Investor Visa for Italy: Visa for Investors in Italy

The Investor Visa for Italy, also known as the Italian Golden Visa, is a programme designed for citizens of non-European Union countries who wish to make qualifying investments in Italy and apply for a specific entry visa.

It offers an opportunity for entrepreneurs, international investors and high-net-worth individuals interested in developing business activities in Italy, investing in Italian companies or considering relocating to Italy with their families.

Studio Paci, based in Milan, provides tax and corporate advisory services relating to the Investor Visa for Italy, working in coordination with legal professionals and financial specialists to assist clients throughout the various stages of their projects.

Our aim is to provide a single point of professional contact, bringing together the tax, corporate, legal and administrative aspects associated with the investment and the visa application.

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What Is the Investor Visa for Italy and What Benefits Does It Offer?

The Investor Visa is a programme introduced under Italian law to attract foreign capital and investment, promote business competitiveness, encourage innovation and support Italy's economic development.

The programme allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain an investor visa for Italy valid for two years and, following their entry into the country, to apply for a specific investor residence permit, which may be renewed in accordance with the applicable legislation.

The Italian Golden Visa can therefore represent an attractive option for individuals seeking to establish lasting economic and personal ties with Italy.

However, the process requires careful consideration of eligible investments, financial documentation, entry requirements and the potential tax implications of relocating to Italy.

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Investor Visa Italy: Requirements and Eligible Investments

One of the key considerations when applying for an investor visa for Italy is identifying an investment that complies with the programme's requirements.

The main investment options provided for under Italian law include:

• €250,000 for an investment in the share capital of an Italian innovative startup;

• €500,000 for an investment in equity instruments issued by Italian companies or, where permitted by law, in eligible venture capital funds;

• €1 million for a philanthropic donation supporting projects of public interest;

• €2 million for an investment in Italian government bonds.

 

The choice of investment requires consideration not only of the minimum amount but also of the nature of the transaction, the source and availability of financial resources, the required documentation and the obligations relating to maintaining the investment.

Purchasing property in Italy does not, in itself, qualify as an eligible investment under the Investor Visa programme.

It is therefore advisable to carry out a preliminary eligibility assessment before starting the application process or making financial commitments.

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Investor Visa and Tax Residency in Italy

For an international investor, applying for a visa is often only one part of a broader project.

Individuals wishing to relocate to Italy as investors should also consider the tax implications that may arise from their relocation, the management of foreign assets or investments in Italian companies.

It is important to distinguish between the right to reside in Italy and Italian tax residency: obtaining an Investor Visa does not automatically result in becoming an Italian tax resident, as tax residency depends on the criteria established by law.

Depending on the individual's circumstances, it may also be appropriate to consider the special tax regime for new residents, commonly referred to as the non-dom regime or flat tax regime for new residents.

Eligibility for this regime is subject to separate requirements and is not an automatic benefit of obtaining an Investor Visa.

Studio Paci assists clients in assessing the tax implications of international investments, changes in tax residency and the management of financial and business interests in Italy and abroad.

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Our Investor Visa Advisory Services: An Integrated Approach

Obtaining an investment visa for Italy may require expertise across several professional disciplines.

For this reason, Studio Paci works with legal professionals and qualified financial and investment specialists, selected according to the specific characteristics and requirements of each transaction.

This approach enables us to offer coordinated professional assistance, which may include:

• Preliminary assessment of the investor's personal, tax and corporate circumstances;

• Assessment of eligibility requirements under the Investor Visa for Italy programme;

• Coordination with legal professionals on immigration matters, visa applications, official clearance (nulla osta) and residence permits;

• Tax and corporate advisory services relating to the investment structure and transactions in Italy;

• Collaboration with authorised financial specialists, where necessary, for assessments and activities falling within their respective areas of expertise;

• Tax residency planning and assessment of any applicable preferential tax regimes;

• Post-investment assistance concerning tax and corporate compliance obligations, as well as coordination of any activities required to maintain the residence permit.

 

The specific services are defined according to the individual project and are provided by appropriately qualified and authorised professionals within their respective areas of competence.

Investors can therefore rely on a single professional point of contact, avoiding the need to address closely interconnected tax, legal, financial and administrative matters separately.

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Why Choose Studio Paci in Milan?

Our work is based on a personalised approach, focused on understanding each client's needs and ensuring that the tax and corporate implications of their decisions are properly addressed.

We pay particular attention to international taxation, corporate advisory services and wealth planning, all of which can be particularly important for foreign investors interested in Italy.

Through our collaboration with professionals offering complementary expertise, we can coordinate multidisciplinary assistance while maintaining a comprehensive overview of each project.

Confidentiality, clarity, attention to detail and professional coordination are the defining features of our approach.

Our Milan office serves as a point of reference for international investors seeking to develop business activities in Italy.

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Investor Visa Italy: Frequently Asked Questions

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What Is the Minimum Investment Required to Obtain a Golden Visa in Italy?

The minimum investment required under the programme is €250,000, provided that the investment is made in an eligible Italian innovative startup.

The other investment categories have different minimum thresholds and must comply with the requirements established by law.

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How Long Does It Take to Obtain an Investor Visa for Italy?

The process includes an initial assessment, the application for official clearance (nulla osta), the visa application and the subsequent procedures in Italy.

According to the official Investor Visa for Italy portal, the standard assessment period for the nulla osta is 30 days, subject to possible suspensions or requests for additional documentation.

The overall time required to obtain the visa may be longer and depends on the circumstances of the individual case and the competent authorities involved.

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Does the Investor Visa Allow Family Members to Relocate to Italy?

Holders of an investor residence permit may consider applying for family reunification, subject to the requirements and procedures established under Italian law.

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Is It Possible to Obtain Italian Citizenship Through the Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa does not automatically grant Italian citizenship.

Any subsequent eligibility for long-term residence or citizenship requires compliance with the specific conditions established by law.

 

Why Should You Consult a Firm of Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers for the Investor Visa?

Because an international investment may have tax, corporate and wealth-related implications that extend beyond the visa application process itself.

A firm of Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers, working in coordination with legal professionals and other qualified specialists, can help assess the project as a whole and organise the necessary activities in a consistent and coordinated manner.

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Request a Consultation for the Investor Visa for Italy

Are you considering investing in Italy and exploring the possibility of obtaining an investor visa?

Contact Studio Paci for an initial assessment of your circumstances and proposed investment.

We will review your requirements and assess the professional services needed, involving our specialist collaborators and partners where appropriate.