Italy Golden Visa Processing Time: a Guide through the Application Process

The Italy Golden Visa program, launched in 2017, offers a fast and efficient route for wealthy foreign investors to obtain Italian residency.

Investment options include innovative startups, government bonds or securities, limited companies, and social projects.

Eligibility criteria include having no criminal record, legal financial assets, and the ability to support oneself financially while residing in Italy without relying on public funds.

To join the program, investors can pick from four choices. Foreigners who invest can use residents' privileges, such as the right to live, work, study, and access medical care in Italy.

Investment amounts in specific categories:

• €250,000 — non-EU citizens can gain residency through the Italy Golden Visa program with a minimum investment into a local startup;

• €500,000 — investments in a limited Italian company. The investor can purchase listed or unlisted shares of an incorporated company operating in Italy with the minimum investment amount;

• €1,000,000 — philanthropic donation. In this case, the investment is made in a public interest project related to education, culture, science, immigration, and cultural and natural heritage preservation;

• €2,000,000 — investors can buy government bonds issued by the Italian government with a remaining maturity of over two years.

Investing in innovative startups benefits investors and supports Italy’s economy by encouraging foreign capital infusion into their burgeoning tech sector, potentially leading to obtaining Italian citizenship after five years, provided that certain conditions are met during this time frame.

Depending on the chosen investment option, the Golden Visa applicant provides specific documents to qualify for the residence permit.

Eligible family members can be included in the visa application process, granting them residency alongside the primary applicant.

The investor’s family members who can become Italian residents are the following:

• the spouse over 18 and officially married to the investor;

• minor children, including those of a spouse;

• children over 18, unmarried, having no children of their own and financially dependent on the investor;

• parents financially dependent on the investor, with no age limit.

Financially independent adult children and other family members of the investor are not allowed to participate in the Italy Golden Visa program.

Living in Italy offers countless cultural experiences, from world-renowned cuisine to picturesque landscapes, enriching one’s lifestyle.

The required documents for application include the following:

1. Passport.

2. No criminal records certificate.

3. Documents confirming financial resources to be invested or donated.

4. Documents confirming the lawfulness and transferability of the capital.

5. Description of the chosen investment or donation option and the prior investment experience.

6. Documents confirming the consent of the investment or donation-receiving party.

7. Declaration of Commitment to using the funds that states the amount to be invested and the commitment to invest no later than 3 months after entering Italy.

8. The Nulla Osta and all the original hard copies of documents submitted to obtain it.

9. Confirmation of accommodation in Italy.

10. Proof of income of at least €8,500 during the previous fiscal year.

11. Proof of residence in the relevant consular district.

Keep track of important dates and submit your renewal application at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate to avoid delays or complications.

To renew your Italian Investor Visa, you must:

• keep your investment amount throughout your stay in Italy;

• provide proof of continued ownership of financial resources;

• show an ongoing commitment to residing in Italy;

• avoid any criminal activities or legal disputes.

The application for a residence permit renewal must be provided at least 60 days before the permit expires.

Italy’s Golden Visa program offers numerous benefits for investors seeking European residency through investment opportunities.

Visa-free access to Schengen Area. Italy Golden Visa holders can visit all the countries of the Schengen Area without visas and spend up to 90 days out of 180.

Prospects to obtain an Italian passport. If you want to obtain full Italian citizenship after holding an investor visa for 10 years, you must pass a language proficiency test and show evidence of integration into Italian society.

Prospects to obtain an Italian passport. If you want full Italian citizenship after holding an investor visa for 10 years, you must pass a language proficiency test and show evidence of integration into Italian society.

Cuisine. Italian food is renowned worldwide for its delicious flavours, fresh ingredients, and diverse regional specialities.

Historical sites. Italy is home to some of the most famous landmarks in history, such as the Colosseum in Rome or Florence’s Duomo Cathedral.

Natural wonders. With breathtaking sceneries like Lake Como nestled amidst towering Alps peaks or sun-kissed Amalfi Coast cliffside towns overlooking azure waters below — it’s no wonder that so many people dream about calling this beautiful country home.

Business opportunities across borders. Italy’s advantageous location grants Golden Visa holders expedient passage to key European markets such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. It is a superb spot for entrepreneurs wishing to expand their ventures globally.

Italy’s Golden Visa program is an excellent opportunity for investors seeking European residency through investment options.

The Italy Golden Visa Program offers a straightforward application process and various investment options with precise requirements. The Italy residence obtaining process usually takes 3 to 6 months to complete.

Families can benefit from this Italy Golden Visa program during the application process.