Italy’s Investor Visa: A Visa to Attract Strategic Investments from Abroad
by Adriana ruiz
Renowned for its cultural heritage and economic potential, Italy is opening its doors to worldwide investors via the Investor Visa for Italy. This article delves into the intricacies of the Investor Visa, outlining the opportunities it presents and the procedures that accompany it.
Since December 2017, non-EU citizens who intend to invest in strategic assets for the development and competitiveness of the Italian System can apply for a special, biennial visa. This visa features a digital, simple, and fast release procedure.
Law No. 232 of 11 December 2016, known as the “2017 Budget Law,” introduced in the Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione (TUI) a new type of visa. This visa is valid for 2 years and is dedicated to foreign nationals from non-EU countries who intend to make a significant investment or philanthropic donation in strategic assets for the development and competitiveness of the Italian System.
Specifically, the visa may be issued for:
· An investment in government bonds of at least EUR 2 million;
· An investment in an Italian limited company of at least EUR 500,000;
· An investment in an innovative startup (startup innovativa), as defined by DL 179/2012, of at least EUR 250,000;
· A philanthropic donation of at least EUR 1 million in the fields of culture, education, immigration management, scientific research, or the preservation of cultural and landscape assets.
Procedure for Issuing an Investor Visa:
· Entirely Online: The submission of visa applications and all subsequent communications take place through the dedicated portal of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy.
· Priority: The visa waiver shall be issued within 30 days of the submission of the application.
· Bilingual: The website, application forms, guidelines, and customer care services are available in both Italian and English.
· Centralized: The Secretariat (at the General Department for Industrial Policy) is the single point of contact for the visa applicant and coordinates the inter-institutional Committee deputized for the issuance of the visa waiver.
Regulatory References:
· Testo Unico sull’Immigrazione (Legislative Decree of 25 July 1998, No. 286), Art. 26-bis;
· Decreto Interministeriale MISE-Interno-MAECI of 21 July 2017;
The Investor Visa for Italy serves a dual purpose: it streamlines the process for significant investments to enter the nation and highlights Italy’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and competitive atmosphere. Individuals eager to contribute to Italy’s renowned cultural, educational, and innovative heritage will find their aspirations met. For further assistance or inquiries, contact legal@expatslivinginrome.com, and begin your investment journey to the epicenter of Europe.
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