Want to Live and Work in Italy Without Citizenship? Here’s What U.S. Investors Should Know

Dreaming of relocating to Italy but don’t have Italian citizenship or family ties? You’re not alone. Many U.S. investors are looking for ways to live and work in Italy while enjoying the lifestyle, culture, and business opportunities the country offers. The good news is that you don’t need ancestral roots to build a life in Italy—there’s a direct and viable path through Italy’s Investor Visa program.

What Is the Italy Investor Visa?

The Italy Investor Visa for foreign nationals is designed to attract non-EU citizens who can make a significant contribution to the country’s economy and society. It allows you to live in Italy for up to two years, with the option to renew for an additional three years, and eventually transition to long-term residency.

Who Can Apply?

This visa is ideal for non-EU citizens—like U.S. investors—who are willing to make qualifying investments in Italy. You don’t need to have any prior business presence in Italy or family links. What you do need is a commitment to support the country’s economic development through one of several investment routes.

Qualifying Investment Options

To qualify for the visa, you must choose one of the following four investment paths:

1. €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
2. €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company (or €250,000 if the company is an innovative startup)
3. €1 million donation to a public interest project in the fields of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, or preservation of cultural and natural heritage

These options offer flexibility, allowing investors to choose the vehicle that best aligns with their financial strategy and goals—whether that’s supporting innovation, building equity in a company, or contributing to meaningful social causes.

What Are the Benefits?

• No prior residency or family links required
• Fast-track application process through a centralized digital platform
• Ability to live and work in Italy
• Extendable visa with a potential pathway to long-term residency
• Family members can also apply for residency permits to accompany the primary applicant

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re exploring ways to live and invest in Italy, we can help you get started. Contact us to discuss your options and take the first step toward making Italy your new home.

Contact us today to get started

The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.

Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.

If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!

EB-5 Visa Business Plans

EB5 Business Plans

L1A Business Plans

L Visa Business Plans

L-1 Visa Business Plans

E2 Business Plans

E2 Visa Business Plans

E1 Business Plans

E1 Visa Business Plans

Business Plan for Investor Visa

Business Plans for Immigration

Business Plan for Visa Application

Market Analysis

Feasibility Studies

Investor Visas Business Plans

NIW Business Plans

NIW Personal Endeavor Plan

NIW Personal Statement

EB-2 Visa Business Plans

Visa Business Plans