The Italy Golden Visa is for international investors that are planning to reside and work in the 2nd largest manufacturing economy in Europe, and one of the most important manufacturing centers in the world. Its strategic position, at the crossroads between Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East, makes Italy one of the countries with the biggest markets in the EU; perfect for startup entrepreneurs that want to widen their opportunities, and for families that are looking forward to invest in real estate in the country while living in the home of artisanal pasta, historical art and Mediterranean landscapes.
For international entrepreneurs that are planning to live and work in Italy, there are different options for them to acquire a residency permit through investment or the Italy Golden Visa. To be eligible to apply, the minimum amount that an individual must invest in order to benefit from this visa is €500,000, whose origin of funds must be backed by evidence that they were obtained legally. In order to apply for the Italy Golden Visa, international citizens must obtain a no impediment certificate (nulla osta) before starting the procedure which typically takes 6 months before entering Italy. In addition, legal documents, such as a valid passport, the bank statement of the investment, and a health certificate must be submitted.
The investment can be done by buying real estate or setting up a company in Italy, which will lead the investor and his family to be beneficiaries of the advantages that the visa provides. This would include access to excellent higher education, successful business-related activities, and the possibility of traveling to the countries that are in the Schengen Area, including France, Switzerland and Spain without the need of an additional visa or permit. Moreover, obtaining a second citizenship in the 3rd most powerful European country will provide you with flat tax rates and 0% rate for residing individuals that are retiring in Italy.
One of the visas that Italy offers is for innovative companies that are just starting up. There are two choices under this visa:
- The StartUp Visa Scheme, which is for foreign entrepreneurs that are seeking to obtain citizenship by setting up a company in the country.
- The StartUp Hub, which follows the same scheme but is addressed to non-EU citizens that are already holding an Italian residence permit.
The application for these visas may be done online and the certificate of no impediment is issued in just 30 days.
On the other hand, there are other options from the Italy Golden Visa that are more suited for international entrepreneurs that want to invest in real estate. The first option is the Long Term Schengen Tourist Visa, wherein for a period of 5 years, the investor will acquire a permit which will provide a multi-entry tourist visa where the stay in the country should not exceed 90 days every 6 months. The investor should submit the same requirements as those needed to obtain a normal tourist entry visa, along with the proof of having completed the purchase of real estate property in Italy. As an Italy Golden Visa holder, the beneficiary will be allowed to travel to all the countries in the Schengen area.
For international investors that are aiming to obtain a residence visa instead of a tourist visa, the Elective Residence Visa is the best choice. This Italy Golden Visa targets financially self-sufficient international individuals that want to enjoy settlement rights in the country without having to make a significant capital investment. For this visa, applicants should provide a proof of having a stable, passive source of income of at least €31,160 annually. This Italy Golden Visa will lead to a permanent residency in Italy after living for an uninterrupted period of 5 years.
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