The Italian Investor Visa offers a promising gateway for foreign entrepreneurs looking to fuel Italy’s economic growth while enjoying Italian tax benefits—all without the burden of a minimum stay requirement. Despite efforts by Italian authorities to streamline the process, obtaining this visa can feel pretty difficult.
Securing the Italian Investor Visa requires more than presenting a bank statement. The Italian Investor Visa Committee demands a verification letter from your bank, which must confirm the availability, transferability, and legal origin of your funds. This letter must adhere to a specific format (the Ministry provides a sample of the comfort letter and only some minor changes are permitted), including confirmation of rigorous anti-money laundering checks as per FATF regulations. Obtaining this letter is often a complex and time-consuming process, involving multiple procedures and approvals.
Most banks will initially prefer to issue a standard letter with a generic anti-money laundering policy. Do not accept this as the final answer. Engage in negotiations to tailor the letter according to the Investor Visa program’s specific requirements. Successful applicants often collaborate with their banks to modify the wording to meet the Committee’s expectations.
In case your bank is not willing to cooperate, you could get help from a legal advisor to understand your rights and the bank’s obligations. Additionally, you can consider exploring alternative banks that may be more receptive to the requirements of the Investor Visa program.