Residence in Italy: The Investor Visa Through Bonds, Company Capital or a Donation
You want residence in Italy without buying property, and you want to know which route fits. Italy has one investment route, the Investor Visa, with three options from EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million. A committee authorises the application before the consulate does.
Why Italy's process needs the right order
The Italy Investor Visa has a fixed order of steps, and the first step is the Investor Visa Committee, not the consulate. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Investor Visa | |
|---|---|
| Type | Investment residence |
| Money | EUR 2 million in government bonds; EUR 500,000 in company capital (EUR 250,000 for an innovative start-up); EUR 1 million donation |
| Key rule | Bonds and company capital are held for at least two years; a Nulla Osta comes first |
| Page | Italy Investor Visa |
Italy has other visa types that this section does not cover; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Italy Investor Visa right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You can invest EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds, EUR 500,000 in an Italian company (EUR 250,000 in an innovative start-up) or donate EUR 1 million | You want to buy property for your residence: this route does not use property |
| You can hold bonds or company capital for at least two years | You cannot hold the investment for two years |
| You can show means above the healthcare cost-sharing minimum | You cannot be present for the in-person visa step |
| You can attend the consulate in person | Your funds cannot be documented |
Not sure Italy is the best fit? Compare all European routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need a qualifying investment or donation, proof you control the funds, means of subsistence and lodging. The Investor Visa for Italy Committee reviews the application first.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Italy Investor Visa page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
The investment is the larger cost. Set it against the cost of a wrong start: filing at the consulate before the Nulla Osta, or holding the wrong instrument.
| Item | What the official pages say |
|---|---|
| Investment or donation | EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million by route |
| Professional fees | Agreed with the local partner |
Source: Embassy of Italy in Abu Dhabi checklist (April 2025), consular pages in London and Kuala Lumpur (July 2026 checklist).
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: Embassy of Italy in Abu Dhabi, consulates in London and Kuala Lumpur.
- Routes: confirmed on consular pages, including a July 2026 checklist
- Holding period: at least 2 years for bonds and company capital
After you have the residence
**You keep your standing by completing the investment and keeping to the holding rule. Your partner sets out the renewal steps before you commit.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Italy Investor Visa page.
How Italy compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Italy route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italy Investor Visa (this page) | EUR 250,000 (innovative start-up); other routes start higher | Investment | The Italy Investor Visa lets non-EU investors make an investment or donation in Italy and then apply for residence. |
| Portugal Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (culture and heritage route); other routes start at EUR 500,000 | Investment | The Portugal Golden Visa is a temporary residence permit that starts at EUR 250,000 in a qualifying investment. |
| Greece Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (listed building or conversion); EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 for other property | Investment | The Greece Golden Visa is a residence permit for investors who buy qualifying real estate, from EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 by area, and from EUR 250,000 for listed buildings and conversions. |
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | No investment; income of EUR 28,800 a year (2026 test) | Income or retirement | The non-lucrative visa asks for means of 400% of Spain's public income indicator, which is EUR 28,800 a year in 2026, and it bans all work, including remote work. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
End-to-end support
From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Which Italy route can I use?
This section covers the Investor Visa, introduced by the Budget Law 2017 under Article 26-bis of the Immigration Consolidated Act.
Do I need to buy property?
No. The three routes are government bonds, company capital and a donation.
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner who prepares the Committee application and the visa file.
Can my family be included?
Your partner sets out the family rules for your case before you commit funds.
Where do I start?
With the Investor Visa for Italy Committee, through its government IT platform. The Committee issues a Nulla Osta, and only then do you apply for the visa at the consulate.
Do I need to attend in person?
Yes. Applicants must appear in person at the consulate, with printed original documents and photocopies.
Do you recommend instruments or companies?
No. We do not recommend or sell bonds, companies or projects and we do not quote returns. We explain what the official pages require and bring in a local partner when your case is qualified.
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Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
