Italy Passport by Investment

Unlike other countries in Europe, Italy does not currently offer a formal “Citizenship by Investment” program, which allows individuals to obtain citizenship directly through investments. However, although it is not possible to get an Italian passport by investment, there are other legal ways for obtaining Italian citizenship or residence, some of which may involve financial contributions.

How can you get an Italian Passport by Investment?

Italian Residency by Investment (Golden Visa Program)

Italy offers a “Golden Visa” program, which grants residence permits to foreign investors who meet certain investment requirements. This is often seen as a pathway to eventual citizenship, though it is not immediate. Key investment options under this program include:

• Real Estate Investment: Investors must purchase real estate in Italy with a minimum value of €500,000. The investment can be in residential or commercial properties.

• Business Investment: Investors can make a business investment in Italy by either:

  • Creating a new business or investing in an existing one with a minimum capital investment of €250,000 for small businesses.
  • €500,000 for larger businesses or startups with high potential for innovation and employment.

• Government Bonds: The investor may buy Italian government bonds or invest in financial assets of Italy with a minimum investment amount of €2 million.

• Philanthropy and Charitable Donations: Investors who donate €1 million or more to an approved Italian charitable organization or fund supporting social projects may be eligible.

Once the investor has held a residency permit for a sufficient number of years (typically 10), they may apply for Italian citizenship.

Italian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

If you have Italian ancestry, you may be eligible for Italian citizenship through Jure Sanguinis (right of blood). Italy allows individuals to claim citizenship if they can trace their ancestry to an Italian citizen, with no generational limit in some cases. This can be a quicker and more direct pathway than investing.

Foreign nationals married to Italian citizens can apply for Italian citizenship by marriage after 2 years of residency in Italy, or 3 years if living abroad (reduced to 1 and 2 years, respectively, if they have children together).

Italian Passport by Investment through the Naturalization route

Foreign nationals who have lived in Italy legally for at least 10 years (with proof of integration, stable income, and a clean criminal record) may apply for citizenship by naturalization.

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