Main Features of the Investor Visa for Italy
The Italian Investor Visa allows non-EU citizens to enter and travel freely within the Schengen Area, work and reside continuously in Italy if so desired.
In fact, this Visa does not require the person holding it to live continuously in Italy nor to become a tax resident in Italy, leaving this choice up to the visa holder.
This visa can be obtained through an investment in an Italian company or association or in Italian government bonds.
What type of Investment can I make to obtain an Investor Visa?
The applicant should be willing to carry out one of the following types of investment:
- at least Euros 2,000,000 in securities issued by the Italian Government or;
- at least Euros 500,000 in shares or stocks of an already existing capital company incorporated and operating in Italy [S.p.a; S.r.l; S.p.a.p; or S.r.l.s];
- at least Euros 250,000 into an already existing Italian innovative Start-up company or;
- a philanthropic donation of at least Euros 1,000,000 to support a public-interest project in specific fields;
LEXIA, through its network of Banks and Financial Intermediaries working with us, is able to assist you in selecting the investment that best suits you and, at the same time, makes you eligible for obtaining an Investor Visa and Residence Permit.
Time Frame
The average time frame to obtain the Investor visa is approximately 2/3 months from the application for the entry clearance. Once the applicant obtains the Visa, they can travel to Italy, apply for the residence permit, and reside there legally.
Validity of the Investor Residence Permit
The Investor residence permit has a maximum validity of 2 years, renewable for periods of 3 years without limitations as long as the investment is maintained.
The applicant can renew the residence permit on their own or be assisted by us.
What are the main benefits of obtaining an Investor Residence Permit in Italy?
- the possibility of making Italy your primary place of residency or not, based on your preference;
- -the possibility for yourself and your family members to work in Italy if desired;
- the possibility for yourself and your family members to study in Italy if desired;
- the possibility to travel freely in the Schengen Area;
- the possibility of becoming a tax resident in Italy or not, based on your preference;
- the lack of a minimum permanence requirement in Italy;
- the possibility of obtaining an Investor Residence Permit with a prioritised procedure compared to any other Visa procedure;
- the possibility of accessing the national healthcare system.
Can I renew my Residence Permit if the value of my investment decreases?
Changes in the value of your initial investment do not undermine in any way your renewal of the Residence Permit you have obtained, as long as the investor does not sell the shares, stock or Government bonds.
After how much time can I withdraw my investment and keep my Residence Permit?
After the first 5 years of continuous tax residency in Italy, you can request a Permanent Residence Permit and withdraw your investment.
After the first 2 years since the obtainment of an Investor Residence Permit, you can convert the permit into an employment or freelance work Residence Permit if you carry out working activity paid at least 10,000 EUR.
After how much time can I obtain Italian citizenship (and the Italian passport)?
Italian citizenship can be obtained after 10 years of civil and tax residency in Italy.
Can I obtain the Residence Permit also for my close family members through my investment?
Yes, it is always possible for the spouse and the minor children.
For parents older than 65 years old, it is possible only if they do not have other sons or daughters who are able to take care of them in their country of origin, or if these sons or daughters suffer from severe health conditions.
For parents younger than 65 years old it is possible only if they are financially dependent and do not have other sons or daughters in their country of origin.
Documents needed to obtain an Investor Visa and Residence Permit
The main required documents are a valid passport, a criminal record from the Country of residency, and documents proving the legitimacy of the source of the funds to be invested.
Main Procedural Steps
- Application for the ‘Nulla Osta’ (Entry Clearance) before the competent Investor Committee;
- Filing the visa application at the Italian Consulate of the applicant’s place of residency;
- Entry in Italy and application for the residence permit at the competent Police headquarters within 8 days;
- Execution of the Investment within 3 months from the investor’s entry in Italy;
- Registration of the applicant’s fingerprints at the competent Police headquarters;
- Issuance of a 2-year residence permit.
Do the eligibility visa test and find out which type of visa you might be eligible for. One of our legal consultants will get back to you within 24 hours with useful information regarding your case.
