Italy Now Joins Greece, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus in Offering Golden Visas : What It Means for Your European Travel and Investment Plans

Published on
February 13, 2026

Italy has long been celebrated for its rich art, culture, and cuisine, but increasingly, it’s gaining attention for its residency-by-investment program—the Italian Investor Visa, which has emerged as a serious alternative to Greece’s Golden Visa. This scheme offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to live, work, and study in Italy, and it is especially attractive to globally mobile families, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking European access without the immediate relocation or ongoing physical residence typically required by other programs.

With qualifying investments starting from as low as €250,000, Italy’s Investor Visa is becoming a popular option for those who want more than just a real estate investment. It offers a unique opportunity for applicants to gain access to the European Union, enjoy Italy’s lifestyle, and, ultimately, leverage the residency as a strategic pathway to broader opportunities in the Schengen Area.

What Italy’s Investor Visa Offers

The Italian Investor Visa provides several compelling benefits for foreign investors and their families. Successful applicants are granted Italian residency, which allows for unrestricted visa-free travel across the Schengen Area. This enables up to 90 days of travel within any 180-day period across 26 European countries, offering both business and leisure travelers incredible mobility without the need for additional visas.

Unlike some other residency programs that are primarily focused on real estate investment, Italy’s Investor Visa is investment-led and offers several options:

€250,000 into an approved innovative start-up.€500,000 into an Italian company.€2 million into Italian government bonds.

A major benefit of the program is its structure. Applicants receive approval before committing capital, which reduces upfront risks. Once approved, investors have up to three months to finalize their investment after entering Italy. This gives applicants more time to make informed decisions and ensures that they’re financially secure before taking the next steps.

Importantly, there is no minimum stay requirement for the residency permit, provided that the investment is maintained and the legal conditions for renewal are met. This flexibility makes it an appealing option for investors who are looking to secure European residency without the pressure of immediate relocation.

Processing Speed and Long-Term Security

Italy’s Investor Visa is known for its relatively fast processing speed, with most applicants receiving approval within three to four months of submitting their application. This swift processing is particularly advantageous for those seeking a quick route to European residency without waiting for extended periods.

Though not a citizenship-by-investment program, the Italian Investor Visa offers a long-term pathway to permanent residence. After five years, holders can apply for permanent residence in Italy, and subject to meeting residence and legal requirements, they may be eligible to apply for Italian citizenship after ten years.

Why Italy’s Investor Visa Appeals to South Africans

For South African families and entrepreneurs, Italy’s Investor Visa offers a blend of European access, stability, and lifestyle options. Italy’s strong healthcare system, world-class education institutions, and stable legal environment make it a desirable destination for South Africans looking to diversify their living situation or provide greater opportunities for their children.

For many, the Investor Visa represents a “Plan B” that offers long-term flexibility and future options, without forcing immediate emigration. The program allows a single application to cover spouses, children under 21, and dependent parents, making it an attractive family-oriented solution.

Italy’s tax regime also offers potential planning opportunities, particularly under its non-dom regime, which allows qualifying individuals to benefit from preferential tax treatment on foreign income. As with any international tax matter, however, specialist advice is recommended to navigate these opportunities effectively.

Practical Benefits for Travelers and Business Professionals

Beyond the visa’s investment components, the Italian Investor Visa provides travelers with seamless access to Italy’s renowned cultural and tourism assets. With its rich history, iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Venice canals, and the art treasures in Florence, Italy is an enduringly popular destination for travelers seeking cultural enrichment.

For business professionals, Italy’s central location in Europe offers strategic access to major European markets, as well as strong trade relationships with countries across the Mediterranean and beyond. Italy’s highly diversified economy includes industries such as manufacturing, fashion, and technology, offering numerous opportunities for business expansion.

Moreover, Italy’s culinary culture, stunning landscapes, and Mediterranean climate make it an incredibly attractive place to live, while providing excellent travel opportunities within the European Union.

Comparing Italy’s Golden Visa with Greece’s Residency-by-Investment

While Greece’s Golden Visa remains a popular choice for investors seeking European residency, Italy’s Investor Visa is increasingly being viewed as a competitive alternative. Greece’s Golden Visa program is real estate-driven, whereas Italy offers more diverse investment options, from start-ups to government bonds. The flexibility of Italy’s program, combined with its appeal as a lifestyle destination, has made it a rising star in the investment immigration sector.

Italy also provides an additional layer of appeal due to its strategic location within Europe, the ease of travel across the Schengen Area, and its diverse range of cultural and economic opportunities. For those looking to live, work, or invest in Europe with a focus on long-term options, Italy’s Investor Visa is a strong contender in the growing market of residency-by-investment programs.

Conclusion

Italy’s Investor Visa presents an appealing and flexible pathway to European residency, offering investors, entrepreneurs, and families a unique opportunity to live, work, and study in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Whether you’re looking for a change of lifestyle, business expansion, or educational opportunities, Italy’s residency program provides the flexibility and long-term security to meet your needs, making it one of the most practical options for today’s global travelers.