Italy Golden Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Application Process:

The Italy Investor Visa application process is structured into four distinct phases, beginning with the official pre-approval by an Italian government committee.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Italy Golden Visa:

Phase One: Obtaining the Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment)

This is the mandatory first step, where you receive permission from the Italian government before you make the investment.

1. Online Registration: Register on the official Investor Visa for Italy Committee (IV4I) online portal.

2. Document Preparation: Gather and upload the required personal and financial documentation. Key documents include:

• Your valid Passport.

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Clean Criminal Record Certificate (Apostilled/Legalized).

• Proof of Funds: Bank statements and an official bank letter certifying the legal origin, availability, and transferability of the investment funds (often with an Anti-Money Laundering declaration).

• Declaration of Commitment: A signed statement formally committing to making the specific investment (e.g., €500,000 in a company) after the visa is issued and within three months of entering Italy.

• A detailed Investment Plan or proposal, along with proof of consent from the recipient (company, startup, or philanthropic organization).

3. Committee Review: The IV4I Committee reviews your application. The official timeline for a decision is 30 days from submission.

4. Outcome: If approved, the Committee issues a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment). This document is essential for the next phase and is valid for 6 months.

Phase Two: Applying for the D-Type (Investor) Visa

Once you have the Nulla Osta, you must apply for your entry visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your current country of legal residence.

1. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the competent Italian Consulate. Investor Visa applications are often prioritized.

2. Visa Submission: Attend the interview and submit your application for the National Visa (Type D) for Investors. You must bring:

• The original Nulla Osta (the consulate receives an electronic copy, but you must bring yours).

• The National Visa Application Form, fully completed.

• Your Passport and required photos.

• The original copies of all documents submitted for the Nulla Osta (Proof of Funds, Criminal Record, CV, etc.).

• Proof of Accommodation in Italy (e.g., a rental agreement or Declaration of Hospitality).

• Proof of Financial Sustenance: Documentation showing an annual income exceeding the minimum required for self-sufficiency (€8,500+).

• Health Insurance covering your initial entry period.

3. Visa Issuance: Once approved, the consulate issues the Investor Visa, typically within 2 to 8 weeks. The visa is valid for one year and allows you to travel to Italy.

Phase Three: Entry to Italy and Finalizing the Investment

This phase begins the moment you enter Italy with your D-Type Investor Visa. Strict deadlines apply here.

1. Arrival and Residence Permit Application: Within 8 working days of arriving in Italy, you must go to the local Police Headquarters (Questura) in the city where you plan to reside to apply for the Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit). You will be fingerprinted and given a receipt that serves as your temporary residence document.

2. Execute the Investment: You have a strict deadline of 3 months (90 days) from your date of entry to finalize the entire investment or philanthropic donation that was outlined in your Nulla Osta commitment.

3. Proof of Investment: Once the funds have been successfully transferred and the investment is complete, you must immediately upload proof of fulfillment (e.g., share certificates, government bond purchase receipt, donation deed) back onto the official IV4I online portal. The Committee will then review this evidence.

Phase Four: Obtaining and Renewing the Residence Permit

The final steps secure your long-term status in Italy.

1. Residence Permit Issuance: After the Questura processes your application and the IV4I Committee confirms the investment has been successfully finalized, you will be notified to collect your initial two-year Residence Permit.

2. Renewal: The permit is valid for two years. To renew it, you must apply for a new Nulla Osta at least 60 days before its expiry. This involves submitting proof that you have maintained the original investment for the entire two-year period.

3. Long-Term Status: The renewed permit is valid for three years. You can continue to renew the permit as long as the investment is maintained. After five years of continuous residence, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency, and after ten years, you can apply for Italian Citizenship by Naturalization.

The entire process, from initial Nulla Osta application to receiving the Residence Permit, typically takes 4 to 6 months if all documents are correctly prepared.

Dependents:

The main applicant’s dependents can obtain their residence permits through a fast-tracked family visa process. You are generally allowed to include the following family members:

Primary Dependents:

Spouse: Your legally married spouse or civil partner.

Minor Children: All children who are under 18 years old at the time of application.

Other Eligible Dependents:

You may also include certain adult children and dependent parents, provided they meet specific dependency criteria:

Adult Dependent Children: Children who are over 18 years old are eligible if they are financially dependent on the main applicant and/or are unable to support themselves due to a permanent health condition or disability.

Dependent Parents: Parents of the main applicant (or the spouse) can be included if they are financially dependent. Specific criteria often apply based on age:

• Parents over 65: They can be included if they have no other children in their country of origin capable of supporting them for serious health reasons.

• Parents under 65: They can be included if they are financially dependent on the main applicant and have no other children in their country of origin capable of supporting them.

Visa Validity:

The initial golden visa is valid for two years. It can be renewed for an additional three years (for a total of five years) provided the investor can prove they have maintained the original investment.

The Investor Visa provides a clear pathway to long-term residency and, eventually, full citizenship. After five years of continuous legal residence in Italy, Investor Visa holders become eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence Permit (Long-Term EU Residence Permit). To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate a stable income, suitable accommodation, and pass a basic Italian language test (A2 level).

After ten years of continuous, legal residence as a civil and tax resident, the investor is then eligible to apply for Italian Citizenship by Naturalization. This process requires successful integration into Italian society, maintaining a clean record, and proving a higher level of Italian language proficiency (B1 level). As Italy allows for dual citizenship, obtaining an Italian passport grants the investor and their family full rights as EU citizens, including the right to live, work, and study freely across the European Union.

Official Links:

Investor visa for Italy Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy: http://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/

Italian Government Site Visa Page: https://www.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti

SPID Public Digital Identity System: https://www.spid.gov.it/en/