UGLOBAL . COM 81
THE GROWING INTEREST IN THE ITALIAN INVESTOR VISA
BY ALESSIA AJELLI
Foreign investors gain a residence permit that allows them to live in Europe , move freely within the EU and the Schengen Area , and access favorable tax regimes .
Sometimes called “ La Dolce Visa ” or “ Italian golden visa ,” Italy ’ s Investor Visa Program has experienced several changes and enhancements during the last few years , especially after the COVID-19 pandemic .
Though less expensive alternatives exist at the European level for investors who want to obtain a residence permit and possibly European Union ( EU ) citizenship through passive investments , this residency by investment ( RBI ) program is a suitable option .
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ITALIAN INVESTOR VISA
As of today , applicants can choose between different types of investments , each with a unique threshold amount :
• € 250,000 if they are willing to invest in Italian innovative startups .
• € 500,000 if they invest in an Italian company ( listed or not listed ).
• € 1,000,000 if they invest by donating to a philanthropic project .
• € 2,000,000 if they invest in bonds of the Italian government .
These amounts have been modified since the program went live in late 2017 . The minimum investment required in the case of equity of innovative startups and Italian companies was reduced by half to make the program more attractive to potential foreign investors .
Also , in an aim to increase the number of potential investors to engage in the program , the Italian government introduced over the last years a couple of changes :