Italy — RBI
Italy’s Investor Visa — 15 most FAQs
Why is Italy Investor visa gaining popularity? Let’s find out!
1. Are there any restrictions related to the nationality of visa applicants?
Only citizens or Russians and Belarus are not admitted. Any other applicant will need to provide a bank letter confirming that the funds to be invested are compliant with anti-money laundering regulations
2. What is the most popular and safest investment?
€ 2 Million Gov.t bonds or € 500 K shares of publicly listed company ore some selected funds.
Which types of investment in non listed companies do qualify for an investor visa?
Both capital increases and the purchase of shares already issued are considered as qualifying investments.
3. Is it possible to purchase shares of more than one company per single application?
No, the investment must be directed to only one company per application. By extension, it is also not allowed to combine different types of investment (e.g. direct part of the amount to a donation and part to an investment in shares).
4. Can the target company be selected at a later stage, e.g. after the application has been submitted?
No, the identification of the target company is an essential feature of the application. Therefore, the target company must be indicated at time of submission, otherwise the application will be rejected.
5. How long is the processing time to obtain the Ministry’s approval?
30 days from the day of the application (recently the Minsitry takes longer to approve the applications).
6. When shall I do the investment?
Within 3 months from arrival in Italy
7. Is it possible to obtain the visa without going to the Italian Consulate?
No, the applicant must go in person to the Consular office in charge
8. How long is the permit for?
2 years, it can be extended for periods of 3 years upon maintaining the investment
9. Can I bring my family?
Yes: 1) spouses not legally separated and aged over 18; 2) minor children — including those of the spouse, or those born out of wedlock — who are unmarried, provided that the other parent has given his or her consent; 3) dependent children aged over 18, if for objective reasons they are unable to provide for their essential needs due to health conditions implying total disability; 4) dependent parents, if they do not have any other children in the country of origin, or parents over 65 years of age, if the other children are unable to support them due to serious and duly documented health conditions
10. After I obtain the visda can I travel freely to other Schengen countries?
Yes, within the limit of 90 days any 180 day period
11. Do I need to spend any minimum time in Italy?
No
12. Do I need to have an accomodation?
Yes, for the purpose of obtain the Police permit, it can be a rented or owned property
13. Can I apply for permanent residency?
After 5 years but on condition of registering as resident at the City Hall, pass a language test and file tax returns.
14. Can I apply for citizenship?
Yes, after 10 years of residency (i.e. registration with City Hall)
15. Does Italy offer any tax incentives to new residents?
Yes (i) a € 100,000 yearly flat tax on any foreign income; (ii) a 7% tax for pensioners who move their residence to certain municipalities of the Centre and South Italy; (iii) for 5 years, income from work as an employee (or similar category) and self-employment pursued in Italy is taxed at 30% of the amount, or 10% if the worker becomes resident in some regions in the South.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this article (i) does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; (ii) are for general informational purposes only and may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information (iii) this website may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader; (iv) readers should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal or tax matter.
