Italy

Italy Investment Immigration Programs Overview

Italy provides a stable economic environment and EU member status. Italy’s residency-by-investment program has three investment schemes with a minimum threshold of 250,000 euros, which increases to 2 million euros. Applicants can get a permit to remain in Italy for two years, after which they can apply for a longer permit (if they maintain the investment) and eventually Italian citizenship after 10 years of permanent residency status for non-EU citizens. The visa is also extendable to family members. Resident permits give holders the ability to travel visa-free around Europe. An Italian passport grants visa free travel to 188 destinations.

Benefits of Italy’s residency-by-investment program include a flat tax rate where the amount comes to an annual sum tax of 100,000 euros on all foreign-sourced income, including from investments and financial assets, plus 25,000 euros per year for every additional family member, for a maximum of 15 years. The applicant has no duty to disclose foreign assets or income.

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

Although Italy does not offer a CBI program, successful residency applicants can obtain citizenship – and a well-regarded EU passport – after living and working in Italy for 10 years.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications for the Non-Domiciled Program are filed through the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, who have 120 days to reply to the tax ruling request.

For Italy’s Investor Visa program, the Ministry has created an online portal for investors to apply for a Nulla Osta, a document necessary to apply for residency. Applicants must provide documentary evidence of funds and a written declaration of plans to use those funds for investment. The investor then has six months to apply for the Investor Visa at the closest Italian representation abroad. This visa cannot be applied for in Italy.

Once an applicant becomes an investor permit holder, they no longer are required to stay in Italy for a minimum period and are also now exempt from Integration Agreement requirements like meeting language fluency etc.

An alternative option is the Italian Elective Resident Visa, where applicants must prove to have a yearly “passive” income of not less than 31,000 euros. Applications for an Elective Resident Visa must also be filed at the local consulate, which covers the applicants home residence.

MOBILITY

An Italian passport gives visa-free or visa on arrival access to 188 countries and territories, while a resident permit allows for travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Country

Italy has the third largest economy in the Eurozone and the 8th biggest economy in the world. Italy’s assets include its Mediterranean climate, cuisine, cultural history and beautiful surroundings, not to mention its position as a gateway to Europe. It is also necessary to mention that overseas investors can easily become associated in a local business (as shareholders or directors), as there are no special requirements imposed on them in these activities.

Updated by Alessia Ajelli, Marco Mazzeschi and Andrea Parisi

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