Italy Golden Visa is a residency by investment program. With this scheme, investors can obtain Italian residency (and possibly Italian citizenship) by making an investment in the country.
The Italian Golden Visa program allows up to five years of residency in Italy and up to ninety days of travel every six months within the Schengen area. This is a step in the right direction to improve the Italian visa system and attract international investors following the start-up visa. It is often referred to as the Italian Golden Visa, ideal for long-term investment.
One of the significant benefits of this residency by investment scheme is that investors may become eligible for Italian citizenship after ten years. Golden Visa holders can take advantage of a special tax regime, which offers several financial benefits (you can find the details below). The visa also grants freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free travel across 26 countries. With the Italian Golden Visa, the main applicant and the family members included in the program are granted residency in Italy, along with the opportunity to study and work in the country. Furthermore, Italian resident permit holders can benefit from Italy’s national public healthcare system, ensuring access to quality medical services.
Apart from these advantages, the Italian investor visa application process is faster and easier compared to other Golden Visa Programs in Europe. This makes it an efficient and convenient option for investors seeking residency in EU.
The government of Italy recommends that it is dedicated to strengthening Italy's appeal to foreign capital and human resource flows. One manifestation of this dedication is the establishment of the Italian investor visa.
The Italy Golden Visa program offers four different investment options. The first option is a €2 million investment in Italian government bonds. The second option involves a €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company. A third option allows for a €250,000 investment in an innovative Italian startup. Lastly, there is the option to donate €1 million to a philanthropic initiative in Italy. Each of these methods provides a pathway to obtaining the investor visa, giving flexibility to applicants based on their investment preferences.
Tax residents in Italy are required to pay income tax on their worldwide earnings. While the tax percentage that applies to the value of foreign financial assets is 0.2 percent, this is 0.76 percent for the value of foreign real estate.
Italy has a different tax system in an effort to draw in high-net-worth individuals. With this alternative tax scheme, new citizens can choose to receive a €100,000 lump sum payment once a year in lieu of regular taxation on any income generated outside of Italian territory.
People who are ready to move their tax residence to Italy can apply for this tax regime. The first condition is that you’ve not been resident in Italy for at least nine out of the last ten years.
The entire amount of the €100,000 substitutive tax is due by June 30 of the subsequent year. You may also add your family members to the plan for an additional €25,000 per dependant.
Once granted, the regime is valid for 15 years, with the option to opt-out at any time. If the annual lump payment is not made, either in full or in part, the status will automatically lapse.
The Italian Investor Visa is valid for two years. Golden Visa holders are permitted to enter Italy during this time and apply for a residence permit using their visa. The esidence permit is also valid for two years beginning on the day of arrival in Italy.
