Italy · Business / Startup
Italy Startup Hub (in-country)
Savings needed: €50k+ ≈ $56k
Italia Startup Hub (conversion of a residence permit into a start-up self-employment permit)
First checked against official sources on , some details partly verifiedChange log
Key facts
Startup Hub (in-country) is a business / startup route for Italy. Applicants need savings of €50k+ ≈ $56k. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.
- Money needed
- €50k+ ≈ $56k
- Government fees
- €16 ≈ $18
- Processing
- Up to 30 days
Cost, time and long term
To apply: government fee €16 ≈ $18; savings to show €50k+ ≈ $56k; decision: up to 30 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.
Government fees€16 ≈ $18
- EUR 16 (≈ $18)Revenue stamp (marca da bollo) for the conversion kit.
Shown, not spent€50k+ ≈ $56k · €8,500+/yr ≈ $9,500
- EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900)Financial availability, from personal resources or third parties, to be invested in the innovative start-up; for a team the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the project as a whole.
- EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500)Income in the previous year above the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions (EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the guidelines); each team member must show it when the new permit is issued.
RenewalRenewable
The self-employment permit can be renewed for up to two years, then for two further years.
Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Labour
Permanent residenceAfter 5 years of residence
A long-term permit is possible after five years of residence on a valid permit, with income at least the annual social allowance and an Italian language test.
NormattivaMinistry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Labour
CitizenshipAfter 10 years of residence
Naturalisation needs 10 years of legal residence (4 years for EU citizens) and Italian at level B1 or above.
ProcessingUp to 30 days
The start-up committee issues its clearance (nulla osta) within 30 days; the permit conversion is then decided within 90 days.
Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of LabourNormattiva
Where to applyInside the country
Convert an existing Italian residence permit through the Sportello Unico or the Questura after the committee clearance.
Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Labour
Why this route may not fit
Check this before you apply.
- Needs earlier residence or an existing status in Italy
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports
What you'll need
Who can apply3
- The applicant is a non-EU national in Italy on a study, research, employment, family or investor permit, or an EU long-term permit.
- The applicant will found an innovative start-up, hold shares in it and take an active role.
- Holders of a study, training or other-state long-term permit depend on the annual conversion quota.
What you must show2
- At least EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) of financial availability to invest in the start-up.
- Previous-year income above the health-exemption level, EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the guidelines.
Documents2
- Application form, pitch deck, business plan with cost and revenue forecast, and cover letter on financial resources.
- Passport, current residence permit and proof of suitable accommodation.
Steps2
- Email the application to the committee, which issues the nulla osta within 30 days.
- Convert the permit through the Sportello Unico or update it at the Questura, depending on the permit held.
After you arrive1
- The self-employment permit can be renewed for up to two years, then for two further years; a long-term permit is possible after five years.
What happens at day 183
How Italy decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.
- Tax residence
- At least 183 days in a tax year (184 days in leap years)A person who for most of the year (at least 183 days, 184 in leap years) satisfies at least one residence condition is resident in Italy for income tax.
- Foreign-source income
Flat lump sum EUR 300,000
Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years.
- Special regime
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income · Tax relief
All tax rules for Italy Tax records checked
What you need to arrange
- Accommodation
Passport, current residence permit and proof of suitable accommodation
- Money to show
This route asks for savings of €50k+ ≈ $56k.
Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.
Full official text
For non-EU nationals already in Italy on a study, research, employment, family or investor permit who want to found an innovative start-up. The committee issues a nulla osta within 30 days and the permit is converted into a self-employment permit. 1 2 3 4 5
What you must show and pay
- Savings of at least EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900) · Financial availability, from personal resources or third parties, to be invested in the innovative start-up; for a team the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the project as a whole. 1
- Income of over EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500) · Income in the previous year above the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions (EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the guidelines); each team member must show it when the new permit is issued. 1
- A fee of EUR 16 (≈ $18) · Revenue stamp (marca da bollo) for the conversion kit. 1
Requirements
- The applicant is a non-EU national in Italy on a study, research, employment, family or investor permit, or an EU long-term permit. 1
- The applicant will found an innovative start-up, hold shares in it and take an active role. 1
- Holders of a study, training or other-state long-term permit depend on the annual conversion quota. 1
- At least EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) of financial availability to invest in the start-up. 1
- Previous-year income above the health-exemption level, EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the guidelines. 1
- Application form, pitch deck, business plan with cost and revenue forecast, and cover letter on financial resources. 1
- Passport, current residence permit and proof of suitable accommodation. 1
- Email the application to the committee, which issues the nulla osta within 30 days. 1 2
- Convert the permit through the Sportello Unico or update it at the Questura, depending on the permit held. 1
- The self-employment permit can be renewed for up to two years, then for two further years; a long-term permit is possible after five years. 1
Stay
- Fully fledged self-employment permit, renewable for up to two years and then for two further years.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.
Nationality
Non-EU nationals already in Italy. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.
Work
Self-employment in the innovative start-up.
Family
Your spouse or partner may work in Italy without a separate permit.
Official sources
- Italia Startup Hub guidelines (20 May 2019) · Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Labour · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2019-05-20
- Italia Startup Visa: application process · Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy · checked 2026-10-10
- The visa for Italy: long-stay visa types (investors, self-employment, subordinate work, elective residence, research, study, working holiday) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 28 (right to family unity) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 30: residence permit for family reasons · Normattiva (Italian Government) · checked 2026-10-12
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 9 (EU long-term resident permit) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Citizenship by residence, Art. 9 of Law 91/1992 · Ministero dell'Interno · checked 2026-10-11
- Law 91/1992, Art. 9.1 (Italian language level B1 for citizenship) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 5 (residence permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
Startup Hub (in-country) and its alternatives
| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Hub (in-country) | Needs savings of €50k+ ≈ $56k | – | – |
| Startup Visa | Needs savings of €50k+ ≈ $56k | 1 yr, renewable | – |
| Self-employment visa | Needs income of €8,500+ a year ≈ $9,500 | 2 yr, renewable | – |
| Startup Visa Portugal | Needs savings of €6,446+ ≈ $7,200 | 2 yr, renewable | – |
| Entrepreneur visa Spain | – | 3 yr, renewable | – |
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for the Startup Hub (in-country)?
Savings of at least EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900). Financial availability, from personal resources or third parties, to be invested in the innovative start-up; for a team the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the project as a whole. Income of over EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500). Income in the previous year above the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions (EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the guidelines); each team member must show it when the new permit is issued. A fee of EUR 16 (≈ $18). Revenue stamp (marca da bollo) for the conversion kit.
How long can I stay on the Startup Hub (in-country)?
Fully fledged self-employment permit, renewable for up to two years and then for two further years.
How long does the Startup Hub (in-country) take to process?
The start-up committee issues its clearance (nulla osta) within 30 days; the permit conversion is then decided within 90 days.
Can I work on the Startup Hub (in-country)?
Self-employment in the innovative start-up.
Can I bring my family on the Startup Hub (in-country)?
Your spouse or partner may work in Italy without a separate permit.
Who can apply for the Startup Hub (in-country)?
Non-EU nationals already in Italy. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.
Does the Startup Hub (in-country) lead to permanent residence in Italy?
Time on the Startup Hub (in-country) counts toward permanent residence in Italy, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Startup Hub (in-country) counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence.
Is there a tax break for Startup Hub (in-country) holders in Italy?
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income (Art. 24-bis TUIR, flat tax): Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions.
Tax
Special regime
Substitute tax for new residents on foreign-source income (Art. 24-bis TUIR, flat tax)
Tax relief
Details
- Who: Not resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten tax periods before the option starts
- Limit: €300k/yr ≈ $335k
Optional annual lump sum replacing Italian tax on foreign-source income: EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000) for people transferring residence from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025), EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) for transfers between 11 August 2024 and 31 December 2025, EUR100,000 (≈ $112,000) for earlier transfers; the effect ends after fifteen years.
Taxed on
Foreign-source income of eligible individuals who transfer residence to Italy; Italian-source income is taxed under ordinary rules.
Who it applies to
- Not resident in Italy for at least nine of the ten tax periods before the option starts.
- The option is made in the tax return for the transfer year or the next one; an advance ruling request (interpello) is possible.
- Family members who meet the same residence test can be added at EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) each a year from 1 January 2026 (EUR25,000 (≈ $27,900) for earlier cohorts).
- The option can exclude chosen foreign states, whose income is then taxed under ordinary rules with a foreign tax credit.
Exclusions
- Italian-source income stays under ordinary taxation.
- Gains on substantial participations (Art. 67(1)(c) TUIR) realised in the first five option periods are outside the lump sum.
- Revocation or loss of the option (for example for non-payment) bars a new option.
Limits
- EUR 300,000 a year (≈ $335,000) · Main taxpayer: residence transferred from 1 January 2026 (Law 199/2025 art. 1 paras. 25-26 raised EUR200,000 (≈ $223,000) to EUR300,000 (≈ $335,000))
- EUR 50,000 a year (≈ $55,900) · Per family member, residence transferred from 1 January 2026
- EUR 200,000 a year (≈ $223,000) · Main taxpayer: residence transferred 11 August 2024 to 31 December 2025
- EUR 25,000 a year (≈ $27,900) · Per family member, transfers before 1 January 2026
- EUR 100,000 a year (≈ $112,000) · Main taxpayer: transfers before 11 August 2024
Tax residence
The cohort is set by the date residence is transferred to Italy. The lump sum is paid in one instalment by the balance-payment deadline, and the option lapses after fifteen tax periods.
Visas
No visa is needed for the election; it is a tax option.
Other taxes
Italian VAT, social contributions and local taxes are separate.
Checked against official sources on Change log
More in Italy
Business / startup visas elsewhere
≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
Ask the AI about this route AI
An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.
How this was checked
Checked on 2026-10-11 against 9 official sources. Status: partly verified; the page marks the facts an official source does not fully confirm.
Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.
- Italia Startup Hub guidelines (20 May 2019) · Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Labour · checked 2026-10-11
- Italia Startup Visa: application process · Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy · checked 2026-10-10
- The visa for Italy: long-stay visa types (investors, self-employment, subordinate work, elective residence, research, study, working holiday) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-10
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 28 (right to family unity) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 30: residence permit for family reasons · Normattiva (Italian Government) · checked 2026-10-12
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 9 (EU long-term resident permit) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Citizenship by residence, Art. 9 of Law 91/1992 · Ministero dell'Interno · checked 2026-10-11
- Law 91/1992, Art. 9.1 (Italian language level B1 for citizenship) · Normattiva (Presidenza del Consiglio dei ministri) · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 5 (residence permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-11
Tracked since 2026-10-11. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.