If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you will probably dream about setting up your business overseas. Even if you already run a successful business, extending it across international boundaries sounds good. But you must pick your markets carefully, considering factors like demand, rules for foreign ventures, and tax structures. More importantly, you must check the immigration norms to understand the viability of your plan. Italy is a destination that covers all these fronts. Not surprisingly, it is a hub for global entrepreneurs who want to explore the idea of international entrepreneurship.
From an immigration perspective, it offers diverse options to move in and start a life. You are in a good place if you have Italian roots or are married to a citizen of the country. These factors make you eligible for citizenship. But you can still move to Italy for business with an investor visa. You can visit Bersani Law Firm for understanding more about investment-based immigration. It is the fastest route to become a resident and start your business here. Let us explain the basics of obtaining an investor visa in Italy.
Eligibility by investment
An investor visa route is an ideal option for applicants who want to move to Italy sooner rather than later. As a business owner, it gets you closer to an opportunity when it is around. Moreover, it is your only option when you cannot qualify through the conventional routes like descent, marriage, and naturalization. Eligibility requirements are mainly about investment in Italy rather than anything else. The investor visa requires massive investments, making it apt for high-net-worth individuals. But the good thing is that you have diverse options to invest in. Here are the ones you can explore.
- €250,000 in an existing Italian startup
- €500,000 in a local company
- €1 million as a donation to public interest project in education, culture, heritage, research, or immigration management
- €2 million worth of government bonds
Besides providing legitimate funds, you have to be over 18 years to get an investor visa. Other requirements include a good state of health and a clean police record. Essentially, this immigration route is about money, so you need not struggle much with the process and paperwork.
Simple and fast processing
If you have the kind of funds required for an investor visa, it can be the golden chance to build a global enterprise. The best thing about the golden visa is that you have access to it within a few months. The processing is simple and fast, comprising only three steps.
Step #1- Obtain a nulla osta
A nulla osta is a certificate of no impediment you have to obtain from the Investors Committee for Italy. You can apply for it online and provide the required documents of proof of funds to invest in the country. You only have to give a declaration of the intention to invest at this stage. The investment has to come after getting your residence permit in Italy. It means you can rest assured about the safety of your funds. The process takes only 30 days, and you will get your nulla osta if the authorities find your paperwork complete and accurate.
Step #2- Get an investor visa
After obtaining your nulla osta, you can apply for the investor visa at the nearest Italian consulate. The process is straightforward, and you can wrap it up quickly to kick start your venture sooner rather than later. At this stage, you will have to give additional documents such as your ID proofs, proof of Italian accommodation, and proof of income to support your family in Italy. The Golden Visa is a high-priority visa. So it is approved ahead of the others in the queue at the consulate. You can expect the process to be complete ahead of time, unlike other immigration processes.
Step #3- Apply for a residence permit
When you get your investor visa, you can land in Italy and apply for a temporary resident permit. It is valid for two years, though you can get a subsequent extension for another three years by applying for a renewal. You only have to maintain the investment in the country to get a renewal. A residence permit allows you to live and work in Italy and bring your family along without additional investment. You can travel visa-free to Europe’s Schengen area and explore new business opportunities in the EU. A stay of five years makes you eligible for long-term residency. Even better, you qualify for naturalization after completing ten years in the country.
Professional expertise is the best option
While obtaining a golden visa sounds easy, it may get complicated if you want to stay here for good. The immigration laws are complex, and reaching your citizenship goals requires an in-depth understanding. You may even get stuck at the initial stage while choosing the right place to invest. Moreover, the paperwork and other formalities sound confusing. Collaborating with a professional is the best option as they can guide you from start to end. You can rely on their recommendations to find a legitimate investment option, complete the documents for your nulla osta, and follow their advice for getting your investor visa and residence permit. More importantly, they can lead you on the road to citizenship.
Italian immigration for business is a great idea, and an investor visa is a golden ticket that gets you there. It opens the opportunity to establish your venture in the country and even grow overseas by extending to the EU market. But getting an investor visa requires you to bring a hefty investment in the country. However, it is only a small price, considering the kind of opportunities it can open for you. Also, you need to bring in funds only after completing the process. Your family can come along and get access to the residential benefits. It is a dream start that any entrepreneur wants while extending their outreach to overseas markets. Connect with an immigration expert and start your journey now!
