Investor Visa Italy: Visa Options for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Italy offers several residency pathways for foreign entrepreneurs and investors, coordinated with company formation. The three principal routes are the Investor Visa (for capital investors), the Start-up Visa (for innovative company founders), and the Self-Employed Visa (for professionals and sole traders).
Italian Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
The Italian Investor Visa — governed by Art. 26-bis of the Italian Immigration Consolidated Act (D.Lgs. 286/1998) — is available to non-EU nationals making qualifying investments in Italy. Four investment categories qualify:
- Government bonds: minimum €2 million in Italian government bonds, held for at least 2 years
- Equity in Italian companies: minimum €500,000 invested in Italian companies (non-listed)
- Innovative start-ups: minimum €250,000 invested in a qualifying Italian innovative start-up (registered in the special section of the Registro delle Imprese)
- Philanthropic donation: minimum €1 million donated to a public-interest project in Italy (education, scientific research, culture, or social initiatives)
The visa is issued for 2 years, renewable for 3-year periods, and gives immediate access to a 2-year residency permit. Family reunification is available from the date of issue.
Italy Start-up Visa
The Start-up Visa is specifically designed for non-EU founders who want to establish an innovative start-up in Italy. Requirements include a viable business plan assessed by a dedicated committee (Italia Startup Visa committee), a minimum liquid financial resource of €50,000, and registration as an innovative start-up in the Registro delle Imprese within one year.
The processing time is approximately 30 days from the committee assessment. The visa allows the founder to enter Italy to incorporate their start-up via the standard SRL formation process.
Self-Employed Residency Permit
Foreign nationals can obtain a self-employed work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro autonomo) to operate as a sole trader or freelancer in Italy. This route requires proof of sufficient financial resources, professional qualifications, and an Italian Partita IVA. It is typically combined with registered office setup.
EU Citizens
EU citizens have the right of free movement under EU Directive 2004/38/EC and do not require a visa or work permit to incorporate a company or work in Italy. Registration at the local municipality (Anagrafe) is required after 3 months of residence.
| Route | Min. Investment | Visa Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa (equity) | €500,000 | 2 years (renewable) | Capital investors in Italian companies |
| Investor Visa (start-up) | €250,000 | 2 years (renewable) | Investors in innovative start-ups |
| Start-up Visa | €50,000 (liquid) | 1 year (renewable) | Founders of innovative start-ups |
| Self-Employed Permit | None | 1–2 years | Freelancers and sole traders |
All visa routes are coordinated with company formation — we handle the incorporation of the Italian entity in parallel with the immigration application. Contact our team to assess which route fits your profile.