Obtaining a work/residency visa in the EU as a British national has been made all the more complicated since the UK left the European Union. Like many other countries, Italy have provided the option for expatriates to gain residency via investment.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances this can be an attractive option for obtaining long term residency in Italy.
The golden Visa is available to expats who meet one of three investment criteria.
The first option is to invest into an Italian operating company, the minimum investment required is 500,000 euros and this must be done during your first 90 days in Italy.
The second route an individual may take is to invest in an Italian Start-up company, this comes with a lower capital requirement of 250,000 Euros. As with the first option, the correct due diligence for the acquisition of shares in the Italian company is of great importance so ensure to consult with an expert.
The third option available is a 2 million Euro investment in Italian government bonds. Note that any investment must be maintained during the validity of the Visa. All three investment criteria can be carried out by a foreign company on the applicant’s behalf.
This option isn’t suitable for everyone, but it does come with its advantages. The main applicant’s spouse, children, and dependent parents may also request a visa without additional investment, making this an attractive option for large families interested in relocating to Italy.
Another advantage is that the investor is not required to stay permanently in Italy, you can still have a life outside of Italy and travel visa-free around the Schengen area. For an investor who plans to stay in Italy long term, citizenship is made available after 10 years of residence under the golden visa program.
Most countries in the EU will have a ‘Golden visa’ program, they come with different benefits and capital requirements so make sure to speak to professional before considering where is best for you and your family.