Residence by investment in ItalyOverview
The Investor Visa for Italy programme, in force since 2017 under Article 26-bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act, is designed for investors who direct capital into the Italian economy rather than into property. There is no real estate route. Applicants first obtain a certificate of no objection (nulla osta) from an inter-ministerial committee hosted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, which includes the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Guardia di Finanza and the Revenue Agency. Scrutiny of the lawful origin of funds is rigorous, and a negative vote can block a file.
Once the nulla osta is granted, the investor applies for a two-year investor visa at the Italian consulate, and must apply for the residence permit at the local Questura within eight working days of arrival. The investment itself must be completed within three months of entry. The permit is renewable for a further three years if the investment is maintained. Unlike most Italian permits, the investor permit is not lost if the holder spends more than half of its validity abroad, which suits internationally mobile families; however, long-term EU residence after five years and citizenship require genuine, continuous residence.
Italy's flat tax regime under Article 24-bis of the Income Tax Code is separate from the visa but frequently used together with it. Individuals who were not Italian tax resident in at least nine of the previous ten years can elect to pay a fixed substitute tax on all foreign-source income and gains for up to fifteen years, with no reporting of foreign assets and exemption from Italian inheritance and gift tax on foreign assets. The 2026 Budget Law raised the annual amount to €300,000, plus €50,000 for each family member included, for anyone whose Italian tax residence begins on or after 1 January 2026. Those who elected earlier keep the figure that applied when they moved: €200,000 for transfers from 11 August 2024, and €100,000 before that.
Citizenship by naturalisation for non-EU nationals generally requires ten years of legal residence, together with B1 Italian and evidence of sufficient income. A 2025 referendum proposal to reduce the period to five years did not pass, and the 2025 reforms to citizenship by descent did not alter the residence route. Italy is a full Schengen member, so permit holders may travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180.
Key benefits
- Residence in Italy without any property purchase or minimum stay during the permit term
- Four investment routes, from €250,000 in an innovative start-up to €2 million in government bonds
- A decision from the committee within 30 days of a complete file
- Family members can join through family reunification
- Schengen mobility for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Optional flat tax on foreign income for up to fifteen years, with no Italian inheritance or gift tax on foreign assets
- Pathway to long-term EU residence after five years of continuous residence
Requirements
- Non-EU national aged 18 or over
- Funds for the investment held in the applicant's name and transferable to Italy
- Documented lawful origin of funds, reviewed by the committee and Italian authorities
- Clean criminal record and no pending proceedings
- Sufficient additional resources to support the applicant and family, in addition to the investment
- Completion of the investment within three months of entering Italy
- Maintenance of the investment for at least two years, and throughout any renewal
- Suitable accommodation and health insurance or registration with the national health service
- Personal attendance at the Questura to apply for the permit and give fingerprints
Investment options
Innovative start-up
€250,000
Equity in an Italian company registered as an innovative start-up, held for at least two years.
Italian company
€500,000
Equity in an Italian limited company, held for at least two years; venture capital funds investing in Italian companies may also qualify.
Philanthropic donation
€1,000,000
A non-refundable donation supporting a public-interest project in culture, education, immigration management, scientific research or heritage.
Italian government bonds
€2,000,000
Italian sovereign debt securities purchased and held for at least two years.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Planning and tax review
We review the route, family composition and the interaction with the flat tax or ordinary Italian taxation before any application is made.
- 2
Online application for nulla osta
The investor files through the Ministry's online platform with proof of funds, source of wealth, criminal record and a declaration of intended investment.
- 3
Committee decision
The committee reviews the file and, if approved, issues a nulla osta that remains valid for six months.
- 4
Investor visa
The investor applies at the competent Italian consulate for the two-year investor visa.
- 5
Arrival and residence permit
Within eight working days of arrival the investor applies at the Questura; the qualifying investment must be completed within three months.
- 6
Renewal
At least 60 days before expiry, the permit is renewed for three years on proof that the investment is maintained.
Typical documents
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Curriculum vitae and description of the intended investment
- Bank statements evidencing available funds in the applicant's name
- Source of wealth evidence, such as tax returns, company accounts or sale agreements
- Criminal record certificates, apostilled and translated into Italian
- Declaration of commitment to make the investment within three months of entry
- Health insurance policy
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Civil status documents for family members
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps investors plan an Italian move in which residence, tax and succession fit together. We assess which investment route suits the client's risk appetite, prepare a clear and well-documented source-of-wealth narrative for the committee, and coordinate with independent Italian lawyers and tax advisers on the flat tax election and its implications for family members and estate planning. Our approach is discreet and compliance-first, so that the application is robust and the client's affairs remain private.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
Can I qualify by buying a home in Italy?
No. The Investor Visa for Italy has no real estate route. You may of course buy property, but it does not count towards the investment.
How much is the Italian flat tax now?
For individuals whose Italian tax residence starts on or after 1 January 2026, the flat tax is €300,000 a year on foreign-source income, plus €50,000 for each included family member. Earlier entrants keep the amount in force when they moved.
Do I have to live in Italy to keep the permit?
The investor permit is not revoked for long absences during its validity. Permanent long-term residence and citizenship, however, require continuous residence in Italy.
Does the visa make me an Italian tax resident?
Not automatically. Tax residence depends on registration in the population register, habitual abode or centre of vital interests for most of the tax year. Planning should be done before arrival.
How long until I could apply for citizenship?
Non-EU nationals generally need ten years of legal residence, B1 Italian and adequate income. The investor visa does not shorten this period.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Spouse, minor children, and dependent adult children or parents can obtain permits through family reunification, subject to income and accommodation requirements.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
