VIEN

Italy residency by investment

Introduction

The Italy residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) helps investors obtain an Investor Visa (Golden Visa) — EU residence rights from €250,000 EURO with the fastest processing time in Europe, just 3–4 months.
Invest in startups, businesses, government bonds, or philanthropic projects in Italy, including your spouse, children, and dependent parents. No requirement for permanent residence, free travel within the Schengen Area. Path to permanent residency after 5 years, EU citizenship after 10 years.
Introduction to Italy residency by investment

Programme Overview

Investment level

From €250,000 EURO (innovative startups) to €2,000,000 EURO (government bonds). Businesses from €500,000 EURO. Philanthropic projects from €1,000,000 EURO. No real estate option.

Processing time

Approval of the Nulla Osta in 30–90 days. Total process from application to receiving the residence card is just 3–4 months — the fastest among EU Golden Visa programmes.

Benefits

Right to live, work, and study in Italy. Free travel throughout the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in every 180-day period. Access to the Italian national healthcare system.

Residence requirement

No requirement for permanent residence to maintain and renew the residence card. However, permanent residency (after 5 years) and citizenship (after 10 years) require a minimum residence of 183 days/year.

Family

Includes spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in the same application. No additional investment required for dependents. Fast family reunification process.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence. Italian citizenship after 10 years of legal residence. Italy allows dual citizenship. Italian passport provides visa-free access to over 170 countries.

Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa

Flexible EU residency
The Golden Visa grants a 2-year residence card, renewable for 3 years, with no requirement for permanent residence. Investors are approved before committing capital — reducing investment risk.
Free movement in Schengen
Free travel throughout all 29 Schengen countries. Golden Visa residents are exempt from the EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS — no need to register biometrics each time you enter the Schengen Area.
EU citizenship pathway
After 10 years of legal residence, investors are eligible to apply for Italian citizenship. Italy allows dual citizenship. Italian passport provides visa-free access to over 170 countries, including the right to live and work in any EU country.
Benefits of the Italy Golden Visa
Attractive tax incentives
Lump Sum Tax regime: €300,000 per year on all foreign-sourced income, applicable for up to 15 years. Family members pay an additional €50,000 per person. Pension tax regime in the South: only 7% on pension income.
Quality of life
Italy possesses the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, world-class cuisine, and a public healthcare system ranked highly globally. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many Western European countries, particularly in the South and rural areas.
Fastest processing in the EU
Nulla Osta approval in just 30–90 days, with no backlog like some other programmes. The entire application process is in English and fully online.

Residency by investment pathway

Innovative startup

Innovative startup

Minimum investment of €250,000 in an innovative startup approved by the Italian government. The list of startups is updated weekly on the Italian Chamber of Commerce portal. This is the lowest investment threshold among EU Golden Visa programmes. Suitable for investors willing to accept higher risk in exchange for a lower minimum investment.
Italian business

Italian business

Minimum investment of €500,000 in shares of a limited liability company in Italy. The business must be operational and have at least one financial report. This is the most popular option, balancing a reasonable investment amount with higher stability than a startup.
Italian government bonds

Italian government bonds

Italian government bonds: minimum €2,000,000, with a minimum term of 2 years. Philanthropic projects (culture, education, research, immigration): minimum €1,000,000, as a non-refundable contribution. Suitable for investors who prioritise absolute capital safety (bonds) or charitable purposes (philanthropic projects).

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Proof of the legal source of all investment capital. Provide a confirmation letter from a bank that complies with FATF standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

Investment level

Innovative startup: €250,000. Business: €500,000. Philanthropic project: €1,000,000. Government bonds: €2,000,000. Investment must be completed within 3 months after entering Italy.

Residence in Italy

Investors must purchase or rent residential property in Italy after approval. Residential property does not count towards the qualifying investment, but it is a mandatory requirement to receive a residence permit.

Health insurance

Must have valid health insurance in Italy. After receiving the residence permit and registering for a tax code (codice fiscale), investors can register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN).

Education and language

No requirement for Italian language proficiency, academic qualifications, business experience, or a maximum age limit. Investors must be 18 years of age or older. The entire application process is in English.

Background

No criminal record (police clearance certificate and certificate of no pending prosecution). Not subject to an entry ban to Italy or the EU. Must pass the vetting process of the Investor Visa for Italy Committee (IV4I).

Implementation process

Obtain an Italy Golden Visa for the whole family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and selection

PLI specialists assess financial conditions, residency goals, and family size. Consultation on selecting the most suitable investment form: startup, business, bonds, or philanthropic project. PLI connects clients with immigration lawyers and reputable investment partners in Italy. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Apply for Nulla Osta

PLI coordinates with Italian lawyers to prepare and submit the application for Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) online via the Investor Visa portal. The IV4I Committee vets and approves the application. Note: investors are approved before committing capital. Duration: 30–90 days.

Apply for an entry visa

After receiving the Nulla Osta, the investor applies for an Investor Visa at the Italian consulate in Vietnam. The entry visa is valid for 6 months from the date the Nulla Osta is issued. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Entry and receipt of residence permit

The investor enters Italy and, within 8 days, applies for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the local Questura. Complete the investment within 3 months. Rent or purchase residential property. Receive a 2-year residence permit. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Renewal, permanent residency, or citizenship

Renew the residence permit for an additional 3 years if the investment is maintained. After 5 years of continuous residence: eligible to apply for permanent residency (EU Long-Term Residence Permit), with no further need to maintain the investment. After 10 years of residence: eligible to apply for Italian citizenship. An Italian passport offers visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Italy residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed consultation, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

From €250,000 for a government-approved innovative startup — the lowest level among EU Golden Visa programmes. Other forms: €500,000 (business), €1,000,000 (philanthropic project), and €2,000,000 (government bonds). There is no real estate option. Programme conditions are as announced by theItalian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.

Only 3–4 months — the fastest among EU Golden Visa programmes. Nulla Osta approval usually takes 30–90 days, followed by applying for an entry visa and residence permit in a few weeks. There is no backlog like some other programmes.

The Golden Visa includes a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. No additional investment is required for dependents. Dependents receive the same residence rights, including the right to work in Italy. The family reunification process is fast and has no backlog.

There is no requirement for frequent residence to maintain and renew the residence permit. However, if one wishes to apply for permanent residency (after 5 years) or citizenship (after 10 years), the investor must reside for at least 183 days/year in Italy.

No. Italy does not have a real estate option in the Golden Visa programme. Investors can purchase property to live in Italy (a mandatory requirement after receiving the visa), but the property does not count towards the qualifying investment.

Yes. This is a major advantage of the Italian programme. Investors receive the Nulla Osta (pre-approval) first, then complete the investment within 3 months after entering Italy. This minimises financial risk compared to programmes that require investment before submitting an application.

Yes. After 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy (183 days/year), the investor is eligible to apply for citizenship. Italy allows dual citizenship — there is no need to renounce Vietnamese citizenship. An Italian passport offers visa-free travel to over 170 countries. EU citizens only need 4 years of residence.

Lump Sum Tax regime for new residents: €300,000 per year on all foreign-sourced income, applicable for up to 15 years, with family members at €50,000 per person. Pension tax regime in the South: only 7% on pension income. Impatriate regime: 50% income tax reduction for employees moving to Italy (60% if they have young children).