Renowned worldwide for its allure as a tourist destination, Italy beckons with iconic cities like Milan, Rome, and Venice. This captivating country provides investors with a gateway to a robust and interconnected European Union market. The Italy Residence by Investment Program caters to foreign investors who are dedicated to making substantial contributions to the nation’s economy. Successful applicants are rewarded with Italian residence and the added advantage of visa-free access to the Schengen Area in Europe.
Italy
(Residence by Investment Program)
VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:
147
PASSPORT INDEX RANK:
27th
OVERVIEW:
PROCEDURE:
Investors are required to make their investment within three months of entering the country. To secure a visa through the Investor Visa Program, investors must acquire residential real estate in Italy either through purchase or rental after receiving approval. For the Elective Residence Program, applicants need to showcase a steady income and possess residential real estate upon approval. The visa is initially granted for a two-year period and can be extended for an additional three years, subject to the condition that the investment is upheld.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:
Minimum investment from EUR 250,000 to EUR 2 million
MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
Satisfy one of the following three requirements:
- A minimum of EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds
- A minimum of EUR 500,000 in Italian shares (reduced to EUR 250,000 if investing in innovative start-ups)
- A minimum of EUR 1 million in projects of public interest in Italy, such as culture, education, ecology, immigration management, research and development, arts, and heritage. This is a non-refundable donation.
The investment needs to be maintained during the validity of the visa. A spouse, children, and dependent parents of the main applicant may also request a visa without additional investment.
PROCESSING TIME:
3-6 months
KEY BENEFITS:
- Visa-free travel across Europe’s Schengen Area.
- Residence in a country with a rich culture, attractive industries, and major global cities.
- Attractive tax regime.
- Access to excellent medical care and education facilities.
- The right to apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years of residence.
