Legal Framework of
The Italy Investor Visa was established by Law No. 232 of 11 December 2016 (2017 Budget Law), which introduced Article 26-bis into the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998). This created a new legal pathway for foreign nationals to enter and reside in Italy through significant investments.
The procedures were defined by an Inter-ministerial Decree of 21 July 2017, which also established the Investor Visa Committee under the Ministry of Economic Development.
The program officially started with the adoption of the first Policy Guidance on 16 November 2017, which defined operational rules and introduced an online platform for applications.
Since then, the framework has been refined. The latest update to the Policy Guidance was issued on 19 July 2021, further clarifying procedures, streamlining processes, and aligning the visa with international best practices in investment migration.
Key Conditions
The Italy Investor Visa program is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to obtain residency in Italy through a significant investment. To be eligible, applicants must meet several key criteria, including age, a minimum investment amount, and criminal record requirements. We will support you every step of the way to ensure all conditions are met effectively.
Available for non-EU nationals over 18.
Significant investment (from at least 250.000 EUR) must be made within 3 months of entry and maintained throughout the permit of stay.
Proving legal origin and transferability of funds.
Clean criminal record.
Having sufficient income, and accommodation in Italy.
Italy Investor Visa
The golden gateway to europe
With the Italy Investor Visa, investors gain access not only to a thriving and dynamic economy, but also to the opportunity of embracing a true European lifestyle. The program offers flexibility with four different investment options to choose as follows:
Government Bonds – Be Stable & Secure
Established Italian Companies – Invest in Growth
Innovative Startups – Power the Future
Philanthropic Donations – Make a Lasting Difference
Government Bonds – Be Stable & Secure
Invest in the strength of the Italian Republic with Treasury Certificates (CCT/CCTeu), Zero-Coupon Treasury Bonds (CTZ), Long-Term Treasury Bonds (BTP), BTPs linked to Eurozone inflation, or the popular BTP Italia. Each bond type requires a minimum residual maturity of at least two years, offering both security and predictability.
Established Italian Companies – Invest in Growth
Acquire stakes or shares in limited companies incorporated and operating in Italy. To qualify, the company must be active and have filed at least one balance sheet before your visa application. Whether listed or unlisted, your investment directly fuels Italian business innovation and expansion.
Innovative Startups – Power the Future
Support Italy’s next generation of innovators by investing in certified innovative startups. The official, regularly updated list is publicly available at startup.registroimprese.it. Each eligible startup is active, has filed at least one balance sheet, and can be either listed or unlisted—allowing you to back cutting-edge ideas with real impact.
Philanthropic Donations – Make a Lasting Difference
Leave your mark on Italy by funding projects of public interest in culture, education, or immigration. Your contribution not only transforms lives but also strengthens Italy’s rich social fabric.
Get your Italy Investor visa today!
Have questions? Contact our experts at +84 934 623 968 (available on WhatsApp)
Step-by-Step Process under
Italy Investor Visa
Step 1 – Document Collection & Online Submission
Gather all required documents and submit your application through the official Italian government online platform.
Step 2 – Approval Letter & Visa Application
Once you receive the official approval letter on the platform, proceed to submit your investor visa application at the Italian Embassy or Consulate.
Step 3 – Receive 2-Year Investor Visa
Obtain your investor visa, valid for two years.
Step 4 – Arrival in Italy & Residence Permit Application
Upon arrival in Italy, apply for your residence permit and complete your investment within three months from your entry date.
Step 5 – Obtain 2-Year Residence Permit & Maintain Investment
Receive your two-year residence permit and maintain your qualifying investment for the required period.
Pathway to Italian Citizenship
through Investor Visa
Residence Permit
Renewal
Permanent Residency
Italian Citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Nationals of countries outside the European Union and the Schengen Area may apply. The main applicant must be an individual aged 18 or over, or a foreign legal entity acting through its duly authorised legal representative (also aged 18 or over).
No. For investor residence permits, the legal obligations related to “continuity of presence” in Italian territory do not apply during the period after the permit is obtained.
No. The programme recognises only four eligible routes: (a) Italian Government bonds; (b) equity in Italian limited companies; (c) equity in innovative startups; or (d) a philanthropic donation in specified public-interest fields. Real estate is not an eligible investment type under this programme.
Only after being granted “Nulla Osta”, entering Italy with the investor visa and applying for the residence permit, you must complete the full investment/donation within three months from your date of entry, and you must upload documentary proof through the official platform.
You must maintain the original investment for the entire validity of the residence permit. Alteration of the destination of the investment, or withdrawal of the funds, leads to revocation of the permit and precludes renewal. A different investment cannot be substituted; to change, you would need to submit a new investor visa application.
The application itself is free of charge. When you apply for the residence permit in Italy, you must pay: (i) €30.46 for printing of the electronic card; (ii) a €50 contribution for issuance; (iii) a €16 revenue stamp.