Italy Investor Visa 2026: Golden Visa & Residence Permit

What is the Italy Investor Visa?

The Italy Investor Visa is an immigration program that allows investors to obtain a residence permit. Launched in 2017, the program is also known as the Italy Golden Visa. Stay informed about the benefits and latest developments.

  • Minimum investment of €250,000
  • Application period 4 months
  • Tax advantages
  • Pre-investment Italy residence permit
  • Family members included
  • Visa-free travel in the Schengen area
  • Residence and work permit
  • No residency obligation
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Italy Golden Visa Requirements

The Italy Investor Visa is a program that enables non-EU investors to obtain a residence permit in Italy. The applicant’s spouse, children under 18, disabled children regardless of age (if dependency is documented), and financially dependent parents can also be included in the application. As of 2026, the application conditions and investment options are as follows:

Application Process

How to Get an Italy Investor Visa?

The application process takes an average of 6 months. Applications are made via an online platform, and physical stages are completed after entering Italy. Documents must have been issued within the last 3 months, translated into Italian, and approved by a notary/sworn translator. An apostille is required for documents submitted from Turkey. Our partner lawyers manage the process on your behalf.

Right Consultancy and Strategic Investment Decision

To achieve your investment objectives in the most accurate way, determine the most suitable investment path for you by meeting online or face-to-face with our expert consultants and legal partners.

Nulla Osta Decision (Pre-Approval) Application

Online application is made via the investor visa portal of the Italian Ministry of Interior. When your application is approved, you are issued a 'Nulla Osta' (no impediment to investment) document.

Visa Application (Investor Visa Type D)

After obtaining the Nulla Osta document, an application is made to the Italian Consulate for the investor visa. Documents are submitted.

Entry to Italy and Residence Permit Application

After obtaining the visa, you travel to Italy. Within 8 days, you go to the local "Questura" (immigration office) to apply for a residence permit. During this time, biometric data is submitted. The investment commitment must be fulfilled within 3 months after entering Italy.

Delivery of Italy Residence Card

After your investment is completed and your documents are approved, you will be issued a 2-year renewable residence permit.

Italy Golden Visa Renewal Process

As long as your investment continues, at the end of your initial 2-year residence permit, this permit can be extended for another 3 years. After a total of 5 years of legal residency, you have the right to obtain a permanent residence permit. Additionally, in case of legally residing in Italy uninterruptedly for 10 years, you also have the right to apply for Italian citizenship.

Italy Golden Visa Investment Options

Four different types of investment are accepted under the Italy Investor Visa. Each appeals to the investor’s different financial profile and strategy. The chosen investment must be completed within a maximum of 3 months after entering Italy and maintained throughout the residence permit period. For all types of investment, a bank letter and financial documents showing that the investment was obtained from legal sources must be submitted during the application process.

Government Bond Purchase: This option, with a minimum investment amount of €2,000,000, involves direct investment in long-term government bonds issued by the Italian government. It offers a low-risk investment opportunity thanks to state guarantee, and at the same time, interest returns can be obtained.

Capital Investment in an Italian Company: In this investment option, shares of a company established and active in Italy are purchased by making a capital investment of at least €500,000. The company to be invested in must be headquartered in Italy and actively carry out commercial activities. The investment must be made in only a single company, meaning it should not be distributed in the form of a portfolio.

Innovative Startup Investment: In this option, investors can invest with a lower capital, such as €250,000, in a company registered in Italy and recognized by the government as an “innovative startup”. Such companies generally have high growth potential and focus on next-generation technologies and services.

Philanthropic Donation: The philanthropic donation option involves investors making a non-refundable donation of at least €1,000,000 to public-interest organizations or projects in Italy. These donations can be directed to areas such as education, preservation of cultural heritage, immigrant support, and scientific research.

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Italy Investor Visa Tax Advantages

The program offers significant tax advantages alongside the right to residence. Various tax incentives designed for investors can provide serious financial advantages when applied for correctly. To benefit from these opportunities, investors must carefully determine their tax residency status in Italy.

Flat Tax Regime: Newly resident foreigners pay an annual fixed tax of €100,000 for all foreign-sourced income. An additional €25,000 applies for family members. The system is valid for up to 15 years.

Inheritance and Gift Tax Exemption: Individuals benefiting from the flat tax regime are exempt from inheritance and gift taxes received for assets outside Italy.

Taxpayer Flexibility: Residence permit holders can avoid full-time tax obligations by planning their investment and residency periods, and tax planning can be done.

Incentives for Entrepreneurs: Those who make startup and company investments can benefit from corporate tax reductions and innovation funds provided by the state.

Costs, Expenses

Italy Investor Visa Prices

The cost of the Italy Investor Visa ranges between a minimum of €266,300 and €286,300 for an average family of four. These costs may vary depending on the number of people in the family, the investment option, and the scope of the preferred consultancy service. Contact us for detailed fee information and Italy Golden Visa consultancy.

  • Innovative Startup Investment: €250,000
  • Visa and Residence Application Fees: €1,200
  • Health Insurance: €1,800
  • Translation and Notary Expenses: €1,000
  • Official Registration and Municipality Registration: €300
  • Legal and Consultancy Services: €12,000 – €22,000
  • Total Cost: €266,300 – €276,300

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Italy grant residency to those who buy a house?

No, directly purchasing real estate does not grant the right to a residency permit in Italy. If you buy a house and show sufficient passive income (e.g., rental income, retirement), you can apply for a residency permit with an "Elective Residency Visa".

How is an Italian residency permit obtained?

The process to be followed by foreign nationals wishing to obtain a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy may vary depending on the type of residency permit (work, study, family reunification, investment, etc.). Foreigners who want to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must first obtain a long-term (Type D) visa from the Italian Consulate. These visa types can be: Work visa, Student visa, Family reunification visa, Investor visa (Golden Visa), Volunteer service, religious duty, internship, etc.

How much investment is required for an Italian residency permit?

The minimum investment amount required to obtain an Italian residency permit (Italy Golden Visa / Investor Visa) is 250,000 EUR. This amount is valid for investments to be made in a company recognized by the government as an "innovative startup" and registered in Italy. Innovative startup investments generally cover companies with high growth potential focusing on new generation technologies and services.

Is there a Golden Visa in Italy?

With the Investor Visa for Italy program in force since 2017, a "Golden Visa" system is offered for non-European Union country citizens. It provides the opportunity to obtain a residency permit in exchange for investment in Italy. There are investment options ranging between 250,000€ and 2,000,000€ (startup, company shares, government bonds, donation).

Can Turkish citizens buy a house in Italy?

Yes, they can. There is no legal obstacle for Turkish citizens regarding property acquisition (real estate purchase) in Italy. Turkish citizens can purchase properties such as apartments, villas, land, and commercial areas. Deed transactions are carried out through Italian notaries. Generally, a passport, tax number (codice fiscale), bank account, and sales contract are required. However, buying a house is not a valid investment method within the scope of the Italy Golden Visa program. In other words, the right to residency or citizenship cannot be obtained directly just by buying a house. Real estate investment is not a valid investment type within the scope of the Italy Golden Visa program.

How long does it take to get an Italian residency permit?

The initial application is generally finalized within 60 to 90 days. It may vary depending on the workload of the local Questura. Notification is made via SMS after biometric data is provided. In initial applications, a temporary Italian residency document called "ricevuta" is given.

Does Italy grant citizenship through investment?

Italy does not grant citizenship directly through investment, but it offers a path to citizenship by providing a residency permit to those who invest. Within the scope of the Italy golden visa program, a 2-year residency permit is first obtained with investments ranging from at least 250,000 € (startup) to 2,000,000 € (government bonds). This permit is renewed as long as the investment continues, and permanent residency can be transitioned to at the end of a total of 5 years. Investors who reside legally and uninterruptedly for 10 years in Italy gain the right to apply for Italian citizenship, provided they meet the necessary conditions. In other words, investment does not lead to citizenship directly; it creates a legal basis for citizenship in the long term.

Which countries can be visited with an Italian residency permit?

Individuals holding an Italian residency permit can travel visa-free to a total of 27 countries included in the Schengen Area. Among these countries, free passage is generally granted to Western European countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Monaco (even if not an official Schengen member); Southern European countries such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta, San Marino, and Vatican; Central and Eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Czechia; and Northern European countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. It is possible to stay in these countries for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days in total within 180 days.

What is the validity period of the Italy golden visa?

A 2-year residency permit is initially granted to the person entering Italy with an investor visa, provided they complete their investment. As long as the investment continues, this residency permit can be extended for another 3 years. A stay of up to 5 years is possible with the initial period + extension in total. Investors who reside continuously and legally for a total of 5 years can apply for Italian permanent residency.

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