Italy | Business Immigration

Italy Investor Visa Programme

Italy Investor Visa Programme

The Investor Visa for Italy attracts foreign capital, innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term investment into the Italian economy. It is available to eligible non-EU citizens who intend to make one of the qualifying investments approved under the programme.

Applicants must first obtain the Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) from the Investor Visa for Italy Committee, apply for the investor visa, complete the investment within three months of arrival, and maintain the qualifying investment throughout the residence period.

€250,000
Minimum Startup Investment
€250,000
Innovative Startup Route

"A straightforward European residency route with flexible investment options and no minimum stay requirement."

— Italy Investor Visa Programme

Key Benefits of Italy Business Residency

Italy business residency offers multiple investment routes, European mobility, business opportunities, family inclusion, and a pathway towards long-term residence.

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Multiple Investment Routes

Applicants can choose between innovative startups, Italian companies, government bonds, or approved philanthropic initiatives.

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Schengen Mobility

Italian residency allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, including 29 European countries. Residence permit holders may stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180 days without obtaining an additional visa.

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Live & Work in Italy

Applicants are not required to pass a language test or meet a minimum physical stay requirement to obtain or maintain their residency under the programme.

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Residency for Your Family

The programme allows eligible applicants to include their spouse, dependent children under 18, and financially dependent parents aged 65 years or above under one application.

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Residence in a Major EU Economy

Italian residency provides the right to live, work, and study in Italy while enjoying one of Europe's highest standards of living, world-class healthcare, renowned universities, and a rich cultural heritage.

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Strategic Business Location

Italy offers a Special Tax Regime for New Residents, allowing qualifying high-net-worth individuals to pay a substitute annual tax on foreign income instead of ordinary Italian income tax, subject to programme requirements.

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Potential Long-Term Residency

Eligible applicants may apply for permanent residency after five years and Italian citizenship after ten years, provided all residency and legal requirements are satisfied.

Who Can Apply?

The Italy Investor Visa Programme is available to eligible third-country nationals who meet the programme's legal and investment requirements.

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Minimum Age

The main applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

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Clean Criminal Record

Applicants must have a clean criminal record and demonstrate good character.

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Good Health

Applicants must be in good health and provide the required medical documentation.

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Complete the Investment

Applicants must complete the qualifying investment within three months of entering Italy.

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Maintain the Investment

The qualifying investment must be maintained throughout the validity of the residence permit.

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Eligible Family Members

Eligible family members may include the applicant's spouse, dependent children under 18 years of age, and financially dependent parents aged 65 years or above.

Investment Options & Costs

Applicants may choose one of the following government-approved investment routes.

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Option 01

Innovative Italian Startup

€250,000

Invest a minimum of €250,000 in an innovative Italian start-up registered with the Italian Chambers of Commerce.

Supports innovation in Italy
Registered with the Italian Chambers of Commerce
Qualifying residency investment route
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Option 02

Italian Limited Company

€500,000

Invest a minimum of €500,000 in shares of an operating Italian joint-stock company established in accordance with Italian legislation.

Company must already be active
At least one financial statement must be filed
Investment in company shares
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Additional Costs: In addition to the qualifying investment, applicants should budget for professional advisory fees, document legalisation and certification, courier charges, government administrative fees, and other related application expenses.

Your Investor Residency Journey

SEG provides expert support throughout every stage of your Italy Investor Visa and residency application.

Typically €250,000
Residency Process Timeline
1

Initial Consultation

SEG evaluates your eligibility, investment objectives, and family circumstances before recommending the most suitable investment route.

2

Document Preparation

Our specialists assist with preparing, reviewing, and organising all required documents to ensure full compliance with the Italian Government's requirements.

3

Application Submission

Your Investor Visa application is submitted to the Italian Investor Visa Committee for assessment.

4

Nulla Osta Approval

Following a successful review, the Investor Visa Committee issues the Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment). SEG then coordinates your appointment with the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate to obtain your entry visa.

5

Travel to Italy

After receiving your Investor Visa, you travel to Italy and submit your residence permit application within eight working days of arrival.

6

Complete Your Investment

Following approval of your residency application, you complete the selected qualifying investment within the required timeframe and submit proof of investment to the authorities.

7

Residence Permit & Renewal

Your residence permit is issued for two years and may be renewed for an additional three years, provided the original investment is maintained. Eligible applicants may subsequently qualify for permanent residency and, later, Italian citizenship in accordance with Italian law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Investor Visa for Italy? expand_more
The Investor Visa for Italy is a programme that allows eligible non-EU nationals to obtain Italian residency through approved qualifying investments.
What is the minimum investment? expand_more
The minimum qualifying investment starts from €250,000 through an investment in an innovative Italian start-up.
How long does the application process take? expand_more
Italian residency is typically granted within 2–3 months, while investor visa approval is generally issued within 30 days.
Can I include my family? expand_more
Yes. Eligible applicants may include their spouse, dependent children under 18, and financially dependent parents aged 65 years or above.
Do I need to live in Italy? expand_more
No. The programme does not require applicants to meet a minimum stay requirement to maintain their residency status.
When can I apply for permanent residency? expand_more
Eligible applicants may apply for permanent residency after five years, provided they satisfy the programme's legal requirements.
Can I apply for Italian citizenship? expand_more
Yes. Applicants may become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after ten years, subject to meeting the applicable residency and legal requirements.

Start Your Italy Business Journey

SEG can help you evaluate investment options, understand investor visa requirements, and prepare a structured path towards Italian business residency.

Contact an Authorised Advisor