Marat Kusainov, an entrepreneur from Almaty, has been developing a logistics and freight forwarding company for over 14 years. His business has strong ties with European partners, yet the absence of legal presence in the EU made operations more complicated: participation in tenders, contract negotiations and frequent trips to Europe required visas and additional administrative steps.

In 2025, Marat approached GARANT IN with a clear objective: to obtain a European residence permit, open a company in the EU, and build a full-scale logistics hub in Europe.

After a strategic consultation, our team recommended the most efficient solution — obtaining an Italian residence permit through opening a company — one of the strongest and most reliable pathways to legally establish oneself in the EU.

Client’s Goals

1. Obtain an Italian residence permit for himself, his wife and two children.

2. Open a company in Italy to expand the European branch of his business.

3. Build direct relationships with partners in Italy, Germany and Austria.

4. Ensure his children have access to education in Italy and visa-free mobility across the Schengen Area.

5. Create a long-term strategic foundation in the EU with a clear pathway to citizenship.
   

Why Italy and why the “Residence Permit through Business” Model

GARANT IN recommended this route for several reasons:

• The ability to open and operate your own company

The residence permit allows the holder to legally run a business, hire employees and perform commercial activities.

• No complex investment requirements

The client must present:
— proof of financial stability,
— a viable business plan,
— readiness to conduct operations in Italy.

• Clear, transparent and predictable procedure

Defined legal timelines:
— 15 days for visa D issuance,
— 8 days to submit the residence permit application after arrival,
— up to 20 days for the immigration office to issue the permit.

• Full Schengen mobility

Once the residence permit is issued, the client travels freely within the Schengen Area.

• Full social benefits

The Italian residence permit grants:
— access to medical care,
— education for children,
— the ability to work or run a business,
— long-term presence in the EU.

• Pathway to citizenship after 10 years

Provided the client resides in Italy at least 183 days per year.

For Marat, this meant a legal base in the EU, unrestricted business operations, long-term mobility and a stable foundation for the entire family.

GARANT IN’s Work: Step-by-Step Process

1. Business Plan and Strategy

Our legal team prepared a detailed business plan for the Italian company. It included:

• financial projections,
• market entry strategy,
• operational model,
• hiring plan for local employees.

2. Company Formation in Italy

GARANT IN coordinated:

• company registration,
• obtaining tax numbers,
• opening a corporate bank account,
• arranging a legal office address.

3. Obtaining Visa D

The package submitted to the Italian Consulate in Astana included:

• proof of income and savings,
• business plan,
• criminal record certificate,
• medical insurance,
• long-term rental agreement,
• application forms and supporting documents.

The visa was approved in 13 days, within the statutory timeframe.

4. Submission for the Residence Permit

After entering Italy, the client had 8 working days to submit documents for the “permesso di soggiorno”. GARANT IN accompanied him during the appointment at the Questura.

5. Waiting Period & Issuance

After 17 days, Marat received the Italian residence permit valid for 1 year and renewable.

Results for the Client and His Family

• The right to live and work in Italy

Marat can officially manage his Italian company and operate within the country.

• Full Schengen mobility

Business trips to Germany, France and the Netherlands no longer require visas.

• Education for the children

His daughter was admitted to a liceo scientifico in Milan, and his son enrolled in a local public school.
Both children received access to the national medical system (SSN).

• A new logistics hub in the EU

Marat leased a warehouse in Northern Italy and launched direct operations with European partners.

• Long-term foundation for citizenship

With 183+ days of residence each year, the family can apply for Italian citizenship after 10 years.

Why This Program Is Attractive for Entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan

• Straightforward entry: opening a company and proving financial capacity is enough.
• A strategic EU base for global business development.
• Access to European banks, markets and logistics hubs.
• High-quality education and healthcare for the family.
• A clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

Client’s Feedback

“I needed a predictable and transparent way to enter the European market — without complex requirements.
The Italian residence permit was the right solution. GARANT IN handled every stage — from company registration to the immigration process. We now have a fully operational office in Milan and a stable base for long-term development.”
— Marat Kusainov, Almaty.