Intel
ISO: ITA Investor Visa (Startup)

Italy

Entry Threshold €250,000
Asset Class Innovative Startup
Time to Residency 3-4 Months
Tax Regime €200k Flat Tax
Italy offers the lowest capital entry point in Western Europe via the €250k "Innovative Startup" route. Combined with the Lump Sum Tax regime, it is the ultimate G7 lifestyle play.

Strategic Rationale

While Greece and Portugal have raised prices, Italy remains the "Cheat Code" of the EU. The Investor Visa for Italy allows you to deploy just €250,000 into an "Innovative Startup" found on the official Chamber of Commerce registry.

The "Lump Sum" Tax Play: High-net-worth individuals can opt for a special tax regime. By paying a flat annual fee of €200,000 (raised from €100k in 2024), you are exempt from Italian tax on all foreign income, dividends, and capital gains. This effectively caps your tax liability regardless of how much you earn globally.

The "Nulla Osta" Sprint
Day 0 Digital Application
Month 1 Committee Approval (Nulla Osta)
Month 3 Consular Visa & Entry
Month 4 Residence Permit Issued

Critical Analysis

The Alpha
Capital Efficiency: €250k is significantly lower than the €500k/€800k required elsewhere.
Fiscal Cap: The Flat Tax regime provides certainty on tax bills for 15 years.
Speed: The "Nulla Osta" is processed digitally in 30 days by law.
The Risks
Startup Volatility: Startups are high-risk. Capital preservation is not guaranteed.
Price Hike: The Flat Tax cost doubled to €200k in late 2024.
Bureaucracy: Post-arrival processes (Permesso di Soggiorno) can be slow.

Fiscal Protocol

Scope of the Flat Tax: The €200k annual payment covers you for up to 15 years. It exempts foreign income but excludes capital gains on "qualified shareholdings" sold within the first 5 years.

Inheritance Tax: Italy has one of the lowest inheritance taxes in the world (4% to direct heirs with a €1M exemption per heir). The Flat Tax regime further shields foreign assets from Italian succession duties.