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🇮🇹Italy · investor

Investor Visa

€500K-2M investment. Pairs with €100K/yr lump sum tax (transformative)

Income req
Investment
No salary req
Tax rate
Standard
Special regime
Processing
60-120d
From submission
Total cost
€6,500-€15,000
App + lawyer + fees

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Overview

The Investor Visa is one of Italy's primary residency routes for investors and high-net-worth individuals. €500K-2M investment. Pairs with €100K/yr lump sum tax (transformative)

This visa is designed for non-EU citizens. No income threshold — investment-based pathway.

After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in Italy. Citizenship becomes available after 10 years of continuous residence.

Tax treatment

Tax treatment

Lump sum tax €100K/year on global income (instead of progressive).

Holders pay a flat null% rate.

Important: €100K/year (was €100K, doubled in 2024 for new applicants) covers ALL global income for 15 years. Brutal advantage for high earners.

Requirements

Application process — step by step

1

Apply for Nulla Osta (clearance)

Online application — 30 days approval

⏱ 30 days
2

Apply for visa at consulate

30 days

⏱ 30 days
3

Enter Italy + make investment within 3 months

Critical deadline

⏱ 3 months
4

Apply for permesso di soggiorno (2-year)

Renewable

⏱ 1-2 months
5

Apply for €100K lump sum tax regime

WITHIN first year — game changer for high earners

6

Renew + path to permanent residency at 5

Citizenship at year 10

⚠ Common pitfalls

  • Lump sum tax was €100K, doubled to €200K/year for NEW applicants from Aug 2024
  • Investment must be MAINTAINED — selling triggers visa cancellation
  • No physical presence requirement (great for digital nomads)
  • Italian citizenship requires 10 years residency + B1 language

Cost breakdown

The total cost of obtaining the Investor Visa ranges from €6,500 to €15,000, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.

Family inclusion

Yes — the Italy Investor Visa allows family members to be included as dependents.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

The Italy Investor Visa is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy.

Citizenship is available after 10 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.

This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for the Investor Visa?

€2M Italian government bonds, OR. €500K Italian limited company shares, OR. €250K innovative startup investment, OR. €1M philanthropic donation (research/culture/education). Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.

How much income do I need for the Investor Visa?

No income requirement — this is an investor pathway requiring capital investment instead.

What is the tax rate for Investor Visa holders?

Lump sum tax €100K/year on global income (instead of progressive). Flat tax rate of null%. €100K/year (was €100K, doubled in 2024 for new applicants) covers ALL global income for 15 years. Brutal advantage for high earners.

How long does the Investor Visa application take?

Typical processing time is 60-120 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.

What does the Investor Visa cost in total?

Application fee: €1,500. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €5,000 on average. Total: €6,500-€15,000 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.

Does the Investor Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 10 years.

Can I bring my family with the Investor Visa?

Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically covered. Each child adds 0% to the income threshold.

What are the most common pitfalls with Investor Visa?

Lump sum tax was €100K, doubled to €200K/year for NEW applicants from Aug 2024. Investment must be MAINTAINED — selling triggers visa cancellation. No physical presence requirement (great for digital nomads)

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 · Sources: official government immigration websites + verified immigration lawyer firms.
This page is informational only — not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.