Does purchasing a property in Italy grant a visa and residence permit?

In Italy, unlike other European Union countries, the purchase of a property by a non-EU citizen does not automatically entitle the buyer to obtain a visa or residence permit.
However, buying a property can be one of the factors that allows non-EU citizens interested in moving to Italy to access, along with meeting additional requirements, various types of visas and residence permits.

Purchasing property in Italy as a foreigner and potential restrictions

In general, Italian law allows foreigners to purchase property on Italian territory. However, this right is subject to the so-called “reciprocity condition”: this means that citizens of third countries that do not allow Italians to purchase property in their own territory or that impose restrictions on such purchases may also face limitations when trying to buy property in Italy.
Verifying the fulfillment of the reciprocity condition is therefore one of the key steps a foreign buyer must take before proceeding with a purchase.

Buying a property in Italy through programs like “Bando Residenzialità” and “One-Euro Homes”

From Tuscany to Sicily, from Piedmont to Lazio, passing through Puglia, Molise, and Campania: there is hardly a region in Italy that in recent years hasn't launched initiatives by small municipalities offering homes for 1 euro in picturesque but nearly deserted villages, or public tenders such as the “Mountain Residentiality Program” to encourage the purchase of properties and relocation of residence. These initiatives, which aim to attract new residents to small towns in order to revitalize historic villages and combat depopulation, are often appealing to foreigners who dream of buying property in Italy and moving to the country.
However, those interested in participating in these programs must keep in mind that, in addition to the symbolic price, municipalities often impose key conditions for participation—such as committing to renovate the property within a certain timeframe, actually residing in the village, or engaging in activities aimed at improving quality of life in these areas, often populated only by the elderly and lacking services. While these offers are certainly attractive and can represent a great opportunity for foreigners looking to settle in Italy, it's advisable to pay close attention to the conditions and requirements, which must be strictly followed.

So what visas are available for those who want to move to Italy after purchasing a property?

As mentioned, Italian immigration law does not provide a specific visa or residence permit automatically granted to property buyers. However, there are several valid alternatives—first and foremost, the elective residence visa and permit. Non-EU citizens who have access to a property they intend to designate as their residence (for example, because they have purchased a home or apartment in Italy) and who have sufficient financial resources from passive income sources (investments, rental income, pensions, annuities, etc.) can apply for an elective residence visa at the Italian Consulate in their country of residence. Once granted, this visa allows the holder to obtain a residence permit in Italy, which can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the eligibility requirements continue to be met .The elective residence visa does not allow the holder to engage in any form of work (neither employed nor self-employed) in Italy. Therefore, applicants must be able to live exclusively off the passive income that justified the visa's issuance.

For those who wish not only to enjoy life in Italy without working, but also to have the option of engaging in professional activity, the alternatives—aside from residence permits for work, study, or family reasons—may include:

• Investor visa, provided the applicant is willing to invest at least €2 million in government bonds, €500,000 in shares of Italian companies, €250,000 in innovative startups, or €1 million in philanthropic projects of social interest.
• Digital nomad or remote worker visa, for applicants who intend to work remotely as freelancers or employees of foreign or Italian companies while living in Italy.

Although Italy does not currently offer a visa program specifically tied to real estate investment, alternatives do exist, and those who want to buy property and relocate to Italy certainly have several promising options to explore.

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The content of this article aims to provide a general guide on the topic. It is necessary to seek specialist advice regarding your specific situation.