Italian Visas

No. The qualifying investment is made after the Investor Visa for Italy is approved and after you enter Italy. This structure significantly reduces financial risk during the Italian Investor Visa application process.

No. One of the key benefits of the Italian Investor Visa (Italy’s residency by investment program) is that there is no requirement to live in Italy full-time, offering maximum lifestyle flexibility.

Yes. Immediate family members, including a spouse and dependent children, may apply through family reunification in Italy, allowing them to legally reside in Italy with you.

In most cases, no. The approved qualifying investment must remain in place for the duration of the Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) unless specific authorization is granted by the Italian authorities.

The initial Italy Investor Visa is issued for 2 years. It may be renewed for an additional 3 years, provided the investment is maintained and all renewal requirements are met.

Market fluctuations are generally acceptable. As long as the qualifying investment for the Italian Investor Visa is maintained and not withdrawn, temporary changes in value typically do not affect visa validity.

Yes. Time spent legally residing in Italy under the Investor Visa counts toward long-term Italian residency. If residency requirements are met, it may eventually lead to Italian citizenship by residency.

No. There is no Italian language requirement to apply for or renew the Italian Investor Visa.

There is no strict minimum stay requirement. However, you must continue to meet all conditions of the Italy Investor Visa, including maintaining the qualifying investment.

Qualifying investments are defined by the Italian government and may include:

– Investments in Italian companies
– Innovative Italian startups
– Italian government bonds
– Approved philanthropic or cultural contributions

After entering Italy with the Investor Visa, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno within the required timeframe to formalize your legal residency in Italy.

Yes. Once your Italian residence permit is issued, you may travel freely within the Schengen Area, subject to standard Schengen travel limits.

Withdrawing the qualifying investment before the end of the visa period may result in non-renewal or revocation of your Italian residence permit.

No. The Elective Residency Visa does not permit employment, freelance work, or remote work. This includes working for foreign employers while residing in Italy.

Acceptable passive income may include pensions, rental income, investment dividends, annuities, or other recurring income not derived from active work.

There is no fixed threshold. Income requirements vary by consulate, but applicants must demonstrate stable, ongoing income sufficient to support themselves without working.

Savings alone are usually not sufficient. Consulates typically require proof of recurring passive income, though savings may strengthen an application when combined with income.

No. Applicants may rent or own property. However, they must show long-term accommodation suitable for residency, such as a registered lease or property deed.

The initial visa allows entry into Italy. Once in Italy, applicants apply for a permesso di soggiorno, typically issued for one year and renewable annually.

Yes. Time spent legally residing in Italy under the Elective Residency Visa counts toward long-term residency, provided renewal requirements are met.

Potentially. After meeting long-term residency requirements and other legal criteria, applicants may become eligible for Italian citizenship by residency.

There is no language requirement to apply for the visa. However, basic Italian proficiency may later be required for long-term residency or citizenship applications.

Processing times differ by consulate and are influenced by workload and documentation. Although decisions are often issued within several weeks to a few months, applicants should be prepared for a processing period of up to 90 days, which is the legal timeframe allotted to consulates.

Yes. Once your residence permit is issued, you may travel freely within the Schengen Area, subject to standard Schengen rules.

Yes. Unlike some other visa types, the Elective Residency Visa is intended for individuals who actually reside in Italy, not occasional visitors.

Both employees and freelancers can qualify, provided the work is performed remotely and income comes from outside Italy.

Applicants must meet a minimum annual income threshold (linked to Italian salary benchmarks), demonstrating sufficient financial means to support themselves while living in Italy. This threshold changes from year to year. As of right now it is €24,789.

The visa is generally issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal if requirements continue to be met.

Yes. Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Italy is required for the entire duration of the visa.

Yes. After entering Italy, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) and register your address with local authorities.

Time spent in Italy on a Digital Nomad Visa may count toward long-term residency requirements, which can eventually lead to permanent residence or citizenship, subject to eligibility.

Applications are submitted through the Italian consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over your place of legal residence.

Processing times vary by consulate and individual circumstances, but applicants should plan to wait up to 90-120 days. Applications may be processed faster at some consulates.

Eligible programs include university degrees, master’s programs, exchange programs, language schools, and other accredited educational institutions.

Yes. An official enrollment or acceptance letter from a recognized Italian institution is required.

Yes. Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses for the duration of their stay in Italy.

Yes. Student visa holders may work part-time, up to a legally permitted number of hours per week (usually only 20) provided employment complies with Italian regulations.

The visa is typically issued for the length of the academic program and can often be renewed annually.

Yes. Students must have valid health insurance coverage for Italy, either private or through enrollment in the Italian public healthcare system after arrival.

Within eight days of arrival, you must apply for a permesso di soggiorno per studio (student residence permit).

Time spent in Italy on a Student Visa may partially count toward long-term residency, depending on future immigration status and continuity of residence.