Italy’s Investor Visa, commonly dubbed Italy Golden Visa, allows non-EU nationals to obtain an EU residency permit by investing in the country through various qualifying ways.
Its aim is to attract global private capital and awards its holders, for the first year (which is renewable thereafter on three-year intervals), a renewable residence permit allowing immigrants to legally reside in the country as long as they maintain their investment.
An investor resident in Italy through this method has full access to Italy’s public healthcare, education, can work, live and study within Italian borders and furthermore enjoys visa-free movement throughout the European Schengen Area.
What’s most important for business minded investors, is that the Italian investor visa does not feature minimum stay requirements.
Investors are not expected to commit to the full extent of their planned investment to obtain a preliminary approval: instead, they first make a remote online application for an entry Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment) issued by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Successful candidates can apply for their actual entry visa at the nearest Italian consulate then they relocate in Italy and finalize their capital transfer in 3 months from entry.
Capital transfers can be performed through one of the 4 investment vehicles: Innovative Startups, which will be subject to a minimum equity investment of 250.000; established Italian Companies, which will require an investment of at least 500.000; Philanthropic Initiatives, requiring a non-refundable donation of at least 1 million in support of public-interest projects in culture, education or research and Government bonds, that require an investment of at least 2 million.
Residence permit covers also immediate family members (spouse, dependent children, dependent parents) without further capital contributions.
After 5 years of uninterrupted legal residence in Italy, investor visa holders can apply for EU permanent residence status and after 10 years of Italian residence, if they meet the income and B1 level language proficiency requirements, the way for Italian citizenship can also be opened.
