Italy’s Golden Visa – A Flexible Path to EU Residency
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Highlights and Benefits
Italy’s Golden Visa
Italy’s Golden Visa (known as the Investor Visa) is rapidly gaining popularity among non-EU nationals seeking EU residency through investment. With flexible options, favourable tax benefits, and minimal residency requirements, it has become one of the most attractive European programs available.
Key Advantages
Flexible Investment Options
Applicants can choose from several qualifying routes:
€ 250,000 – Investment in an innovative Italian startup
€ 500,000 – Investment in an established Italian company
€ 1,000,000 – Philanthropic donation to a public interest project
€ 2,000,000 – Investment in Italian government bonds
The investment is only required after Approval in Principle is granted.
(Citizen Lane offers guidance on selecting the most suitable route for your needs and offers a number of attractive investment options at the minimum investment threshold)
Minimal Physical Presence Requirements
As of late 2024, Golden Visa holders are no longer required to spend considerable time in Italy each year. In fact, there is no minimum presence requirement in Italy, making the program ideal for globally mobile investors who want flexibility without residency obligations.
Attractive Tax Incentives
Italy offers one of Europe’s most favourable flat-tax regimes for new residents:
A substitutive flat tax of approx. € 200,000 per year on foreign-sourced income, regardless of the amount earned
Extension of the regime to dependents at a much lower amount
Potential exemptions on foreign assets from wealth and inheritance tax
Fast and Predictable Processing
Applications are typically processed within 3 to 4 months, making it one of the quicker EU residency-by-investment pathways.
Important Considerations
There is no real estate purchase route under the Italian Golden Visa
To maintain residency, the qualifying investment must remain in place and maintain compliance with legal requirements
The program does not guarantee citizenship, separate eligibility criteria apply for citizenship
Immigration programs are subject to change, always consult your Relationship Manager at Citizen Lane for the latest updates
Last edit: 30 September 2025