How to Qualify for Italy’s Golden Visa

Italy’s Investor Visa for Italy, commonly known as the Italian Golden Visa, offers non-EU investors a route to Italian residence through a qualifying investment or philanthropic contribution.

One of the program’s key features is that it does not impose a general minimum physical-residency requirement simply to maintain the investor visa, making it potentially attractive to internationally mobile individuals.

1. Who Can Apply?

The Investor Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who intend to make one of the qualifying investments in Italy.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must satisfy the relevant immigration, security, financial, and documentation requirements.

The investment must also come from lawful and demonstrable sources.

2. The Four Qualifying Investment Routes

There are four principal investment options.

€250,000 — Innovative Italian Start-Up

Invest at least €250,000 in an Italian innovative start-up that meets the program's requirements.

This is the lowest investment threshold available under the Investor Visa framework.

€500,000 — Italian Company

Invest at least €500,000 in an Italian company.

The investment must satisfy the applicable requirements concerning the qualifying Italian company and the nature of the investment.

€1 Million — Philanthropic Donation

Make a philanthropic donation of at least €1 million to support a public-interest initiative in Italy.

Eligible areas can include:

• Culture;
• Education;
• Scientific research; and
• Cultural or landscape heritage.

Unlike an investment in a company, this contribution is a non-refundable philanthropic donation.

€2 Million — Italian Government Bonds

Invest at least €2 million in Italian government bonds.

The investment must be maintained in accordance with the program's requirements, including the applicable minimum holding period.

3. Buying Italian Property Does Not Qualify

One important point for prospective applicants is that purchasing real estate in Italy is not one of the qualifying investment routes for the Investor Visa.

Buying a house, apartment, or other Italian property therefore does not by itself provide eligibility for the Golden Visa.

This distinguishes Italy's program from certain residency-by-investment programs where real estate acquisition has historically been a qualifying route.

4. You Must Prove the Source of Funds

The investment amount alone is not enough.

Applicants must demonstrate that the funds being invested are lawfully acquired and available.

This can involve providing financial and banking documentation showing the origin of the funds and the applicant's ability to complete the proposed investment.

For high-value international applicants, maintaining a clear documentary trail is therefore an important part of the application process.

5. Criminal and Security Requirements

Applicants must satisfy Italy's applicable security and immigration requirements.

This includes having no relevant criminal record and not being subject to restrictions that would prevent entry or residence in Italy or the Schengen Area.

Applicants should also be aware that EU sanctions and nationality-related restrictions can change over time, so the position for particular nationalities should be verified when the application is submitted.

6. Health Insurance

Applicants must also meet the applicable health-insurance requirements.

Appropriate health coverage valid in Italy is required as part of the residence process, subject to the rule