The Investor Visa — in plain terms
The Italian Investor Visa 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. No minimum stay requirement. The Investor Visa Committee reviews the application within 30 days.
No minimum stay
Unlike other residence-by-investment programmes, the Italian Investor Visa does not require a minimum number of days in Italy per year. However, permanent residence (5 years) and citizenship (10 years) require genuine 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 stages
Stage 1: online application to the Investor Visa Committee. Stage 2: entry visa at the Italian consulate after Nulla Osta. Stage 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 Companies Register. The lowest entry threshold and the most popular among entrepreneurial investors. Must be maintained for at least 2 years.
Min. €250,000 · Most popularItalian limited company
Investment in an Italian SpA, SrL or other limited company incorporated and operating in Italy. The 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 public interest philanthropic initiative: culture, education, immigration management, scientific research or heritage preservation. Non-refundable.
Min. €1,000,000 · Non-refundableItalian government bonds
Purchase of Italian government bonds with a minimum holding period of 2 years. State-guaranteed — minimal capital risk.
Min. €2,000,000 · Min. 2-year holdingNo real estate category: The Italian Investor Visa does not include a property option, unlike Portugal, Greece and Spain. Property can supplement 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 amount of €300,000/year on all foreign-source income — regardless of the amount. Family members add €50,000 each per year. Lasts up to 15 years. Requires not having been an Italian tax resident in 9 of the last 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. Those who applied under previous rates continue at their original rate for the full 15-year window.