The Investor Visa for Italy Committee examines and approves all Italian Golden Visa applications. Its decision, called the Nulla Osta, confirms that the applicant and investment meet Italy’s legal requirements. Understanding how the committee works helps investors prepare their documentation accurately and avoid procedural delays.
What is the Italy Investor Visa Committee?
The Investor Visa for Italy Committee operates within the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). It includes representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, and the Italian Revenue Agency.
Its role is to:
- verify the legal origin and ownership of funds
- confirm that the proposed investment meets the legal framework in Article 26-bis of Legislative Decree 286/1998
- review criminal-record documentation
- confirm that the proposal aligns with Italy’s public-interest objectives
This committee ensures that investor visa applications are assessed using consistent national criteria.
What is the Nulla Osta?
The Nulla Osta is the certificate that confirms an investor visa application satisfies all legal and financial requirements. It must be obtained before applying for the investor visa at an Italian consulate.
The Nulla Osta is valid for six months, during which the investor must file the visa application. It is an essential step in the process but does not grant residence itself.
How to apply for the Nulla Osta
Step 1: Online submission
Applications are submitted through the Investor Visa for Italy portal.
Applicants create an account, select the investment category, and upload identification, proof of funds, and supporting documents.
Step 2: Secretariat review
The Secretariat, based at MIMIT, checks that the file is complete. If documents are missing or unclear, the Secretariat requests clarification before forwarding the application to the committee.
Step 3: Due diligence and verification
The Secretariat and participating ministries review:
- the lawful origin and traceability of funds
- the applicant’s criminal-record certificates covering the past ten years
- confirmation from a financial institution that the funds are available and transferable
These checks follow recognised anti-money-laundering standards.
Step 4: Committee evaluation
Once the file is complete, the committee examines the application.
According to official guidance, the committee aims to issue a decision within 30 days of receiving a complete file, though complex cases may take longer.
Step 5: Nulla Osta issuance
When approved, the applicant receives an electronic Nulla Osta. The Italian consulate selected by the applicant is notified so that the visa process can begin.
Step 6: Visa application and entry
The applicant uses the Nulla Osta to apply for the two-year investor visa. After the visa is issued, they enter Italy, apply for a residence permit within eight days, and complete the investment within three months.
What documents does the committee review?
A complete application typically includes:
- passport and proof of residence outside Italy
- criminal-record certificates from each country of residence over the past ten years
- details of the intended investment or donation
- bank statements showing available funds
- a bank letter confirming AML and KYC verification
- a declaration describing the lawful source of funds
- a signed statement committing to complete the investment
- certified translations and legalisations where required
Incomplete or outdated documentation is the most frequent cause of review requests.
How long does approval take?
The committee generally decides within 30 days once all required documents are provided.
The Nulla Osta remains valid for six months, during which the applicant must submit the visa request to the relevant consulate.
Common reasons for requests or clarifications
The committee may ask for additional information when:
- translations are missing or incomplete
- the evidence of fund ownership is insufficient
- criminal-record certificates are older than accepted limits
- the investment type is unclear or does not match a qualifying category
Most cases are resolved through updated submissions rather than rejections.
What happens after committee approval
After receiving the Nulla Osta:
- The investor applies for the two-year visa at the consulate.
- Upon arrival in Italy, they apply for the residence permit within eight days.
- The investment or donation is completed within three months.
- The Ministry is notified once the transaction is executed.
The residence permit remains valid for two years and can be renewed for three additional years if all conditions are met.
Renewal and oversight
Renewal requires confirmation that the investment or donation remains in place and that the investor continues to meet residence and compliance obligations.
If these conditions are not met, the residence permit can be revoked. The Secretariat may perform checks to confirm compliance.
Why the committee structure matters
Having a centralised committee ensures that every investor visa application follows the same standards. It avoids inconsistent decisions across consulates and provides applicants with clear documentation and process guidance.
For investors, this structure means predictable procedures and consistent evaluation across investment categories.
Best practices for applicants
Applicants can improve their chances of smooth approval by:
- preparing all required financial and legal documents in advance
- using certified translations for non-Italian documents
- providing transparent proof of fund ownership and AML verification
- working with advisors familiar with both immigration and tax coordination
These steps help avoid delays and align the application with Italy’s formal review standards.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Italy Investor Visa Committee?
It is an inter-ministerial body under the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy that reviews investor visa applications and issues the Nulla Osta certificate.
How long does committee approval take?
The committee typically decides within about 30 days of receiving a complete application.
Can I update my application after submission?
Yes. Applicants can upload corrected or additional documents through the online portal during review.
How long is the Nulla Osta valid?
It is valid for six months from issuance. The visa application must be submitted within that period.
Does the Nulla Osta guarantee visa issuance?
It confirms compliance with program requirements, but the consulate still verifies general entry conditions before issuing the visa.
Get in touch to find out more.