top of page
Traveling

Italy: Golden Visa 2024

Italy Golden Visa 2024 Guide 

Italy’s Golden Visa, officially known as the Investor Visa for Italy, offers a compelling opportunity for non-EU nationals to gain residency through significant financial investment. Launched to attract foreign investment, this program provides several pathways, including investments in government bonds, Italian companies, innovative startups, or philanthropic donations. With a minimum investment starting at €250,000, the program not only grants a two-year renewable residency permit but also opens doors to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship after ten years. This visa is particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility, as it allows investors to reside in Italy, enjoy its high quality of life, and benefit from favourable tax regimes.

Break Front has the Legal experts that can guide you through the process.

Country Info

  • Population: Approximately 59 million (as of 2023).

 

  • Economy: Italy has the third-largest economy in the Eurozone, known for its diverse industrial base, including fashion, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. It is also famous for its tourism, agriculture, and luxury goods. The country is a significant exporter of machinery, vehicles, and food products.

 

  • Official Language: Italian.

 

  • Geographic Position: Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.

 

  • Currency: Euro (€).

Life Quality Index

  • Safety Index: 56.0 (Moderate)

 

  • Healthcare Index: 71.8 (High)

 

  • Cost of Living Index: 67.6 (Moderate to High)

 

  • Pollution Index: 55.6 (Moderate)

 

  • Climate Index: 89.0 (High)

  • Traffic Index: 41.3 (Moderate)

 

  • Property Price Index: 63.9 (High)

Investment routes 

Here are the price requirements for the various investment routes available under Italy’s Investor Visa (Golden Visa) program:

1. Government Bonds

  • Investment Amount: €2 million

  • Details: Purchase Italian government bonds (e.g., Treasury Bonds - BTPs) with a minimum holding period of two years. This option is considered low-risk and qualifies for the Investor Visa.

2. Equity Investment in Italian Companies

  • Investment Amount: €500,000

  • Details: Invest in shares or stocks of an Italian company. This company must be incorporated and operating in Italy, and the investment can be in either a listed or unlisted company.

3. Innovative Startups

  • Investment Amount: €250,000

  • Details: Invest in an innovative startup company in Italy. These startups must be recognized under Italian law as “innovative” and be listed in the official registry of Italian startups.

4. Philanthropic Donation

  • Investment Amount: €1 million

  • Details: Make a non-refundable donation to support a public-interest project in Italy, such as in the fields of culture, education, scientific research, or preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

5. Investment Funds

  • Investment Amount: €1 million

  • Details: Invest in a regulated Italian investment fund focusing on sectors like private equity, venture capital, or other areas. These funds must be approved by the Central Bank of Italy.

6. Real Estate Investment

  • Investment Amount: While Italy does not officially offer a Golden Visa specifically for real estate, real estate investments can be made indirectly through investing in Italian companies that own or manage property.

  • Indirect Investment Requirement: Typically through the €500,000 equity investment in an Italian company that deals in real estate.

Investment types

Eligibility criteria 

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Italy’s Investor Visa (Golden Visa):

  1. Age Requirement:

    • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

  2. Legal Source of Funds:

    • The applicant must prove that their investment funds are legally sourced.

  3. Non-EU Citizenship:

    • The applicant must be a non-EU citizen. EU citizens are not eligible for the Investor Visa as they already have the right to live and work in Italy.

  4. Health Insurance:

    • The applicant must have health insurance valid in Italy, covering all health risks for the duration of the residency permit.

  5. No Criminal Record:

    • Applicants must present a clean criminal record from their country of residence and any country they have lived in for the past 10 years.

  6. Residency Requirement:

    • While there is no minimum stay requirement to maintain the visa, the applicant must reside in Italy for a certain period if they wish to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the future.

 

Application Requirements:

  1. Application Form:

    • Complete and submit the official application form for the Investor Visa, which includes details about the applicant, their intended investment, and their planned stay in Italy.

  2. Nulla Osta (Security Clearance):

    • Obtain a Nulla Osta (a certificate of no impediment) from the Italian Investor Visa Committee, confirming that the investment meets all legal requirements.

  3. Residency Permit Application:

    • After entering Italy with the Investor Visa, the applicant must apply for a residence permit within eight days at the local police station (Questura).

  4. Investment Execution:

    • The investment must be executed within three months after entering Italy and obtaining the residence permit.

  5. Renewal of Residence Permit:

    • The initial residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for three-year periods, provided the investment is maintained and all requirements continue to be met.

 

Additional Considerations:

  • Family Reunification: Immediate family members, including spouses and dependent children, can be included in the visa application, provided they meet the relevant criteria.

Venice

Required documents 

Required documents

1. Completed Application Form

  • The official application form for the Investor Visa, filled out with all necessary details about the applicant and the chosen investment option.

2. Valid Passport

  • A copy of a valid passport with at least two blank pages. The passport should be valid for at least two years from the date of application.

3. Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment)

  • A certificate issued by the Italian Investor Visa Committee confirming that the investment meets the legal requirements. This document is mandatory before applying for the visa.

4. Proof of Legal Source of Funds

  • Documentation that proves the legality of the funds used for the investment. This typically includes bank statements, investment records, and legal declarations.

5. Proof of Investment

  • Specific documents depending on the type of investment:

    • Government Bonds: Certificate of deposit of the securities in an Italian financial institution.

    • Italian Company Shares: Bank statements and a letter of validation confirming the investment.

    • Innovative Startups: Documents proving the purchase of stakes or shares in the startup.

    • Philanthropic Donation: A copy of the public donation deed and related bank statements.

6. Criminal Record Certificate

  • A certificate showing a clean criminal record from the applicant’s country of residence and any country where they have lived in the past 10 years.

7. Proof of Health Insurance

  • A valid health insurance policy that covers the applicant and any family members for all health risks while in Italy.

8. Proof of Accommodation in Italy

  • Documentation such as a rental agreement, hotel bookings, or proof of property ownership showing where the applicant will reside in Italy.

9. Passport-Sized Photographs

  • Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the Italian visa photo requirements.

10. Proof of Residence

  • Proof that the applicant resides in the relevant consular district, such as utility bills or a residence certificate.

11. Financial Documents

  • Additional financial documents may be required to demonstrate that the applicant meets any other specific financial criteria related to the chosen investment option.

These documents must be submitted as part of the visa application process, and in some cases, they may need to be translated into Italian and certified. Ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete is crucial for a successful application.

Benefits for choosing Italy

 Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

  • Residency: The Italian Investor Visa grants a two-year residency permit, which can be renewed for additional three-year periods as long as the investment is maintained.

  • Citizenship: After ten years of continuous legal residency, you may apply for Italian citizenship, which provides access to all EU member states as an EU citizen.

 No Minimum Stay Requirement

  • Unlike some other countries, Italy does not require you to spend a minimum number of days in the country to maintain your residency status. This flexibility is ideal for those who travel frequently or have business interests in multiple countries.

 Family Inclusion

  • The Investor Visa allows you to include your immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) in your application, granting them the same residency rights. This simplifies the process of moving your entire family to Italy.

 Access to European Union Benefits

  • EU Residency: As a resident of Italy, you gain the right to live, work, and study across the entire European Union, thanks to Italy's membership in the EU.

  • Visa-Free Travel: Italian residency permits visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, which covers most of Europe.

 High Quality of Life

  • Healthcare: Italy offers access to its high-quality national healthcare system, which is free or low-cost for residents.

  • Education: Your children can benefit from Italy’s excellent education system, including access to internationally renowned universities.

  • Culture and Lifestyle: Italy is famous for its rich history, culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, offering an exceptional quality of life.

 Attractive Tax Regime

  • Lump-Sum Tax Option: High-net-worth individuals moving to Italy can opt for a special tax regime, paying a flat tax of €100,000 per year on foreign income, regardless of the amount earned. This regime can be extended to family members for an additional €25,000 per year per member.

  • Tax Incentives for New Residents: Foreign retirees can benefit from a 7% tax rate on their retirement income if they choose to reside in certain regions of Italy.

 Stable and Secure Investment Environment

  • Economic Stability: Italy’s economy is one of the largest in Europe, offering a stable and secure environment for investments.

  • Diverse Investment Options: The Investor Visa program offers a range of investment options, from government bonds and company shares to innovative startups and philanthropic donations, catering to different risk profiles and interests.

 Strategic Location

  • Italy’s central location in Europe provides easy access to major markets and cities across the continent, making it an ideal base for both personal and business travel.

Tax system

1. Income Tax (Imposta sul Reddito delle Persone Fisiche - IRPEF)

  • Progressive Rates: Italy uses a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 23% to 43%, depending on income levels. The tax rates are as follows:

    • 23% on income up to €15,000.

    • 27% on income from €15,001 to €28,000.

    • 38% on income from €28,001 to €55,000.

    • 41% on income from €55,001 to €75,000.

    • 43% on income over €75,000.

  • Deductions and Credits: Various deductions and tax credits are available, including deductions for dependents, mortgage interest, and medical expenses.

2. Corporate Tax (Imposta sul Reddito delle Società - IRES)

  • Standard Rate: The standard corporate tax rate in Italy is 24%. This applies to the profits of companies and other entities.

  • Regional Tax on Productive Activities (IRAP): In addition to corporate income tax, businesses in Italy are also subject to IRAP, which is generally levied at a rate of 3.9% on net value generated by the company.

3. Value-Added Tax (Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto - IVA)

  • Standard Rate: The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%.

  • Reduced Rates: Reduced rates of 10% and 5% apply to certain goods and services, such as food, health products, and cultural services. A super-reduced rate of 4% applies to basic necessities like some food items, books, and newspapers.

4. Property Taxes

  • Local Property Tax (Imposta Municipale Propria - IMU): IMU is a municipal tax levied on the ownership of real estate properties. The rate varies depending on the municipality and the type of property. Primary residences are usually exempt, except for luxury properties.

  • TASI (Tax on Indivisible Services): This tax funds local services such as street lighting and road maintenance and is also based on property ownership.

  • TARI (Waste Collection Tax): TARI is a tax related to the collection and disposal of waste, calculated based on the size of the property and the number of occupants.

5. Capital Gains Tax

  • Rate: Capital gains from the sale of assets such as real estate or securities are generally taxed at a rate of 26%. Different rules may apply based on the holding period and the type of asset.

6. Inheritance and Gift Tax

  • Rates and Exemptions: Inheritance and gift taxes in Italy depend on the relationship between the donor and the recipient:

    • 4% for transfers to spouses and direct descendants or ascendants, with an exemption of €1 million per beneficiary.

    • 6% for transfers to siblings, with an exemption of €100,000.

    • 8% for all other recipients, with no exemptions.

7. Social Security Contributions

  • Employee Contributions: Employees contribute around 9% of their gross salary to social security, covering pensions, health insurance, and unemployment benefits.

  • Employer Contributions: Employers contribute around 30% to 33% of the employee’s salary to social security.

8. Wealth Tax

  • Financial Assets Held Abroad (IVAFE): Italy imposes an annual wealth tax on financial assets held abroad, at a rate of 0.2%.

  • Real Estate Held Abroad (IVIE): There is also a wealth tax on real estate held abroad, with a standard rate of 0.76% of the property’s value.

9. Special Tax Regimes

  • Lump-Sum Tax Regime for High-Net-Worth Individuals: Individuals who move their tax residence to Italy can opt for a flat tax of €100,000 per year on their worldwide income. This regime can be extended to family members for an additional €25,000 per year per member.

  • Special Regimes for New Residents and Retirees: There are favorable tax regimes for foreign retirees and new residents who transfer their tax residence to certain southern regions of Italy, offering reduced tax rates for a period of time.

10. Double Taxation Treaties

  • Extensive Network: Italy has an extensive network of double taxation treaties with over 90 countries, designed to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion.

Why choose Break Front?

  • Global expertise with local insight: A team of seasoned local case executives, immigration lawyers, and investment specialists.

  • Independent service: We are not affiliated with any marketing agencies or specific projects. You’ll have access to all eligible Golden Visa options, allowing you to choose the best path for your needs, supported by the legal due diligence services of a reputable law firm.

  • High approval rate: We pride ourselves on our high approval rates while having successfully assisted hundreds of clients from over 25 countries.

  • Comprehensive support: Our dedicated onboarding and immigration teams guide you through the entire process, providing a seamless experience with a single point of contact.

  • Transparency: Our fees are clearly outlined and comprehensive, with no hidden costs involved in the entire process.

  • Privacy: Your personal information is securely stored in a GDPR-compliant database.

CONTACT US

Service type Required

Thank You!

USA:

325 N Saint Paul St.

Suite 3100

Dallas, TX. 75201

Portugal:

Av. D. João II, 50, Edifício Mar Vermelho,

1990-095, Parque das Nações, Lisbon
Email: info@breakfrontservices.com
Phone: +351 926 665 860

FOLLOW US

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2023 by Break Front Consulting. All rights reserved.

bottom of page