Italy Golden Visa Program: Investment options for foreign investors applying for a residence permit

Rome: The Italy Residence by Investment Program, also known as the Italy Golden Visa or the Investor Visa for Italy, is intended for international investors who are willing to invest in the country’s economy. Italy golden visa holders get access to an Italian residence as well as visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.

Currently, investing in Italy’s real estate does not make foreigners eligible for the Italian Golden Visa program. The Italian Residence by Investment Program is limited to investments in enterprises, government securities, and philanthropic funds.

The investment required for an Italian golden visa is a minimum amount of EUR 250,000 to a maximum of EUR 2 million. To be eligible for the Investor Visa for Italy, one needs to invest € 2 million in Italian government bonds or € 500,000 in an Italian limited company or € 250,000 in an Italian innovative startup or € 1 million in a philanthropic initiative.

“Such investments can qualify one for Italy’s Golden Visa, leading to permanent residency and citizenship, with no strict residency requirements and only basic Italian language (A2) needed. Italian citizenship is one of the top three strongest passports in the world, offering visa-free access to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more,” says Andri Boiko, Global Founder & CEO Garant.in

Italy’s golden visa is a 2-year visa for non-EU citizens who choose to invest in Italy’s economy. The residence permit for investors lasts two years from arrival in Italy. Foreign citizens who hold all the requirements and have maintained the original investment can apply for a 3-year renewal.