Overview of the Investor Visa for Italy
The Investor Visa for Italy, often referred to as the "Dolce Visa," is a specific residency program designed for non-EU nationals who intend to make significant investments in the Italian economy. Governed by Article 26-bis of the Consolidated Law on Immigration (Legislative Decree 286/98), this visa allows for entry and long-term residence based on the commitment of capital toward specific sectors of the Italian market.
Unlike other residency options, such as the Elective Residence Visa, the Investor Visa grants the holder the right to work in Italy and does not strictly require a minimum physical stay of 183 days per year to maintain the permit, provided the investment is maintained. The program is managed digitally through a dedicated portal by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT).
Investment Categories and Thresholds
To qualify for the visa, applicants must choose one of four specific investment pathways. These thresholds are current for the 2025-2026 period. The investment must be maintained for the entire duration of the residency permit.
- Government Bonds: An investment of at least 2,000,000 EUR ($2,100,000 USD, Jan 2026) in Italian government securities (BTP, CCT, CTZ) with a remaining maturity of at least two years.
- Corporate Shares or Bonds: An investment of at least 500,000 EUR ($525,000 USD, Jan 2026) in an active limited company (S.p.A. or S.r.l.) that is incorporated and resident in Italy.
- Innovative Startups: An investment of at least 250,000 EUR ($262,500 USD, Jan 2026) in a company listed in the official Register of Innovative Startups.
- Philanthropic Donation: A non-refundable donation of at least 1,000,000 EUR ($1,050,000 USD, Jan 2026) to support a public interest project in the fields of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, or the restoration of cultural heritage.
The Two-Step Application Process
The application is divided into two distinct administrative phases: obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta) and applying for the visa at the competent consulate.
Phase 1: The Nulla Osta
Before applying for the visa, the candidate must obtain a Nulla Osta from the Investor Visa for Italy Committee. This process is handled entirely online via the official MIMIT portal. The applicant must submit:
- Proof of ownership and transferable nature of the required funds.
- A certification of the lawful origin of the funds (anti-money laundering compliance).
- A declaration of commitment to execute the investment within three months of entry into Italy.
- A clean criminal record and a valid passport.
The Committee typically issues a decision within 30 days of the submission of a complete application.
Phase 2: The Visa and Residence Permit
Once the Nulla Osta is issued (valid for six months), the applicant must apply for the actual "Investor Visa" at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. Upon receiving the visa, the applicant can enter Italy. Within eight days of arrival, the individual must apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno per Investitori (Investor Residence Permit) at the local Questura (Police Headquarters).
Executing and Maintaining the Investment
The core requirement of this visa is the actual transfer of funds. The investment must be executed in full within three months of the date of entry into Italy. Failure to complete the investment within this timeframe results in the revocation of the residence permit.
Note: The residence permit is initially valid for two years. It can be renewed for further three-year periods, provided the investment is maintained and remains in Italy for the entire duration.
Family Members and Permanent Residency
Holders of an Investor Visa are entitled to bring family members through the "Family Reunification" procedure. This applies to spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents under specific conditions. Family members will receive a residence permit of the same duration as the primary investor.
After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, the investor and their family members may apply for the EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Permanent Residency), provided they meet the general requirements of the law, such as language proficiency and minimum income thresholds. After ten years of legal residence, applicants may be eligible to apply for Italian Citizenship by naturalization.
Administrative Costs and Fees
The costs associated with the application vary depending on the country of application and the specific professional services utilized. Standard administrative fees include:
- Visa Fee: Approximately 116 EUR ($122 USD, Jan 2026) paid to the Consulate.
- Residence Permit Fee: Approximately 50 EUR ($53 USD, Jan 2026) plus administrative marks (Marca da Bollo) of 16 EUR ($17 USD, Jan 2026).
- Professional Fees: Depends on individual situation (legal and tax consultancy).
Useful Resources
For official updates and to begin the application process, please refer to the following institutional websites: