Italian citizenship is in-demand for Americans who want a second passport. Italy is great for families, retirees, and aspiring business owners. The best thing is that you can explore myriad opportunities like citizenship by descent, marriage, and naturalization. But things can get complicated if you do not qualify for either of these routes. However, you still have a chance with an investor visa serving as your first step towards Italian citizenship. You can visit visit www.mbersanilaw.com to understand how it works. Let us explain the steps of acquiring an investor visa in short.
Know the eligibility options
The first step is to know the investment options that make you eligible for the process. You must be at least 18 years of age and have no criminal record to qualify for an investor visa. The investment options run in thousands or millions, so the option works for the affluent with a high net-worth. Here are the ones making you eligible:
EUR 250,000 in an innovative startup
EUR 500,000 in a company incorporated and operating in Italy
EUR 1 million as a donation in a project of public interest
EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds
You have to maintain the investment as long as you want to hold the visa and residency until you are eligible for citizenship.
Obtain a nulla osta
Once you are ready with the funds, you can go ahead to apply for a nulla osta or a certificate of no impediment. The process is online, and you have to submit documents of identification and proof of legit financial resources to invest in the country. At this stage, you only have to provide a declaration stating the intention to invest. If your paperwork is in place, the Investor Visa Committee Secretariat will issue the nulla osta in 30 days.
Apply for Investor Visa
After getting the nulla osta, you can apply for your Investor Visa at the nearest Italian Embassy. It is vital to stick to the six-month deadline because the nulla osta is valid for this period. Ensure that you have a valid passport, proof of documents, and proof of income along with the nulla osta before going ahead. You will also need a certified translation if the documents are not in Italian or English. The embassy will grant a two-year visa after reviewing the documents.
From residency to citizenship
After obtaining your investor visa, you can land in Italy and get your residence permit by completing the formalities. It is the right time when you have to go ahead with the investment. The residence permit is valid for two years, and you will have to apply for renewal before it ends. A subsequent renewal has a three-year validity, and you can get a long-term EU residency after five years. Eventually, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization after completing ten years in Italy.
The transition from an investor visa to citizenship by investment sounds long and daunting. But it is your best bet when the other routes do not apply. Follow these steps to achieve your Italian dream.