Investment Visa for Italy | Get Italian Residency & Citizenship. For foreign nationals wanting to make a large investment or donation in Italy, the Investor Visa for Italy is a two-year, renewable visa.

As one of the world’s largest economies and a key entry point to the European Single Market, Italy has taken steps to attract foreign investment in recent years. Investor Visa holders were targeted with a special tax regime introduced as part of these steps. I will describe the application process and requirements for an Italian Investor Visa in this article.

Who Is Eligible for an Investor Visa for Italy?

In order to qualify for an Italian Investor Visa, you must be a non-EU citizen and make a single investment in one of the following:

• Italy’s government bond.
• Italian-based company.
• Startups that are innovative;
• A philanthropic donation supports public interest in the areas of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research and preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

As of now, Italy does not offer real estate investment opportunities. However, you can consult with specialists, such as La Vida – Golden Visas, who specialize in immigration and investment law. Potential clients can get a free consultation to determine if they qualify for the Golden Visa Program.

In exceptional circumstances, such as donations for social projects or research that involve more than one participant, a donation may be made to more than one entity.

For investments in Italian companies, the minimum investment has been lowered from €1 million to €500,000, and for investments in startups, from €500,000 to €250,000.

Moreover, you must have no criminal record and your assets must be legally acquired, transferable, and yours.

How to Apply for an Investor Visa for Italy?

There are two parts to the application for an Italy Investor Visa:

• This is the online application for a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment).
• Visa applications at Italian embassies and consulates.

With the visa, you can travel to Italy and obtain a Residence Permit, allowing you to live permanently there.

Applying for the Nulla Osta

Italy Investor Visa Nulla Osta applications are processed as follows:

• Fill out the online application on the official website.
• The required documents must be scanned and attached electronically via the same website.
• Download the Final Declaration and sign it electronically before submitting it.
• The Investor Visa Committee Secretariat will check your documents. If they are all in order, you will get a green light and the Inversor Visa Committee will then evaluate your application. If anything is missing, you will have to submit additional documents. Once all the documents are in order:
• Your application will be assessed by the Investor Visa Committee, which is a group of representatives from several ministries and government agencies.
• Within 30 days, you will receive a decision.

Applying for the Italy Investor Visa

In the event that the Italy Investor Visa Committee makes a decision, you have six months to apply for a visa at the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate.

• It is necessary that you submit the Nulla Osta and hard copies of all the documents you have submitted. You may also be required to submit additional documents.
• You have two years to use your visa after receiving it from the Italian Embassy/Consulate.

After Arrival in Italy with an Investor Visa

To get an Italian Investor Visa Residence Permit, you must personally go to the Questura (Police Headquarters) once you arrive in Italy. The Residence Permit is valid for two years.

From the date you apply for the Residence Permit, you have three months to make your investment or donation in full. If you fail to do so, your visa will be revoked.

In order to keep your visa and renew it, you must maintain your investment during your stay in Italy.

What Are the Required Documents for the Italy Investor Visa?

When applying for the Italy Investor Visa Nulla Osta, you’ll need to attach the following documents electronically:

• You must provide a copy of your passport with your name, picture, issue and expiration dates, and passport number clearly visible.
• Describe your main academic and professional experiences in a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

The following documents prove:

• Investment/donation funds are yours. For example, bank account statements with your name and available funds.
• There is validity and transferability of your financial resources. An official letter from the bank/financial institution where your assets are located stating that they have conducted adequate checks on you in accordance with international standards and the exact amount you held at the time of signing the letter.
• The relevant authorities in your country have declared that you are not facing any criminal charges.
• Please describe the nature of the investment/donation and your past experience as an investor or donor. Maximum 1,000 words.
• Investment or donation consent proof.
• It must state the amount of money you are willing to invest as well as where you intend to settle in Italy. You can download the Declaration from the online platform.

You must submit the following documents at the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate after receiving the Nulla Osta:

• Nulla Osta along with all original hard copies.
• Proof you have accommodation in Italy.
• For healthcare expenses to be exempt, you must provide proof of income from the previous financial year. The minimum income threshold is approximately € 8,500.
• A passport-size picture of yourself
• Your valid passport
• Proof of residence in your country

It is necessary to submit all documents in Italian or English. If they are not, a certified translation must be submitted.

What Is the Duration of an Italy Investor Visa?

During the validity period of the Italy Investor Visa, you can enter Italy and obtain a residence permit.

As with an Investor Visa, the Residence Permit for an Investor Visa is valid for two years from the date of entry and can be renewed for another three years by applying at least 60 days before it expires.

Renewing an Italy Investor Visa Residence Permit

Applicants must apply for renewal at least 60 days before their Residence Permit expires using the online Investor Visa portal if they maintain their investment or donation.

Investor Visa Committee will review your application and determine whether or not you have maintained your investment/donation.

You can apply for long-term EU residency after five years of regular residency.

Schengen Benefits of the Italy Investor Visa

For up to 90 days within a 180-day period, if you receive an Investment Visa for Italy, you may travel to all other Schengen Zone countries without a visa.

Can the Italy Investor Visa Lead to Italian Citizenship?

You can apply for Italian citizenship by naturalization if you have lived in Italy for at least ten years. If you became an Italian citizen, you would be able to travel (and work) throughout the EU, vote, and pass on your citizenship to future generations.

Conclusion 

The Investor Visa for Italy attracts non-EU citizens to invest in the country, offering a renewable two-year visa. Eligible investments include government bonds, companies, startups, and philanthropic donations. The application process involves obtaining a Nulla Osta online, followed by visa applications at Italian embassies. Successful applicants can obtain a Residence Permit upon arrival. The visa provides Schengen travel benefits and can lead to Italian citizenship after ten years of residency.