What are the investment options?

Qualifying options include an innovative Italian start-up, an Italian limited company, Italian government bonds, or a philanthropic donation to a public-interest project — each with its own statutory minimum amount.

Do I invest before or after approval?

You generally make the investment after the nulla osta is granted and you have obtained the visa/permit, which reduces upfront risk.

Is there a minimum stay to renew?

The investor residence permit has no minimum physical-presence requirement for renewal, but you must maintain the qualifying investment.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Italian Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

A long-stay route for non-EU nationals making a qualifying investment or philanthropic donation in Italy, handled through the dedicated Investor Visa portal outside the Flows Decree quota.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Under review — check current rules

Statutory minimum investment amounts (commonly cited as €250,000 innovative start-up, €500,000 limited company, €2,000,000 government bonds, €1,000,000 philanthropic donation) should be confirmed against investorvisa.esteri.it before publication, as amounts have been revised over time.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Italy government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Visa type: National long-stay (Type D) investor visa
Processed via: Official Investor Visa for Italy portal (investorvisa.esteri.it)
Quota: Outside the Decreto Flussi quota
Qualifying options: Innovative start-up, Italian limited company, government bonds, or philanthropic donation; Each option has a statutory minimum amount
Permit: Renewable residence permit; investment generally made after nulla osta approval

Who it's for

Non-EU nationals with the means to make a substantial qualifying investment or philanthropic donation in Italy and who want Italian residence without needing a job offer or physical-stay minimum for renewal.

Requirements

Commitment to one of the qualifying investment/donation options at or above its statutory minimum
Nulla osta (clearance) obtained from the Investor Visa committee
Proof of the lawful source and availability of the funds
A declaration committing to make and maintain the investment
Valid passport covering the visa period

What you can do

Obtain an Italian residence permit through investment
Include family members in the application
Travel within the Schengen area on the residence permit
Renew the permit while maintaining the investment, with no minimum-stay requirement

How to apply

Apply for the nulla osta through the official Investor Visa for Italy portal, uploading proof of funds and the chosen investment option.

Once the nulla osta is granted, apply for the Type D investor visa at the competent Italian consulate.

After entering Italy, make the investment within the required timeframe and apply for the investor residence permit.

Documents

Completed application via the Investor Visa portal and valid passport
Nulla osta issued by the Investor Visa committee
Evidence of the funds and their lawful source
Documentation of the chosen investment/donation option
Declaration committing to make and maintain the investment

Frequently asked questions

Qualifying options include an innovative Italian start-up, an Italian limited company, Italian government bonds, or a philanthropic donation to a public-interest project — each with its own statutory minimum amount.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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