Italy's Investor Visa demand nearly triples in two years

As of November 2026, demand for Italy's Investor Visa has nearly tripled in two years, according to ministry figures first reported by IMI Daily. Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) recorded 279 applications between 1 January and 13 October 2026, already more than in any previous full year. In the 12 months to September 2026, investors filed 340 applications, 2.7 times the 125 filed in 2024.

US citizens filed 160 of this year's 279 applications, more than all nationalities combined in 2024. The €250,000 innovative start-up route drew 79 applications by 13 October, against 32 in all of 2025, doubling its share to about 28%. The €500,000 Italian company route remains the most used, with 191 applications this year.

Since the programme opened in 2018, 899 applications have been filed and 782 certificates of no impediment (nulla osta) issued. The figures were released by MIMIT under a freedom of information request and published by IMI Daily on 3 November.

The thresholds are unchanged: €250,000 in an innovative start-up, €500,000 in an Italian company, a €1 million philanthropic donation or €2 million in government bonds. Successful applicants receive a two-year residence permit, renewable for three years, with no minimum stay.