Italian Citizenship by Buying Italian Property

Many people choose to obtain Italian citizenship for various reasons. Often they have familial ties within the country; all foreign nationals will have to follow a set of rules and provide the requisite documentary evidence before applying for citizenship. Although marriage and investment in Italy are just two of the categories that can provide Italian citizenship, can anyone gain citizenship by buying property in Italy? Our Italian lawyers (Avvocati) can assist you.

In this guide, we will outline how purchasing property in Italy can result in attaining Italian citizenship.

We will examine each aspect in the four sections of this guide:

the possibility of gaining citizenship through property purchase,
the investment for citizenship,
the qualifications for Italian citizenship.

We will also outline how our Avvocati (Italian lawyers) at Giambrone and Partners can help.

Click on the links below to jump to that section:

Can I Gain Citizenship if I Buy Property in Italy?

Learn how you can become an Italian citizen by buying property in Italy

The Amount of Investment Needed in Italy to Obtain Citizenship

Here’s how much you should invest in the Italian economy to qualify for citizenship

Can I Buy Property in Italy if I’m not an Italian Citizen?

Buying an Italian property despite not being an Italian citizen

Routes to Achieving Italian Citizenship

How you can qualify to become an Italian citizen

How Giambrone and Partners Can Help

How we can assist

Can I Gain Citizenship if I Buy Property in Italy?

Buying property in Italy does not automatically confer citizenship. Italian citizenship is primarily based on the principle of jure sanguinis (Blood right), which means you may be eligible if you have Italian ancestors. Also, long-term legal residency and significant economic contributions to Italy can also pave the way towards citizenship. However, these paths to citizenship are subject to strict conditions and regulations.

Investing in property can lead to a residency permit, which over a considerable period of time and under certain conditions can put you on the path to citizenship. This is under the Golden Visa programme, or the Italian Investor Visa.

Seeking advice and guidance from an English-speaking Italian avvocati (lawyer) can help you through the processes and submit a correct application.

The Amount of Investment Needed to Obtain Italian Citizenship

Italy does have an Investor Visa programme in which direct financial investment can lead to citizenship. This visa requires a minimum investment of:

€2 million invested in Italian government bonds
€1 million invested in an Italian limited company
€500,000 invested in an innovative start-up company

An Italian Investor visa extends for two years and can be renewed for another three years. After five years, anyone holding such a visa can apply for permanent residency.

This programme does not include real estate investments. Acquiring property in Italy could be part of a broader strategy that could assist in acquiring Italian Citizenship.

Can I Buy Property in Italy if I’m Not a Citizen?

Yes, foreign nationals can buy property in Italy even if they’re not citizens. There are no restrictions on property ownership for non-residents. For those seeking to live in Italy long-term there are visa options, such as elective residence visas or work visas available.

However, in order for a foreign national to buy Italian property there must be a reciprocal international treaty in place between their home country and Italy. Citizens from the European Union (EU) can already automatically buy property in Italy.

You can find out more about gaining Italian citizenship in our advice centre here.

Routes to Achieve Italian Citizenship

Italian citizenship can be obtained through several methods: by descent, through marriage, by naturalization, or by adoption.

By descent (Jure Sanguinis): this is for those who have Italian forefathers such as parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents.
Through marriage: foreign nationals married to Italian citizens can apply for citizenship after two years of legal residence in Italy, or after three years if they live abroad.
By naturalization: this is for those who have legally resided in Italy for a period of time. The duration varies based on your current nationality; generally, it is ten years.
By adoption: foreign minors who are adopted by Italian citizens are usually eligible for Italian citizenship.

Each route to citizenship has its particular requirements.

How Giambrone and Partners Can Help

Our Italian lawyers (Avvocati) have an extensive knowledge and experience in assisting British citizens to gain Italian citizenship. They can guide you through the application process, and can communicate with the Italian consulate on your behalf.

To find out more, get in touch with our qualified team today.