Italy
Whether you’re investing, innovating, or simply seeking la dolce vita—Italy welcomes you with world‑class culture, lifestyle, and opportunity.
Let us guide your Investor Visa journey with clarity and expertise.
Italy Visa
Italy
Italy offers an irresistible blend of mild climate, exquisite cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional quality of life. From breathtaking coastlines to centuries-old cities, its charm continues to attract people from around the world.
For non-EU nationals seeking not just a taste of la dolce vita, but a long-term presence in Italy, the Italy Golden Visa—officially known as the “Investor Visa for Italy”—opens the door.
Key Program Highlights
Discover the essential advantages and requirements that make this Investor Visa an exceptional pathway to European residency.
4 qualifying investment routes
Under the Investor Visa: €250 K Start‑up, €500 K SME/Company, €1 M Philanthropic donation, €2 M Government Bonds
No minimum physical‑stay requirement
To keep the permit
90 – 120 days
Typical processing time from application to visa issuance
Residence permit valid 2 years
Extendable 3 years; eligible for citizenship after 10 years
Flat‑tax regime for HNWIs
€200 K/year covering worldwide income for up to 15 years
Types of Visas Available for Italy
This is a non‑exhaustive list. If you’re considering immigrating to Italy but are unsure which visa best suits your situation, we can assess your profile and recommend the most appropriate options.
Work Visa (EU Blue Card / Lavoro Subordinato)
For highly‑skilled employees sponsored by an Italian employer.
Self‑Employed & Freelance Visa (Lavoro Autonomo)
For entrepreneurs, freelancers or directors establishing a business in Italy.
Investor Visa – Innovative Start‑up (€250 K)
Invest in a qualifying innovative start‑up; “visa first, invest after” model protects capital.
Investor Visa – SME / Company Equity (€500 K)
Acquire shares in an established Italian company to spur growth and job creation.
Investor Visa – Philanthropic Donation (€1 M)
Contribute to a project of public interest in culture, research, education, or immigration.
Investor Visa – Government Bonds (€2 M)
Purchase Italian Government securities, redeemable at maturity.
Elective Residence Visa
For financially independent individuals who want to live in Italy without working.
Digital Nomad Visa (awaiting implementing decree)
For remote workers employed outside Italy; expected launch 2025.
Student Visa
For full‑time study at an accredited Italian institution.
Family Reunification Visa
For spouses, minor children and dependent parents of legal residents.
Visitor / Schengen Visa
Short‑stay visa for tourism or business up to 90 days.
General Information for all the visas (except Visitor Visas)
1. Applications outside Italy (3-step process):
a. 1st Step: Submission of petition to the Ministry of Justice
b. 2nd Step: After Ministry’s approval and Official Gazette (DOU) publication, submission of different
documents to the appropriate Consulate and schedule of interview for visa stamp;
c. 3rd Step: After 1st entry in Italy with the Visa, registration within Federal Police to obtain the
Residence Card (CRNM)
2. Applications inside Italy (2-step process):
a. 1st Step: Submission of petition to the Ministry of Justice (more detailed, as it will include documents
that normally would have been analyzed by the Consulate)
b. 2nd Step: After Ministry’s approval and Official Gazette (DOU) publication, registration within Federal
Police to obtain the Residence Card (CRNM)
3. Additional Migratory Services that we can offer:
a. Tax ID (CPF) Issuance. Labor Booklet (CTPS) Issuance – Mandatory for NR02 Work Visa and for some NR47 categories.
Work Visa (EU Blue Card / Lavoro Subordinato)
Who it’s for: Non‑EU professionals hired by an Italian employer or highly‑skilled workers with a binding job offer.
Overview:
- Employer must obtain a Nulla Osta (work authorisation) before you apply.
University degree or ≥ 5 years relevant experience required for the EU Blue Card.
Minimum gross salary €33 500 (2024).
Comprehensive health insurance and suitable accommodation proof are mandatory.
Duration of Initial Residence Authorization:
up to 2 years.
Renewal:
Possible for additional 2 years, later can be for undetermined period
The visa may be requested:
Before entering Italy, or in Italian territory, if the candidate is already in the country.
Important Notes:
The employment contract must follow Italian Labor Law (CLT)
Self‑Employed & Freelance Visa (Lavoro Autonomo)
Who it’s for: Entrepreneurs, consultants, digital freelancers or directors setting up a business in Italy.
Overview:
- Strict annual quota (680 places in 2024).
- Proof of viable business plan and Chamber‑of‑Commerce clearance.
- Minimum annual income ≥ €8 500.
- Private health insurance ≥ €30 000 coverage.
Duration of Initial Residence Authorization:
Up to 1 year.
Renewal
Allowed upon detailed justification by the requesting company. In cases where the company intends to maintain the foreign worker beyond the service term, it is possible to change the status by applying to NR02 with a proper employment contract under Italian Labor Law.
Urgency Cases:
Up to 180 days per migratory year, fast-track authorization granted within 5 working days upon invitation letter from the host company.
Emergency Cases:
Simplified approval may occur in 2 working days, also valid up to 180 days per migratory year
Application Must Be Filed by a Italian legal entity that is either:
- The direct recipient of the technical service;
- Part of the same economic group as the foreign service provider,
- An exclusive intermediary in Italy, by contract.
The visa may be requested:
Before entering Italy, or inItalian territory, if the candidate is already in the country.
Investor Visas (4 routes)
The popular Investor Visa for Italy offers four capital‑based options; all share the same timeline (Nulla Osta ≈ 30 days, visa ≈ 90 days) and “visa first, invest after” safeguard.
Tokenised stake in an accredited start‑up, e.g. Caroni Capital, with 3 % p.a. fixed coupon.
Buy shares in an Italian S.r.l. to boost growth.
Support culture, education or research—no capital return.
Purchase Italian Treasury securities; capital redeemed at maturity.
Elective Residence Visa (Retirement / Passive‑Income)
Who it’s for: Financially independent people—often retirees—who wish to live in Italy without working.
Overview:
- Stable passive income ≥ €31 000 (single) or €38 000 (couple)
- Must rent or own long‑term accommodation and hold health insurance ≥ €30 000.
Employment of any kind is prohibited.
Duration of Initial Residence Authorization:
Indefinite, only conditional (where applicable) to the job creation targets.
Renewal:
Not applicable
Important Notes:
Application Must Be Filed by a Italian legal entity that receives or administers the investment and nominates the executive for the position, or by its legal representative.
The visa may be requested: Before entering Italy, or in Italian territory, if the candidate is already in the country.
Digital Nomad / Remote‑Worker Visa
Who it’s for: Highly‑skilled remote employees or freelancers working for clients outside Italy.
Overview:
- Available since 4 April 2024.
- Must rent or own long‑term accommodation and hold health insurance ≥ €30 000.
- Employment of any kind is prohibited.
Duration of Initial Residence Authorization:
Up to 4 years
Renewal / Indefinite Residence:
After 4 years, the residence can be converted to indefinite, provided the investment is maintained and documentation is updated.
Minimum Physical Presence Requirement:
The investor must remain in Italy for at least 14 days (consecutive or not) every 2 years.
Important Notes:
The residence permit may be revoked if:
-The investment is no longer held;
-The minimum stay is not met.
Application Must Be Filed by: The foreign investor or legal representative.
The visa may be requested: Before entering Italy, or in Italian territory, if the candidate is already in the country.
Pathways to Live, Study, and Invest in Italy
Discover the different routes to experience life in Italy — whether you’re pursuing higher education, reuniting with family, visiting for a short stay, or seeking favorable tax conditions as a new resident. Each pathway offers specific requirements and benefits designed to suit your personal or professional goals.
Student Visa (National Type D) Who it’s for: International students admitted to an accredited Italian program > 90 days.
Overview:
1. Proof of enrollment and tuition payment.
2. Financial resources ≈ €467/month (≈ €6 080 per year)
3. Health insurance covering ≥ €30 000.
4. Proof of accommodation; police clearance may be required.
Family Reunification Visa Who it’s for: Eligible family members joining a non‑EU resident already living in Italy.
Overview:
1. Sponsor must hold a valid permit and 2 years’ continuous residence (minors exempt).
2. Minimum annual income €11 000 + €3 500 per extra dependant.
3. Suitable accommodation and health insurance for over‑65 parents.
Visitor / Schengen Visa (Type C) Who it’s for: Tourists, business travellers or family visitors staying ≤ 90 days in any 180‑day period.
Overview:
1. Sponsor must hold a valid permit and 2 years’ continuous residence (minors exempt).
2. Minimum annual income €11 000 + €3 500 per extra dependant.
3. Suitable accommodation and health insurance for over‑65 parents
Special Flat‑Tax Regime Who it’s for: Tourists, business travellers or family visitors staying ≤ 90 days in any 180‑day period.
Overview:
1. €200 K substitutive tax covers worldwide income (renewable annually for up to 15 years).
2. Extend to family members for €25 K each
3. No foreign‑asset reporting; no Italian inheritance or gift tax on non‑Italian assets
4. Compatible with Italy’s vast network of 100 + double‑taxation treaties
Visitor Visa
Foreign nationals coming to Italy for business or leisure that are not visa-exempted
Overview:
This is a visitor visa for short and temporary travels and stays in Italy, focused on foreign nationals that are engaging in tourism or business meetings.
Eligibility: Valid passport and ties with country of residence, requirements widely varies.
For professional athletes:
-Special sports employment contract (min. 3 months, max. 5 years);
-Proof of repatriation commitment;
For other sports professionals:
-Fixed-term employment contract with mandatory clauses under Italian Labor Law (CLT);
Please Note:
Work must be performed exclusively for the contracting entity. Athletes and support professionals are classified under different duration rules.
Duration of Stay:
90 days, with possibility to extend for more 90 days. Maximum of 180 days per year.
Application:
Varies depending on nationality, it can be an online process or a Consular one. Generally, if it is a Consular one, you shall e-submit documents for analysis prior to the appointment and interview.
