Italy's Investor Visa (golden visa) offers residency for investments from €250K. Updated 2026 requirements, processing times, qualifying investments, and comparison with Portugal, Greece, and Spain programmes.
Italy's Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori), commonly called the golden visa, is one of Europe's least publicised but most attractive residency-by-investment programmes. While Portugal's golden visa has dominated headlines for years, Italy's programme offers lower entry thresholds, a path to EU citizenship, and access to a G7 economy — without the political uncertainty that has plagued Portugal's scheme.
Related: Flat Tax Regime · Immigration & Residency
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian government bonds | €2,000,000 | 2 years minimum | Lowest risk, highest threshold |
| Italian company shares / equity | €500,000 | 2 years minimum | Can be existing company or startup |
| Innovative startup equity | €250,000 | 2 years minimum | Must be registered in Italy's startup register |
| Philanthropic donation | €1,000,000 | One-time | To culture, education, immigration, or research projects approved by the government |
The €250K startup investment route is the most accessible golden visa in Western Europe. By comparison: Portugal requires €500K (fund investment), Greece requires €250K-€800K (real estate), Spain requires €500K (real estate). Italy's startup option opens the door for a fraction of competitors' costs.
Total processing time from application to Italian residency: 3-6 months. This is significantly faster than Portugal (12-18 months) or Greece (6-12 months) due to less application volume.
| Italy | Portugal | Greece | Spain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | €250K (startup) | €500K (fund) | €250K-€800K (property) | €500K (property) |
| Residency requirement | Yes — must live in Italy | Minimal (7 days/year) | Minimal (visit every 2 years) | Minimal (visit once/year) |
| Path to citizenship | 10 years | 5 years | 7 years | 10 years |
| Can combine with flat tax? | Yes (€300K) | No (NHR dead) | Yes (€100K + €500K invest) | No |
| Schengen access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Political risk | Low | High (programme changed 3 times) | Medium | Medium |
| Processing time | 3-6 months | 12-18 months | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
No. Italy's golden visa does not include a real estate investment option (unlike Portugal, Greece, and Spain). The qualifying investments are: bonds, company equity, startup equity, or philanthropic donation. However, nothing stops you from buying property separately — it just doesn't count toward the golden visa threshold.
Yes — this is a residency programme, not a 'golden passport.' You must establish genuine Italian residency (183+ days per year). If you want minimal residency requirements, Portugal or Greece may be more suitable — but they don't offer Italy's flat tax, healthcare, or lifestyle.
Spouse and children over 18 with dependent visas have the right to work in Italy without restrictions. Minor children can attend Italian schools (public or private) and access the SSN healthcare system.
Disclaimer: Golden visa requirements and thresholds change. Verify current rules with the Comitato Investitori or a qualified immigration lawyer. The Italian Gateway manages the entire application process in coordination with specialised immigration counsel.