Italy offers a range of pathways for high-net-worth individuals to secure residency, including business investment options. Igor Buglo, Head of the Maltese office, MBA, Investment Programs Expert at Immigrant Invest, explains how you can obtain Italian residency by registering a business, applying for an EU Blue Card, and using other investment routes like the Italy Golden Visa program.
Whether you are interested in starting a company or investing in established industries, Italy provides opportunities for residency and long-term settlement.
Italy Residence Permit by Business Registration
One of the main ways to secure residency is through business registration. If you plan to start business in Italy, you can apply for a self-employment visa. This permit is designed for entrepreneurs who will own and manage their businesses in the country.
To qualify, you must provide proof of sufficient financial resources and present a detailed business plan. Your company must align with the Italian economy and contribute positively.
To apply for the self-employment visa, gather the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of available funds.
- Your business plan.
- A document demonstrating you have secured a location to operate your business.
You will also need to show that your business will create jobs or significantly benefit the local economy. Once your application is approved, you can apply for a residence permit.
How to apply for EU Blue Card Work Permit
The EU Blue Card is an option for highly skilled professionals looking to live and work in Italy. It allows third-country nationals to work in any EU country, including Italy, under a long-term RP in Italy.
To qualify, you must have a job offer from an Italian company that meets a minimum salary threshold. This is often ideal for managers, engineers, and IT professionals.
To apply for the EU Blue Card, you must first secure a job offer from a company in Italy. The salary offered must be at least 1.5 times the national average in Italy for a comparable job. You will also need a university degree or equivalent professional experience in a specialised field.
Submit your application with proof of your employment contract, qualifications, and salary details to the Italian authorities.
Once you have the EU Blue Card, you can live and work in Italy for up to four years. After this period, you may apply for permanent residency. The Blue Card also allows you to move to other EU countries with fewer restrictions compared to other permits.
Family members of the Blue Card holder can join them in Italy, providing a more flexible path to living and working in Europe as a family unit.
Other Business Options to Get Residency in Italy
The Italy Golden Visa program allows non-EU investors to gain residency by making a significant investment in Italy. You can either invest in an Italian company, government bonds, or an innovative startup.
The investment amount varies depending on the category, and starts at €250,000 for startups and can go up to €2 million for government bonds.
The Golden Visa is open to high-net-worth individuals who are willing to invest in Italy’s economy. You must demonstrate the source of your funds and make a qualifying investment. Once the investment is made, you and your immediate family members can apply for residency.
This visa is particularly attractive for investors seeking to settle in Italy long-term, as it can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Top Italian Business Fields
Italy’s economy offers several key sectors for foreign investors. The most popular industries include:
- fashion,
- luxury goods,
- tourism,
- technology.
Italy’s fashion and luxury sectors are globally renowned, offering plenty of opportunities for those with the right expertise and capital. If you’re interested in tourism, Italy’s cultural heritage attracts millions of visitors every year, creating strong demand for hotels, restaurants, and travel services.
Italy is also becoming a hub for technology startups. Investors in innovative sectors such as fintech, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence may benefit from both the Golden Visa and government support for research and development.
The Italian government encourages foreign investments in these areas with tax incentives and grants, making technology an appealing choice for investors.
Conclusion
Italy provides multiple business-related pathways to secure residency, from registering your own company to investing in innovative startups through the Golden Visa. The EU Blue Card is another option for highly skilled professionals looking to work in Italy. With a strong economy in fashion, tourism, and technology, Italy offers a wide range of business opportunities for investors seeking residency.
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