The Investor Visa — in plain terms
Italy’s Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori) is governed by Art. 26-bis D.Lgs 286/98. It grants a 2-year entry visa and residence permit to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in one of four categories. No Nulla Osta from the Sportello Unico. Nessuna permanenza minima requirement. The Investor Visa Committee reviews the application within 30 days.
Nessuna permanenza minima
Unlike other residency-by-investment programmes, Italy’s Investor Visa does not require a minimum number of days per year in Italy. However, permanent residence (5 years) and citizenship (10 years) require actual physical presence.
Family members included
Spouse and dependent children may apply simultaneously. They receive permits of the same duration and may live, study and work in Italy.
Three phases
Phase 1: online application to the Investor Visa Committee. Phase 2: entry visa at the Italian consulate after Nulla Osta. Phase 3: Permesso di Soggiorno at the Questura within 8 days. Investment formalised within 3 months of visa approval.
Four ways to qualify
Innovative startup (società innovativa)
Investment in an Italian innovative startup registered in the Business Register. Lowest entry threshold and most popular for entrepreneurial investors. Must be maintained for at least 2 years.
Min. €250,000 · Most popularItalian limited company (società di capitali)
Investment in an Italian SpA, SrL or other società di capitali incorporated and operating in Italy. Most widely used category in 2024–2025. Must be maintained for at least 2 years.
Min. €500,000 · Most used in 2024–2025Philanthropic donation
Donation to a philanthropic initiative of public interest: culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, or heritage preservation. Non-refundable.
Min. €1,000,000 · Non-refundableItalian government bonds (titoli di Stato)
Purchase of Italian government bonds with minimum holding period of 2 years. Sovereign-backed — lowest asset risk.
Min. €2,000,000 · Min. 2-year holdingNo real estate category: Italy’s Investor Visa does not include a real estate option, unlike Portugal, Greece and Spain. Property can complement the application as proof of accommodation but does not qualify as the investment.
The €300,000 flat tax for new Italian residents
What it is
Art. 24-bis TUIR allows new Italian tax residents to pay a fixed €300,000/year on all foreign-source income — regardless of amount. Family members add €50,000 each per year. Lasts up to 15 years. Requires not having been Italian tax resident in 9 of the preceding 10 years.
Rate history
Was €100,000 until August 2024, raised to €200,000 for new applicants, and again to €300,000 from 1 January 2026. Individuals who applied under previous rates continue at their original rate for the duration of their 15-year window.