Have you ever wanted to relocate overseas but the process to do so was too complicated?
In today's article we’ll explore 2 of Europe’s leading start-up investor visa options, hopefully helping you make a decision on which country you’ll soon be calling home,
To make the most of this opportunity, there are two principal choices in terms of the countries you have to decide between. Let's see what they are all about in some more depth.
Italy
Italy is not just known for the amazingly wide range of cities and towns to visit, but also the incredible cuisine and rich history on offer to anyone lucky enough to find themselves within the country.
The European nation is offering an opportunity for those of you who are looking to start a new business overseas to obtain a residency there in return for choosing Italy as the home of this new business.
How does the process work?
If you think this could be for you, here are the requirements:
1. Application form, projected costs and forecasts, business proposal and ID
2. Obtain a police certificate to be able to enter Italy
3. Accommodation, income and proof of residence in home nation submitted to your local Italian embassy
4. You will then receive a 1-year initial start-up visa upon the submission of the above documents for entry into Italy
5. Travel to Italy, submit photocopy of passport and photos, pay postal bulletins and show certificate of accommodation in Italy, now you receive a 1-year self-employment residency
Another interesting point to note is that, as long as you do so no less than 60 days before your permit expires, you are able to extend your visa for another 2-year period.
France
Now we’re off to France, world renowned for their art, history and cuisine, as well as being extremely popular amongst tourists from across the globe.
However, the European nation has a lot more to offer than tourism, in fact, they’re also offering investors looking to start a new business a place within their borders.
How does the process work?
So, I hear you asking, how can I obtain this residency in France? Well, the requirements are as follows:
1. Undertake an eligibility assessment, secure commitment and acceptance letters from government and designated incubator, and complete application form
2. A 3-month talent visa will be granted by your local French embassy, you should now enter France during this time where you’ll be granted your 4-year residency permit within 2 months.
It is worth noting that in order to be eligible you need to be able to show you have funds equivalent to one year of pay at the level of French minimum wage as well as be selected by the designated incubator and approved by the French government as we mentioned in step 1.
It may seem like lots of hoops to jump through, but this is where we are here to help, and if this isn’t enough reassurance, there are also lots of benefits to obtain once you’ve made it to France, but we’ll have more on that in a bit.
So, which program is for me?
There are lots of benefits to both programs, so let’s start with why Italy is better suited to some investors. Initially, there is an abundance of high-quality and competitive skills in the market, offering an exciting potential workforce to help your start-up grow.
There are also capital raising schemes for start-ups, meaning Italy lends itself to facilitating an environment where start-ups can thrive, including the second highest tax relief in the EU.
Now, where France differs is that the visa is valid not only for longer, but also includes your family, making the program advantageous for those of you with families. Not only this, but if you’re looking for permanent relocation, then France is your best bet, allowing citizenship to residents holding this visa type after 5-years, certainly an exciting prospect.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about how you can obtain residency in Europe by investing in a new start-up, as well as other opportunities to develop your business, contact us today! Below this article, you will find a link to set up a free fifteen-minute consultation with us to discuss your options further.
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