VI - About the Italian Golden Visa
1. What Is the Italian Golden Visa €250k Program?
The Italian Golden Visa €250k program is the lowest-capital entry route for Italy’s Investor Visa, granting a two-year residency in exchange for a €250,000 investment in an “innovative startup” registered in Italy.
2. Who Qualifies for This Visa?
Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must have a clean criminal record and provide appropriate certificates.
Must have sufficient lawful funds for the investment.
Must be able to provide private health insurance coverage for self and family.
3. What Qualifies as an “Innovative Startup”?
Must be officially recognized as “innovative” and registered in the Italian national startup registry.
Usually less than five years old, with under €5 million annual revenue and meeting certain innovation criteria (like R&D spending, patents, or highly qualified teams).
4. What Is the Application Process?
Pre-approval (Nulla Osta): Submit investment plan documentation online for review and get the “nulla osta” certificate (no impediment).
Visa Application: Apply for investor visa at your local Italian consulate with nulla osta and supporting documents.
Travel to Italy: Receive a two-year residency permit upon arrival.
Complete Investment in Italy: Investors must complete the investment within three months of entering Italy.
5. What Is the Timeline?
Pre-approval process: 1-2 months.
Visa application and approval: another 1-2 months.
Total timeline: about 3-4 months for most applicants.
6. Can Family Members Be Included?
Yes, qualifying family members (spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, dependent parents over 65 or with no other support) can be included in the application.
7. Does the Visa Require Living in Italy?
No minimum stay is required to keep the visa, making it flexible for investors who do not plan to permanently relocate.
8. What Are the Benefits?
Fast-track European residency with flexible travel and residence rights.
Visa-free travel within the Schengen area.
Family reunification allows you to include immediate family members.
Opportunity for tax optimization schemes for retirees and HNWIs.
Clear path to permanent residency (after 5 years) and citizenship (after 10 years).
9. Do I Have to Maintain the Investment?
Investors must maintain the investment for at least five years to renew and extend residency rights.
However, the start-up allows investors to exit every 2 years.
10. What Documentation Is Required?
Proof of identity (passport).
Proof of lawful funds and a bank letter stating compliance with AML rules.
Clean criminal record certificate.
Health insurance.
Self-declaration of planned investment.
“Nulla Osta” (no impediment certificate).
11. What Fees Are Involved?
At Bitizenship, we charge €25,000 for the entire process including legal fees.
Third-party fees:
Visa fee: €116 for national D visas (consulates adjust periodically).
Residence-permit payments (pay at the post office with the kit): €30 kit service + €16 duty stamp + €30.46 electronic card + €100 contribution for a 2-year permit.
12. Can This Lead to Italian Citizenship?
Yes, after 5 years of continuous residence for permanent residency, and after 10 years for citizenship, following naturalization requirements (including integration, language, and no criminal record).
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