Looking for a work visa to Italy? Golden visas are disappearing, but there are other options.

The Italian Representative Visa gives you the opportunity to explore opportunities to grow your business in Europe. For years we have heard about the magical "golden visas" that many European countries offered to attract foreign investors and their capital, but the flood of applications, as well as inflation caused by foreigners purchasing real estate at low prices, has all but ended this prosperous period.

With Ireland, Portugal and the UK ending their golden visa programs and Greece doubling the cost of entry, Americans seeking residency in Europe may be ready to give up. But wait ... there's another opportunity.

Although it's not a "golden visa,'''Italy's representative visa offers individuals who wish to engage in commercial activities, networking and market research without the need for significant financial investment or physical presence in the country such an opportunity, says Nicolo Bolla, founder of Accounting Bolla.

This visa, according to Bolla, "offers a flexible path to obtain residency in Italy for those seeking to strengthen their business ties in Italy. "

In contrast to the investment visa, this visa allows foreign companies to open non-profit offices in Italy and is used solely for representational purposes. What it means. Instead of promoting its own business activities, the representative office promotes and''represents the interests of the parent company and cannot directly carry out profitable activities, he says.

In contrast to gold visas, which sometimes required proof of funds of €250,000 or more, Italy's representative visa requires just €12,000 of annual turnover.

The company opening a representative office must also be a limited liability company (LLC) registered in a World Trade Organization (WTO) jurisdiction. There are no requirements to purchase real estate or create jobs, and there is no need to be in Italy for a certain amount of time.

Because of the lower barrier to entry, Bolla says Italy's representative visa gets''s increasing media attention, especially as golden visas are becoming fewer and rarer.

Bolla says the ideal candidate for an Italian representative visa is usually an entrepreneur, business executive or professional with a director position in a domestic limited liability company (LLC).

If you cannot commit to being in Italy for a certain number of days per year, this visa will not limit you. You will have the opportunity to explore opportunities to expand your business in Europe with this visa, and you will be able to come and go without restrictions.

With this visa, there are several advantages: you will get free access to the Italian healthcare system, which many''will be required.

When considering a move to another country, it is wise to consider all visa options.

The most common use of this visa is for retirees who must prove passive income above a certain threshold. This income can come from financial income, dividends, capital investments, pensions, bonds or rent payments. In Greece, this is called a Financially Independent Persons (FIP) visa and you must be able to demonstrate a minimum income of €2,000 per month.

You must be enrolled on an approved language course or at any local university or institution of higher education. Wo''France this visa can be issued for a period of four months to one year, with the possibility of converting to other types of visa afterwards.

To obtain this visa, you must be employed by a company in the country you plan to move to that is willing to sponsor you as a foreigner. Hungary, for example, offers work visas for seasonal workers, salaried employees, regular employment and professional workers.

Designed for freelancers who want to continue their work in Europe. It has one of the highest rejection rates in Italy.

It requires a minimum investment in a business or real estate in your destination country. In Germany, this is called an entrepreneur visa and does not require''minimal investment. However, you will need to develop a comprehensive business plan to start a business in Germany, and the business must be in the interest of the German economy and have a minimum of five employees in Germany.

To get this visa you need to present your startup idea to the commission, which may not require a minimum income or profit. In Holland, this visa provides temporary residency for one year and you have time to launch your innovative business.

If you already have a family member living in Europe, you can get this visa. In Portugal, applications are processed in about 60 days.

This visa is available to highly skilled workers and requires a sponsor who is willing to hire you on the terms of''employment with minimum wage security.

Whether you choose the Italian Representative Visa or the other option I mentioned, gaining a strong foothold in Europe offers great potential for expanding your business into new countries and markets.