Italy Golden Visa
Italy Golden Visa Overview
Italy’s Golden Visa (the Dolce Visa) was previously known as the Italian Investor Visa and offers residency to applicants investing in one of the following areas:
- €2,000,000 invested in government bonds
- €1,000,000 philanthropic donation
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 invested into a certified innovative start-up
Italy does not currently have a programme for investors purchasing direct real estate. However, the most straightforward way to currently qualify for Italy’s Investor Visa Programme is by making a €500,000 investment into a limited company. La Vida is collaborating with a private equity fund who are offering investors an opportunity to become shareholders in an exclusive hospitality venture, thereby contributing to the development of luxury hotels across Italy. This avenue proves advantageous for individuals seeking a hands-off, passive investment that fulfils the programme requirements. See here for more information on this investment route
ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP by Investment
Following investment and ten years of tax residency it is possible to apply for Italian citizenship. If you do not plan to live in Italy, but your end goal is citizenship within a European nation, then we advise looking at Portugal’s Golden Visa programme as an alternative solution.
Italian Passport Strength
Italy’s passport is strong, offering visa-free access to around 197 countries and territories worldwide. These visa-free destinations cover 80.4% of worldwide GDP and 90.9% of worldwide travel. Italy ranks 35th in La Vida’s overall ranking of world passports and although passport strength would not be a sole consideration for gaining citizenship in Italy the benefits are a bonus for high net worth investors considering the Italian Golden Visa and are willing to settle for the required 10 year residency before applying for citizenship.
€250,000 minimum investment
Active business investment
European Residency & Schengen Zone Access
Potential Citizenship - 10 Years Residency
Full family residency
What is Required for An Italian Golden Visa
Alongside the required investment, applicants will need to provide various documentation, including a clean police record, personal ID documents and proof of funds.
Process to obtain An Italian Golden Visa
Following a full consultation with La Vida and a pre-application background check, our advisors will assist you in choosing the most appropriate investment option for Italy’s Dolce Visa programme. From the date the file is completed, and the application is submitted, investors residency visas can often be approved as quickly as 60 days. Investors must make one trip to Italy during the process to submit biometric data, but most of the process can be completed remotely.
Benefits of Italy’s Golden Visa Programme
Successful applicants will have the right to live, work and study in Italy. The main applicant can include their family, including their spouse, dependent children and dependent parents. Following five years of residency, applicants can apply for Permanent Residency and potentially citizenship after ten years of full-time residency. Italy is rich with culture, amazing landscapes, and fantastic food. The country is home to some of Europe’s most popular cities and tourist destinations attracting visitors from all over the globe.
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How much does an Italian Golden Visa cost?
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What are the benefits to holding residency in Italy?
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What documents are required for Italy's Golden Visa application?
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Is it easy to gain Italian Residency through the Golden Visa Programme?
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Do I have to reside in Italy to qualify for the Golden Visa programme?
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Do Italy have a real estate investment options for the Golden Visa programme?
Alternative Programs
Italy’s Golden Visa programme is more suited to business investors or those able to investment a substantial amount of money (€1M+). Typically, many investors prefer more passive investment programmes. La Vida also offers several other European Golden Visa programmes including those providing residency through investment in real estate or government donation. Such investments require minimum connection with the country and allow for freedom of travel within the European Schengen zone. These programmes can ultimately lead to Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship.
Programmes
A selection of residency and citizenship programmes.
