Discover the Italy Golden Visa Opportunity

Following the closure of several high-profile immigration by investment options in Europe, Italy’s Golden Visa program stands tall as a premier way for Americans to access increased global mobility and freedom on the continent. The Italy Golden Visa program offers fast application processing (3-4 months in most cases) and a range of competitive investment options that provide access to Europe. Successful applicants and their families are able to benefit from visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.

As a member state of the EU, Italy offers its residents and citizens a number of benefits including high levels of safety and security, excellent education opportunities, robust healthcare options, and a dependable rule of law. Italy’s diverse climate zones, desirable lifestyle, and cosmopolitan cities, coupled with the country’s favorable tax regimes and growing business economy, have led many wealthy individuals and families to make this beautiful country their second home.

1. Government Bonds

A minimum investment of EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds. The investment must have a minimum maturity of two years and offer competitive returns through periodic interest payments.

2. Investment In Shares

A minimum investment of EUR 500,000 in Italian shares of a company based and operating in Italy. This amount may be reduced to 250,000 if investing in innovative startups. An official list of eligible startups is maintained and regularly updated on the Italian Chamber of Commerce web portal.

3. Cultural Donation

A minimum of EUR 1 million in projects of public interest in Italy - such as culture, education, ecology, scientific research and development, arts and heritage. Note: this is a donation, and therefore non-refundable and not eligible to receive dividends or capital returns.

Shortest processing time compared to other programs, can get permanent residency before the investment is made.

The visa is granted for two years and is renewable for a further three-year period, provided that the investment is maintained. It is expected that the process of obtaining the visa will take 3 to 4 months from the date of application.

A unique aspect about the Italian Golden Visa is that it is the only investment visa option in Europe that grants the visa/residence rights before the investment is made. The investment must be made within three months of entry into the country.

Who all can be included

Extend your benefits to your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents.

Residency Requirement

The Portuguese golden visa residency requirement is very flexible, making it an attractive investment migration option for Americans. You can maintain your residency with just an average of seven days per year in Portugal.

When some countries require investors to stay in the country at least six months per year, Portugal only requires seven days. This allows you to maintain your current lifestyle in the United States while fulfilling the golden visa requirements and working towards citizenship by essentially taking a week-long vacation to Portugal once a year!

Citizenship Requirement

After five years of legal “residency” under the golden visa program, applicants may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.

To qualify for citizenship, in addition to fulfilling the five years of investment, applicants must also learn basic Portuguese to an A2 level. However, in lieu of a language test, applicants may also attend 150 hours of virtual Portuguese language lessons from a government-approved language school. Upon completion of the 150 hours, the applicant is considered to have satisfied the language requirement.