A self-employment visa allows you to work independently in Italy and live long-term in the country. However, you must understand the eligibility requirements for the visa and how the application process goes before applying.
Good to know
- The application fee for a self-employed visa is €116 (excluding the residence permit).
- The official processing time is 120 days.
- You can only apply for the visa when the annual quota “Decreto Flussi” is open. In 2024, out of 61,250 non-seasonal work visas, only 680 were allocated for self-employment.
- Certain categories, such as sports personnel or athletes, may be exempt from the restriction of the annual quota.
Who Can Apply for a Self-Employment Visa to Italy?
You can apply for a self-employment visa to Italy if:
- You are a non-EU citizen.
- You intend to work as a freelancer, start a business, or hold an executive position in a company in Italy.
- You meet Italy’s annual immigration quota for self-employment visas (set by the “Decreto Flussi”).
- You have sufficient financial resources to support yourself.
Types of Italy Self-Employment Visas
You can apply for one of the following categories depending on the type of work you do:
- The startup visa option— issued to foreigners wanting to open an innovative company in Italy, as well as foreigners who want to join an already-existing company in an executive role.
- The freelancer option— issued to individuals who intend to take up self-employed, freelance work and do not have a company that wants to hire them.
- The entrepreneur option— issued to foreigners who want to implement an investment plan (of no less than €500,000) that is beneficial to the Italian economy.
Artists, sports athletes, and entertainment personnel can apply for a self-employed visa as well.
How to Apply for a Self-Employment Visa to Italy?
To apply for a self-employed visa to Italy, you must first obtain a certificate of permission to work. Here is a breakdown of the step-by-step process:
Step 1. Obtain a “Nulla Osta”
You have to obtain authorization to work independently in the country, which is commonly known as a “Nulla Osta”. You must obtain the permit in Italy from a competent authority, which can change depending on the type of work you’re doing.
For example, the Chambers of Commerce issues permissions for business, while a special authorization is required from health departments to open a cafe or a bar.
Because all the permits must be obtained in Italy, you must hire a proxy to help you get your work permit and other licenses on your behalf. In most cases, this is a legal consultant who will help throughout the application process.
Step 2. Schedule an Appointment
Once you have your work permit and other required licenses, you can continue with the rest of the application process, which must be completed at an Italian embassy or consulate.
You can find an Italian representative here and schedule an appointment to submit your application.
Step 3. Prepare the Required Documents
To submit a successful application, you need to prepare the required documents:
- Valid passport.
- Filled out application form.
- Permission certificate “Nulla Osta”.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of purchased flight ticket.
In addition to the general requirements, each category of professionals must include additional documents.
Documents Required for Self-employed Professionals
Additional documentation is required for a specific list of professionals as dictated by the Italian Ministry of Justice, which you can find here:
- Recognition of university degree by the Ministry of Health, for medical professionals.
- Declaration from the relevant professional body or authority stating that the applicant meets the necessary qualifications to practice the profession in Italy.
- Declaration of compliance with the “parametri di riferimento” (reference parameters) issued by the Chamber of Commerce or relevant professional order.
- The declared financial resources must be at least three times the minimum social welfare income (€14,000).
- Proof of income from the previous fiscal year, showing earnings above the exemption threshold for public healthcare contributions, which is €8,500.
Documents Required for Managers, Executives, University Lecturers, Translators, and Interpreters
- Certification from the Italian Territorial Labour Office (DTL) stating that the applicant will not be employed as a subordinate worker.
- Contract or agreement demonstrating a yearly income exceeding the minimum threshold for exemption from public healthcare contributions (€8,500).
Documents Required for Sports Personnel and Athletes
- Declaration of consent from CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee), sent directly to the Italian Embassy/Consulate. The document should include:
- Athlete’s details.
- The sport they practice.
- The name and address of the team/club they are joining in Italy.
- Nulla Osta issued within the previous 90 days, confirming that the applicant’s sport is eligible for a sport self-employment visa.
Documents Required for Artists and Entertainment Personnel
- A job contract proving that the applicant’s compensation exceeds the standard salary for employees in the same category.
- Declaration from the inviting entity’s legal representative (submitted to the Territorial Labour Directorate) confirming that:
- The applicant will not be employed as a subordinate worker.
For circus performers or traveling shows, this declaration must be sent to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
You must submit your completed application on the day of your visa appointment, and attend a short interview where you must answer questions about why you want to apply for the visa and what your plans in Italy are.
Once your visa is processed and approved, you will receive your visa along with instructions on how to proceed.
Please keep in mind that you have 180 days to use your visa to enter Italy after it’s issued; otherwise, it becomes invalid.
After Arriving in Italy
Once you enter Italy, you have 8 days to “transfer” your visa to your residence permit. To do this, you must pick up an application package at a local post office in your area, and then attend a meeting at a local police station, “Questura,” which will issue your residence permit.
After being issued, your permit is valid for a year, and then you can renew it for as long as it’s valid. After 5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Is Italy a Good Place for the Self-Employed?
Italy is an attractive place for foreign self-employed persons due to its rich culture, high quality of life, the weather and the coast, and access to the European market.
However, there are both pros and cons to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
| Access to the EU Market | The visa application process and business registration can be time-consuming. |
| Strong demand for professionals in various industries (tourism, fashion, design, tech, etc.). | Only a limited number of self-employment visas are issued annually under the Decreto Flussi. |
| Excellent work-life balance, culture, and lifestyle. | Self-employed individuals can face high income tax and social security contributions. |
| Some regions (especially in the south) offer tax breaks for new businesses. | Establishing a business often requires strong local networking and knowledge of the Italian market. |
| After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. | While not mandatory for the visa, knowing Italian is essential for business and administration. |
| Compared to other Western European countries, many Italian cities are more affordable. | The official visa processing time is 120 days, but delays are common. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Family Members With Me?
Yes, you can bring your family members to Italy as soon as you obtain your residence permit.
Can I Switch From a Self-Employed Visa to Another Type of Visa?
You can switch to an employment visa if you have found a job in the country, or even a family visa, but you have to go through the application process again, and you must also meet the eligibility requirements.
How Much Money Do I Need for a Self-Employed Visa?
You must have an annual income of at least €8,500, and for those who want to go the investment route, the required amount is €500,000.
Can I Apply for the Self-Employment Visa While I’m in Italy on a Tourist Visa?
No, you must apply for the visa from your country of residence before entering Italy.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes in Italy?
If you live in Italy for more than 183 days, you must pay taxes. The Italian Revenue Agency (“Agenzia delle Entrate”) manages tax matters, and you’ll need a “Codice Fiscale” to file taxes.
The standard flat tax rate for the self-employed differs based on the income earned as follows:
| Income (€) | Tax rate |
| Up to €28,000 | 23% |
| €28,001–55,000 | 35% |
| €55,001 and above | 43% |
However, self-employed individuals may benefit from tax reductions—foreigners can pay lower rates for the first five years, and some southern regions offer incentives for new businesses.
We highly recommend, you consult with a financial advisor in this case to help you understand the tax system and how much you have to pay.