Before you can apply for an investor’s visa to Italy, you have to go through the security check procedure. In particular, you have to obtain the Nulla Osta (zero obstacles) certificate from the Investor Visa Committee in Italy. The procedure is performed online and it takes about six month. When you have the certificate, you can apply for an investor’s visa to Italy to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. This application is processed within one month. The visa is valid for two years and it can be extended for three more years later. After you have resided in Italy for five consecutive years, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence. After spending ten years in the country, you can become an Italian citizen by naturalization.