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Indians planning to work and live in Italy should learn about the country’s Golden Visa program that allows you to fulfil your dream upon investing in their economy.
Italy’s Golden Visa allows Indians to live and work in Italy.
Italy, with its beautiful cities, stunning landscape, delicious cuisine and diverse offerings, is one of the dream destinations for globetrotters around the world. Now, imagine getting the opportunity to work, study and stay there on a long-term basis? Yes, you read it right!
Italy is now offering visitors a Golden Visa or the Investor Visa that allows you to fulfil this dream, provided you are a tourist willing to invest in the country’s economy. Here is what you need to know as an Indian hoping to live in Italy about the Golden Visa.
Italy’s Golden Visa
Introduced in 2017, the Golden Visa is an Italian government program that promotes foreign direct investments in the country and boosts its economy. Non-EU nationals, including Indians, who are looking to secure a residence visa can do so by acquiring the Golden Visa and investing in Italy’s economy. The initial validity period for this visa is two years. It can be renewed for up to three years.
Italy, being a dream country to visit, should make the Golden Visa an enticing option for many wealthy Indians. This visa helps you stay, work and study in the country with an initial two-year residence permit, which can be renewed for longer periods if the investment is maintained or extended. You can travel the entire Schengen Area via the Golden Visa.
Investment Options
The Golden Visa program offers these four investment options for those looking to move to Italy in the near future:
- €250,000 (approx Rs 2.57 crore) investment in an Italian innovative start-up.
- €500,000 (approx Rs 5.15 crore) investment in an Italian limited company.
- €2 million (approx Rs 20.6 crore) investment in Italian government bonds.
- €1 million (approx Rs 10.3 crore) donation to a philanthropic initiative in Italy.
Along with these investment amounts, Golden Visa holders may be required to pay additional residence permit fees, legal fees and renewal fees depending on the investment option chosen.
Who is Eligible?
The following are the eligibility criteria to acquire Italy’s Golden Visa to work and live in the beautiful country:
- The candidate should be 18 years or older.
- They must hold a valid passport.
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- Have sufficient funds to invest.
- Have invested within three months of entering Italy.
- Provide documentation of your funds.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Have comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Documents Required
The documents required to acquire the Golden Visa in Italy fall into three different categories: (a) documents for Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) application, (b) documents for Italian Investor Visa application and (c) documents based on the investment option chosen.
Applicants are required to provide all the necessary documents in these respective categories during the procedure, including a valid passport, an updated job CV, consent proof of the investment, bank statements, a signed declaration of commitment to the investment and intended stay in Italy.
How To Apply
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for Italy’s Golden Visa.
Step 1: Create a personal account on the Italian investor visa portal.
Step 2: Fill in the online application forms.
Step 3: Upload all required documents.
Step 4: Download and sign the final declaration before submitting it.
Step 5: Wait for the Committee’s preliminary check and evaluation. It usually takes about 30 days or more.
Step 6: Once approved, download your Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment).
Step 7: Apply for a 2-year investor visa at the nearest Italian consulate or embassy within the next six months.
Step 8: Enter the two-year visa validity period.
Step 9: Make sure to complete the investment requirement within three months of arrival in Italy.
Step 10: Based on the investor visa, apply for the residency permit within 8 days of your arrival.
Step 11: At the official portal to validate residency, provide the complete investment proof.
Step 12: You can renew the residency permit every 3 years by maintaining the investment and applying with a new Nulla Osta.
Delhi, India, India
October 26, 2025, 18:14 IST
