Updated on September 4, 2024
Residence permit for travelling visa-free to the Schengen Area, living in Italy and optimising taxes
The Italy Golden Visa, also called the Italy Investor Visa, allows non-EU citizens and their families to obtain residence permits through investment in just a few months. The program was launched in 2017 to stimulate foreign investments and economic development.
Investors have 4 investment options: opening innovative startups, buying government bonds or securities, purchasing shares in local companies, or making a philanthropic donation.
The residence permit is issued for 2 years with an opportunity to extend it for another 3 years. After investing, foreigners can benefit from the rights granted to residents, including the right to live, work, study, and receive medical care in Italy.
€250,000
Minimum investment
4+ months
Processing time
2 years with renewal
Validity period
1
Italian residents can enter the country anytime, even when borders are closed, and spend as much time as needed in Italy.
Italian residents can enter the country anytime, even when borders are closed, and spend as much time as needed in Italy.
2
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel freely to other Schengen member states without needing additional visas or permits.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, allowing you to travel freely to other Schengen member states without needing additional visas or permits.
3
Italy is known for its high quality of life, good environment, low crime rate, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine.
Italy is known for its high quality of life, good environment, low crime rate, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine.
4
Italy offers access to a good education system, including public schools and universities. The country also provides a comprehensive healthcare system.
Italy offers access to a good education system, including public schools and universities. The country also provides a comprehensive healthcare system.
5
Italy has a diverse and dynamic economy that may offer business and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
Italy has a diverse and dynamic economy that may offer business and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
6
Instead of regular taxation on all income obtained outside Italy, wealthy foreigners can choose to pay a fixed annual sum of €100,000. The special tax regime is valid for 15 years, provided that the annual fixed payment is made each year.
Instead of regular taxation on all income obtained outside Italy, wealthy foreigners can choose to pay a fixed annual sum of €100,000. The special tax regime is valid for 15 years, provided that the annual fixed payment is made each year.
7
Italy is an EU member state, and residency or citizenship in Italy could provide you with certain EU privileges, such as the right to live and work anywhere within the EU.
Italy is an EU member state, and residency or citizenship in Italy could provide you with certain EU privileges, such as the right to live and work anywhere within the EU.
8
Italy is known for its rich history, art, and culture. Living in the country allows you to explore these aspects of Italian life.
Italy is known for its rich history, art, and culture. Living in the country allows you to explore these aspects of Italian life.
9
After living in Italy for five years, the Italy investment visa holder can apply for permanent residence and benefit from additional rights. These include the right to work or study in other EU countries without a special permit.
After living in Italy for five years, the Italy investment visa holder can apply for permanent residence and benefit from additional rights. These include the right to work or study in other EU countries without a special permit.
Over 18
With confirmed legal income
Without a criminal record and of good character
With valid health insurance
Over 18
Officially registered as a husband or wife of the investor
If under 18: No specific conditions
If over 18: Must be unmarried, have no children of their own, and be financially dependent on the investor
Financially dependent on the investor
The price requirements for the Italy Golden Visa depend on the chosen investment option.
1. Investments in an innovative startup
This option involves investing in a government-approved innovative startup. The investor must provide a business plan when applying to participate in the program. While the startup option is the riskiest, it allows obtaining residency with the lowest investment amount — €250,000.
2. Investments in a limited Italian company
The investor can purchase listed or unlisted shares of an incorporated company operating in Italy. The minimum investment amount is €500,000.
3. Philanthropic donation
This option involves making an investment in a public interest project related to education, culture, science, immigration, or cultural and natural heritage preservation. The required amount of funds is €1,000,000.
4. Purchase of government bonds
Investors can buy bonds issued by the Italian government with a remaining maturity of over two years. Bonds are the most secure option but also the most expensive. The required investment capital is €2,000,000.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Italy investment program versus other Golden Visas
The Italy residence obtaining process usually takes seven steps and four to six months to complete.
01.
A Nulla Osta is a certificate that confirms there are no barriers to obtaining an investment visa. It grants the investor the right to apply for a visa within six months. The investor must gather the necessary documentation to receive this certificate.
The application and all documents are submitted electronically via the portal of the Investor Visa Committee.
02.
The Investor Visa Committee reviews the application and either approves or rejects it, or requests additional documents. The certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.
03.
The application is submitted to an Italian consulate or embassy in the country of residence. The consular visa fee is €116 per applicant.
04.
The consulate reviews the provided documents and decides on visa issuance.
05.
Within 8 days of entering Italy, the investor must personally visit the police office (Questura) and request an Investor Residence Permit.
The investor needs to submit the arrival date, the location of the Questura, and the date of the application in the Questura via the Investor Visa Committee portal. Costs at this stage are approximately €100.
06.
Within 3 months from the application date, the investor must fully transfer the funds and provide confirmation documents. If this condition is not met, the visa is cancelled.
07.
After all documents are provided and the investment is made, the Migration Service of Italy reviews the application and issues a residence permit card. The initial residence card is issued for two years, with the possibility of extending it for another three years.
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Prospect of citizenship in 5 years after obtaining and maintaining the residence permit
Safe haven in a European country by the ocean
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area
Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living
Tax optimisation with low rates
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
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