Since January 2017, the Italian immigration law has made new visas available for those foreign investors who wish to enter Italy to make investments for the ultimate benefit of the Italian national economy.

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Particular attention is given to funding that leads to the creation of new jobs and investments related to start-ups, higher education, scientific research as well as patronage activities.

In addition, there are also important tax and financial benefits for foreigners who transfer their tax residence to Italy by means of these so-called “Golden Visas” or “Visas for Investors”.

In 2020, the “Decreto Rilancio” was also published, which even introduced a reduction in the capital required to obtain an Investor Visa in the specific case of investments made in Italian companies and innovative start-ups.
In fact, the amounts are now respectively €500,000 (instead of €1 million, as originally planned) and €250,000 (instead of €500,000).

But who can obtain an investor visa in Italy?

To obtain an investor visa, the applicant must (alternatively):

• Purchase at least €2 million in Italian government bonds (the funds, however, must be held for a period of at least 2 years);
• Invest at least €500,000 in stocks owned by a company with its registered office and operational headquarters in Italy (reduced to 250,000 if it is a start-up)
• Donate at least €1 million in philanthropic funds to support projects of public interest in the field of culture, education, immigration, scientific research or the restoration of cultural and landscape heritage.

The applicant must first obtain special approval by submitting an online application through a dedicated platform.
After approval, the latter must then submit the visa application at the Italian Consulate in his place of residence.
The visa, which is valid for 2 years, is issued through an accelerated procedure; the applicant must therefore enter Italy before the expiry date of the visa and must provide documented proof of the investment within 3 months from the date of entry.
The holder of an investor visa thus receives a residence permit valid for two years, renewable for a further three years.

The assistance of Italian Lawyers who are experts in migration law and visa matters is necessary in a sector that is constantly being updated in terms of regulations, and is certainly crucial in order to ensure the punctual compliance with the requirements imposed by State law, thus avoiding any unpleasantness.