Italy's golden visa: Investment routes, tax benefits and residency rules for Indian investors

Italy is among Europe’s most in-demand golden visas, ranking in the top-3 European Union programmes by volume.

Residency requirements

• No fixed minimum number of days per year in Italy.
• Continuous residence needed to qualify for EU long-term residence (after 5 years) and citizenship (after 10 years).
• The investment must be made with personal funds; loans and mortgages not permitted.
• Residence permit initially valid for 2 years; can be renewed for additional 3 years.

Note: “We observe rising interest as Indian families diversify from real estate-focused golden visas in Portugal or Greece to Italy’s business and start-up-centric pathways.”
– ANDRI BOIKO, FOUNDER & CEO, GARANT IN

Other costs to consider

Government fees:
€100 for the application
Residence permit:
€116 per person
Processing/legal fees:
€10,000–15,000

What are the benefits?

• Visa-free travel across all Schengen countries.
• Flexible residency options with no obligation to live.
• Covers spouses, children and dependent parents.
• World-class healthcare, education, lifestyle benefits.
• Attractive flat tax regime on foreign income.

Tax implications

New residents can opt for a ‘flat tax regime’:

• €100,000/year on foreign income for main applicant.
• €25,000/year for each additional family member.

If not opting, standard Italian tax rates apply to worldwide income.
Source: Garant In
Note: €1 equals Rs.105.6 as of 19 December 20