Moving to Italy from India

Indian citizens relocating to Italy generally need a residence route rather than a visa-free stay. Below are the main options we cover for Italy, plus how to find the one that fits your budget, income, family and goals. As an EU country, Italy can also offer Schengen access and, with genuine long-term residence, a potential path to citizenship.

Find your route Talk to us

Main routes — Italy

Italy Elective Residence Visa

The Italy Elective Residence Visa is a long-stay route designed for financially self-sufficient people — often retirees or those living on investments — who want to settle in Italy without working there. Approval centres on demonstrating stable, foreign-sourced passive income (such as pensions, rental income, dividends or annuities) rather than making an investment. Importantly, the route does not permit employment in Italy, and current guidance indicates this extends to remote work for foreign employers, so it is not a digital-nomad option. As of 2026 the program remains active and operational, but there is no single published statutory income figure; consulates apply practice thresholds that vary by location. This is a general overview, not legal advice — professional review is recommended to assess whether it is an initial route match for your situation.

View route

Italy Investor Visa (Golden Visa)

The Italy Investor Visa, often called the Italian Golden Visa, is an investment-based residence route that lets non-EU nationals obtain an Italian (and therefore Schengen-area) residence permit by making a qualifying investment or donation in Italy. It is currently active in 2026. It is best known for two features: the capital is typically committed only after preliminary approval, and the permit usually carries no minimum-stay requirement, making it a flexible EU base. It may be potentially suitable for higher-budget investors and entrepreneurs who want an EU foothold, Schengen mobility and optional access to Italy's lifestyle and tax-planning tools, without committing to full-time relocation. This is general information and an initial route match only, not legal or tax advice; professional review is recommended because eligibility, amounts and rules vary by applicant, location and current regulations.

View route

How to start

1
Take the free matcher, or send us your details.
2
We confirm the best-fit route for your situation.
3
A licensed local partner handles the application end to end.

Common questions

As a non-EU nationality, you'll generally need a residence route rather than relying on visa-free entry for a long-term move. The options above are the common starting points; exact requirements depend on your situation and current rules.

It depends on your income, budget, family and goals. The free Global Route Matcher ranks the options for you in a few minutes, and a specialist can then confirm the best fit.

No. This is general route-matching information only, not legal advice.