WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ITALY INVESTOR VISA REQUIREMENTS?

The most important requirements for getting an Investor Visa for Italy are: to have the availability of resources from lawful sources. To be over 18 years old.

WHICH TYPES OF INVESTMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED FOR THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

Investments in mutual investment funds (e.g., FIAs – alternative investment funds) or in CIUs (OICRs, Organismi di investimento collettivo del Risparmio).

GOLDEN VISA ITALY

APPLY FOR THE ITALY GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

Discover more about the Golden Visa For Italy, with a list of main requirements and all you need to know about that.

Contents

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?
WHY CHOOSING THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?
GOLDEN VISA ITALY: THE INVESTMENTS
HOW TO APPLY FOR GOLDEN VISA ITALY?
GOLDEN VISA ITALY: FAQ
WHY US FOR YOUR GOLDEN VISA ITALY

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

We are proud to announce that Italy finally has an official Golden Visa Program designed as a residency by investment option.

The Golden Visa For Italy was formally created in 2018, but only from mid-2020 has it become a real Golden Visa, way more appealing than the other European Golden Visa programs.

Now you have more reasons to think about Italy as a destination. The new Golden Visa Italy option for coming to Europe with full European Rights and Free Schengen Zone access without limitations.

People love Italy: good food, good people, fantastic weather, high-quality education, and low criminality. Italy does not need particular presentations.

We are talking about a Fast Track Golden Visa, a Risk-Free Golden Visa with optional Tax Benefits for Italian New Residents.

That’s why the Golden Visa Italy Program will allow You to join great business opportunities with a perfect living place for Your family.

HOW THE ITALIAN GOLDEN VISA LOOKS LIKE?

This is an example of how the Golden Visa for Italy looks like.

Photo courtesy from one of our recent Clients.

investor-visa-for-italy-golden-visa-italy-example — Our Client applied for the Golden Visa for Italy from the United States.

As you notice from the Golden Visa, the Visa is issued for 730 days (2 years).

It also specify “MULT” as Number of Entries: “MULT” means “Multiples”. You can leave and re-enter Italy as long as you want.

But let’s see more about the Italian Golden Visa Scheme: key points, requirements, processing time and everything you need to know.

WHY CHOOSING THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

≪ Why Do I Have to Choose the Golden Visa for Italy? ≫

golden-visa-italy-procedure-bersani-law-firm

Let’s see more about every single benefit of the Italian Golden Visa.

The Investor Visa For Italy is today considered one of the Best Worldwide Investment Visa option, also for optional Italian Flax tax Regime for New Residents.

The Golden Visa for Italy was redesigned in 2020 to let it be one of the most appealing options for moving to Europe and Italy with just an investment.

You will now understand why the Italian Golden Visa is the best choice. You can do it for moving or investing in Europe.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

So let’s see a list of the main benefits of the Italian golden Visa program.

BENEFIT #1. THE GOLDEN VISA FOR ITALY IS A FAST-TRACK VISA

Italian Government recognizes the highest priority to the applicant of an Italian Golden Visa.

What does it mean?

It means that those who will have to apply for a Golden Visa Italy, he/she will have the highest priority at the Italian Consulate, before all other Visas already in process at the same Consulate.

This is stated explicitly by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is in charge of administrating the Golden Visa program.

Indeed, with the internal decree 1202/385Bis, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said:

golden-visa-italy-priority-visa-bersani-law-firm

As the above Decree is in the Italian language only, let’s explain what it says.

“The Golden Visa Italy application will be considered as High Priority applications and they will evaluate with absolute urgency.”

and then it also specifies

“Family members of the Investor will also recognize the benefit of High-Priority and Fast Track Visa to all Family members who will apply for an Accompanying Members Visa (so they will move to Italy together with the Golden Visa applicant) or for a Family Reunification Visa (so they will move to Italy later when the Investor Visa applicant is already set in Italy).

What does it mean that my Golden Visa will be a high-priority one?

It means that, in few days, you will have your Golden Visa For Italy. Your Visa – indeed – will be processed before any other Visa already in process by the Italian Consulate.

YOU MAY EASILY CHECK HOW HUGE ARE THESE BENEFITS.

Let’s have a look at the official statistics of the Italian Government about Italian Visa wait times and processing times, comparing with the high numbers of Visa processed

Golden Visa Italy High-Priority process

Comparing with other Italian Visa options, the Italian Golden Visa is the fastest Visa to be processed by Italian Consulates. No matter what Italian Consulate will handle it.

BENEFIT #2. THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY IS A RISK-FREE VISA.

Italian Government takes care of new applicants who choose to invest in Italy and become new Italian Residents.

For this purpose, it was created a Risk-Free Golden Visa.

What is means?

It means the Investor will make the Investment after Your Golden Visa Italy is released!

Differently, what happens in other Golden visa countries, where You have to invest and then Apply (with the risk of losing money if Your Visa will be rejected)? You will never lose any money with the Italian Golden Visa.

Only after Your Golden Visa for Italy will be granted will you have to make the chosen investment in 3 months, after You entered Italy.

This according to the official statements by the Policy Guidance of Investor Visa for Italy:

What happens if I will not invest what I declared in the Italian Golden Visa application, in the 3 months?

You will be considered as a renunciant, and so Your applicant will be closed (and your residence permit already in hands revoked)

BENEFIT #3.
OPTIONAL FLAX TAX FOR HNWI APPLICANTS FOR THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY

investor-visa-for-italy-policy-guidance-italy-investor-visa-investor-Visa-Italy-italian-investor-visa-italy-golden-visa-investor-golden-visa-italy-investor-visa-itay-investment-visa-investor-visa-italy-program-italian-investor-visa-assistance

Italian Government also understands HNWIs and foreign Investors may look to the Italian Golden Visa, asking themself :

“but how much taxes do I have to pay for my foreign incomes?”

We have great news about that.

You may join an optional tax beneficial regime as a New Italian resident, allowing you to pay a Flax Tax of 100,000€ for all worldwide incomes You generate.

So, if You will move Your residency in Italy (and so become an Italian tax resident), You will pay a fixed flax tax of € 100,000 – no matter how much income You generate abroad.

Do you have a € 1 Million tax return? – You will pay € 100,000 taxes.

Do you have a € 1 Billion tax return? – You will pay 100,000 taxes. That’s it.

What if I have family members?

No problem – according to the official regulation by the Italian Reneuve Agency, the regulation may extend the regime to family members too (adding €25,000 for each member).

BENEFIT #3.
OPTIONAL FLAX TAX FOR HNWI APPLICANTS FOR THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY

The Italian Government does also understand HNWIs. Any person who applies for the Italian Golden Visa program may need to stay abroad for a long-term business or other purposes.

According to the latest amendments on the Italian Immigration Law, D.Lgs. 268/98, which also regulates the basis of the Golden Visa Italy, art. 26bis now states:

golden-visa-italy-no-presence-visa-bersani-law-firm

That translated in English means:

“The Owner of a Golden Visa for Italy has not the obligation to stay in Italy, according to the generic regulation and obligations to assure the continuity of residency”.

This not means You will never have to enter Italy: you do have to enter Italy the first time, as You will have to register Yourself at the local Police headquarters, then at the Italian Municipality, and then carry on the Investment.

What does it mean I have to stay in Italy for the first period after I got my Italian Golden Visa?

The first time you enter Italy with your Golden Visa, there are few steps to accomplish for formalizing your status as new Investor, and so new Italian resident.
You have an average of 45 – 60 days to stay in Italy in order to register yourself at the Municipality and apply for the Residence Permit.

Let’s start with Your application for the Italy Golden Visa

GOLDEN VISA ITALY: KEY BENEFITS AFTER THE VISA

≪ Which Benefits will I Have after my Golden Visa Italy will be released? ≫

Free Education: with the Golden Visa Italy, You and Your family members will have access to free public education, available to all children of the Golden Visa owner.
University Fees will be charged accordingly to the University regulation.

Free National Healthcare Service: holders of an Investor Visa Italy can register voluntarily with Italian National Health.
Registration entitles a family doctor, access to all specialist tests and visits, being admitted to hospital, etc.

Permanent residency: holders of a Golden Visa Italy may apply for the residence permit as long-term residents, after five years of legal residency in Italy, according to the generic regulations stated on Italian Immigration Law D.lgs 286/98.For getting Italian residence, see also the Elective Residence Visa For Italy program.

Italian Citizenship: after ten years of legal residency in Italy, the Golden Visa Italy owner can apply for Italian citizenship by Residency.
You can read more about Italian Citizenship and Dual Italian Citizenship.

Tax Benefit: for Golden Visa Italy Applicants with high worldwide incomes and new Italian Tax Residents, it’s possible to benefit from the [optional] Flax Tax Lump Sum Regime. This allows paying only a fixed amount of taxes, regardless of how much income or resources you have. Lump-Sum Flax Tax Italian Regime – read more.

No entry limits: differently as for other types of visa (f.e. work visa), the Italian Golden Visa owner is not subjected to annual limits for applying and relocating to Italy, as it happens with other Italian Visas.

Statistics about the Golden Visa Italy

Statistics about the Golden Visa Italy

80%

NEW APPLICATIONS
This year, statistics are seeing relevant New Golden Visa Italy Applications, as more people discover Italy has a Golden Visa program.

75%

MOVING

Investors are moving from Malta, Cyprus, Portugal, and other Golden Visa Countries, to Italy.

85%

PROFITS

Foreign investors that choose Italy see relevant profits, also because of the Lump Sum Tax Benefits program.

GOLDEN VISA ITALY: THE INVESTMENTS

What kind of investments are recognized for getting the Italy Golden Visa?

ITALIAN STARTUP

With the Golden Visa Italy, you can buy stakes or shares in innovative startups.
The official list of innovative startups, which is updated every week and accessible free of charge, is available on the dedicated website of the Italian Chambers of Commerce system.

€ 250,000

ITALIAN COMPANY

A company incorporated and operating in Italy.With the Golden Visa Italy, you can own stakes or shares in limited companies incorporated and resident in Italy according to article 73 of the TUIR, approved by Italian Presidential Decree no. 917 of 22 December 1986 and subsequent amendments.

€ 500,000

PHILANTHROPIC DONATION

Philanthropic donation to an Italian cultural Institution or other entities with philanthropic goals.

There is no specific philanthropic destination for the Golden Visa Italy, so we will analyze it on a case-by-case basis.

€ 1,000,000

GOVERNMENT BONDS

Issued by the Italian Republic Treasury Bonds, Zero Coupon Treasury Bonds, Long-term Treasury Bonds, Long-Term Treasury Bonds index-linked to European inflation, and BTP Italy.

€ 2,000,000

Can I split my investment in multiple destinations, for the purpose of the Italian Golden Visa?

No – you have to identify where You want to invest and that’s the (only one) destination. Before applying, indeed, you will declare where You want to invest.
If you want to diversity your investment, you can invest into SICAV/SICAF founds, based and regulated in Italy.

Let Us prepare your Golden Visa Italy

HOW TO APPLY FOR GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

The application for a Golden Visa for Italy is divided into main 2 phases.

The application process is one; we divide it into two different stages to quickly understand the operation of the Golden Visa Italy.

We also consider the third phase, a post-approval phase, when You have to finalize your application and carry on the investment.

#1 – The “Nulla Osta” Phase

#2 – The Golden Visa Phase

#3 – Post Approval Phase

#1 – Golden Visa Italy: The “Nulla Osta” Phase

Before starting the entire Italian Golden Visa procedure, we will evaluate with You what would be a correct and clear investment plan.

This is very important as You have to have clear in mind what You want to do, where to invest, how to invest, in a medium-term perspective.

We will then prepare together an Investment Plan and all documentation related to being finally submitted to the Investor Visa Committee, the official Committee nominated by the Italian Government.

The Investor Visa Committee will check if your investment is in line with the Golden Visa Italy regulationand if the resources you want to invest in are from legit sources and in line with all international legislation.

#2 – Get Your Golden Visa Italy

As long as You will have your approval from the Golden Visa Committee, then you can submit Your Golden Visa Italy application at the local Italian Consulate. Your Italy Golden Visa will be released by the local Italian Consulate only. There are no other authorities.

You will have to be prepared with all paperwork, for Your and your family members (if applicable), before the Consular interview.

#3 – Golden Visa Italy: Finalize in Italy

After entering Italy, we will assist You in fixing and obtaining all remaining documents, like the Investor Residence Permit, residency registration, and so on.

In 3 months, You will have to carry on the investment and then notify it at the Investor Visa Committee.

GOLDEN VISA ITALY: FAQ

Most Common Questions about the Italian Golden Visa Program & a simple list of Golden Visa Italy FAQ we prepared for Clients, starting from our experience on field.

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY ?

The Golden Visa Italy is a new program designed by the Italian Government to letting you have Italian and European residency rights after investing in Italian strategic assets.
This is actually the Best European Golden Visa Program and the most recent one.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY ?

This is specified on the Golden Visa Italy Policy Guidance: The Investor Visa for Italy is split into two different phases.
The 1st one, where you will prepare Your investment plan and You will collect all investment documentation.
The second part, regarding the application at the Italian Consulate, after the Investor Visa Committee approved Your Golden Visa Italy documents.

HOW LONG IS GOLDEN VISA ITALY PROCESSING TIME?

This is not specified on the Golden Visa Italy Policy Guidance: The Investor Visa For Italy’s processing time depends on different factors.
The Investor Visa Committee will evaluate Your investment plan in 30 days.
Also for the Consular phase, this is really fast, as the Investor Visa For Italy is a high-priority Visa. Timing depends on Consulate.

WHICH TYPES OF INVESTMENTS DO QUALIFY FOR GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

nvestments start from 250,000€ in Italian startUp, or You can choose to invest 500,000€ in Italian Companies, or 1,000,000€ as a philanthropic donation, or 2,000,000€ in Bonds.
As reported by Golden Visa Italy Policy Guidance concerning limited companies, both capital increases and the purchase of shares already issued are considered as qualifying investments.

IN WHICH TYPES OF COMPANIES CAN I INVEST TO OBTAIN A GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

As reported by Golden Visa Italy Policy Guidance, You can invest in every Company on the regulated stock market. So it can be an S.pA. , mainly. The Company, obliviously, must be legally resident in Italy.

WHAT REQUIREMENTS MUST A COMPANY HAVE TO OBTAIN GOLDEN VISA ITALY?

As reported by Golden Visa Italy Policy Guidance, he Company must be legally resident in Italy.
So pay attention on this requirement, specially with Holding Groups.

DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR THE GOLDEN VISA ITALY APPLICATION?

This is not specified on the Golden Visa Italy regulations: a Lawyer will be highly recommended for Your Investor Visa Italy application.
Why this? In order to correctly apply for Investor Visa for Italy, each document must be in line with EU and International Law and Regulations, such as FAFT, GAFI.
Then, it’s always better to have a professional who speaks the Italian language.
Only a qualified Lawyer, like Us, can assist You in the most complete and qualified way.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PURCHASE SHARES OF MORE THAN ONE LIMITED COMPANY FOR INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY?

This is not specified on the Investor Visa Italy requirements: concerning limited companies, No, the investment must be directed to only 1 company per application.
By extension, it is also not allowed to combine different types of investment (e.g. direct part of the amount to a donation and part to an investment in shares).

HOW IS FAMILY REUNIFICATION REGULATED FOR RELATIVES OF INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY PERMIT HOLDERS?

This is not specified on the Investor Visa for Italy Policy Guidance: Family reunification is allowed and regulated by the general laws on the subject, in particular by art. 29 of Legislative Decree no. 286 of 25 July 1998 (Consolidated Act on Immigration – TUI).
The categories of family members for whom reunification is allowed are listed in art. 29 of the TUI:
a. spouses not legally separated and aged over 18;
b. minor children – including those of the spouse, or those born out of wedlock – who are unmarried, provided that the other parent has given his or her consent;
c. dependent children aged over 18, if for objective reasons they are unable to provide for their essential needs due to health conditions implying total disability;
d. dependent parents, if they do not have any other children in the country of origin, or parents over 65 years of age, if the other children are unable to support them due to serious and duly documented health conditions.

CAN THE HOLDER OF AN INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY CARRY OUT SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND/OR DEPENDENT EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES?

This is not specified on the Investor Visa for Italy Policy Guidance: Yes, Investor Visa For Italy do not provide for any legal restrictions concerning employment status.
This is valid also for Family members, as they join all Investor Visa For Italy Benefits.

DURING THE 2-YEAR VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY, IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO?

This is not specified on the Investor Visa for Italy Policy Guidance: No, the investment portfolio must not be changed during the 2-year validity period of the residence permit.
The investor must maintain the original investment for the entire duration of the permit, otherwise it will be revoked.

ACCORDING TO INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY REGULATIONS, WHEN DO I HAVE TO MAKE THE INVESTMENT?

This is specified on the Investor Visa Italy requirements: the investment will be done in 3 months after the Investor Visa For Italy approval.

CAN A COMPANY APPLY FOR INVESTOR VISA FOR ITALY? SO I INVEST THROUGH MY COMPANY?

This is specified on the Investor Visa for Italy Policy Guidance: Yes, you can, under certain strict conditions..

WHAT IS THE ELECTONIC SIGNATURE REQUESTED BY ITALY INVESTOR VISA REGULATION?

This is specified on the Investor Visa for Italy Policy Guidance: the Electronic Signature is a special signature that You must obtain in Italy, release by certified Companies allowed by the Government.