While the world watched Canada struggle with backlogs and the Mediterranean real estate visas vanish, Italy quietly perfected a dual-track innovation model. As we enter 2026, the Italian "Golden Visa" ecosystem offers two distinct architectures: one for the Active Founder and one for the Passive Investor.
This is for the entrepreneur who wants to build and lead. It is arguably the most cost-effective entry point into the EU for high-talent individuals.
Minimum Capital: €50,000.
The Architecture: You must establish a new "Innovative Startup" (or join an existing one with €100,000).
The "Nulla Osta" Advantage: The central committee (Startup Hub) typically issues the clearance in 30 days.
The 2026 Reality: Under new rules, your startup can maintain its "innovative" status for up to 9 years, providing a much longer runway for growth and residency stability.
2. The Investor Visa: Startup Option (The Capital Track)
This is the "Golden Visa" in its truest financial sense. It is designed for those who want residency without the day-to-day operational burden.
Minimum Investment: €250,000.
The Asset Class: You invest in an existing innovative startup already listed on the Italian Business Register.
Financial Speed: This is 10x faster than traditional pathways. You obtain your 2-year residency permit before you are required to commit the capital.
No Stay Requirement: Unlike the Startup Visa (which assumes you are working), the Investor Visa has no minimum stay requirement, making it the ultimate "Plan B" for global executives.
In terms of capital requirements, the Startup Visa requires a minimum of €50,000, while the Investor Visa (Startup Option) requires €250,000. Regarding role and involvement, the Startup Visa is designed for an active Founder or Director who will operate the business, whereas the Investor Visa is intended for a passive Shareholder with no day-to-day management responsibilities. Processing time for the Startup Visa typically ranges from three to four months, while the Investor Visa follows a fast-track pathway of around three months. Physical presence is generally expected under the Startup Visa due to business operations, but no minimum stay is required under the Investor Visa. Both programs allow family inclusion, covering spouse and children. From a tax perspective in 2026, Startup Visa holders may benefit from a 50% inbound worker tax reduction, while Investor Visa holders may opt for Italy’s €200,000 flat tax regime on global income.
The "Flat Tax" Power Play
As a former banker, I pay close attention to the fiscal envelope. Italy’s €200,000 Lump Sum Tax (on all foreign-sourced income) is a major draw for high-net-worth individuals moving in 2026. If you have significant global assets, this flat tax often outweighs the cost of the investment itself within the first 24 months.
About the Author
Michel Verdy is a Retired Canadian Bank Executive, a renowned Finance Immigration Product Architect, and the CEO and Founder of VGlobal Partners, established in 2011 in Hong Kong. He also serves as the President and Co-Founder of the Quebec Vietnam Association (Association Québec Vietnam).
With over 30 years of experience in the North American financial sector, Michel has facilitated over $3.7 billion CAD in direct investments since 1993, helping more than 10,000 families achieve their global citizenship goals. Having held senior leadership roles at major institutions—including BMO, Scotiabank (ScotiaMcLeod), and Laurentian Bank Securities—he brings institutional banking rigor to the immigration landscape. Based in Vietnam since 2021, he is a key strategic advisor for high-net worth individuals and governments seeking high-integrity, expert-led expansion into the Canadian market.