Italy’s Golden Visa allows eligible investors to obtain residence rights that can, over time, lead to citizenship through naturalisation.
While the visa provides a renewable residence permit, citizenship is a separate process based on documented residence, integration, and compliance.
For investors planning for permanence, understanding this ten-year pathway is essential.
The link between the Golden Visa and citizenship
The Investor Visa for Italy, established under Article 26-bis of Legislative Decree 286/1998, grants renewable residence permits to non-EU investors.
Citizenship is governed by Law 91/1992, which allows non-EU nationals to apply for naturalisation after ten years of continuous legal residence.
The two frameworks are separate but connected. The Golden Visa provides the residence foundation. Citizenship eligibility arises only after uninterrupted residence and full adherence to the requirements in Italian nationality law.
Continuous residence means holding valid permits, maintaining municipal registration, and complying with Italian tax and legal obligations throughout the period.
Timeline from residence to citizenship eligibility
| Years | Status | Key requirement |
| 0–2 | Initial residence permit (Golden Visa) | Complete the qualifying investment and maintain registration in Italy |
| 3–5 | First renewal | Demonstrate that the investment remains active and valid |
| 5–10 | Long-term residence | Maintain residence continuity, renew permits on time, and remain tax compliant |
| 10+ | Citizenship application | Submit naturalisation request through the local Prefettura |
How long after obtaining the Italy Golden Visa can you apply for citizenship?
Non-EU investors may apply after ten years of continuous legal residence. The period starts when the first residence permit is issued, not from the Nulla Osta.
Requirements for citizenship by naturalisation
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Continuous residence in Italy for at least ten years
- Valid residence permits throughout the period
- Adequate and stable income, meeting thresholds based on the social allowance and official guidance
- Clean criminal record in Italy and abroad
- Knowledge of Italian at B1 CEFR level or higher, proven through an accredited certificate
- Evidence of integration, usually supported by tax filings, social contributions, and municipal records
Financial documentation should show adequate income for the past three years, adjusted for family size.
Preparing during the residency years
Applicants planning to apply for citizenship should manage residence obligations carefully.
Keep municipal registration current.
Every resident must remain registered with the local Anagrafe. Lapses can interrupt residence continuity.
Maintain complete records.
Keep copies of each residence permit, renewal receipt, tax declaration, and proof of address.
File tax returns regularly.
All residents, including those under the Flat Tax regime, must meet annual filing requirements.
Avoid extended absences.
Prolonged time abroad can interrupt legal residence and restart the ten-year period.
Plan renewals in advance.
Each renewal requires proof that the investment remains valid and residence is uninterrupted.
Systematic record-keeping helps establish a clear history of compliance for future citizenship review.
The naturalisation process step by step
- Gather documentation – residence certificates, tax compliance evidence, and criminal-record extracts.
- Submit application – file through the Italian Ministry of the Interior Citizenship Portal.
- Attend Prefettura appointment – confirm identity and present the language certificate.
- Administrative review – authorities assess residence history, tax compliance, and legal standing.
- Decision and oath – processing often takes up to 24–36 months, sometimes longer; once approved, the oath must be taken within six months.
Family and dependants
Family members included under the Golden Visa may maintain residence alongside the main applicant.
Each adult family member can apply for citizenship after completing ten years of residence in their own name.
Children who have lived in Italy with continuous, legal residence during their minority may access specific routes to citizenship at 18, including the right to apply within one year of reaching adulthood if they meet the conditions in Law 91/1992.
Common questions
Does the Golden Visa automatically lead to citizenship?
No. The Golden Visa provides residence rights; citizenship requires a separate process after ten years of residence.
Is full-time presence in Italy required?
Italy must be the main place of residence. Regular travel is allowed, but prolonged absences can interrupt the residence count.
Must the investment stay active for the entire ten years?
The investment must remain in place for as long as the investor residence permit depends on it. Once a person transitions to another legal residence basis, such as long-term EU residence, citizenship eligibility depends on residence continuity and compliance.
Can the ten-year period be shortened?
No. Italian law fixes the requirement at ten years for non-EU nationals, with exceptions only for ancestry or marriage cases.
Documentation and consistency
Citizenship by naturalisation relies on complete, traceable records. Missing registrations, expired permits, or inconsistent filings can delay or invalidate eligibility.
Applicants who maintain organised documentation for renewals and tax filings usually experience a more straightforward review later.
Keep digital and printed copies of all permits, residence certificates, and annual tax submissions.
Why Italy’s framework encourages long-term residence
Italy’s ten-year rule reflects its emphasis on genuine residence and integration.
For international investors, it provides a predictable structure: begin with an investment, maintain residence, and build an evidence-based record over time.
This steady approach allows families to plan their relocation, education, and business interests with clarity.