A new report published on 30 December has reignited interest in Italy’s Investor Visa—popularly known as the Golden Visa—by highlighting its relatively low cost and speedy processing when compared with rival EU residency-by-investment schemes. Introduced in 2017, the programme grants a two-year renewable residence permit to non-EU nationals who invest as little as €250,000 in an innovative Italian start-up or €500,000 in an established company. Alternatives include €2 million in government bonds or a €1 million philanthropic donation.
The Economic Times analysis emphasises two factors drawing corporate entrepreneurs: no minimum stay requirement and the right to visa-free movement across the 27-state Schengen Area. Processing averaged three to four months in 2025—faster than comparable schemes in Portugal or Spain—and successful applicants may apply for long-term EU residency after five years and Italian citizenship after ten, subject to language and integration tests.
For global mobility teams the visa offers a strategic foothold in Europe without the payroll and substance obligations that accompany start-up visas or blue-card routes. High-net-worth executives can base themselves in Milan or Rome while overseeing regional operations, and companies can leverage the permit to anchor senior talent pending a full corporate relocation.
![Italy’s Golden Visa draws fresh spotlight as investors weigh Schengen access in 2026 planning]()
VisaHQ, a leading provider of international visa support, can further simplify this process. Through its Italy-dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/), applicants gain access to real-time document checklists, appointment scheduling, and ongoing case tracking—all designed to shave weeks off standard timelines and minimise the paperwork headaches that often deter busy investors.
Taxation remains a draw. Italy’s “new resident” regime allows qualifying individuals to cap tax on foreign income at €100,000 per year for 15 years, while inbound workers may obtain a 50 per-cent income-tax exemption for five years. Together, the packages make Italy one of the lowest-tax EU options for mobile capital.
The catch is growing compliance complexity. From 11 January 2026, long-stay visa applicants—including Golden Visa and Elective Residence—must provide biometric fingerprints at consulates, extending appointment times and costs. Advisers recommend beginning applications at least six months ahead of target relocation dates to secure slots under the new regime.
The Economic Times analysis emphasises two factors drawing corporate entrepreneurs: no minimum stay requirement and the right to visa-free movement across the 27-state Schengen Area. Processing averaged three to four months in 2025—faster than comparable schemes in Portugal or Spain—and successful applicants may apply for long-term EU residency after five years and Italian citizenship after ten, subject to language and integration tests.
For global mobility teams the visa offers a strategic foothold in Europe without the payroll and substance obligations that accompany start-up visas or blue-card routes. High-net-worth executives can base themselves in Milan or Rome while overseeing regional operations, and companies can leverage the permit to anchor senior talent pending a full corporate relocation.
VisaHQ, a leading provider of international visa support, can further simplify this process. Through its Italy-dedicated portal (https://www.visahq.com/italy/), applicants gain access to real-time document checklists, appointment scheduling, and ongoing case tracking—all designed to shave weeks off standard timelines and minimise the paperwork headaches that often deter busy investors.
Taxation remains a draw. Italy’s “new resident” regime allows qualifying individuals to cap tax on foreign income at €100,000 per year for 15 years, while inbound workers may obtain a 50 per-cent income-tax exemption for five years. Together, the packages make Italy one of the lowest-tax EU options for mobile capital.
The catch is growing compliance complexity. From 11 January 2026, long-stay visa applicants—including Golden Visa and Elective Residence—must provide biometric fingerprints at consulates, extending appointment times and costs. Advisers recommend beginning applications at least six months ahead of target relocation dates to secure slots under the new regime.
