Path to Italian Citizenship by Investment: A Step-by-Step Guide

What if a single investment could open the door to life in Italy and lay the foundation for an EU passport? While Italian citizenship by investment isn’t granted overnight, Italy offers something more enduring: a stable, step-by-step path that starts with residency and leads, over time, to full citizenship.

This route appeals to those who think beyond quick wins. It’s designed for individuals and families looking for long-term opportunity: the freedom to live, work, and travel across Europe, access to world-class healthcare and education, and the peace of mind that comes with EU status.

Italy’s Investor Visa is the first step. This blog breaks down how the process works, from choosing the right investment to navigating the legal milestones that bring you closer to Italian citizenship.

Step 1: Start with the Italy Investor Visa

The Italy Investor Visa is a residency-by-investment program designed for non-EU nationals who want to establish a legal foothold in Italy through capital investment. This is an ideal option for high-net-worth individuals seeking mobility, long-term EU access, or as a future pathway to Italian citizenship by investment.

To qualify, applicants must commit to one of the following investment options:

Investors must prove they have the funds available and complete a pre-clearance process via the Investor Visa for Italy Committee before applying for the visa itself.

One of the biggest advantages of the program is its flexibility. There’s no strict minimum stay requirement to maintain the visa, which makes it attractive to globally mobile individuals. However, those intending to progress toward permanent residency and citizenship must establish actual residency in Italy, including living there most of the year and registering with local authorities.

The Investor Visa is the legal gateway, but making Italy your primary residence is what opens the door to long-term rights and citizenship.

Curious about Italy’s Investor Visa? Learn how we help investors secure residency in Italy and navigate the full path toward EU citizenship with confidence.

Step 2: Establish Your Legal Residency in Italy

Once you’ve received your Italy Investor Visa and entered the country, you must establish legal residency, known in Italian as residenza anagrafica.

Establishing legal residency involves registering your address with the local municipality (comune) where you’ll reside. You’ll need to provide proof of accommodation (rented or owned), proof of identity, and evidence that you reside there regularly. Once all of these are approved, your residency will be recorded in the municipal population registry.

Why is this important? Your legal residency start date triggers the countdown toward both permanent residency and Italian citizenship. Without registering your residenza anagrafica, the clock doesn’t start, even if you hold a valid investor visa.

Becoming a resident is not just a formality; it also:

• Grants you access to local services (e.g., healthcare)
• Establishes your tax residency in Italy
• Shows genuine intent to integrate into Italian life, an essential part of the citizenship process

If you’re aiming to obtain Italian citizenship through investment, establishing and maintaining legal residency is what will convert your visa into a long-term path, not just a temporary privilege.

Step 3: Maintain Your Investment and Renew Your Permit

The Italy Investor Visa begins with a 2-year residence permit, which is renewable for 3-year periods as long as you continue to meet the program’s conditions. To stay on track for long-term residency and eventual citizenship, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Maintain Your Investment

Your qualifying investment must remain active for the entire duration of your stay under the program. Discontinuing or withdrawing your funds early could result in permit revocation and derail your path toward citizenship.

Understand the Renewal Timeline

The renewal timeline looks like this:

• Year 1–2: Initial investor residence permit
• Year 3–5: Renew for a 3-year residence permit
• Year 6+: Continue renewing or transition to permanent residency

Renewals require documentation that confirms:

• Continued validity of your investment
• Proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance
• Proof of residence (residenza anagrafica) in Italy

Physical Presence Matters for Citizenship

While the Italy Investor Visa is flexible—it doesn’t require a minimum number of days per year, this only applies if you’re using the visa for short-term or limited stays. However, if your ultimate goal is Italian citizenship, then you must meet ordinary residency requirements:

• Only be outside of Italy for up to 10 months, comprehensively, during the 5-year residence period required for Permanent Residence, and never more than 6 months in a roll
• Demonstrate consistent integration into Italian life
• Comply with annual tax filings as a resident

Failing to meet these criteria won’t impact your investor visa renewals, but it will prevent you from becoming eligible for citizenship after 10 years.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency After 5 Years

After maintaining your investment and legal residency in Italy for five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo). This is a key milestone on the path to Italian citizenship.

What Is the EU Long-Term Residence Permit?

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit offers:

• Indefinite residence rights in Ital
• Access to more public benefits and services
• The ability to live and work in other EU countries (subject to conditions)

Unlike the standard investor visa, this permit isn’t tied to the ongoing maintenance of your original investment, though you’ll still need to meet all general requirements for long-term residents.

Eligibility Criteria for Long-Term Residents

To qualify, you must demonstrate:

• Five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Italy
• Stable and sufficient income
• Suitable accommodation
• Italian language proficiency (at least A2 level on the CEFR scale)
• Clean criminal record and tax compliance

Once you have your EU Long-Term Residence Permit, true integration into Italian society becomes essential. Authorities assess not just your time in the country, but also your genuine ties, through language, housing, and community involvement.

Securing this permit lays the legal foundation for your future citizenship application, reducing the administrative hurdles that might otherwise arise at the 10-year mark.

Step 5: Apply for Italian Citizenship After 10 Years

Once you’ve legally resided in Italy for 10 continuous years, you become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization, the final step in your investment-to-citizenship journey.

Standard Timeline & Residency Requirement

The 10-year clock starts from the date you establish official residency (residenza anagrafica) in Italy. Maintaining uninterrupted residence is critical and extended time outside the country may reset the timeline.

Key Requirements for Italian Citizenship by Investment

To qualify, you must meet several criteria:

• B1-level Italian language proficiency (CEFR scale), demonstrated through an approved certification or education credentials
• Tax compliance for all years of residence—clean and complete tax filings are closely reviewed during the application process
• No serious criminal convictions, in Italy or abroad
• Proof of integration, including stable accommodation, income, and community ties

The Payoff: A European Union Passport

Once granted, Italian citizenship by investment gives you full EU rights: freedom to live, work, and travel across all 27 member states. You’ll also gain access to Italy’s healthcare, education, and political systems as a full citizen.

This is the ultimate goal for many investor visa holders, transforming a financial commitment into long-term legal and personal freedom in Europe.

Exploring your options for Italian citizenship? Get clear legal guidance to understand your eligibility, prepare documents, and navigate the path to becoming an Italian citizen.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While Italy’s investor visa offers a clear route to citizenship, many applicants unintentionally delay or derail their journey by overlooking key steps. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Not Registering Official Residence

Applicants often assuming that holding an Investor Visa is enough to start the citizenship clock.

You must register your legal residence (residenza anagrafica) with your local municipality in Italy. This is what officially starts the 10-year timeline toward citizenship.

2. Assuming Investment Alone Leads to Citizenship

Many applicants believe that the act of investing automatically qualifies you for citizenship.

The investment grants you a residence permit, but citizenship requires long-term legal residence, language skills, tax compliance, and integration.

3. Not Maintaining the Investment

Withdrawing or modifying your investment after the initial visa is granted can derail your visa.

To remain eligible for renewals and eventual citizenship, you must maintain the original qualifying investment throughout the permit’s duration.

4. Overlooking Language and Integration Requirements

Some applicants fail to plan for the B1 Italian exam or underestimate integration checks.

Make sure to prepare early. Language courses, tax compliance, and active integration (e.g. stable housing and local participation) all demonstrate a genuine commitment to life in Italy.

Lexidy’s Role: Supporting Your Investor Visa Journey

Navigating the path from investment to Italian citizenship requires more than just capital. It demands legal precision, strategic timing, and ongoing compliance. That’s where Lexidy comes in.

At Lexidy, we offer end-to-end legal support tailored for high-net-worth individuals pursuing Italian citizenship by investment. Our team of immigration lawyers and tax advisors works seamlessly to guide you through every stage of the process.

Structuring Your Investor Visa Application

We’ll help you choose the right investment route, whether it’s a startup contribution, government bond, or shareholding, and ensure all documentation meets government standards.

Managing Nulla Osta and Residency Processes

We take care of the Nulla Osta (clearance certificate), liaise with consulates, and handle your residence permit application upon arrival, keeping the process smooth and stress-free.

Ensuring Long-Term Immigration Compliance

Our legal team monitors timelines, renewals, and integration requirements to make sure you stay on track for permanent residency and citizenship.

Ready to Explore Italian Citizenship by Investment?

Whether you’re just beginning to consider your options or already hold an Investor Visa, having the right legal support can transform your financial investment into something much more meaningful. This includes long-term residency in Italy, greater personal and family stability, and eventually full access to the benefits of EU citizenship.

Fill out the form below to connect with an Italian immigration expert and receive personalized guidance tailored to your long-term goals.