In view of attracting significant investment to Italy, Article 1, paragraphs 155 and 156, of Law No. 232/2016, provided for the introduction of facilitations in processing the applications for entry visas and residence permits requested by third-country nationals who transfer their tax residence to Italy, in order to encourage the entry of significant investment into the country, in application of Articles 2 and 24-bis of the Income Tax Consolidation Act (Art. 1.155 of Law No. 232/2016), and by those who intend to enter Italy to undertake investment initiatives, including the creation of innovative start-ups, advanced training, research or patronage (Article 1.156 of Law No. 232/2016). These provisions were implemented by Interministerial Decree No. 1202/385bis of June 30, 2017.
For detailed information on the creation of innovative start-ups or on how to obtain an investor visa, please consult the relevant sections on the website of the Ministry for Economic Development: innovative start-ups and investor visa. (start up innovative and visto per investitori).
Foreign citizens intending to travel to Italy for these purposes are ensured direct and facilitated access to the offices of the competent diplomatic-consular Representation for submitting visa applications.
In case of high flows of visa applicants, the foreign nationals referred to above are given priority appointment by the diplomatic-consular Representation, within a maximum period of three days. In this regard, the persons concerned shall be exempted from contacting external visa service providers in advance, if any, as provided for in Article 43 of Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009.
The requirements and conditions to apply for an entry visa, the documents required for each type of visa, the address, e-mail address and website of the Italian Consulate or Embassy responsible for processing visa applications, and the ways to schedule an appointment, where necessary, are listed on the portal Il Visto per l’Italia (The Visa for Italy), which provides – in five languages – personalised information on foreigners’ conditions of entry and stay in Italy.