Looking to move to Italy in 2026? It’s easy to see why. With its world-renowned history, culture and cuisine, many people are exploring how to live in Italy. Britons considering this option will be pleased to know that the Italy Golden Visa Program offers four investment pathways for UK nationals.
The land of la dolce vita – all the finer things in life − has attracted a large foreign resident population estimated to comprise 5.4 million people, according to the 34th Caritas-Migrantes Immigration Report of 2025. This represents around 9.2% of the country’s overall population.
Italy also has a growing and dynamic economy. Take, for example, figures published in the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Italy Trade and Investment Factsheets:
- In Q2 last year, the total trade in imports and exports between Italy and the UK was valued at £53.9 billion for the four quarters ending June 2025;
- Of this, £34.3 billion represents imports of the UK from Italy, while £19.6 billion represents exports from the UK to Italy; and
- Italy was the UK’s ninth-largest trading partner.
Not only this, but there’s a sizeable level of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UK to Italy. At the end of 2023, it was valued at £19.5 billion.
Benefits for entrepreneurs and business owners
As per IMI Daily, Italy’s investor visa applications doubled in the past two years, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 62.6%.
One reason likely driving this growth is the benefits of Italian investor visas for UK nationals and non-EU citizens who are entrepreneurs. These include:
- Visa-free travel in the EU Schengen area.
- A residency ‘without stay’ requirement, meaning Italy Golden Visa holders needn’t permanently reside in Italy (although they do need to maintain the investment requirement).
- After five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency. After 10 years, you can apply for citizenship as long as you maintain residency and meet other legal requirements;
- The ability to add dependents.
- Access to Italy’s flat tax regime for new tax residents, capping tax at €300,000 annually (€50,000 extra per family member) from 1 January 2026, on all foreign-sourced income for up to 15 years, with exemptions from wealth taxes and reporting on foreign assets (Italian income is taxed normally).
- If you plan to work in Italy, there are business establishment rights, access to Italian and EU markets, and networking opportunities with Italian companies.
In this article, we outline investment and residency options for those seeking to relocate to Italy. In addition, we provide a step-by-step guide to the application process and frequently asked questions.
An overview of the Italian Golden Visa
Italy’s Golden Visa Program – also referred to as the Italian Residence by Investment Program, Investor Visa for Italy or Italy Residence by Investment – was established in 2016 by Article 26 of Law No 232 (2017 Budget Law), titled ‘Entry and residence for investors’.
The specific application process, however, was outlined by a decree promulgated by the Minister of Economic Development, in coordination with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Minister of the Interior, on 21 July 2017.
Article 8 of that decree states that the operational aspects of the visa programme will be outlined in policy guidance. According to the policy guidance, which was last updated on 19 July 2021, an Italian Golden Visa will only be issued when the investor applicant can demonstrate that their investment will be in the ‘public interest’.
Unlike some other Golden Visa programmes − including those for Greece and the UAE − Italy’s visa requirements are based on financial investment in specific qualifying assets, not property. The ‘public interest’ term mentioned above has been narrowed down to investment meeting at least one of the following four criteria:
- Investment of €2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
Valid Italian bonds (Titoli di Stato) include:
- Treasury Certificates
- Zero-coupon Treasury bonds
- Long-term Treasury bonds
- Three-year BTP
All types require a residual maturity of two years or more.
- Investment of €500,000 in an Italian limited company
This applies to equity in Italian-incorporated and tax-resident limited companies per TUIR article 73 (DPR 917/1986). Under art. 26-bis, art. 1, lett. b, TUI, a company is deemed ‘operating’ if it’s active and has filed one balance sheet before the visa application date. The company may be listed or unlisted. Its name and tax code are mandatory details that must be provided when applying.
- Investment of €250,000 in an Italian innovative startup
This includes stakes or shares in innovative startups, i.e. the companies referred to in Art. 25, par. 2, of Decree-Law No. 179 of 18 October 2012 (D.L. 179/2012), converted, with amendments, by Law No. 221 of 17 December 2012 and subsequently.
Eligible startups must be under five years old with less than €5M turnover and demonstrate innovation through high R&D investment (15%+ of costs), PhD-qualified staff (one-third or more), or licensed IP. This €250k visa route − targeting innovation unlike the €500k company, €2M bond, or €1M philanthropy alternatives − offers Schengen access, family residence, no minimum stay requirement, and a pathway to permanent residency after five years, plus startup tax benefits.
The official list of innovative startups is available on the portal italianbusinessregister.it, which is administered by the Italian Chamber of Commerce system. Find eligible companies by filtering the official registry by sector, location, or stage, verify their status and tax code, invest and apply via your Italian consulate.
The same indications as in point 2 above apply to this type of investment.
- Investment of €1,000,000 in an Italian philanthropic initiative
This includes donations supporting a project of public interest in various fields, including education, culture, preservation of cultural and natural heritage, or scientific research.
Important notes:
For the avoidance of doubt, it isn’t possible for an applicant to combine various investments from points 1−4 above to meet the overall investment value criteria.
It’s also not acceptable for an application to complete an investment under categories 1−4 above before applying for, and having been issued with, the respective Italian Golden Visa/Residence by Investment Visa.
Italy’s Elective Residence Program
Aside from the Italian Golden Visa/Residence by Investment Visa Program, Italy has implemented the Elective Residence Program for those with high incomes and financial assets who can prove a steady and adequate income (not from traditional employment) and other financial resources.
This visa is issued solely to those applicants who are planning to move permanently to Italy and, unlike the Golden Visa investment options, it doesn’t allow the recipient to work.
We will explore this option in greater detail in a future blog, so do keep an eye on our articles page.
How to apply for Italy’s Golden Visa: step-by-step guide
The Italy Investor Visa application follows a structured process that allows you to secure approval before transferring your investment capital. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Choose your investment route
Select one of four qualifying options:
- €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
- €500,000 in an Italian limited company
- €1 million in a philanthropic donation
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
Step 2: Obtain your Nulla Osta (pre-approval certificate)
Apply online to the Investor Visa Committee for a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment). You can do so via Italy’s Investor Visa portal, managed by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). You’ll need to prove your funds are legal, transferable and available, but you don’t transfer the money at this stage.
Step 3: Apply at the Italian Consulate
Once you receive your Nulla Osta, you have six months to submit your visa application at the Italian Consulate in the UK. You’ll need your clearance certificate, passport, photos, and other standard documentation to receive your long-stay “D” visa.
Step 4: Enter Italy and register for residence
Within eight working days of arriving in Italy, apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) at your local Questura (police headquarters).
Step 5: Complete your investment
You must execute your chosen investment within three months of arrival and upload proof to the government portal. Failure to do so will result in permit revocation.
Processing times and permit validity
Total processing time: Expect three to four months from initial application to receiving your residence permit, though some cases may extend to six months.
Initial permit: Valid for two years.
Renewal: Three-year extension available (investment must be maintained).
Permanent residency: Eligible after five years of legal residence.
Citizenship: Eligible after 10 years.
Maintaining and renewing an Italian Golden Visa/Residence by Investment Visa
According to the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, in their ‘Investor Visa for Italy – Policy Guidance’ document:
“The investor visa holder must maintain the investment for the entire duration of the residence permit, otherwise the permit will be revoked and it won’t be possible to renew it.
The investor residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for further three-year periods. According to the law, the renewal of the residence permit is subject to a preliminary approval by the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (also called the IV4I Committee), which must ensure that the investment or donation has been maintained for the entire validity period of the residence permit. The evaluation of the Committee, if positive, results in the issue of a certificate of no impediment to the renewal of the residence permit (“nulla osta al rinnovo”).
The application for a renewal of the residence permit must be submitted to the Questura in charge at least 60 days before its expiry date, pursuant to applicable regulations on the matter.”
As part of this renewal process, the applicant must provide suitable evidence that they have maintained their investment. According to the Policy Document, such evidence includes:
Government bonds investment
- Bank documentation certifying the purchase, with indication of the type, issue date and maturity date of the securities; or
- Certificate of deposit of securities at a financial intermediary domiciled in Italy.
Italian limited company investment and Italian startup initiatives
- In the case of unlisted companies, a letter signed by the legal representative of the recipient company, confirming that the investment has been maintained;
- In case of listed companies, a copy of the shareholders’ register and copy of the securities dossier of the foreign citizen, issued no more than 30 days before the date of the declaration; or
- In terms of share purchases, a certificate showing the deposit of the shares at an Italian bank or financial institution.
Philanthropic investment
- Declaration from the recipient entity certifying that the donation has not been revoked.
Pathway to permanent residency and Italian citizenship
While Italy’s Golden Visa is not a fast-track to citizenship, it does offer a clear route to long-term residency and eventual naturalisation for UK citizens.
After five years of legal residence in Italy, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency (Permesso di Soggiorno UE per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo). This permanent residence status allows you to remain in Italy indefinitely, provided you maintain the investment requirements.
Italian citizenship by naturalisation becomes available after 10 years from the initial granting of your investor visa for non-EU citizens. (Note: EU citizens are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after only four years of residence.) Throughout this period, you must maintain your investment and comply with residency requirements to preserve your eligibility for citizenship.
When notarial services are required
Italy’s Golden Visa application involves strict document legalisation requirements, and missing these can delay or halt your application. Understanding when notarial services are necessary helps ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
UK public documents − including criminal record certificates, birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applying with family) − must carry an apostille (as per the Hague Convention) before Italian authorities will accept them. Private documents such as financial affidavits, corporate records proving the source of funds and accommodation guarantees also require notarisation to meet consular standards. If you’re engaging Italian legal experts to handle investment structuring or interact with the Questura on your behalf, you’ll need a notarised Power of Attorney authorising them to act for you.
All documents submitted to Italian authorities must be in Italian or accompanied by certified translations, which need to be properly bound and verified alongside the notarised originals. Throughout the application process − from your initial Nulla Osta submission through to obtaining your residence permit − ensuring every document meets Italy’s legalisation standards is essential to avoiding administrative delays that could jeopardise your investment timeline.
Conclusion
Italy’s Golden Visa Program offers UK nationals a structured pathway to European residency through strategic investment. Whether you’re drawn to supporting innovation through startup investment, seeking business opportunities via company shares, contributing to cultural preservation, or preferring government bonds, Italy provides flexible options with benefits including Schengen access, family inclusion, favourable tax regimes, and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
From your initial Nulla Osta application through to obtaining your residence permit, at Notary.co.uk we will ensure every document meets Italy’s strict legalisation standards, giving you confidence that administrative issues won’t derail your investment plans.
For assistance, please contact us by emailing info@notary.co.uk or calling 020 7630 1777. We’re always pleased to be of assistance.
FAQs
What are the four investment options for Italy’s Golden Visa?
You can invest €250,000 in an innovative Italian startup, €500,000 in an Italian limited company, €1 million in a philanthropic project, or €2 million in Italian government bonds.
Do I need to live in Italy permanently with a Golden Visa?
No, there’s no minimum stay requirement, though you must maintain your investment and comply with other legal obligations throughout the validity period.
How long does the Italy investor visa application take?
The total processing time from initial application to receiving your residence permit typically takes three to four months, though some cases may extend to six months.
Can I include my family in my Italy Golden Visa application?
Yes, you can add dependents to your application, and they’ll also receive residence permits alongside yours.
When can I apply for permanent residency or Italian citizenship?
You can apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence and for Italian citizenship after 10 years (or four years for EU citizens), provided you maintain your investment and meet all requirements.