How to obtain a residence permit in Italy through investment

Italy simplified the program of residence permit through investments

In May 2020, Italy significantly simplified the conditions for its residency by investment program. Now, to obtain a residence permit in the country, it is enough to invest 250,000 euros in an Italian startup or 500,000 euros in a local company. These minimum amounts allow for a golden visa valid for two years.

Attractive conditions for investors

The Italian golden visa program offers an attractive opportunity for investors and their families to acquire resident status by contributing to the country's economy. Launched in December 2016, it initially did not gain as much popularity as similar programs in Greece, Spain, and Portugal due to higher investment requirements. However, in response to the challenges of the pandemic and aiming to attract more investors, the Italian government significantly reduced the necessary investments.

Availability and benefits of the program

The reduction to 250 thousand euros has made the Italian golden visa one of the most affordable in Europe. In addition to investing in a startup or local company, investors can also opt for charitable projects or government bonds.

• Advantages of the program:the possibility of permanent residence in Italy, free movement across EU countries, the right to work and conduct business.
• Accelerated process:Investment visa applications are processed in just 30 days, and the entire document submission process is done online.
• Conditions for family reunification:Investors have the right to family reunification and do not necessarily need to speak Italian to obtain a residence permit.
• Long-term perspectives:After living in Italy for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, you can apply for citizenship.
• Special tax regime:Investors can take advantage of a special tax regime for foreigners with high income levels.

Golden Visa program in Italy

The Golden Visa Investment Program in Italy provides a unique opportunity for investors from different countries who wish to obtain permanent residence permits to invest in the Italian economy. It greatly simplifies the process of obtaining residence permits and creates a favorable environment for foreign investors.

Participation in the program

To participate in the program, you need to submit an application on the official website and upload all the necessary documents. Approved applications are issued a certificate confirming that there are no obstacles to obtaining an investor visa. After receiving this document, the investor can contact the Italian consulate in their country to apply for the investor visa.

Necessary documents

To submit an application at the consulate, you need to provide a number of documents, including:

• Valid foreign passport
• The photograph
• A copy of the certificate of no impediments.
• Proof of income
• Other necessary documents

Obtaining a residence permit

After passing the checks and obtaining a 2-year investment visa, the investor should apply for a residence permit at the local police department within 8 days of arrival.

Opportunities for investors

The Italian Golden Visa program offers unique opportunities for investors to invest in the country's economy and obtain permanent residency. This initiative promotes the development of the Italian economy by attracting foreign investments.

Documents for obtaining residence permits in Italy

The following documents are required to apply for residence permits in Italy:

• A photocopy of all pages of the foreign passport
• Two photos
• Receipt for payment for printing an electronic document in the amount of 30 euros
• Receipt for payment of the state fee for residence permits in the amount of 50 euros
• A postage stamp worth 16 euros
• Confirmation of residence in Italy.

The process of obtaining residence permits in Italy

Upon arrival in Italy, the investor must fully deposit the investment amount and provide the necessary documents through the online portal. Residence permits are issued for a period of two years, provided that the investments are maintained. After this period, the residence permit can be extended for another three years. Only after five years can the investor apply for permanent residency in Italy.

Obtaining Italian citizenship

To be eligible for Italian citizenship, you must reside in Italy for 10 years. Additionally, it's important to remember that the investor should not leave the country for more than 365 consecutive days.

Tax obligations of investors

When an investor resides in Italy for more than 183 days a year, they become a tax resident of the country and are required to pay taxes on income earned outside of Italy, just like Italians do.

Obtaining a "Golden Visa"

To submit an online application for a Golden Visa and to obtain more detailed information, one can refer to the website of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Italy. If desired, the investor can obtain all necessary advice and assistance in preparing documents from specialized law firms that work in this field.

Italy is lowering the requirements for the residency by investment program.

In May 2020, Italy halved the requirements for its residency by investment program. To obtain a residence permit in Italy, it is now sufficient to invest 250,000 euros in an Italian startup (down from 500,000 euros previously) or to invest 500,000 euros in a local company (down from 1 million euros).

Minimum investments

• 250,000 euros - in an Italian innovative startup
• 500,000 euros to a company registered and operating in Italy
• 1 million euros - a charitable contribution to socially significant projects in Italy.
• 2 million euros - in Italian government bonds

Advantages of the program

• A residence permit or "permesso" allows you to live permanently in Italy and travel freely across EU countries.
• Holders of an investment residence permit have the right to work or conduct business in Italy.
• Investor visa application is processed in only 30 days
• The documents for the golden visa are submitted online through a special platform.
• Investors have the right to reunite with family members in Italy.
• Golden visa allows you to request a residence permit after 5 years of residence in Italy and to obtain citizenship on a common basis after 10 years

Submitting an online application

To participate in Italy's golden visa program, an investor must submit an online application. The applicant fills out a form and uploads copies of documents on a special government portal. If the application is approved, a certificate of no impediments for obtaining the investor visa "nulla osta" will be sent to them through this system within a month.

Application for an investor visa at the consulate

After receiving the "nulla osta," the investor can apply for an investor visa at the Italian consulate in their country within 6 months.

Documents for submitting an online application for "nulla osta"

• Statement of readiness to invest in the Italian economy
• A questionnaire filled out on the online portal
• Resume
• Copy of the filled pages of the passport
• Documents confirming the availability of the requested amount and the possibility of transferring it to Italy.
• Documents confirming the legal origin of funds
• Certificate of absence of criminal record for the last 10 years and current court proceedings

Documents to be submitted to the Italian consulate

• Valid international passport
• Photo for a visa
• A copy of "nulla osta."
• Original documents of the online application
• Confirmation of residence in Italy (hotel booking, rental or purchase of housing)
• Confirmation of income received in the country of residence - over 8,500 euros for the past year