Italy•EuropeItaly Startup Visa
At a Glance
1–2 months
EUR €116
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in Italy
Overview
Italy's fast-track self-employment visa for non-EU founders of innovative startups, with a 30-day MIMIT Nulla Osta and €50K funding floor.
The Italia Startup Visa (ISV) is a fast-track self-employment route under Art. 25 of Law 221/2012 for non-EU founders setting up an innovative startup in Italy. Run centrally by MIMIT (formerly MISE), it bypasses the Decreto Flussi quotas, with the Nulla Osta evaluation completed within 30 days of a complete application.
Applicants must show at least €50,000 dedicated to the startup, €8,400+ annual personal income, suitable lodging, and a business plan with a clear tech, R&D or IP component. The MIMIT Technical Committee issues the Nulla Osta; the consulate then grants the self-employment visa.
This visa is ideal for non-EU tech founders with at least €50K of committed capital seeking a centralised, English-language, quota-free path to launching an Italian innovative startup.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Annual Cap & Quota
Fast-track procedure outside the annual Decreto Flussi self-employment quotas
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
ItalyArt. 9 TUI — EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Non-EU/EEA citizen wishing to set up or join an innovative startup in Italy under Art. 25, comma 2 of DL 179/2012 (Law 221/2012)
Credible business plan with technological innovation, R&D investment, or IP component
At least €50,000 in financial resources dedicated to the innovative startup (personal funds, investors, incubators, or equivalent)
Nulla Osta issued by the Italia Startup Visa Technical Committee at MIMIT (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy)
Proof of suitable lodging in Italy
Annual personal income of at least €8,400 (healthcare-exemption threshold) from lawful sources
Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond visa expiry
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
8,400 EUR/yr
Investment
50,000 EUR
Min. Savings
50,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Nulla Osta ISV (issued by the Italy Startup Visa Committee).
Detailed business plan.
Proof of financial availability (bank statements or investment agreements).
Valid passport.
Visa application form.
Passport-sized photographs.
Proof of suitable accommodation in Italy (e.g., lease agreement or hotel booking).
Proof of minimum income (e.g., tax returns).
Receipt of visa fee payment.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Fast-track 30-day Nulla Osta evaluation by the MIMIT Technical Committee
- Outside the Decreto Flussi self-employment quotas, available year-round
- Centralised, fully online, English-language application channel
- Self-employment permit with the right to run and grow the startup
- Family reunification available once the residence permit is issued
- Pathway to long-term EU residency and eventual citizenship
Worth Knowing
- Requires at least €50,000 dedicated to the innovative startup
- Startup must meet the strict Law 221/2012 innovation criteria (R&D, team or IP)
- Residence permit must be filed within 8 days of arrival and renewed annually
- Consulate visa issuance time is separate from the 30-day Nulla Osta clock
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship (programme is for non-EU founders only)
- Business plan without genuine technological innovation, R&D or IP
- Less than €50,000 in verifiable funding for the startup
Application Process
Complete the Certificate of No Impediment (Nulla Osta) application with business plan and €50,000 funding evidence
Email the application package in English to italiastartupvisa@mise.gov.it for evaluation by the Italia Startup Visa Technical Committee
Receive the Nulla Osta from MIMIT (within 30 days of complete documentation)
Apply for the self-employment startup visa at the competent Italian consulate, submitting the Nulla Osta and proof of funds
Enter Italy and, within 8 days of arrival, file the residence permit application at a local post office (kit giallo) and book Questura fingerprint appointment
Renew the residence permit after one year at the Questura with startup incorporation documents and proof of lawful annual income
Related visas
More visas in Italy
- Re-entry Visa (Type D)
Residency
- Self-Employment Visa
Work
- Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
Investment
Residency visas in other countries
Living in Italy
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