Investing in Italian Innovation: sectors eligible for the Investor Visa in 2025

Italy continues to attract forward-thinking investors by aligning its Investor Visa program with national growth priorities — particularly in innovation, green energy, and high-impact startups. If you’re considering residency by investment in Europe, 2025 is the year to look closely at Italy.

At Orience, we help international investors identify strategic opportunities that not only qualify for the Italy Investor Visa, but also contribute to sustainable growth and innovation across the country.

Why Italy’s Investor Visa stands out

Launched in 2017 and updated regularly to reflect economic goals, the Italy Investor Visa offers a renewable two-year residence permit in exchange for one of several qualifying investments. Options include:

€2 million in Italian government bonds
€500,000 in an Italian company
€250,000 in an innovative Italian startup
€1 million in philanthropic donations

The €250,000 startup investment remains one of the most attractive routes — especially for investors who want to support Italy’s booming innovation ecosystem while gaining legal EU residency.

Sectors of innovation eligible in 2025

Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development prioritizes startups and ventures that support the country’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). These are the areas to watch — and invest in — for visa eligibility and long-term value:

1. Tech and Digital Transformation

Italy is investing heavily in:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Fintech and Insurtech
Cybersecurity
SaaS platforms for SMEs
Digital infrastructure and cloud solutions

Startups in these areas not only qualify for the Italy Startup Visa, but also benefit from government incentives and EU funding programs.

2. Green Energy and Sustainability

As part of the EU Green Deal, Italy is accelerating investment in:

Renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
CleanTech and green building materials
Sustainable agriculture and agri-tech
Circular economy and waste reduction

Investors focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) values can directly support Italy’s decarbonization strategy — and qualify for the visa.

3. Biotech, Medtech, and Life Sciences

The post-pandemic push toward medical innovation has made biotech a national priority. Eligible ventures include:

Biopharma startups
Medical diagnostics and imaging
Telemedicine platforms
Health data and wearable tech

4. Mobility and Smart Cities

Italy is promoting smart mobility solutions, including:

Electric vehicle infrastructure
Micro-mobility (scooters, bikes)
Smart traffic and logistics
Public transport tech

These sectors align with urban development and EU sustainability targets, making them visa-eligible and future-ready.

Who should consider the Italy Investor Visa?

The Italy Investor Visa is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs looking to launch or support a European startup
Investors and VC funds expanding into Italy
Business professionals seeking a residency base in Europe
International families pursuing EU access, education, and mobility

Unlike passive real estate programs, Italy’s innovation-focused visa is for active investors who want to be part of the country’s transformation.

Benefits of investing through the Visa Program

✅ 2-Year renewable residence permit (with pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10)
✅ Visa-free access to Schengen Area
✅ Full family inclusion (spouse, minor children, and dependents)
✅ No physical stay requirement (ideal for international businesspeople)
✅ Tax incentives for new residents, including Italy’s €100K flat tax option

How Orience can help

At Orience, we specialize in residency-by-investment solutions tailored to your investment goals and mobility needs. With offices in Europe and expertise in Italy’s immigration and startup ecosystem, we guide you through: