Italian Golden Visa 2025: A Guide to the Investor Visa Program for Italy

The term “Italian Golden Visa” is often used when talking about Italy’s residency-by-investment option. However, the official name of the program is the Investor Visa for Italy (also shortened to IV4I). The visa was launched to attract foreign capital, support innovation, and strengthen Italy’s economic growth. It does so by offering qualified investors the chance to live in one of Europe’s most iconic countries.

In this blog, we are going to provide you with a complete overview of the Investor Visa for Italy in 2025. From the key benefits, requirements, and a step-by-step application process.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, high-net-worth individual, or simply exploring residency options, keep reading to explore how the program works and if it’s the right fit for you.

What is the “Investor Visa for Italy”?

The Italian Golden Visa is officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, introduced in 2017 as part of Italy’s wider effort to attract foreign capital and high-net-worth individuals.

Purpose of the Program

The Investor Visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain a residence permit by making a qualifying investment or philanthropic donation in Italy. The program is designed not only to stimulate economic growth but also to offer foreign investors a stable and flexible residency option in Europe.

Key Differences from the Elective Residence Visa

It’s important to distinguish the Investor Visa from the more traditional Elective Residence Visa (ERV). Here are the key differences between the visas:

• Work Rights: The Investor Visa allows you to work and do business in Italy, whereas the ERV strictly forbids employment.
• No Minimum Stay Requirement: Unlike most other residence permits, including the ERV, the Investor Visa does not require you to spend a minimum number of days in Italy to keep or renew your permit, only the strictly necessary to submit the requests and attend the appointments.
• Basis of Eligibility: The ERV is based on passive income and financial independence, while the Investor Visa is tied to a capital investment or donation.

Why This Matters for Different Investor Profiles

This flexibility of the Investor Visa makes it very attractive to two main types of applicants:

1. U.S. citizens: Since Americans are always taxed on worldwide income by the IRS, many prefer to avoid Italian tax residency. The Investor Visa offers residence rights without forcing tax residency, thanks to the absence of minimum-stay rules.
2. High Net Worth Individuals from other countries: For wealthy individuals from higher-tax jurisdictions, Italy’s tax incentives (such as the €200,000 flat tax regime) can make relocating their tax residence highly appealing. The Investor Visa provides a structured pathway to legally establish Italian residency while benefiting from these favorable tax regimes.

In short, the Investor Visa stands out as the only Italian residency option without mandatory physical presence requirements, offering unmatched flexibility for global investors.

Golden Visa for Italy: Investment Options and Requirements

To qualify for the Italian Golden Visa, applicants must make a qualifying investment and maintain it for as long as they wish to keep their residence permit. Unlike other visas, the investment itself is the main condition for renewal. This means that if the investment is withdrawn, you cannot extend the permit and the government might revoke it entirely.

Here are the eligible investment routes:

1. Investment in an Innovative Italian Startup

• Minimum investment: €250,000.
• You must officially register the Startup as an “Innovative Startup” under Italian law. While many are in the tech sector, they don’t always need a technology background.
• The startup must have filed at least one corporate tax return and deposited its balance sheet with the Company Registry
• A public list of Innovative Startups is available for due diligence. At Lexidy, we also provide access to vetted startups that meet program requirements, making the process more secure.

2. Investment in an Italian Company

• Minimum investment: €500,000.
• The company must be a limited company (S.r.l., S.p.A., SICAV, SICAF, SGR or SIM) and it must have filed at least one balance sheet.
• This option is often attractive for entrepreneurs or investors seeking to partner with established Italian businesses and offer the possibility to invest in a company listed on the Stock Market.

3. Donation to a Philanthropic Project

• Minimum investment: €1 million.
• The donation must go to a project of public interest, typically in areas such as culture, education, immigration management, or scientific research.
• This route is most suitable for those interested in leaving a lasting social or cultural impact in Italy.

4. Investment in Italian Government Bonds

• Minimum investment: €2 million.
• The bonds must have a residual maturity of at least two years.
• This is the most conservative route, offering security backed by the Italian State.

General Requirements for Applicants

Alongside the investment, applicants must also:

• Be a non-EU citizen.
• Demonstrate a clean criminal record.
• Show proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family while in Italy.
• Prove the availability of funds for the intended investment (e.g., bank statements and confirmation letters from the banks/brokers).
• Maintain the investment for the duration of their permit in order to keep it valid.

Curious to learn more? Visit our Italian Investor Visa service page to explore each qualifying route and get personalized support for your application.

Application Process for the Investor Visa in Italy: Step-by-Step

Applying for the Italian Golden Visa (Investor Visa) involves several stages, each requiring careful preparation and compliance with official rules. Let’s explore the step-by-step application process.

1. Preliminary Due Diligence

• Before applying, it is important to confirm that you are eligible for the visa and gather the necessary documents.
• Typical documents include: a valid passport, proof of financial means (such as bank statements), criminal record certificates, and documentation showing the source and availability of funds for the intended investment.
• Documents may need to be officially translated into Italian and legalized (apostilled).

2. Apply for the Nulla Osta

• The Nulla Osta is what’s known as a “certificate of no impediment”. It’s the first essential step in the process.
• You must apply through the official online platform, and the Investor Visa for Italy Committee will evaluate it.
• The Committee reviews the proposed investment plan and verifies that the applicant meets the program’s requirements, or may request additional information.

3. Apply for the Italian Golden Visa

• Once the Nulla Osta is approved (valid for 6 months), the applicant must submit an application for the Investor Visa at the Italian consulate that has jurisdiction over their legal residence.
• The consulate will review the Nulla Osta along with supporting documents before issuing the visa.

4. Enter Italy & Apply for the Residence Permit

• With the Investor Visa issued, the applicant may travel to Italy within 2 years from the Visa issuance.
• Within 8 days of arrival, they must apply for the two-year residence permit at the local police headquarters (Questura).

5. Complete the Investment

• You must complete the qualifying investment within three months of entering Italy.
• You must upload the proof of the investment to the official online portal to confirm compliance.

6. Renewal

• The residence permit is initially valid for two years.
• It can be renewed in three-year increments, provided that the original investment is still maintained.
• There is no minimum physical stay requirement, making this one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs in Europe.

Benefits of the Italian Golden Visa (Investor Visa)

The Italian Golden Visa/Investor Visa for Italy offers a wide range of advantages that appeal to investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking flexibility in Europe. Here are the key benefits:

Application via Company Funds:

While most applicants might use personal funds to apply, this Visa also allows investments made by foreign companies, where the Legal Representative of the Company can obtain the Visa, while using company funds for the Investment.

Appointment System

While most of the Visa appointments have to pass through the Prenot@mi system (and it might be very hard to find appointments available), the Investor has priority and can book directly with the Consulate via email.

Residency

Successful applicants receive an initial two-year residence permit, which you can renew for three-year periods as long as you maintain the qualifying investment. This allows for longer times between renewals, as many visas require annual renewals.

Family Inclusion

The program allows you to request a Family Visa or a Family Residence Permit directly (in some cases) for your spouse and dependent children, making it a family-friendly option.

Schengen Travel

The Italian investor visa grants visa-free travel within the entire Schengen Area, enabling seamless movement across 29 Schengen countries.

Work Rights

Unlike the Elective Residence Visa, the Italian investor visa program allows both the investor and family members to live, work, and study in Italy.

Path to Citizenship

Holders of the Italian Golden Visa, while also respecting the other requirements, become eligible for:

• Permanent Residency after five years of uninterrupted and continuous residence in Italy.
• Italian Citizenship after 10 years of legal residency, granting full EU citizenship rights.

Tax Benefits

For those choosing to become Italian tax residents, Italy offers a special flat tax regime for new residents: a €200,000 annual flat tax on all foreign income, regardless of the amount. This is particularly attractive for high-net-worth individuals seeking favorable tax treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Italian Golden Visa

What is the difference between the Italian Investor Visa and the Golden Visa?

There is no difference! The term Italian Golden Visa is widely used, but the official name is the Investor Visa for Italy, introduced in 2017.

How long does the Italian Golden Visa process take?

On average, the full process takes 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly you can gather documents, obtain the Nulla Osta, and finalize your consular application.

What are the minimum income requirements for the Italian Investor Visa?

The minimum yearly income requirement to apply for the Investor Visa is the one set by the general rules of the Immigration Code in Italy, and can not be less than  €8,500 per year. 

Can I include my family in the Italian Investor Visa application?

Technically, no. However, your spouse and dependent children, and dependent elderly parents can be granted a Family Visa with a fast-tracked process, and can be allowed to apply for a Residence Permit directly in Italy without a Visa in some cases, allowing them to live, study, and work in Italy as well.

Do I need to live in Italy to maintain the visa?

No. This is one of the main advantages of the Italy Golden Visa program. You don’t have to spend a minimum number of days in Italy to renew your permit, making it ideal for those who want flexibility without triggering Italian tax residency.

Want to Learn More About the Italian Golden Visa?

The Italian Golden Visa, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy (IV4I), is one of Europe’s most flexible and attractive residency-by-investment programs. With clear rules, multiple qualifying investment paths, and unique advantages such as no minimum stay requirement, the program offers an excellent opportunity for non-EU investors to secure Italian residency while maintaining global mobility.

That said, the application process involves navigating detailed financial requirements, strict documentation standards, and consular procedures. Working with experienced professionals ensures your application is accurate, timely, and strategically structured for approval.

At Lexidy, our team of Italian Immigration experts has extensive experience guiding high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and families through the Italian Golden Visa program, acting as your trusted partner every step of the way.

Ready to explore your eligibility for the Italian Golden Visa? Learn more about the Investor Visa or fill out the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch!