Italy Investor Visa processing drops to 2 to 3 months for Nulla Osta approval

Italy's investor visa now clears in roughly two to three months

Italy overtook Vanuatu in early 2026 as the fastest major investment-migration option, based on average days from complete application to residence permit, according to the IMI Processing Times Tool. Dominica's citizenship-by-investment program also sped up against its 2024 baseline, though real-world cases still average about 9.3 months against a brochure pitch of three to six.

Italy's Investor Visa runs through the Investor Visa for Italy Committee, which issues a Nulla Osta clearance before consular visa issuance. Specialist firms report straightforward files closing in two to three months, while on-the-ground reports cite 90 to 110 days just to reach Nulla Osta, putting realistic end-to-end planning closer to six months for families. Qualifying investments start at €250,000 ($270,000) in an innovative Italian startup, rising to €500,000 ($540,000) for an Italian limited company, €2 million ($2.16 million) in government bonds or a €1 million ($1.08 million) philanthropic donation.

Who the speed gains actually help

Italy's route grants Schengen mobility as a resident and carries no explicit minimum-stay rule to maintain the investor permit, so location-independent expats can hold EU residence without full-time relocation. After five years of legal and continuous residence, with language and tax requirements met, holders can pursue EU long-term residence and eventually citizenship. Short-stay tourists see no change.

Dominica suits applicants who want a direct second passport without prior residence. Recent tightening matters: the program suspended most new Iranian applications, revoked dozens of citizenships since mid-2024 for misrepresentation and U.S. authorities downgraded B-1/B-2 visa validity for Dominican citizens, trimming a historic mobility perk.

Costs and steps for each route

Italy applicants secure committee pre-approval, apply at a consulate, then collect the residence permit after arrival. Government and consular fees are modest next to the investment itself, though legal and agent costs stack on top.

Dominica's two routes are the Economic Diversification Fund donation from $200,000 for a single applicant or approved real estate from $200,000 with a three-to-five-year hold. All-in costs run about $210,000 to $215,000 solo and $267,000 to $280,000 for a family of four, including due diligence fees, government processing and licensed-agent costs. An interview is now mandatory under wider Caribbean harmonization rules.

Check our country guides for destination-specific details and more visa updates.