The amazing weather, delicious food and great culture (among others) make Italy a desirable place to live for thousands of people every year.
If you are seeking the opportunity to be one of them but are not eligible to apply for dual citizenship, there are other alternatives.
The concept of residency is a legal status that allows non-citizens to live (in this case) in Italy for a certain amount of time, having the same rights as any italian.
In order to get either short or long term residency in Italy, the applicant must accomplish several requirements.
Understanding Residency in Italy
There are two types of residency in Italy: temporary and permanent or, in other words, short and long term residences.
Temporary residences come in the way of Visas and are granted to any foreigner that goes to Italy for study, work, health, investment or family reunification purposes and would like to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
Depending on specific conditions, the duration of temporary visas varies between one and two years and can be renovated before it expires.
After 5 years of uninterrupted and legal stay in Italy, foreigners are eligible to apply for permanent residency if requirements are met.
Temporary Residence types & requirements
To stay in Italy beyond 90 days, non-EU citizens must obtain a temporary residence permit within 8 days of their arrival.
Depending of the purpose of your visit to Italy and your desire length of stay you might apply for:
- Student or Academic Visa
- Seasonal Worker
- Family Reunification
- Regular employer
Once in Italy, you must go to the Police station to fill in a declaration of residence. Next step is the post office where you are going to handle additional paperwork, known as “The Kit” (mandatory paperwork for your second police appointment).
Typically, this appointment is arranged about 60 days after submitting “The Kit,” but it may take up to six months in some cases.
What documents should you bring to your police appointment?
- Four passport-sized photos
- A valid passport
- Documentation verifying the purpose of your stay (such as an employment contract or proof of enrollment)
- All documents submitted with your visa application
- Proof of private health insurance from an authorized company in Italy
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
Permanent Residence
After five years of uninterrupted stay in Italy, foreigners can apply for permanent residency.
To qualify for a permanent residence permit, you must meet four key conditions:
- Demonstrate that you have been living in Italy for the past 5 years.
- Present a clean criminal record.
- Pass an Italian language test, showing at least an A2 proficiency level.
- Provide evidence of sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents.
The Golden Visa
Another alternative is what is known as the Golden Visa: program designed to attract foreign investors by providing them with residency permits in exchange for significant financial contributions.
To qualify for the Investor Visa, you must make one of the following types of investments in Italy:
- Investment in Government Bonds: Invest at least €2 million in Italian government bonds.
- Investment in Italian Companies: Invest at least €1 million in an Italian company, either by purchasing shares or through a direct investment.
- Investment in a Startup: Invest at least €500,000 in an innovative startup company.
- Donation to Italian Culture: Donate at least €1 million to support cultural activities or to restore and maintain cultural heritage sites in Italy.
The Role of Italian Citizenship
As a member state of the European Union, Italy allows EU citizens to live and work there without requiring a work permit or any sort of residence application.
EU citizens planning to move their residency to Italy and stay for more than 3 months must register with the local authorities by providing your italian address within 20 days of moving to the country.
How to acquire Italian Citizenship?
There are three ways of getting italian citizenship:
By descendant: if you have italian ancestors in your family you are eligible to claim your italian nationality by the principle of jus sanguinis (or right of blood).
By marriage: if you are on a civil union with an italian and accomplish several specifics requirements (such as time of the relationship, language knowledge)
Naturalization: after 5 years of permanent residency in the country you are eligible to start the process to become a citizen by fulfilling the specific requirements .
Italy is around the corner!
As you can see, there are many ways to pursue the Italian dream and become a citizen.
By exploring your possibilities, you will unlock a range of benefits that can significantly improve your living experience and long-term goals.
By becoming an Italian citizen you will take advantage of:
European Union Rights: Italian citizenship grants you the ability to live, work, and study in any EU country, opening doors to countless opportunities across Europe.
Visa-Free Travel: An Italian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide, making international travel more convenient.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Benefit from Italy’s excellent healthcare system, world-class education, and vibrant cultural experiences.
Voting and Political Participation: As an Italian citizen, you gain the right to vote in Italian elections and have a voice in the democratic process.
Family Inclusion: Italian citizenship can be extended to your immediate family, providing them with the same rights and opportunities.
AND MORE !!!!
So if you want to take advantage of all the opportunities that Italian citizenship offers its citizens, schedule a call with our specialists now.
io.citizen is a company specialized in providing assistance for obtaining Italian citizenship, and we can help you acquire one of the most beneficial citizenships.
Take advantage of specialized assistance to secure your passport for a borderless future.
