Residence Program Italy
Overview of Long-Term Residency and Italian Citizenship
The Residence Program Italy involves applying for long-term residency as a step towards acquiring Italian citizenship. If you are interested in immigrating to Italy and obtaining one of the visas available for foreigners, our specialized lawyers are here to guide you.
Why Consider Second Citizenship in Italy?
Our local attorneys, who specialize in immigration matters, can provide an overview of how to obtain a permanent residence permit in Italy. We also assist those who wish to move to Italy as entrepreneurs or who aim to acquire Italian citizenship.
Types of Residence Permits in Italy
There are two types of residence permits available in Italy:
- Temporary Residence Permit
- Permanent Residence Permit
It is important to note that a temporary residence visa must first be obtained before applying for permanent residency in Italy. Non-EU citizens are required to secure a temporary residence visa upon their initial arrival in Italy, while EU citizens only need to register with the local police department in their city of residence. Both groups must reside in Italy for a minimum of 5 years before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
Family Inclusion
The residence permit can also be obtained by:
- The spouse of the applicant
- The parents of the applicant
- The minor children of the applicant
- Children over the age of 18, provided they can support themselves
Applicants can bring family members to Italy, but must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents, along with proof of their relationship with the dependents.
Main Pathways to Permanent Residency in Italy
To obtain permanent residency in Italy, applicants must meet several criteria, including residing in the country for 5 years, proving financial self-sufficiency, fluency in Italian, and knowledge of national customs. Applicants must also have a clean criminal record.
The primary methods for acquiring permanent residency include:
- Employment-based Residency: Applicants live and work in Italy before applying for permanent residency.
- Entrepreneurship-based Residency: Foreign nationals start their own businesses in Italy.
- Investment-based Residency: Applicants invest in a specific sector recognized by the Italian government.
- Self-Employment Visa: Allows foreigners to operate as sole traders in Italy.
Our GCI UNIT Italian immigration attorneys and experts can explain the requirements for obtaining permanent residency through self-employment, entrepreneurship, or investment.
Procedure for Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens must follow specific procedures when applying for permanent residency in Italy. Initially, they must obtain a temporary residence permit, valid for 5 years, before applying for a permanent residence permit. In summary, a non-EU resident must live in Italy for 5 years before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
Required Documents
The following documents are necessary for a permanent residence permit application:
- Proof of 5 years of residence in Italy (temporary residence permit)
- Registration certificate issued by local authorities upon entering Italy
- Proof of legal residence in Italy (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency (bank statements, tax returns, payslips)
- Criminal record and application form issued by Italian authorities
Restrictions
Certain categories of individuals are not eligible for permanent residency, including students with limited-stay visas, individuals on medical or vocational training visas, and asylum seekers in the process of gaining refugee status. Additionally, those on humanitarian visas or temporary protection cannot apply for permanent residency.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Italy
Becoming a permanent resident in Italy offers numerous advantages, including the ability to enter and exit the country without additional visas, travel freely within the EU, and work in other EU countries without a work permit. Permanent residents also gain access to state benefits, such as maternity or disability allowances. Ultimately, permanent residency opens the door to acquiring Italian citizenship, which provides full EU citizenship rights.
Assistance with Permanent Residency Applications
Our GCI UNIT Italy immigration lawyers are ready to assist with the entire application process, from preparing the necessary documents to securing permanent residency and ultimately pursuing Italian citizenship.
Corporate Residence Permits in Italy
Foreign investors looking to establish businesses in Italy can obtain a residence permit under specific circumstances. This includes setting up an Italian limited liability company or registering a branch or representative office of a foreign company. Additionally, investors may qualify for a start-up residence permit with a minimum investment of EUR 50,000.
Professionals seeking employment in Italy can apply for a European Blue Card, which is issued to highly skilled workers in specific fields.
Our outstanding team of professional consultants has been carefully selected and works towards our company ethos:
Focused on you – our Client.
Citizenship Program Vanuatu – Buy European Second Passport
Although there is currently no residence program for this country, we invite you to explore our new Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program.
If you have further questions about the Residence Program Italy or any other concerns, please contact us.