Italy

Invest €250K+ towards innovation — obtain PR status and access citizenship after 10 years.

EU Residency

Start-Up Option

Schengen Access

Overview

Italy offers a rare combination of historical prestige, cultural richness, and modern lifestyle infrastructure. As the third-largest economy in the Eurozone and a founding member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Italy provides privileged access to European markets and mobility. With a population of over 58 million, widespread English proficiency in urban centers, and a strong expat community, Italy is both welcoming and globally connected.
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The country’s economy is fueled by world-renowned industries including fashion, manufacturing, luxury goods, tourism, food and wine, and advanced engineering. Italy also offers an investor-friendly legal and tax environment, with attractive flat tax regimes and access to Europe’s robust healthcare and education systems. Whether you're looking to relocate, invest, or retire, Italy delivers both lifestyle and strategic value.

Why Italy?

Italy is more than a destination—it’s a European lifestyle strategy. Residency in Italy offers you and your family the right to live anywhere in the country, with visa-free access to all 26 Schengen countries. Enjoy a high quality of life surrounded by art, architecture, and culinary excellence, while benefiting from Italy’s modern infrastructure and safety.
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Italy also offers a unique tax regime for new residents, including a €100,000 flat tax on foreign income, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals looking to preserve capital while gaining EU access. Both business-oriented investors and passive income earners have clear and structured pathways to long-term residence and potential citizenship. With a minimum physical presence and family-friendly policies, Italy is a flexible and rewarding option for global citizens.

Discover how Italy can fit into your global strategy.

Italy Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)

A direct and prestigious route to Italian residency for individuals making qualifying investments in the Italian economy.

Qualifying Investments:

€250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
€500,000 in a limited company incorporated in Italy
€2,000,000 in Italian government bonds
€1,000,000 philanthropic donation to support public interest projects

Highlights

2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years, leading to permanent residency and citizenship after 10 years
No minimum physical presence required to maintain status
Fast-tracked application process (typically 90–120 days)
Includes spouse and dependent children
Eligible for Italy’s flat tax regime (€100,000 on worldwide income)

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Financially Independent Persons (FIP) Visa

The FIP visa is ideal for retirees, digital nomads, and self-sufficient individuals looking to live in Greece without making a large capital investment.

Eligibility Requirements:

Stable passive income of €2,000/month (plus €400 for spouse and €300 per child)
Proof of long-term lease or property ownership in Greece
Valid health insurance for all applicants

Advantages

Two-year renewable residence permit
No investment required—income can come from pensions, dividends, rent, or savings
Right to enroll in private healthcare, send children to school, and rent or own property
Can transition to long-term EU residency or citizenship after 7 years

Italy - Investment

Italy’s Investor Visa offers a fast, flexible pathway to residency in one of Europe’s most culturally rich and strategically located countries. With no physical presence requirement and a wide range of investment options, it’s a compelling route for high-net-worth individuals seeking EU access and long-term security—without giving up existing citizenships.

Key Benefits

Renewable 2-year visa leading to permanent residency and citizenship

No language, education, or business background requirement

Includes spouse and dependent children

Live anywhere in Italy and travel visa-free across 26 Schengen countries

Multiple investment routes available, including startups, government bonds, and philanthropy

Requirements

To qualify for Greece’s Golden Visa, applicants must:

To qualify for Italy’s Investor Visa, applicants must:

Choose one of the following qualifying investments:

€250,000 in an innovative Italian startup

€500,000 in a limited company incorporated in Italy

€2,000,000 in Italian government bonds

€1,000,000 donation to a project of public interest (culture, education, immigration, research)

In addition, applicants must:

Maintain the investment for a minimum of 2 years

Provide proof of lawful source of funds

Have valid health insurance

Demonstrate accommodation and sufficient income to support themselves and their family in Italy

Application Process

Consultation

Discuss eligibility and select the optimal investment route with Harper Greene advisors and Italian legal partners

Apply for Nulla Osta

Submit documents and investment commitment to the Italian Ministry of Economic Development (processing time: ~30 days)

Visa Application

Apply for a 2-year Investor Visa at the nearest Italian consulate

Travel to Italy

Enter Italy and apply for a 2-year residence permit

Investment Activation

Complete the investment within 3 months of arrival

Renew Residence Permit:

After 2 years, renew for 3 additional years

Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship

After 5 years of residence, apply for permanent residency; after 10 years, apply for citizenship

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Minimum Stay Requirements

Italy’s Investor Visa has no strict physical presence requirement for maintaining residency. However:

To qualify for permanent residency, you must reside in Italy for 5 consecutive years

To qualify for citizenship, you must reside in Italy for 10 years (with integration, language, and civic knowledge)

This flexibility makes the program ideal for investors looking to establish an EU foothold without mandatory relocation.

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Residency in italy through strategic investment

Access the EU. Live where culture meets opportunity.

Residency by investment with flexibility, legacy, and European mobility.

Italy’s Investor Visa allows global investors to live in one of Europe’s most desirable countries—with full access to the Schengen Zone, family inclusion, and a path to long-term residency and citizenship.

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€250,000–2M investment

Visa-free access to 26 Schengen countries

Family included under one application

No physical stay requirement to maintain visa

Potential Return on Investment

Minimal stay

Renewable visa leading to PR and citizenship

Pathways to Portugal

Investment

Enterpreneurship

Italy - Business

Italy’s Business Migration route offers a practical, cost-effective path to EU residency for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals. With low capital requirements and access to the Schengen Area, it’s ideal for those looking to build or transfer their business to a secure, culturally rich European base.

Key Benefits

Establish and operate your own business in Italy

Live and work legally anywhere in Italy

Includes spouse and dependent children

Access to public education, healthcare, and EU travel

Pathway to permanent residency and Italian citizenship

Requirements for Applicants

To qualify under the Italy Self-Employment / Business Visa, applicants must:

Present a viable business plan with projected revenue, jobs, or innovation

Show sufficient funds to support themselves (~EUR 8,500+ annually)

Provide proof of professional credentials or relevant experience

Secure registration with a local Chamber of Commerce (if required)

Demonstrate access to appropriate premises, contracts, or clients

Obtain prior clearance (“Nulla Osta”) from relevant professional or regional authorities

For startup entrepreneurs, applicants may also apply through the Italian Startup Visa program, if backed by a certified incubator or investment fund.

Application Process

Consultation & Feasibility

Evaluate your business concept with Harper Greene advisors and Italian partners

Prepare Business Plan & Documents

Include proof of funding, housing, health insurance, and credentials

Apply for Nulla Osta

Submit application to the relevant Chamber of Commerce or regional authority for clearance

Consular Visa Application

File for the Self-Employment Visa at an Italian consulate in your country

Relocate to Italy

Enter Italy and apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days

Operate Business & Renew Permit

Renew after 1 year, then every 2 years with proof of continued activity

Apply for Permanent Residency & Citizenship

After 5 years, apply for long-term residency; after 10 years, for citizenship

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Minimum Stay Requirements

To maintain and renew your residence permit:

You must reside in Italy for at least 183 days per year

You must actively operate your business or continue self-employed activities

For citizenship, you must show continuous residence for 10 years with proof of integration (language, civic understanding)

Learn More

Build and Thrive in St. Lucia

Caribbean enterprise gateway with global reach and citizenship potential

St. Lucia’s enterprise route provides a business-focused pathway to second citizenship—ideal for entrepreneurs seeking Caribbean access and tax efficiency, with no physical stay requirement.

Visa-free access to 145+ countries, including the UK, EU Schengen, and Singapore

Citizenship eligibility through enterprise investment (USD 3.5M solo / USD 6M joint)

Full family inclusion (spouse, dependents, parents)

No tax on global income and no wealth, inheritance, or capital gains taxes

No relocation required — 100% remote-friendly application and maintenance

Launch And Live In Italy As A Self-Employed Professional

Build your business. Access the EU. Thrive in Italy.

Residency for entrepreneurs and professionals—no large investment required.

Italy’s Business Migration Visa allows self-employed individuals to create, own, and manage a business in one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations—with full family inclusion and access to permanent residency.

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Low-cost entry and flexible structure

Visa-free travel across 26 Schengen countries

Includes family: spouse and dependent children

Renewable visa leading to permanent residency

Potential Return on Investment

Minimal stay

Start or transfer your own business

Pathways to Portugal

Investment

Enterpreneurship

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the visa and billing.

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Portugal and meet the legal requirements may apply.
2. What are the current qualifying investment options?
€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the current qualifying investment options?

€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the minimum stay requirements?

Golden Visa holders must spend:
14 days in Portugal during the first 2-year period
21 days over the following 3-year period

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents under the same application.

Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements, such as language proficiency and ties to Portugal.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get in touch

Trusted expertise

Our Track Record

With over 25 years of collective experience, Harper Greene is a trusted advisory firm specializing in global citizenship and residency solutions. We offer bespoke investment strategies to businesses, families, and high net-worth individuals - seamlessly integrating immigration solutions with corporate structuring, legal, tax, and other regulatory considerations.

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures clients receive comprehensive, compliant, and future-ready advice.

Offices worldwide

Years of experience

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Clients advised

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the visa and billing.

Who is eligible to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa?

What are the current qualifying investment options?

€500,000 in a regulated investment fund
€500,000 into a company creating 5+ jobs
€250,000 in support of arts, culture, or heritage (reduced to €200,000 in low-density areas)

What are the minimum stay requirements?

Golden Visa holders must spend:
14 days in Portugal during the first 2-year period
21 days over the following 3-year period

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. The program allows inclusion of a spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents under the same application.

Does the Golden Visa lead to citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years of legal residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet basic requirements, such as language proficiency and ties to Portugal.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get in touch

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