Italy Residency by Investment for Indians: Complete Guide

The Italian Investor Visa is a two-year renewable visa that allows wealthy Indian citizens to invest in Italy and enjoy living in this stunning country.

Foreign nationals can obtain Italian residency by investing in the country’s economy, with the initial visa valid for two years and renewable every three years.

Benefits of the Italian Golden Visa:

• low minimum investment threshold — €250,000;

• right to live, work and study in Italy;

• no need to live in Italy full-time;

• special tax regime;

• including family members in the application;

• potential eligibility for Italian citizenship after 10 years;

• visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area;

• business activities within Europe;

• historical sites and natural wonders.

Italy offers various investment options under its Golden Visa program, ranging from philanthropic donations to business investments, contributing positively towards Italy’s economic growth and development:

• innovative startups: invest a minimum of €250,000 into an innovative startup company registered with the Italian Chamber of Commerce;

• business investment: invest at least €500,000 into an existing Italian company to promote growth and expansion;

• philanthropic donations: donate €1 million or more towards projects supporting culture, education, research or immigration management within Italy;

• government bonds: purchase government bonds worth €2 million.

It’s essential to note that, unlike other countries' programs, Italy does not have a real estate investment option, making the Italian Golden Visa program more focused on promoting economic growth and development through various sectors of its economy.

Consider other golden visa programs which allow investors to rent or buy real estate.

Acquiring residency through Italy’s Golden Visa program allows your spouse, children and parents to become Italian residents without additional costs.

Eligible family members:

• spouse: your partner can obtain Italian residency alongside you;

• children: children under 18 or financially dependent adult children up to 26 are eligible for residency;

• parents: your parents, who rely on you for financial support, can join you in Italy if they meet specific requirements.

The Italian Golden Visa program offers competitive advantages over similar programs like the Portugal and Cyprus golden visas, with lower minimum investment amounts and more diverse investment opportunities. Italy also does not impose physical presence requirements on its residents.

Investing in Italy grants residency and allows conducting business freely, generating rental income, or retiring comfortably under advantageous tax conditions.

To get Italy residency, Indian citizens prepare documents, such as the following:

1. Passport.

2. The written Declaration of Commitment of investing in the Italian economy.

3. Documents confirming the availability to invest, reside in Italy and cover health expenses.

4. The marriage certificate.

5. The written proof of family status.

6. Certificate of no criminal record.

7. Health insurance policy.

8. A Nulla Osta certificate.

9. A certificate of professional experience.

10. The contract of the purchase or lease of residential property in Italy.

Rome is the capital of Italy and the largest city in the country. It is a lovely and comfortable place to live since it offers all the essentials for a fulfilling life:

• a developed infrastructure;

• transportation accessibility;

• stunning architecture, a vibrant nightlife;

• a pleasant climate with up to 320 sunny days per year;

• proximity to the sea and the Alps within a few hours.

Rome places much emphasis on the cult of food. The goods are consistently high-quality and fresh, particularly the wine, meat, and cheese.

Milan is a thriving metropolis known for its business, banking, and fashion. This vibrant place is a popular choice for Indians looking for a fast-paced city lifestyle and job prospects.

With its abundance of upscale boutiques, designer stores, and year-round fashion events, Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals. The city is an essential centre for business and finance, with a strong economy and a wide range of employment options in sectors like finance, technology, and design.

Sardinia is a gorgeous island in the Mediterranean Sea that provides a rare combination of breathtaking natural beauty, a rich cultural legacy, and a leisurely pace of life. Indian expats and digital nomads looking for a tranquil and relaxed lifestyle frequently choose this location.

Sardinia is renowned for its immaculate beaches, clean waters, and magnificent landscapes, making it a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors and the beach. The island has a dynamic local culture expressed in its music, cuisine, and traditions and a rich cultural heritage.

Italy’s Golden Visa program offers tax incentives for high net worth individuals, including a flat tax regime that allows foreign residents to pay a fixed annual amount on their worldwide income.

The Indians become tax residents after spending at least 183 days per year in Italy. To apply for a special tax regime, they must pay an annual tax of €100,000 and an additional €25,000 for each family member.

The Indian citizens become exempt from taxes on profit outside Italy. They must only pay gift and inheritance taxes on Italian assets. The validation period of the special tax regime is 15 years.

The Italy Golden Visa program offers a unique opportunity to acquire European Union citizenship without the hassle of physical presence.

To be qualified for EU citizenship via this investment path, a 10-year legal residence in Italy is necessary; the investor visa must be renewed every two or three years.

Requirements for Italian Citizenship through Investment:

• hold a valid residence permit for at least ten years;

• demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Italian language (B1 level);

• pass an integration test on Italy’s history, culture, and institutions.

By choosing the Italy Golden Visa program, you’ll have a flexible and convenient path to EU citizenship with fast application processing, attractive investment options, and no strict physical presence requirements.

Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to secure long-term access to Europe.

The Italian Golden Visa program offers a unique opportunity to obtain residency rights, access to a high standard of living, and potential citizenship in exchange for qualifying investments. Wealthy Indians can acquire residency by making investments in the Italian economy starting at €250,000.

Investing in Italian businesses or making philanthropic donations are great ways to meet the investment requirement under the straightforward application process.

Maintaining investments can lead to tax benefits, and after ten years of legal residence, there’s even a potential path to EU citizenship.