Self-employment visa and residence permit for enterpreneurs

Article 26 of Legislative Decree 186/98 deals with the residence permit for self-employed workers, and an entrepreneur who intends to open a new business in Italy can also obtain a residence permit for self-employment. 

This type of self-employment visa and permit is subject to the numerical limitations of the "flow decree". 

The residence permit for self-employment is usually issued for a duration of 1 year and is renewable as long as the conditions for issuance are maintained. 

Who can apply for it? 

The visa and residence permit for self-employment for entrepreneurs can be applied for by the non-EU citizen who: 

i. has prepared a sound business plan for the activity they intend to set up in Italy 

ii. has obtained all the necessary documentation, including also the certificates/documents/attestations required by the type of self-employment activity intended to be carried out (one must meet the legal requirements for carrying out the activity in question, including, when required, the requirements for registration with professional registers) 

iii. has suitable accommodation in Italy 

iv. has economic resources above the minimum level established as a limit for being able to undertake a new activity i.e. Euro 500,000 

The procedure in a nutshell 

Here is what to do to apply for a visa and residence permit for self-employment to open a new business in Italy: 

1. prepare and have a business plan approved by the Consulate 

2. produce documentation demonstrating sufficient economic availability for the start of activities, in any case not less than Euro 500,000 

3. obtain authorization (nulla osta) and certification of financial parameters from the territorially competent Chamber of Commerce 

4. obtain provisional authorization (nulla osta) from the territorially competent Police office 

The visa application must be filed to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the foreign country of residence, which has full discretion over its issuance. In the event that the process is successful, and the self-employment visa is issued, the holder must enter Italy and within 8 days apply for a residence permit and attend the fingerprinting appointment at the local Police office following which they will be summoned to collect the residence permit. 

Benefits of obtaining a self-employment visa and residence permit 

Holders of a visa residence permit for self-employment may, by demonstrating presence in Italy for at least 5 years, residency and a reasonable income, apply for an EU long-term resident permit and, upon reaching 10 years of residence in Italy, proceed to apply for Italian citizenship by residence. 

Your Way to Italy: our assistance 

Our team is available to provide support and assistance throughout the process! Contact us to book your first consultation with us and to start the process to obtain a self-employment visa and residence permit! #YourWaytoItaly  

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.