Startup visa and residence permit for innovative entrepreneurs

In recent years, Italy has introduced specific tools to attract entrepreneurial talent from non-EU countries, with the goal of strengthening the national innovation ecosystem. Among these tools, the Italia Startup Visa (ISV) stands out. Launched in 2014, the program was designed to simplify access for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to create or develop an innovative startup in Italy.

Unlike ordinary procedures for obtaining self-employment visas, the ISV process is digital, fast, and transparent, reducing bureaucratic delays and ensuring priority in the issuance of residence permits.

Who can apply

The Startup Visa is intended for non-EU citizens who wish to start a new innovative business in Italy. By law, an innovative startup is defined as a limited company that meets specific legal requirements (Article 25 of Decree-Law no. 179/2012), related both to legal form and to research and development activity.

An interesting aspect is that applicants do not necessarily have to undertake this journey alone: they may rely on the support of certified incubators, structures recognized by the Ministry that provide technical, managerial, and in some cases financial assistance, thereby reinforcing the solidity of the entrepreneurial project.

Financial and documentary requirements

To submit an application, it is necessary to demonstrate the availability of at least €50,000 to invest in the initial phase of the startup, covering both start-up costs and daily operating expenses.

From a bureaucratic perspective, the aspiring entrepreneur must provide an official application form, a copy of their passport, and a declaration regarding available funds. All documentation may be drafted either in Italian or in English, making the process more accessible to candidates from international backgrounds.

How the procedure works

The process consists of four fundamental steps:

1. Submission of the application – All documents are submitted digitally to the Italia Startup Visa secretariat at the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, which carries out an initial formal check.
2. Technical evaluation – The documentation is then reviewed by the ISV Technical Committee, made up of representatives from key Italian innovation stakeholders. Within 30 days, the aspiring entrepreneur receives a response and, if positive, the ISV Nulla Osta (clearance).
3. Visa issuance – With this document, the applicant has three months to apply at the competent Italian consulate and obtain a Startup self-employment visa, valid for one year.
4. Residence permit – After entering Italy, the visa holder must go to the local Police Headquarters (Questura) within eight days to apply for a self-employment residence permit, also valid for one year. This permit is issued through a priority procedure and grants access to all rights under Italian law, including healthcare services and family reunification.

Rights and obligations of the permit holder

Those who obtain a residence permit through the Startup Visa program enjoy several benefits:

• family reunification procedures are handled on a priority basis;
• the integration agreement applies, providing a path of social and language integration for long-term residents;
• access to healthcare services is guaranteed under the same conditions as residents.

At the same time, entrepreneurs must ensure that their project remains consistent with the declared innovative purposes and comply with the financial commitments made during the application process.

Alternative path: joining an existing startup

The program is not limited to the creation of new businesses. It is also possible to apply for a visa to join an existing innovative startup, provided that it has been operational for at least three years and is registered in the special section of the Business Register.

In this case, the requirements are more stringent:

• the minimum investment required is €100,000;
• the applicant must take on a managerial or executive role (such as president, CEO, or board member);
• the candidate’s academic and professional background must be consistent with the startup’s activity.

The ISV Committee also discourages multiple applications by different non-EU citizens aimed at the same company, in order to avoid unsustainable concentrations.

Conclusion

The Italia Startup Visa program represents much more than a simple entry channel into Italy: it is a strategic tool to attract entrepreneurial skills, capital, and innovation. For non-EU talents, it offers a clear, fast, and institutionally supported pathway; for Italy, it strengthens the competitiveness of its economic ecosystem, fostering the growth of high-innovation enterprises.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.