Italy: Residence by Investment Program
Italy’s Residence by Investment Program, known as the Italy Golden Visa or the Dolce Visa, opens doors to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Italy. It’s designed for non-EU investors seeking to make a significant economic contribution to the Italian economy. This program grants them Italian residency along with visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.
Residence by Investment Overview
Italy’s Golden Visa offers several investment options, attracting foreign investors to support various sectors of the Italian economy. The program is characterized by its flexibility and the potential for long-term benefits, including residency and access to the wider European region.
Investment
Minimum investment from EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million
Processing time
Three–four months
Key benefit
The right to live, work, and study in Italy
Generic Overview of Italian RBI Programs
Investment options under the Italy Golden Visa Program include:
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Government Bonds:
Investing €2 million in government bonds.
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Philanthropic Donation:
Making a €1 million donation.
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Limited Company Investment:
A €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company.
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Innovative Startup Investment:
Investing €250,000 in a certified innovative startup.
Key Benefits of Italian RBI Programs
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The right to live, work, and study in Italy.
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Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
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Potential for Italian citizenship after ten years of residency.
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Access to Italy's attractive tax incentives for new residents.
Procedures and Timeline for Italy Golden Visa/RBI Programs
The application process involves several steps:
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Obtaining Nulla Osta (No Impediment Certificate):
Submitting various documents to receive this crucial certificate for the Investor Visa.
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Applying for the Investor Visa
Submitting the Investor Visa application to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country.
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Residence Permit Application
Once in Italy, applying for a residence permit at the local Questura (Police Headquarters).
The Investor Visa is initially granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained. The entire process is expected to take about 90–120 days from the application submission.
Renewing Italian Golden Visa
To renew the Italy Investor Visa, investors must keep their investment in Italy and apply for a new three-year residence permit, at least 60 days before the current permit expires.
Pathway to Italian Citizenship
Italian citizenship can be obtained after ten years of tax residency, which includes five years through the Italy Investment Visa and five years after obtaining permanent residency.
Italy’s Golden Visa program offers a unique blend of cultural richness, economic opportunity, and lifestyle benefits, making it an appealing choice for investors looking to establish a presence in Europe.
Italy’s Golden Visa program offers a unique blend of cultural richness, economic opportunity, and lifestyle benefits, making it an appealing choice for investors looking to establish a presence in Europe.