Can Bitcoin Buy You Residency in Italy?

In this episode Mark Mason interviews Alessandro Palombo, the lawyer‑turned‑entrepreneur behind Bittersenship, to explore whether Bitcoin can actually buy you residency in Italy. Palombo explains the Bitcoin Golden Visa Fund, a crypto‑backed investment vehicle that satisfies Italy’s residency requirements while preserving digital ownership. Drawing on his legal background, academic work on smart contracts, and experience advising governments on blockchain legislation, he frames citizenship as a legacy system that Bitcoin can modernize. The conversation highlights how the fund leverages Bitcoin’s price stability and transparency to streamline the traditionally cumbersome visa process.

The discussion moves to market dynamics, noting that Bittersenship launched its first product in Portugal in summer 2024 and quickly attracted over €25 million in pre‑commitments. By the end of the year the company secured two million euros for its Italian program, signaling strong demand for crypto‑aligned residency solutions. Palombo chose Singapore as the corporate hub because of its common‑law framework, tax efficiency, and reputation as a world‑class startup city. The recent investment from Balaji Srinivasan, a respected figure in the crypto‑venture space, adds further credibility and underscores the growing intersection of blockchain finance and immigration policy.

For business leaders, the episode illustrates a broader shift toward digital sovereignty and border‑less mobility. As governments grapple with outdated visa regimes, crypto‑backed funds like Bittersenship offer a scalable, compliant alternative that aligns with the rapid adoption of decentralized finance. The model also raises strategic considerations around regulatory compliance, cross‑jurisdictional structuring, and the role of high‑profile investors in legitimizing emerging financial products. Ultimately, the conversation suggests that Bitcoin‑enabled residency could become a mainstream pathway for global talent, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking flexible, secure access to European markets.