Update
Italy Investor Visa: what counts as a qualifying investment?
Four options (startup, company, donation or government bonds) and one that is not allowed: real estate.
Italy’s Investor Visa is often confused with other European “golden visas”. The most important difference: you cannot qualify by buying property.
The four options
| Investment | Minimum | What the Ministry specifies |
|---|---|---|
| Innovative startup | €250,000 | Must be an innovative startup on the official register |
| Italian limited company | €500,000 | Shares in an Italian limited company |
| Philanthropic donation | €1,000,000 | A project of public interest: culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, recovery of cultural and landscape heritage |
| Government bonds | €2,000,000 | Italian government bonds with a residual maturity of at least two years |
The timing rule
Under Article 26-bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act, the investment is made after you obtain the visa and enter Italy, within three months of arrival, and must then be kept for the life of the residence permit.
Things to check before you start
- Nationality. The program is suspended for Russian and Belarusian nationals, and for holders of a second passport together with Russian or Belarusian citizenship.
- Source of funds. You must show the money is yours, lawfully obtained and freely transferable to Italy.
- Biometrics. From 11 January 2026, Italian consulates require long-stay visa applicants to give biometric data in person.
- Startup risk. If the company fails, your status can be affected. Check the startup is genuinely on the register before investing.
More on our Italy program page.
Sources
- Investor Visa for Italy: Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy
- Ministry policy guidance
- Italian Consulate in Sydney: Investor visa checklist (21/07/2026)
Last verified against the sources below on 11 October 2026. Programs change; always confirm the current rules before investing. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Want to know which option fits your situation? Request a free call and an advisor will give you a straight answer, including when you should not invest.