INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE IN THE HEART OF EUROPE
Italy Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The Italian Investor Visa offers a unique opportunity for non-EU nationals to obtain residency in Italy by committing to a qualifying investment. Established under Law No. 232/2016, the programme aims to attract high-net-worth individuals who wish to benefit from Italy’s strategic location, quality of life, and EU access.
Unlike many other residency-by-investment programmes, Italy’s scheme is particularly advantageous because residency is granted first, and the investment is made after receiving the residence permit—eliminating the risk of committing funds without legal status.
This immigration route provides direct access to Italy and the entire Schengen Area, with favourable renewal terms, minimal residence requirements, and the possibility of permanent settlement or citizenship in the long term.
The Italian Investor Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to establish residency in Italy by committing to a qualifying investment. It offers an efficient, legally secure pathway for high-net-worth individuals and their families to reside in Italy and gain access to the Schengen Area.
There is no requirement to make the investment upfront. Instead, once approved, the applicant first receives a residence visa, and only then completes the investment within 90 days of arrival. This structure eliminates financial risk and provides reassurance during the immigration process.
The visa is initially valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 3 additional years, provided the investment is maintained. Family members may be included in the application and enjoy the right to live, study, and access healthcare in Italy.
The Italian Investor Visa is particularly attractive for international investors seeking European residency with minimal risk—allowing legal status first, and investment after approval.
Why Choose the Italian Investor Visa?
The Italian Investor Visa is widely regarded as one of the most investor-friendly and secure residency routes in Europe. It is especially appealing to high-net-worth individuals who want to gain EU residency without the immediate financial exposure required by other citizenship or visa-by-investment schemes.
This route enables investors to:
- Obtain a residence permit before committing capital, reducing financial risk
- Choose from low-risk investment options such as government bonds or regulated investment funds
- Enjoy visa-free access to all 29 Schengen countries
- Include family members under one unified application (spouse, dependent children, parents)
- Access Italy’s healthcare, education, and financial infrastructure
- Maintain flexibility, as there is no minimum stay requirement to keep the permit valid
Italy’s approach not only provides a secure legal status but also a foundation for long-term residence, business expansion, and eventual EU citizenship.
Key Features of the Programme
- Visa valid for 2 years, renewable for an additional 3 years
- No requirement to make the investment before visa approval
- No mandatory physical stay in Italy to retain residency status
- Access to the Schengen Zone with visa-free travel
- Investment options include government bonds and regulated investment funds
- Fast-track processing – residency can be obtained in as little as 30 working days
- Minimal risk structure – legal status is secured before any capital is committed
- Family inclusion allowed – spouse, dependent children, and parents may be included
The entire process can take as little as 30 days from signing with Coates Global to receiving the residency card.
Investment Options
The Italian Investor Visa Programme offers four official investment routes. At Coates Global, we provide comprehensive guidance on each option, ensuring clients make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
| Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Government Bonds | €2,000,000 | Must be invested in Government Bonds through authorised Italian Banks |
| Italian Company Shares / Investment Funds | €500,000 | Invest in an existing and innovative Italian limited company or Government Approved Investment Funds |
| Philanthropic Donation | €1,000,000 | Donation to support public interest projects in culture, education, immigration management, or research |
| Italian Start-up Investment | €250,000 | Direct investment in an innovative Italian start-up |
At Coates Global, we typically recommend the Government Bonds and Investment Funds options due to their balance of security and potential returns. The Start-Up Investment and Philanthropic Donation routes are less commonly chosen, given their higher risk profiles and lack of financial return, respectively.
Requirements for the Italian Investor Visa
To qualify under the Italian Investor Visa Programme, applicants must meet the following conditions. Compared to many other investor migration schemes, the Italian route offers greater flexibility and reduced upfront risk, as the investment is completed only after receiving the residence permit:
The applicant must be a non-EU national aged 18 or above, in good legal standing with no criminal record.
- A valid passport and proof of legal residence in the country of application are required.
- The applicant must demonstrate the lawful origin of the investment funds, supported by clear financial documentation.
- A clear investment plan must be submitted, specifying the selected route (e.g. government bonds or investment fund).
- Applicants must hold valid private health insurance for use in Italy.
- A suitable accommodation address in Italy must be declared (purchase not required).
- After receiving the residence visa and entering Italy, the investment must be completed within 90 days.
Step-by-Step Application Process
One of the most advantageous aspects of the Italian Investor Visa is its unique “residency first, investment later” structure. Applicants are granted a residence permit before committing their funds, significantly reducing financial risk. The full process can be completed in as little as 30 days, depending on applicant readiness and consular efficiency.
- Step 1: Initial Consultation & Mandate (1–2 days)
Coates Global conducts a full eligibility assessment and identifies the most suitable investment option based on the client’s financial profile. The engagement is formalised and documentation begins. - Step 2: Nulla Osta Application (10–15 working days)
A formal application is submitted to the Italian Investor Visa Committee for a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment). This approval confirms the applicant’s eligibility and authorises the next stage of the visa process. - Step 3: D-Visa Application (7–10 days)
Once the Nulla Osta is granted, the applicant submits their D-type visa application at the Italian consulate in their country of residence. This visa allows them to legally enter Italy to finalise the residency process. - Step 4: Entry into Italy & Residence Permit (5–15 days)
Upon arrival in Italy, the applicant must attend an appointment at the local immigration office (Questura) within 8 working days. The Investor Visa residence permit is then issued, typically within 1–2 weeks. This 2-year permit is granted before the investment is made. - Step 5: Complete the Investment (within 90 days)
Following the issuance of the residence permit, the applicant has up to 90 days from their date of entry to complete the chosen investment. Failure to finalise the investment within this timeframe may result in cancellation of the permit.
This uniquely investor-friendly structure allows applicants to secure legal residency first, offering peace of mind and eliminating the risk of committing funds without official status.
How Coates Global Can Assist
At Coates Global, our team of immigration lawyers and investment specialists offer end-to-end legal guidance and strategic support throughout every phase of the Italian Investor Visa process. We understand the unique needs of international investors and ensure that each step is handled with precision, discretion, and efficiency.
Our bespoke support includes:
- Initial eligibility review and strategic planning tailored to the investor’s objectives
- Preparation and submission of the Nulla Osta application with all required documentation
- Consular coordination for D-Visa applications and scheduling at the local consulate
- On-the-ground assistance in Italy, including guidance with the Questura appointment and residence permit application
- Investment facilitation, including introductions to approved bond providers or fund managers
- Ongoing compliance support to ensure permit renewal, family inclusion, and long-term settlement planning
With partner offices in Milan, Coates Global offers local knowledge with global reach, making us a trusted legal partner for high-net-worth individuals seeking secure European residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Italian Investor Visa, also known as the “Golden Visa,” is a residency-by-investment programme that allows non-EU nationals to obtain a residence permit in Italy by making a qualifying investment. It offers a secure and efficient pathway to live in Italy and access the Schengen Area.
Applicants may choose from four official investment routes under the Italian Investor Visa Programme. The figure next to each option indicates the minimum capital required to qualify:
- Government Bonds – €2,000,000
- Investment Funds – €500,000
- Innovative Start-Up – €250,000
- Philanthropic Donation – €1,000,000
At Coates Global, we promote only the Government Bond and Investment Fund routes, as they offer:
- Strong legal and regulatory frameworks
- Greater financial security
- Measurable return potential (e.g. ~4% p.a. for investment funds)
- Simplified structure for residency compliance
We do not recommend the following options:
- Start-Up Investment (€250,000) – Although it requires the lowest capital outlay, this route carries substantial risk. Internationally, around 90% of start-ups fail within five years. While high returns are possible, the chance of losing the full investment is high and often unsuitable for most clients.
- Philanthropic Donation (€1,000,000) – This is a non-refundable contribution to public interest initiatives. It provides no ownership, no return, and the same residency outcome as the €500,000 investment fund route, making it economically unjustifiable.
Coates Global ensures clients are guided toward options that align with long-term stability, security, and return-on-investment expectations.
No. One of the key advantages of the Italian Investor Visa is that applicants receive the residence permit before committing the investment. After entering Italy with a D-Visa, the investment must be completed within 90 days.
Yes. The main applicant can include their spouse, minor children, and dependent parents in the application. Family members will receive the same residency rights as the main applicant.
There is no mandatory minimum stay requirement to maintain the investor residence permit. However, for those seeking permanent residency or citizenship, specific residency requirements apply.
The initial residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for additional three-year periods, provided the investment is maintained.
Yes. The investor residence permit allows the holder and their family members to live, work, and study in Italy.
Holding an investor visa does not automatically make you a tax resident in Italy. Tax residency is determined by physical presence and other factors. Coates Global can provide guidance on tax considerations and planning.
The entire process, from initial consultation to obtaining the residence permit, can take as little as 30 days, depending on the applicant’s preparedness and consular processing times.
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, you may apply for permanent residency. Citizenship can typically be applied for after ten years of residence, subject to language proficiency and other requirements.
Please feel free to email us at info@coatesglobal.com, and one of our experienced team members will get back to you promptly to assist with your inquiry.
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