Updated on October 7, 2026
Residence permit for travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area, living in Italy and optimising taxes
The Italy Golden Visa, also called the Italy Investor Visa, allows non-EU citizens and their families to obtain residence permits through investment in just a few months. The program was launched in 2017 to stimulate foreign investments and economic development.
Investors have 4 investment options : opening innovative startups, buying government bonds or securities, purchasing shares in local companies, or making a philanthropic donation.
The residence permit is issued for 2 years with an opportunity to extend it for another 3 years. After investing, foreigners can benefit from the rights granted to residents, including the right to live, work, study, and receive medical care in Italy.
€250,000
Minimum investment
4+ months
Processing time
2 years with renewal
Validity period
1
Italian residents can enter the country anytime, even when borders are closed, and spend as much time as needed in Italy.
Italian residents can enter the country anytime, even when borders are closed, and spend as much time as needed in Italy.
2
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel freely to other Schengen member states without needing additional visas or permits.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel freely to other Schengen member states without needing additional visas or permits.
3
Italy is known for its high quality of life, good environment, low crime rate, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine.
Italy is known for its high quality of life, good environment, low crime rate, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine.
4
Italy offers access to a good education system, including public schools and universities. The country also provides a comprehensive healthcare system.
Italy offers access to a good education system, including public schools and universities. The country also provides a comprehensive healthcare system.
5
Italy has a diverse and dynamic economy that may offer business and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
Italy has a diverse and dynamic economy that may offer business and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
6
Individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy, and who have not been Italian tax residents in at least nine of the ten years preceding the transfer, may elect a yearly substitute tax on all foreign-source income. The current rate, for taxpayers who become Italian tax resident on or after 1 January 2026, is €300,000 per year, with an additional €50,000 per year for each qualifying family member who joins the election. The regime can be elected for up to 15 years. Taxpayers who elected the regime before 1 January 2026 continue under the rate applicable at the time of their election (€100,000 if elected before 11 August 2024; €200,000 if elected between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025). This is a general description — applicants should consult a qualified Italian tax adviser for case-specific advice; thresholds and conditions can change.
Individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy, and who have not been Italian tax residents in at least nine of the ten years preceding the transfer, may elect a yearly substitute tax on all foreign-source income. The current rate, for taxpayers who become Italian tax resident on or after 1 January 2026, is €300,000 per year, with an additional €50,000 per year for each qualifying family member who joins the election. The regime can be elected for up to 15 years. Taxpayers who elected the regime before 1 January 2026 continue under the rate applicable at the time of their election (€100,000 if elected before 11 August 2024; €200,000 if elected between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025). This is a general description — applicants should consult a qualified Italian tax adviser for case-specific advice; thresholds and conditions can change.
7
Italy is an EU member state. Italian citizenship is EU citizenship and carries the right to live and work in any EU country. An Italian residence permit lets the holder live in Italy and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area; on its own it does not grant the right to work in other EU member states.
Italy is an EU member state. Italian citizenship is EU citizenship and carries the right to live and work in any EU country. An Italian residence permit lets the holder live in Italy and travel visa-free within the Schengen Area; on its own it does not grant the right to work in other EU member states.
8
Italy is known for its rich history, art, and culture. Living in the country allows you to explore these aspects of Italian life.
Italy is known for its rich history, art, and culture. Living in the country allows you to explore these aspects of Italian life.
9
After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, the investor may apply for EU long-term resident status, subject to stable income, suitable accommodation and Italian language at A2 level. This status can make it easier to relocate to another EU country for work or study, but a separate residence permit in that country and additional conditions still apply.
After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, the investor may apply for EU long-term resident status, subject to stable income, suitable accommodation and Italian language at A2 level. This status can make it easier to relocate to another EU country for work or study, but a separate residence permit in that country and additional conditions still apply.
Over 18
With confirmed legal income
Without a criminal record and of good character
With valid health insurance
Over 18
Officially registered as a husband or wife of the investor
If under 18: no specific conditions
If over 18: must be unmarried, have no children of their own, and be financially dependent on the investor
Financially dependent on the investor and have no other children in their country of origin or provenance
The price requirements for the Italy Golden Visa depend on the chosen investment option.
1. Investments in an innovative startup — €250,000+
This option involves investing in a government-approved innovative startup. The investor must provide a business plan when applying to participate in the program. While the startup option is the riskiest, it allows obtaining residency with the lowest investment amount — €250,000.
2. Investments in a limited Italian company — €500,000+
The investor can purchase listed or unlisted shares of an incorporated company operating in Italy. The minimum investment amount is €500,000.
3. Philanthropic donation — €1,000,000+
This option involves making an investment in a public interest project related to education, culture, science, immigration, or cultural and natural heritage preservation. The required amount of funds is €1,000,000.
4. Purchase of government bonds — €2,000,000+
Investors can buy bonds issued by the Italian government with a remaining maturity of over two years. Bonds are the most secure option but also the most expensive. The required investment capital is €2,000,000.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Italy investment program versus other Golden Visas
The Italy residence obtaining process usually takes seven steps and four to six months to complete.
But I didn’t know how to make this dream come true. MyGoldenVisa explained all the investment options clearly and guided me through the bureaucracy with patience. Thanks to their support, I now split my year between Milan and Dubai, enjoying the best of both worlds.
a venture capitalist
The support I got when applying for Italy’s Golden Visa was outstanding. Every question I had was answered quickly, every form checked thoroughly. What could have been frustrating turned into a smooth process. I now enjoy la dolce vita legally and securely.
a marketing director
I invested €500,000 into an Italian innovative startup with MyGoldenVisa’s help. Their team reviewed and verified every contract so I felt safe. Residency was granted in just 5 months, and the startup is already showing profit. It’s been a rewarding move both personally and financially.
a CEO of a logistics firm
Investment amount — €250,000+
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area
Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living
Tax optimisation with low rates
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Possibility to live, study, and start a business in Greece
Prospect of citizenship in 7 years
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Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in Spain
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Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
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New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence
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Tax optimisation
Property investment income
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Visa-free entry to France and Spain
Simplified US and Schengen visas processing
Only 3-month residing a year to keep the residence permit
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Opportunity to obtain US citizenship
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Residency for 10 years
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Visa-free entry to Japan, Singapore, and other 100+ countries
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A safe haven in a warm country by the sea
Investment amount — $200,000+
Investment amount — $230,000+
Investment amount — $240,000+
Investment amount — $235,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, the UK, and China
Eligibility for the US E-2 business visa
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Investment amount — $250,000+
Investment amount — $25,500+
Long-term visa to live in Thailand or create a safe haven for up to 15 years
Bonuses and privileges for visa holders
Tax optimisation
Investment amount — $130,000+
Investment amount — €50,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Beneficial terms and tax incentives for businesses
Prospect of citizenship in 10 years
