The Definitive Guide to Italy's Investor Visa.
The 2026 edition covers investment routes, tax strategy, application process, program comparisons, source-of-funds requirements, and the citizenship pathway.
Written for high-net-worth individuals and Bitcoin investors.
Free download. Delivered straight to your inbox.
The four investment pathways compared side by side
Step-by-step application process with real timelines
Italy's €300K flat tax regime
Source-of-funds requirements, especially for Bitcoin and crypto holders
Italy vs. Portugal vs. Greece vs. Hungary vs. Malta — honest comparison
The five mistakes that kill applications — and how to avoid them
From residency to citizenship — the 10-year roadmap
Why This Guide Exists
Portugal eliminated real estate from its golden visa. Spain killed its program entirely. Greece tripled its Athens threshold.
One by one, Europe's traditional residency-by-investment options are disappearing.
Italy's Investor Visa remains stable, affordable, and open — but most investors don't know how it actually works.
This guide gives you the complete picture in 26 pages.
Portugal eliminated real estate from its golden visa. Spain killed its program entirely. Greece tripled its Athens threshold.
One by one, Europe's traditional residency-by-investment options are disappearing.
Italy's Investor Visa remains stable, affordable, and open — but most investors don't know how it actually works.
This guide gives you the complete picture in 26 pages.
11 chapters covering every aspect of the Italian Investor Visa, from eligibility to citizenship.
Updated for 2026 with the latest regulatory changes, including the new €300K flat tax threshold.
Dedicated chapter on Bitcoin and crypto source-of-funds — the #1 challenge for digital asset holders.
Side-by-side comparison of every major EU golden visa still operating in 2026.
Real timelines, real costs, real pitfalls; not marketing fluff.
Includes a step-by-step action plan so you know exactly what to do next.
Four things every investor needs to understand before applying.
The €250K Startup Route
Why the innovative startup pathway is driving most applications; and the due diligence framework you need before investing a single euro.
Italy's Flat Tax Regime
€300K/year on all foreign income for up to 15 years. How it works, who qualifies, and why it makes Italy the most tax-efficient residency in Europe.
Source of Funds for Crypto
Exchange records, chain analysis, tax compliance — the complete documentation checklist for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency holders.
The Citizenship Pathway
Zero presence for residency, but genuine residence for citizenship. The 10-year roadmap and the critical planning decisions you need to make from day one.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making immigration or investment decisions.
11 chapters. 26 pages. Everything from the investment decision to the Italian passport.
1st step
The case for Europe's best-kept secret, lowest entry point, fastest processing, four flexible routes, and a flat tax regime no other country can match.
2nd step
€250K startup, €500K company, €1M donation, €2M bonds, each route explained, plus a full due diligence framework for the startup pathway.
3rd step
Step-by-step from Nulla Osta to residence permit in 3–4 months. Plus Italy's €300K flat tax — how to combine it with the visa for maximum benefit.
4th step
The documentation the Comitato actually requires — especially for crypto. Plus the five errors that delay or kill applications.
5th step
Italy vs. every competitor, head to head. And a new category: startups that hold Bitcoin treasury while qualifying for the visa.
Alessandro Palombo, Ph.D.
Alessandro builds ventures at the intersection of Bitcoin, citizenship, and global governance.
Founder of Bitizenship and Zerra; part of the Draper Nation founding team.
Raised €25M+, advised governments, and shaped policies via advisory to institutions.
Writes about sovereignty, mobility, and the future of global living.
Read his weekly on Substack and daily commentaries on X.
Bitizenship Services
Global mobility specialists
We operate with over 25 partners worldwide.
End-to-End Concierge:
Compliance, KYC, legal filings, biometrics, assisted by our team.
Flat advisory fee:
No hidden service costs.
Proven Track Record:
To date, every eligible client has secured residency.
Yes, spouses and dependent children and parents qualify under one application.
Subscriptions can be made in EUR. If you prefer to convert other assets, our regulated partner can facilitate a compliant exchange before subscription.
- Investors must maintain the investment for at two years to renew and extend residency rights.
- The start-up allows investors to excercise a withdrawal right every 2 years.
No minimum stay is required to keep the visa, making it flexible for investors who do not plan to permanently relocate.
This webpage is for informational purposes only and is managed by Bitizenship Italia S.r.l. All rights reserved.
The guide does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Immigration laws and tax regulations change frequently. Always consult qualified professionals before making investment or immigration decisions. The information reflects our understanding as of February 2026 and may not capture subsequent legislative changes.
"The Bitcoin Dolce Visa" is a communication concept created by Bitizenship to describe a compliant opportunity under Italy's Investor Visa framework (Art. 26-bis of Legislative Decree 286/1998) linked to a Bitcoin-focused Innovative Startup; it is not an official government designation.
Gain European residency and citizenship for you and your family. Enjoy the freedom to live, work, do business.
