CAMPIONE D’ITALIA: AN UNIQUE AND LEAST-KNOWN TAX-HEAVEN FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS

(FOR NON ITALIAN CITIZENS)

 

Campione d’Italia is an Italian enclave in Swiss territory; Campione lies on the Lugano’s Lake shore and represents an ideal place of residence for anyone wishing to live in a safe location in the heart of Europe, enjoying the temperate climate and a favorable tax treatment.

 

Campione d’Italia, this almost unknown tax haven, represents a very good opportunity for wealthy (non Italian) residents. Campione d’Italia is a tax heaven in fact, the Italian tax authorities have always ignored that foreign citizens do not submit their tax return; therefore the non Italian citizens do not pay taxes in Italy (however the assistance of a tax consultant is advisable before acquiring the residence in Campione d’Italia).

 

Please keep in mind that Campione d’Italia can be confusing since it is in a very peculiar situation; we will gladly give you any explanation you may need.

 

Here is a short overview of the many advantages that foreigners enjoy being resident in Campione d’Italia:

 

1)  General advantages

  • Becoming European Union Resident -Campione d’Italia, is part of Italy, member of EU- you can freely move around the 25 states of the Union
  • Central location in the heart of Europe, about ten minutes drive to Lugano’s financial center and to Agno, Lugano Airport; the intercontinental Airport of Milan Malpensa is less than one hour away
  • In Campione the Swiss efficiency is combined with the Italian lifestyle fostering a superb quality of life
  • Campione is a very safe location; the crime rate is almost inexistent

 

2)   Real Estate

  • Foreign citizens and foreign Corporations can freely purchase Real Estate properties in Campione d’Italia, for tax purpose is advisable to use a Corporation. The procedure is quite simple, a notary public will check if the property is free and clear therefore will schedule a meeting with owner and buyer to sign the purchase deed. The transfer of a property is subject to a flat tax rate of € 504, 00 only, plus notary’s fees
  • The property tax on a Real Estate ICI (Imposta Comunale sugli Immobili) is 0.5 % of the cadastre (land registry) value, approx. 40% of market value

 

3)   Taxation

  • Foreigners that do not have any income in Italy are “de facto” tax exempt.
  • Inheritance tax does not apply to Resident’s relative
  • Campione d’Italia is EU VAT exempt; the Swiss VAT applies on goods, not on labor (the actual rate is 7.6%).

 

4)   Swiss quality of life

  • Campione residents could have their cars registered in Switzerland (Swiss plate) and can get a Swiss driver license
  • Campione Telephones are operated by Swisscom the Swiss telephone company
  • Possibility to use many Swiss facilities and infrastructures at the same charges applied to Swiss residents (for ex. the University of the Canton Ticino)
  • Campione residents have access to the Swiss educational system
  • Campione residents benefit of the Swiss high standard medical treatment (hospitals, doctors etc.). Campione public health system (it is almost free!)  is run by the Swiss health insurance fund and uses the Swiss health infrastructures

 

5)   Requirements for residency

  • Rather simple procedure for obtaining the residency; it’s critical that petitioner have clean criminal records in Italy and in the country of origin
  • Legal entry in Italy; valid passport and an entrance VISA if required
  • The petitioner should apply in person for the residence permit “permesso di soggiorno” within 8 days from the entrance in Italy sending in Passport, lease contract and a bank affidavit (a temporary permit with a validity up to 2 years could be issued); notice of the authorities decision will be given in approximately 3 to 6 months. However, from the time of application, the permit is considered as obtained until communication of decision
  • Residents should apply for renewal a few months before expiration date of the temporary permit; after 5 years of legal residence in Italy the petitioner can apply for an unlimited residence permit “carta di soggiorno”
  • After 10 years of legal residence in Italy, the resident can apply for the Italian citizenship

 

If you wish to become Campione d’Italia resident, we would be delighted to assist you in all the necessary steps making the whole process hassle-free