High-Tech Startup Residence

San Marino's High-Tech Startup Residence enables foreign entrepreneurs to establish innovative technology companies in the Republic and obtain residence permits for founders, employees, and family members. The program offers a 12-year graduated pathway of significant tax incentives — from complete income tax exemption in the startup phase to reduced rates during growth — combined with minimal share capital requirements and simplified residence procedures.

• Establish a joint-stock company (società per azioni) under San Marino law
• Obtain high-tech enterprise certification from San Marino Innovation S.p.A.
• Business plan demonstrating an innovative idea for a product, service, process, technology, or business model
• Founding members and employees must hold a master's degree, three-year degree, or secondary school diploma with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Company must conduct activities of predominantly technological or innovative character
• Annual income of at least €18,000 for the primary applicant
• Private health insurance with a San Marino provider (minimum €30,000 annual coverage per person)
• Clean criminal record (original certificate, valid within 6 months, translated and certified in Italian)
• Proof of adequate housing in San Marino
• At least 35% of shares must be held by persons with relevant university degrees who are employed in the enterprise
• Annual turnover under €100,000 for initial SUT I certification

• Business plan for the innovative venture
• Company incorporation documents under San Marino law
• Criminal record certificate (original, valid within 6 months, translated and certified in Italian)
• Proof of adequate housing
• Proof of income (€18,000 for primary applicant, €6,000 per dependant)
• Health insurance policy (minimum €30,000 annual coverage)
• Educational qualifications or professional experience documentation

Stay permits are valid for 1 year and renewable annually. High-tech certification requires annual renewal within 90 days of expiration. After 10 years of continuous residence with all requirements fulfilled, the residence consolidates into permanent registered residence (residenza anagrafica) with full rights.

Spouse or cohabiting partner, dependent children under 25, and disabled dependent children of any age may access residence through the same simplified scheme. Income requirements for family reunification are €18,000 for the permit holder and €6,000 for each dependant.

The program offers a 12-year graduated tax incentive across three company stages:

• SUT I (First Level Startup, 3 years): 0% general income tax
• SUT II (Second Level, 4 years): 4% general income tax
• SAT (Highly Technological Company, 5 years): 8% general income tax, then standard rates apply

Capital gains on equity disposal are 100% exempt if reinvested in similar companies within 2 years, or 50% exempt otherwise. San Marino has no VAT — a 17% single-phase import tax applies to imported goods.

The process involves two parallel tracks:

1. High-tech certification: Submit an application with a business plan to San Marino Innovation S.p.A. (free initial assessment). San Marino Innovation evaluates within 30 days and issues certification within 15 days of approval. The company must then register in the High-Tech Register within 90 days of certification.

2. Residence permit: Applications are submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (Segreteria di Stato per gli Affari Esteri). Legal representatives and employee-partners of certified high-tech startups may apply for residence for themselves and family members.

San Marino does not issue entry visas — non-Schengen nationals must first obtain an Italian/Schengen visa to reach the country.

Contact: [email protected].

• Companies must be joint-stock companies — other corporate forms do not qualify
• The company must not have fiduciary participations
• Companies operating for more than 24 months at the time of certification request cannot qualify as SUT I
• Companies exceeding 5 employees must ensure at least 50% are hired from San Marino's official job placement lists
• Residence permit holders are generally required to maintain physical presence of 270 days per year
• Minimum share capital: €1 for SUT I, €10,000 for SUT II, €20,000 for SAT (50% due within 60 days, remainder within 3 years)
• San Marino is not an EU or Schengen member, so residence does not grant EU free movement