Introduction

Italy’s Golden Visa program – officially called the Investor Visa for Italy – has been gaining attention among North American high-net-worth individuals seeking European residency. With other countries scaling back their “golden visa” offerings, Italy’s program stands out for its stability and attractive terms in 2025. But what do investors really want to know before committing half a million euros or more? Below we answer the top five questions savvy investors ask about the Italy Golden Visa, from how it works and who qualifies to how it benefits you and your family.

Whether you’re exploring a Plan B residency or looking to invest in Italy’s economy, this Italy Golden Visa investor FAQ covers the need-to-know facts about the Italian Golden Visa in 2025.

1. What are the investment requirements to qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa in 2025?

To qualify for an Italy Golden Visa as an investor, you must be a non-EU adult with a clean criminal record and make a qualifying investment in Italy. There are four investment options, and you can choose whichever best suits your interests:

• €500,000 in an Italian company: This route typically involves buying shares or equity in an Italian incorporated business. It’s a popular option that supports Italy’s goal of boosting local enterprises.

• €250,000 in an innovative startup: A lower-cost option targeting startups recognized by the Italian government as “innovative.” It’s the lowest required investment option and appeals to those looking to support innovation.

• €2 million in Italian government bonds: Aimed at conservative investors, this requires the highest capital but is considered low-risk since it’s backed by government debt.

• €1 million philanthropic donation: An alternative for those who prefer to donate to a public-interest project in Italy (such as cultural or educational initiatives) rather than seek a financial return.

Aside from committing funds to one of these categories, applicants must demonstrate that the money comes from legitimate sources and is at their disposal for the investment. Each option grants the same residency privileges under the Golden Visa program – so the choice depends on your investment strategy and comfort level. Note that buying real estate alone does not qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa (unlike some other countries’ programs); you must invest in one of the categories above for your application to be approved.

2. How long does it take to get the Italy Golden Visa in 2025, and what is the process?

Italy’s Golden Visa process is relatively fast and straightforward by international standards. In 2025, the typical timeline from application to receiving your residence permit is about 3 to 4 months, assuming you have all your documents in order. Here’s an overview of the key steps in the process:

1. Apply for the nulla osta (pre-approval): Begin by applying online to Italy’s Investor Visa Committee for a nulla osta, which is a certificate of no impediment. You’ll need to upload required documents such as your passport, proof of lawful funds, a clean criminal record certificate, and details of your chosen investment. The committee usually reviews applications within 30 days. Once approved, you receive the nulla osta, which is valid for six months.

2. Obtain the investor visa at an Italian consulate: With the nulla osta in hand, apply for the actual investor visa (a type of D long-stay visa) at your nearest Italian consulate or embassy. This typically involves an in-person appointment and presenting the nulla osta and additional paperwork. Upon approval, the consulate will place the visa in your passport.

3. Enter Italy and complete the investment: After your visa is issued, you have 6 months to enter Italy and finalize your investment. Once in Italy, complete the investment as pledged (such as transferring the funds to purchase the shares or bonds, or making the donation) within 3 months of your entry.

4. Apply for the residence permit: With proof that the investment has been made, you then apply for your Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) as an investor. This is done at the local immigration office (Questura) in Italy, where you submit your documentation and biometric data (fingerprints) for the permit application.

5. Receive your residence permit: The investor residence permit is initially valid for 2 years. This permit allows you to live in Italy and also to travel freely in all other Schengen Area countries during its validity.

Overall, you could realistically obtain Italian residency within a few months of starting the process – a much quicker turnaround than many other countries’ investor visa programs. Still, it’s wise to approach the paperwork diligently. Working with an experienced legal team can help anticipate small administrative delays and keep the process efficient. (For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on How to Get an Italian Golden Visa in 2025 for additional tips.)

3. Do I need to live in Italy full-time to keep the Golden Visa (and what are the residency requirements)?

One of the most investor-friendly aspects of Italy’s Golden Visa is that there is no minimum stay requirement to retain your residency. You are not obligated to live in Italy full-time – or even part-time – if you don’t want to. As long as you maintain your investment, you can renew your permit without spending a specific number of days per year in the country.

That said, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind:

• Renewals: The initial investor residence permit is valid for 2 years. To renew it for an additional 3-year term, you simply need to still hold the qualifying investment and continue to meet the eligibility criteria (such as having no criminal issues). Because there’s no mandated stay, even investors who reside primarily outside Italy can renew, provided they have kept their investment in place.

• Path to long-term residency or citizenship: If your ultimate goal is to obtain permanent residency or Italian citizenship, physical presence does become important. Permanent residency (an EU long-term residence permit) can be applied for after 5 years of legal residency in Italy, but you generally need to have resided in Italy for the majority of that time. For citizenship by naturalization, Italy requires 10 years of residence, which translates to living in Italy about half of each year (183 days per year) for a decade, along with integration steps like learning Italian to at least a B1 level. The Golden Visa itself gives you flexibility – you don’t have to immediately relocate or live in Italy continuously. But if you aim for citizenship down the line, you will eventually need to become a bona fide resident.

• Tax considerations: Because you aren’t required to live in Italy, holding an investor visa does not automatically make you an Italian tax resident. You’ll generally remain a tax resident of your current country unless you spend over 183 days a year in Italy. If and when you do decide to move to Italy, there is a noteworthy incentive: Italy’s special flat-tax regime for new residents. This elective regime lets qualifying newcomers pay a flat €100,000 annual tax on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of amount, instead of normal Italian tax rates. This can be highly advantageous for wealthy individuals with global income streams. The Golden Visa offers you flexibility – you can secure European residency now, without uprooting your life or changing your tax domicile until you’re ready.

4. Can my family members be included in the Italy Golden Visa?

Yes – Italy’s Golden Visa is very family-friendly, allowing you to include close family members under your investment so they can obtain residency too. When you apply as the main investor, you can typically add:

• Your spouse (husband or wife, or legally recognized partner).

• Your children under 18 years old. (Adult children over 18 can also qualify if they are financially dependent on you – for example, university students you support.)

• Dependent parents of the investor or the investor’s spouse (usually applicable if they are of retirement age or otherwise financially reliant on you).

All family members included will receive Italian residence permits as the investor’s dependents, with the same duration and rights as the main applicant’s permit. This means your spouse can also live and work in Italy, and your children can attend schools or universities in Italy, benefiting from the education system. The whole family gains access to Italy’s excellent healthcare system as well.

Including family does entail providing additional documents (such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc., with apostille and Italian translations as required). But notably, you do not need to invest more money for each family member. The investment thresholds are the same whether you bring only yourself or your whole immediate family. This makes the Italian Golden Visa an efficient way to secure a European future for your loved ones with a single investment.

(Related: We’ve covered more on family benefits and strategies in our article on Italian residency for families).

5. What are the long-term benefits, and can I get permanent residency or citizenship through the Italy Golden Visa?

The Italy Golden Visa is not just a short-term entry ticket – it can be a bridge to long-term residency and even citizenship if you desire. Here are the key long-term benefits and possibilities to know:

• Freedom to live and travel in Europe: With an Italian investor residence permit, you and your family can live anywhere in Italy and travel freely across all 27 Schengen Area countries. You won’t need separate visas for European travel, which is a huge advantage for business or leisure. You’ll also have access to Italy’s high-quality public services, from healthcare to education, during your residency.

• Permanent residency after 5 years: After 5 years of continuous residency in Italy, you can apply for a permanent resident status (EU long-term residence permit). Permanent residency lets you stay in Italy indefinitely without renewing permits and grants rights very close to those of a citizen (except voting). To qualify, you will need to have actually made Italy your home for those five years and meet integration requirements. Once you have permanent residency in Italy, it can also make it easier to move to certain other EU countries, since you’ll hold an EU long-term resident permit.

• Citizenship after 10 years: Italy offers a path to full citizenship for foreign residents who have lived in Italy for 10 years. If you maintain your investment visa status and truly settle in Italy long-term, you could become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization. This requires living in Italy roughly full-time for a decade and demonstrating integration (including language proficiency and no criminal issues). The reward is one of the most valuable passports in the world – Italian (and thereby EU) citizenship for you and your family, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Europe as a citizen.

• Program stability and outlook: Investors often ask whether Italy’s Golden Visa will remain in place for the long haul – especially after seeing other countries (like Portugal, Ireland, or the UK) roll back their investment visa programs in recent years. As of 2025, Italy has no indications of ending or suspending its Investor Visa program. The rules and investment amounts have remained consistent since the program’s 2017 launch. In fact, Italy has been gradually streamlining the process (for example, moving applications online) to attract more investors. This stability is a big plus – you can invest with confidence that the residency rights promised today will still be available for you in the coming years. It’s always wise to stay informed through official channels for any policy changes, but so far Italy’s approach has been very welcoming to investor residents.

The Golden Visa can be your gateway to a permanent European base. Some investors treat it as an insurance policy – a way to secure options abroad for their family – without immediately relocating. Others fall in love with Italy’s lifestyle and eventually put down deeper roots. The beauty of the Italian program is that it accommodates both strategies. You get flexibility in the short term and valuable opportunities in the long term, all by making a single strategic investment in Italy.

At Ariete, we approach the Italy Golden Visa as more than an administrative process. It is an investment decision that connects financial strategy, family planning, and cultural affinity. Our team supports investors who value substance over speed, providing clear guidance, compliance, and continuity throughout the journey.

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