness and compliance, and reverts with additional document requirements, if needed.
- Investment eligibility evaluation: A multi-stakeholder committee reviews and confirms the eligibility of the proposed investment. If approved, the Nulla Osta is electronically signed and issued.
- Submit your visa application: With the Nulla Osta, you must apply for your D (Settlement) Visa at the Italian consulate within a maximum of 6 months.
- Apply for residency in Italy: Upon entry into Italy, you will have 8 working days to apply for a residence permit, with the assistance of your case advisor.
- Make your eligible investment: From the point of applying for your residency in Italy, you will have a maximum of 3 months (90 days) to make the intended investment.
Key Documentary Requirements (Documents Checklist)
- Personal details
- Valid passport copy
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applying with a spouse and children)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Clean criminal record certificate (apostilled)
- Detailed description of the chosen investment (in this case, the innovative startup)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, plus a FATF-compliant declaration letter from the bank)
- Declaration of commitment to make an eligible investment.
Minimum In-Country Stay Requirements
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR CITIZENSHIP:
You can spend as little or as much time as you like in Italy – either 0 days per year, or 365 days per year – it’s up to you.
Simply keep your Italian Golden Visa investment in order to renew your Golden Visa Residency Permit at Year 2, Year 5, Year 8, Year 11, etc.
IF YOU DO WANT TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR) AND/OR CITIZENSHIP:
If you do wish to apply for Permanent Residency (after 5 years), and Italian Citizenship (after 10 years), you’ll be expected to spend more than 183 days per year living in Italy.
You’ll also be required to pass a basic Italian language test, among other key requirements.
Why Choose Our Services?
IN-COUNTRY PROGRAM EXPERTS
Highly experienced team of investment migration, property development and hospitality experts based in Rome, Venice and Milan.
EXCLUSIVE PROJECT ACCESS
We enjoy early access to high-end hospitality projects meeting the requirements of the Investor Visa Program, as well as high-potential startup opportunities.
MEANINGFUL PROJECTED RETURNS
Unlike with most Golden Visa investments, with this hospitality fund, you can expected to earn a projected return of 15% IRR, and 9-11% on the large-cap stock portfolio option.
CLEAR
EXIT
STRATEGY
While the fund has a 10-year lifecycle, exits are possible after just 5 years, making flexibility part of the deal.
What our clients are saying about our European Golden Visa services…
Make La Dolce Vita yours in 2025. To get started on your Italian Investor Visa application, contact us today.
Simply complete the below form to request contact from one of our senior program specialists. Our Zoom booking link will load when you submit this form.
Contact Us Now For More Information
Email: contact@goldenvisas.it
Telephone: + 39 800 126 388
Address: Via Durini 25B, 20122, Milano, Italia
Web: www.goldenvisas.it
Overview of the Italy Golden Visa Requirements Compiled By…
Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Andre Bothma is a seasoned digital entrepreneur specializing in European Residency By Investment programs (and the Italian Investor Visa, in particular).
After graduating from Rhodes University in 2002, he spent two decades building a career in online marketing.
He also previously served as national marketing director for the official political opposition in South Africa.
Given the challenges faced by the Portuguese Golden Program in recent years, many North American Plan B seekers have started looking at alternative European Golden Visa options.
And, going into 2025, the Italian Investor Visa is arguably the most underrated program of its kind.
With these factors in mind, Andre launched GoldenVisas.it with a view to give foreign Plan B investors access to the information and opportunities they need to secure their Italian back-up plan – discretely, securely, and hassle-free.
Andre is a prolific writer on investment migration, and has been advising an international client base on their European Residency and Citizenship By Investment options since 2017.
He splits his time between Porto, Cape Town, and increasingly, Milan.
