With its pleasant climate, rich cultural heritage, excellent medical and educational resources and favorable business environment, Italy has become the center of manyimmigrantsThe ideal destination for For those wishing to invest or start a business throughImmigration to ItalyThere are three main types of visas available for those who are not:Golden Visa, Investor Visa and Start-up VisaIn this article, we will analyze the application requirements, advantages, applicants and main differences of these three types of visas. In this article, we will analyze in detail the application requirements, advantages, applicable people and main differences of these three visas to help you choose the most suitable immigration program for yourself.
I. Italy Golden Visa (Golden Visa)
Golden VisaIt is an Italian immigration program designed to attract high net worth investors for those who wish to obtain residency through real estate investment.
1. Conditions of application
- Purchase of value in Italy Not less than 300,000 euros property (some areas may require more than 500,000 euros).
- Applicants are required to provideProof of legal incomeIn order to ensure that you have sufficient financial means to sustain your life in Italy.
- hold (passport, views etc)medical insuranceThe basic medical needs of the Italian territory are covered.
- No criminal record.
2. Main advantages
✅ low threshold: Compared to other investment visas, the investment amount for home buyers is low.
✅ No mandatory residency requirement: Holders of a Golden Visa are not required to reside permanently in Italy and are only required to maintain ownership of the property.
✅ Possibility of applying for permanent residence: You can apply for permanent residency (PR) after 5 years of ownership and naturalization after 10 years.
3. Suitable for the population
- People who wish to obtain long-term residency through real estate investment.
- People who plan to live in Italy but do not wish to be restricted by strict residency requirements.
- Retirees or investors who wish to own an overseas property as a vacation home.
II. Italian Investment Visa (Investor Visa)
Investor Visa It is an immigration program launched by the Italian government to attract funds from abroad and to encourage foreigners to make large investments in the country.
1. Conditions of application
Applicants need to fulfill one of the following investment requirements:
- Investment of 250,000 euros in innovative local Italian startups.
- Investment of 500,000 euros Register your company or business in Italy.
- Purchase of 2 million euros of Italian government bonds (minimum 2-year holding).
- Donation of 1 million euros For public welfare, such as cultural heritage preservation, scientific research or educational institutions.
2. Main advantages
✅ Fast Approval: The approval time for investment visas is faster (about 3-4 months) compared to home purchase immigration.
✅ Family members can apply together: Spouse and children may receive bothResidence in ItalyIdentity.
✅ No language requirement: Italian language skills are not required for applicants.
✅ Free passage through the Schengen area of the European UnionholdResidence in ItalyThe permit allows free travel to 26 Schengen countries.
3. Suitable for the population
- High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), who are willing to invest to obtain residency.
- Entrepreneurs or investors who plan to develop in Italy on a long-term basis and have a certain level of capital strength.
- Those who wish to provide their families with a better European education and living environment.
III. Italy Start-up Visa (Start-up Visa)
business start-up visa（The Start-up Visa is a visa category for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Italy. Compared to the Golden Visa and the Investment Visa, the Start-up Visa has lower financial requirements, but requires the applicant to have a business background and an innovative project.
1. Conditions of application
- provide a copyInnovative Business Plan, proving that the company has a unique business model and market competitiveness.
- Minimum investment of EUR 50,000The funds must be deposited in an Italian bank account.
- Demonstrate that the company canCreate at least 2 jobs, promoting local economic development.
- Applicants are required to have somemanagement experienceor entrepreneurial background.
- Audited by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and recognized by local business incubators or investment funds.
2. Main advantages
✅ Lower investment requirements: Compared to the Golden Visa and the Investment Visa, the Entrepreneurial Visa has the lowest financial requirements.
✅ government support: The Italian government encourages innovative businesses with tax incentives and incubation support.
✅ Fast Approval: The Italian Ministry of Economic Development will review and respond to the application within 30 days.
✅ Can apply for permanent residence after 5 years: Entrepreneurial visa holders may apply for permanent residence after meeting the residency requirements.
3. Suitable for the population
- Entrepreneurs or skilled people with innovative business ideas.
- Those who plan to establish a technology, financial, medical or other high value-added business in Italy.
- People with some entrepreneurial experience who want to expand their international business through the Italian market.
IV. Comparative summary of the three visas
| Visa Type | Minimum investment amount | primary condition | Suitable for people | Speed of approval | Long-term residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | Euro300,000 (purchase of house) | Purchase of eligible properties | Investors wishing to acquire residency through the purchase of a home | 6-12 months | Available after 5 years |
| investment visa | EUR 250,000 (innovative enterprises) EUR 500,000 (business investments) EUR 2 million (government bonds) | Legal source of funds, no criminal record | High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), Entrepreneurs, People who wish to enjoy the freedom of movement in the EU | 3-4 months | Available after 5 years |
| business start-up visa | Euro 50,000 | Innovative business plan | Entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial background and management experience | 1-2 months | Available after 5 years |
V. How to choose the right immigration program?
- If you wish to go through real estateinvestment immigrationand do not wish to have a time limit on residency, the Golden Visa is the most suitable option.
- If you have sufficient funds and wish to obtain Italian residency quickly, an investment visa is the best solution.
- If you have entrepreneurial plans and are willing to start a company in Italy, the entrepreneurial visa has the lowest threshold and is supported by the government.
VI. Conclusion
Italian immigration policyRelatively liberal, the Golden Visa, the Investment Visa and the Entrepreneurial Visa each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different types of applicants. If you wish to move to Italy and enjoy a quality life in Europe, you may wish to choose the right visa according to your situation. With the continuous optimization of the immigration policy in 2025, now is the right time to apply for theImmigration to Italyof a good time!
