In many EuropeanimmigrantsOf the destinations.Immigration to ItalyIt has been attracting many Chinese families by virtue of its strong cultural flavor, comfortable pace of life and relatively affordable housing prices. However, the purchase of real estate immigration in Italy is really reliable? Is it like Portugal, Spain, as buy a set of houses can take the identity?
With the gradual updating of Italy's policy on investor status in 2025, this article will take you through it in one articleThe Truth, Thresholds and Misconceptions of Buying a Home for Immigration in Italy, to avoid stepping on potholes.
First, Italy has a "home purchase immigration" policy?
Let's start with the conclusion:Italy does not have an official "buy-to-let" program.The
In other words.Simply buying a home does not directly qualify you for residency.The Italian government has not set up a fast track to buy a house in exchange for residency. Unlike Portugal's Golden Residency, the Italian government has not set up a fast track to buy a house in exchange for residency.
However, the purchase of a home can be used as an application for other types of visas and residencesubsidiary condition, for example:
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Investor Visa
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Self-employment or Entrepreneurship Visa
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Retirement Residence (Elective Residence Visa)
Therefore, "home ownership" is not the main channel in the immigration pathway, but plays a role inProviding a stable residence and proving ability to liveThe role of the
Secondly, what are the popular paths for home buyers to migrate to Italy in 2025?
1. Retirement Residence Visa (Elective Residence Visa)
The most popular path for middle-aged and elderly Chinese applicants. For non-EU persons with passive income and long-term residence in Italy.
Application requirements include:
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Stable monthly income of not less than 2,600 euros (about 3,500 euros for couples)
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Have a legal residence in Italy (own or long term rental)
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No need to work, only for retired or wealth free people
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Full medical insurance and no criminal record
✅ Advantage of purchasing a property: owning a property can be used as a proof of "stable residence", which is beneficial to the visa application.
2. Investor Visa + House Purchase
Although the purchase of a home is not considered an official type of investment, it will add points to the application profile as a sign of asset strength.
Investment conditions include:
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Investments of not less than 1 million euros in Italian companies
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Or invest in innovative start-ups from €250,000
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Or donate 1 million euros to support public programs
Applicants are free to purchase a home to live in after obtaining a visa, and the property itself is not used as a basis for the main application, but is practical.
3. Transfer of status through permanent residence
Many Chinese apply for long term residence (cata) after 5 years of legal stay in Italy through study, work or self-employment visas and apply for naturalization after 10 years. Purchasing a home during this period reduces the cost of renting while having a positive effect on social integration.
C. Analysis of Italian Real Estate Policy and Investment Trends in 2025
The Italian property market is experiencing a period of relative stabilization, with a large number of low-priced, high-quality properties still available, especially in the southern and central cities.
✅ House price trends:
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Prices stabilize in Milan, Rome, Florence and other citiesSuitable for long-term investment
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Prices in Sicily, Naples and elsewhere as low as tens of thousands of eurosbut poorly supported and weakly mobile
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Smaller cities and villages still have "1 euro room" programs, suitable for in-depth living experiences but requiring investment in renovations
✅ Policy Highlights:
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No restrictions on foreigners purchasing properties
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Can be held permanently, no mandatory residency requirement
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Purchase tax is reasonable, buyers pay about 4~10% range
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All real estate transactions are notarized and the process is transparent and secure
⚠️ Note:
Although real estate investment can bring a stable residence and asset allocation opportunities, but can not be directly converted into identity, be sure not to gullibly believe the agent "buy real estate for free identity" type of propaganda.
Fourth, the reality of Italy's purchase of real estate immigration pros and cons
✅ Strengths:
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Housing prices are much lower than those in the United Kingdom and the United States, and you can realize a cost-effective European-style life.
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Can be used as a supporting document for residency applications to enhance the image of stability
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Suitable for families with multi-purpose integration of retirement, education, and living
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Strong asset preservation ability, can be rented out for income
❌ Limitations:
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No direct access to identity
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Required to be paired with other legal visa programs
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Unfamiliar language, culture, legal system, need for adaptation period
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Low mobility and long turnaround time in certain areas
V. Suggestions: Who is suitable for choosing the path of "home purchase + immigration"?
Home ownership in Italy is essentially a "Lifestyle investments", rather than simply "status access". If you fall into one of the following categories, you may want to seriously consider it:
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Middle class or high net worth individuals with certain assets who pursue culture and quality of life
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Families who plan to have their children study in Italy and want to have a stable residence
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Retirees, wishing to settle in Europe, manageable healthcare and living expenses
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Those who intend to develop a long-term career and are willing to transition their status from work, study abroad and other paths
Conclusion:
Is it reliable to buy a house in Italy? The answer is: reliable, but can not "rely solely on the purchase of real estate".
In the 2025 policy environment, homeownership can be yourImmigration to ItalyIt is an important step, but it must be paired with a legal visa type, a real life plan, and long-term intentions. Instead of expecting shortcuts, think of immigration as a long journey filled with cultural experiences and life values.