Investor Visa for Italy
Introduction
The Italy Golden Visa, also known as the “Investor Visa for Italy,” was introduced in 2017 by the Italian government to promote foreign direct investment. The visa offers non-EU nationals an opportunity to get a residence visa in exchange for an investment in Italy.
The program grants a residence permit that is valid for two years. After this period is over, the permit can be extended for three years.
Investment Options
The program entails four different investment methods:
- €2 million investment in Italian government bonds
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited liability company
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup
- €1 million donation to a philanthropic initiative in Italy
The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained during the entire period. After 10 years, the applicant is eligible for Italian citizenship.
Qualifying Dependents
The spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents of the primary applicant can also apply for a visa without the need for an additional investment.
Process and Timeline
The application process typically takes 90–120 days, with the investment required within three months from the entry date to Italy.
Time can vary based on consulate efficiency, application completeness, and any extra requirements. To avoid delays, start early and ensure all documents are in order.
All non-EU Passport holders should have a remaining validity period longer than 2 years and 3 months.
Special Tax Incentives
The special flat tax regime for high-net-worth individuals:
- Substitutive tax of €100,000 covering any income sourced outside Italy to be paid yearly (up to 15 years).
- Availability to all individuals – including Italian citizens – transferring their tax residence to Italy if have been non-Italian tax residents for income tax purposes for 9 out 10 years preceding their relocation to Italy.
- Validity for 15 years.
- No reporting obligations in relation to foreign income and assets.
- No Italian inheritance and gift tax on foreign-situs assets.
- Possibility of extension to family members by paying €25,000 for each family member.
- Preventive ruling request to the Italian tax authorities to obtain official confirmation on the eligibility requirement.
- Applicability of Double Taxation Treaties with 100+ countries.
- Tax residence certificate available.
Key benefits
Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area
Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities including Milan, Rome and Venice
Fast-track procedure with all documents issued in English. No need to take test in Italian language
No minimum or permanent stay in Italy required
Access to excellent medical care and education facilities
Possibility to work or develop further businesses in Italy
Citizenship may be available after 10 years of residence (under special conditions)
Application Process
1. Preparation Stage
Document Gathering and Preparation: 1-2 monthsCollect and prepare all necessary documentation, including Italian tax code, digital signature, CV, proof of investment funds, personal identification, binding letter of intent for acquisition, and any required legalizations or translations.
2. Online Application Submission & Nulla osta
Committee Review: 30 daysSubmit your application through the Investor Visa for Italy online portal. The Committee for the Visa for Investors will review your application and supporting documents. The Committee has up to 30 days to evaluate your application and issue a certificate of no impediment (nulla osta) if everything is in order.
3. Consular Application
Visa Application at Consulate: 1-2 monthsOnce you receive the certificate of no impediment, within max six months, you need to apply for the actual visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. The consulate will review your application and issue the visa. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the consulate’s workload and processing times.
4. Entry into Italy and Investment Completion
Entry into Italy: Within 2 years from visa issuance. After receiving your visa, you must enter Italy within 2 years.Investment Fulfillment: Within 3 months of entry. Complete the required investment within three months of entering Italy.
5. Residency Permit Application
Apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local police station (Questura) within eight days of your arrival in Italy. The processing time for the residence permit can vary, but it generally takes about 1-2 months to be issued. Valid 2 years from the date of entry.