What Is the Italian Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa for Italy was introduced by the 2017 Budget Law and is regulated under Article 26-bis of the Italian Immigration Law (TUI – Legislative Decree No. 286/1998). It allows non-EU citizens to obtain a two-year residence permit (renewable) by committing to a qualifying investment. The process is entirely online, fast, and available to individuals worldwide who meet the legal and financial criteria.

Unlike other visa routes, the Investor Visa does not require employment, business incorporation, or family connections in Italy. It is specifically designed for high-net-worth individuals looking for legal residency with flexible lifestyle options.

Investment Options

Applicants must choose one of the following investment categories:

  • €2 million in Italian government bonds (e.g., BTP, CCT, or CTZ)
  • €500,000 in shares or equity of an existing Italian company
  • €250,000 in an innovative startup registered in the special section of the Italian Business Register
  • €1 million as a philanthropic donation to a project of public interest (e.g., culture, science, research, or environment)

The investment must be maintained for the full duration of the residence permit (initially 2 years, renewable for 3 more years).

Key Advantages of the Investor Visa

  • No quotas or immigration caps
  • No need to invest before approval (you invest only after entering Italy with the visa)
  • Digital application process (apply entirely online from abroad)
  • Nulla Osta (pre-approval) issued within 30 days
  • Eligibility for the €200,000 Flat Tax Regime
  • Path to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10
  • Family reunification allowed for spouse and dependent children

The Application Process

Step 1 – Online Application and Pre-Approval

The application must be submitted via the official government portal: investorvisa.mise.gov.it

Applicants must provide:

  • A formal commitment letter to invest in one of the eligible categories
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources for the investment and living expenses
  • Documentation on the source of wealth (funds must be lawfully obtained)
  • Criminal background checks from your country of residence (covering the last 10 years)

If the application is complete and compliant, the Nulla Osta (pre-approval certificate) is granted within 30 days.

Step 2 – Visa Issuance at the Consulate

Once you receive the Nulla Osta, you have 6 months to apply for the Investor Visa at the Italian consulate in your country of residence. No investment is required before this step.

Visa features:

  • Valid for 2 years
  • Allows entry into Italy without further restrictions
  • Enables you to apply for a residence permit upon arrival

Step 3 – Arrival in Italy and Investment Execution

Within 8 days of entering Italy, the applicant must:

  • Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
  • Complete the investment within 3 months
  • Upload proof of the completed investment on the official platform

Failure to execute the investment or provide supporting documentation results in the revocation of the permit, even if initially granted.

Maintaining and Renewing Your Residence Permit

The initial permit is valid for 2 years. To renew it for another 3 years, the investor must:

  • Demonstrate that the investment is still fully intact
  • Continue to meet residency requirements and not have withdrawn the capital
  • Comply with reporting obligations (especially for philanthropic donations)

If the investment is liquidated or withdrawn early, the residence permit is automatically revoked.

Tax Considerations

Spending more than 183 days per year in Italy will make you an Italian tax resident (please check our full tax residency guide here). However, investors may benefit from special tax regimes:

  • The €200,000 Flat Tax Regime for new residents
  • No tax on foreign income if the flat tax is elected
  • No obligation to declare worldwide assets under RW reporting
  • Possibility to include family members for an additional €25,000 per year per person

These options make Italy not only a beautiful place to live—but also an efficient one for wealth management.

Restrictions and Compliance

To qualify and maintain the Investor Visa, your funds must be:

  • Legally sourced, with full documentation
  • Freely transferable, with no legal encumbrances
  • Allocated to the specific investment category selected at the pre-approval stage

Applicants are also subject to strict anti-money laundering checks, so professional preparation is highly recommended.

Why Choose Move to Dolce Vita?

At Move to Dolce Vita, we provide end-to-end assistance with the Investor Visa and all related legal, tax, and immigration matters. Our founder, Marco Mesina, is a licensed Italian tax lawyer and relocation expert with over 10 years of experience assisting international investors.

We offer:

  • Full application support, including legal review of documents
  • Selection of investment strategy and pre-screening
  • Coordination with Italian institutions and ministries
  • Tax planning, including access to the €200,000 flat tax regime
  • Family strategy and long-term relocation planning

We act as your trusted legal partner—so you can focus on living the life you want in Italy.

Conclusion

The Italian Investor Visa is a streamlined, strategic, and flexible path to European residency for high-net-worth individuals. With multiple investment options, favorable tax treatment, and a clear route to long-term residency and citizenship, it is one of the most competitive investment migration programs in the EU.

To maximize your chances of success:

  • Choose your investment option with care
  • Start your application early and prepare your documentation with precision
  • Execute your investment within 3 months of arrival
  • Maintain full compliance and explore strategic tax opportunities

Contact Move to Dolce Vita to begin your journey today.
Your investment is more than financial—it’s your gateway to Italy.

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