Italy - Representative Office Visa
The Italy Representative Office Visa is designed for individuals looking to open a representative office in Italy for a foreign company.
Program Overview
The Italy Representative Office Visa is a business residency program designed for foreign companies seeking to establish a non-trading presence in Italy. This program allows companies to open a Representative Office (Ufficio di Rappresentanza), enabling them to conduct market research, brand promotion, and preparatory activities without engaging in direct commercial transactions.
This visa is particularly suited for business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs who wish to expand their company’s presence in the European market while gaining access to Italy’s favorable residency framework. Unlike other business visas, the Representative Office Visa does not require a large capital investment or job creation, making it a cost-effective way for international businesses to establish a foothold in Italy.
The program grants an initial one-year residency permit, with the option to renew. After five years of legal residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, they may be eligible for Italian citizenship. Italy’s strategic location, strong economy, and access to the European Union make this an attractive residency route for business professionals looking to operate within the EU while enjoying Italy’s exceptional quality of life.
Program Information
Live, Work and grow your Business in Italy.
What are the eligibility requirements?
The applicant must be a representative or authorised employee of a foreign company.
The foreign company must be in operation for at least 1 year before applying for the visa.
The representative office should not conduct commercial activities directly. Its main functions should include promoting the company, market research, and liaising with Italian clients or partners.
The business must be generating at least €12,000+ in annual revenue.
You must be able to show proof of €6,500 in personal taxable income annually for the renewal.
The foreign company must demonstrate it is legally registered and operating in its home country, and it should submit documentation proving its establishment.
What benefits will I receive?
The Representative Office Visa allows the foreign company’s representative to operate in Italy without being subject to Italian income taxes on their foreign income.
One of the most attractive benefits of this visa is the lack of physical stay requirements.
The visa provides the flexibility to manage business activities such as market research, promotions, and liaising with Italian clients or partners, without the need to establish a full-fledged company in Italy.
This visa serves as an excellent entry point for foreign companies that want to test the Italian market without making significant investments. It provides an opportunity to expand business operations or set up a subsidiary in Italy in the future.
The representative visa can often be extended to the applicant’s immediate family members.
What are the costs involved?
There is no large investment required with this program, unlike Golden Visas. There are fees for application support, legal documentation preparation, and advisory services, which vary depending on the number of applicants.
How long does the process take?
Expect the entire process to take approximately 12–18 weeks, subject to visa appointment and consulate availability.