With Europe’s borders tightening and global investors seeking stable residency options, Italy’s Golden Visa program has emerged as a top-tier gateway for Indian high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Officially known as the Italy Residence by Investment Program, the scheme offers a two-year renewable residence permit—without requiring real estate purchases.
🇮🇹 Investment Routes: No Property Required
Unlike other European residency programs, Italy’s Golden Visa excludes real estate as a qualifying asset. Instead, investors can choose from four approved options:
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
- €500,000 in an Italian limited company
- €250,000 in a certified innovative startup
- €1 million in philanthropic initiatives
Applicants must first obtain a ‘Nulla Osta al visto’ (no objection certificate) from the Investor Visa for Italy (IV4I) committee, and then apply for the visa at their nearest Italian consulate.
🛂 Residency and Citizenship Pathway
- Initial Permit: 2 years
- Renewal: 3 years, if investment is maintained
- Permanent Residency: Eligible after 5 years
- Citizenship: Possible after 10 years of continuous residence
💰 Tax Incentives for New Residents
Italy offers a special tax regime for new residents transferring their tax domicile:
- Flat tax of €100,000/year on foreign income
- Extendable to family members for €25,000 each
- Valid for up to 15 years
This regime is available only to those who haven’t been Italian tax residents for 9 of the past 10 years.
🌍 Why Italy?
With a GDP of $2.17 trillion, Italy is the EU’s third-largest economy. Cities like Milan, home to over 115,000 millionaires, offer a thriving business ecosystem, world-class healthcare, and visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
“Italy’s Golden Visa is ideal for Indian investors seeking EU mobility, lifestyle benefits, and long-term security—without tying up capital in property,” says Andrii Boiko, CEO of Garant.in.
Stay tuned for more updates on global residency and citizenship programs.
