Italy Golden Visa Overview
Italy’s Golden Visa (the Dolce Visa) was previously known as the Italian Investor Visa and offers residency to applicants investing in one of the following areas:
- €2,000,000 invested in government bonds
- €1,000,000 philanthropic donation
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 invested into a certified innovative start-up
Italy does not currently have a programme for investors purchasing real estate, but the Italian government are due to vote on a bill later in 2023, which, if passed, may include the introduction of a real estate investment as a route to a Golden Visa in Italy.
ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP by Investment
Following investment and ten years of tax residency it is possible to apply for Italian citizenship. If you do not plan to live in Italy, but your end goal is citizenship within a European nation, then we advise looking at Portugal’s Golden Visa programme as an alternative solution.
Italian Passport Strength
Italy’s passport is strong, offering visa-free access to around 197 countries and territories worldwide. These visa-free destinations cover 80.4% of worldwide GDP and 90.9% of worldwide travel. Italy ranks 35th in La Vida’s overall ranking of world passports and although passport strength would not be a sole consideration for gaining citizenship in Italy the benefits are a bonus for high net worth investors considering the Italian Golden Visa and are willing to settle for the required 10 year residency before applying for citizenship.
What is Required for An Italian Golden Visa
Alongside the required investment, applicants will need to provide various documentation, including a clean police record, personal ID documents and proof of funds.
Process to obtain An Italian Golden Visa
Following a full consultation with La Vida and a pre-application background check, our advisors will assist you in choosing the most appropriate investment option for Italy’s Dolce Visa programme. From the date the file is completed, and the application is submitted, investors residency visas can often be approved as quickly as 60 days. Investors must make one trip to Italy during the process to submit biometric data, but most of the process can be completed remotely.
Benefits of Italy’s Golden Visa Programme
Successful applicants will have the right to live, work and study in Italy. The main applicant can include their family, including their spouse, dependent children and dependent parents. Following five years of residency, applicants can apply for Permanent Residency and potentially citizenship after ten years of full-time residency. Italy is rich with culture, amazing landscapes, and fantastic food. The country is home to some of Europe’s most popular cities and tourist destinations attracting visitors from all over the globe.
Alternative Programs
Italy’s Golden Visa programme is more suited to business investors or those able to investment a substantial amount of money (€1M+). Typically, many investors prefer more passive investment programmes. La Vida also offers several other European Golden Visa programmes including those providing residency through investment in real estate or government donation. Such investments require minimum connection with the country and allow for freedom of travel within the European Schengen zone. These programmes can ultimately lead to Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of investment migration, particularly focusing on European Golden Visa programs. My extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and in-depth research within the realm of citizenship-by-investment and residency-by-investment initiatives. I have successfully navigated the complexities of various programs, assisting individuals in making informed decisions about their global residency and citizenship options.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and details presented in the article about Italy's Golden Visa program:
Italy Golden Visa Overview: The article introduces Italy's Golden Visa, also known as the Dolce Visa. This program provides residency to individuals making significant investments in specific areas:
- €2,000,000 invested in government bonds
- €1,000,000 philanthropic donation
- €500,000 investment in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 invested into a certified innovative start-up
It's worth noting that, as of the article's information, real estate investment is not currently part of the program, but there is a mention of a potential bill in 2023 that may introduce real estate as a route to obtaining a Golden Visa in Italy.
ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP by Investment: The article highlights that after the initial investment and ten years of tax residency, applicants can apply for Italian citizenship. For those not planning to live in Italy but seeking European citizenship, Portugal's Golden Visa program is suggested as an alternative.
Italian Passport Strength: Italy's passport is described as robust, providing visa-free access to around 197 countries and territories worldwide. The passport's strength is quantified by covering 80.4% of worldwide GDP and 90.9% of worldwide travel. While passport strength is not the sole consideration, it adds value for high net worth investors eyeing Italian citizenship.
Process to Obtain an Italian Golden Visa: The article outlines the steps to obtain an Italian Golden Visa, including a consultation, background check, choosing the investment option, and the possibility of approval within 60 days. The process involves submitting biometric data with one trip to Italy, while most of the procedure can be completed remotely.
Benefits of Italy’s Golden Visa Programme: Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in Italy. Family inclusion is allowed, covering the spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. After five years, applicants can apply for Permanent Residency, and citizenship becomes possible after ten years of full-time residency.
Alternative Programs: The article suggests that Italy's Golden Visa program is more suited for business investors or those capable of substantial investments (€1M+). For those preferring more passive investment programs, alternative European Golden Visa programs are offered by La Vida. These may involve residency through real estate investment or government donation, allowing freedom of travel within the European Schengen zone and potentially leading to Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of Italy's Golden Visa program, detailing its requirements, benefits, and alternative options for investors seeking European residency and citizenship.
