Italy · Business / Startup
Italy Startup Visa
Savings needed: €50k+ ≈ $56k
Italia Startup Visa (national long-term visa, innovative start-up)
Checked against official sources on Record corrected 11 Oct 2026Change log
Key facts
Startup Visa is a business / startup route for Italy. Applicants need savings of €50k+ ≈ $56k. You can stay 1 yr, renewable. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source.
- Money needed
- €50k+ ≈ $56k
- Government fees
- €116 ≈ $130 · €30.46 ≈ $34
- Processing
- Up to 30 days
- First stay
- 1 yr
Cost, time and long term
To apply: 2 government fees listed below; savings to show €50k+ ≈ $56k; decision: up to 30 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.
Government fees€116 ≈ $130 · €30.46 ≈ $34
- EUR 116 (≈ $130)National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate.
- EUR 30.46 (≈ $34)Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable.
Shown, not spent€50k+ ≈ $56k · €8,500+/yr ≈ $9,500
- EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900)Documented financial availability to be invested in the innovative start-up, not less than this amount; for a team of up to five founders the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the whole team.
- EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500)Income in the country of residence in the previous year must exceed the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions, about EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the programme guidelines.
RenewalRenewable
The visa and first permit last one year; the permit can then be renewed for up to two years, and again for two further years.
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.
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 grants its clearance (nulla osta) within 30 days; the visa then depends on a place being available in the yearly self-employment quota; the residence permit is decided within 90 days.
Ministry of Enterprises and Made in ItalyMinistry of Economic Development (MISE) and Ministry of Foreign AffairsNormattiva
Where to applyFrom abroad
Get the committee clearance by email, then apply at the Italian consulate for the one-year start-up self-employment visa.
Why this route may not fit
Check this before you apply.
- Applications are made from outside Italy, not after arriving
- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports
What you'll need
Who can apply3
- The applicant is a non-EU national who will establish an innovative start-up in Italy under Art. 25(2) of Decree-Law 179/2012.
- The applicant applies directly or through a certified incubator that undertakes to host the start-up.
- The visa is issued within the yearly self-employment entry quota of the migration flows decree: 500 places a year in 2026, 2027 and 2028, shared with entrepreneurs, professionals, company directors and well-known artists.
What you must show2
- At least EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) of documented financial resources dedicated to the start-up.
- Previous-year income above the health-exemption level, about EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the programme guidelines.
Documents2
- Application form, presentation deck, cost and revenue forecast, cover letter on financial resources and passport copy.
- At the consulate: the nulla osta, proof of accommodation, previous-year income proof and 4 photographs.
Steps2
- Email the application to the committee, which grants the nulla osta within 30 days.
- Then apply at the Italian consulate for the one-year start-up self-employment visa.
After you arrive2
- Within 8 days of arrival, request the one-year self-employment permit at the Questura (postal bulletins EUR30.46 (≈ $34) and EUR50.00 (≈ $56) plus a EUR16.00 (≈ $18) stamp).
- After one year, request a 2-year permit at least 60 days before expiry with the company registry extract and proof of income.
What happens at day 183
How Italy decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.
- Stay on this route
1 year at first, renewable
- 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
At the consulate: the nulla osta, proof of accommodation, previous-year income proof and 4 photographs
- 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
National self-employment visa for non-EU innovators who will found an innovative start-up in Italy. The Italia Startup Visa committee issues a nulla osta within 30 days, then the consulate issues a one-year visa. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
What you must show and pay
- Savings of at least EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900) · Documented financial availability to be invested in the innovative start-up, not less than this amount; for a team of up to five founders the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the whole team. 1 2
- Income of over EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500) · Income in the country of residence in the previous year must exceed the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions, about EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the programme guidelines. 1 2
- A fee of EUR 116 (≈ $130) · National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate. 5
- A fee of EUR 30.46 (≈ $34) · Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable. 6
Requirements
- The applicant is a non-EU national who will establish an innovative start-up in Italy under Art. 25(2) of Decree-Law 179/2012. 2 3
- The applicant applies directly or through a certified incubator that undertakes to host the start-up. 3
- The visa is issued within the yearly self-employment entry quota of the migration flows decree: 500 places a year in 2026, 2027 and 2028, shared with entrepreneurs, professionals, company directors and well-known artists. 1 9
- At least EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) of documented financial resources dedicated to the start-up. 1 2
- Previous-year income above the health-exemption level, about EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the programme guidelines. 1 2
- Application form, presentation deck, cost and revenue forecast, cover letter on financial resources and passport copy. 3
- At the consulate: the nulla osta, proof of accommodation, previous-year income proof and 4 photographs. 3
- Email the application to the committee, which grants the nulla osta within 30 days. 3
- Then apply at the Italian consulate for the one-year start-up self-employment visa. 3
- Within 8 days of arrival, request the one-year self-employment permit at the Questura (postal bulletins EUR30.46 (≈ $34) and EUR50.00 (≈ $56) plus a EUR16.00 (≈ $18) stamp). 3
- After one year, request a 2-year permit at least 60 days before expiry with the company registry extract and proof of income. 3
Stay
- The start-up visa and first residence permit last one year; the permit can then be renewed for up to two years, and again for two further years.
- Initial permitted stay: 12 months.
- Visa validity: 12 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.
Nationality
Non-EU nationals. 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
- Guidelines to the Italia Startup Visa programme (20 March 2018) · Ministry of Economic Development (MISE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2018-03-20
- Italia Start-up Visa (national long-term visa) requirements · Consulate General of Italy in Chicago (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-10
- 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
- Cost for a visa and how to pay · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa) · checked 2026-10-11
- How, where and how much: applying for a residence permit · State Police (Polizia di Stato) · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Articles 28-30 (family reunification and family-reasons permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-10
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 30: residence permit for family reasons · Normattiva (Italian Government) · checked 2026-10-12
- DPCM of 2 October 2025: entry flows of foreign workers 2026-2028 (Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 240 of 15 October 2025) · Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2025-10-15
- 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 Visa and its alternatives
| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | – |
| Business investor permit Greece | Needs an investment of €500k+ ≈ $559k | 5 yr, renewable | – |
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for the Startup Visa?
Savings of at least EUR 50,000 (≈ $55,900). Documented financial availability to be invested in the innovative start-up, not less than this amount; for a team of up to five founders the EUR50,000 (≈ $55,900) applies to the whole team. Income of over EUR 8,500 a year (≈ $9,500). Income in the country of residence in the previous year must exceed the legal minimum for exemption from health-service contributions, about EUR8,500 (≈ $9,500) in the programme guidelines. A fee of EUR 116 (≈ $130). National long-stay visa (type D) fee for work and family reasons, payable in local currency at the consular exchange rate. A fee of EUR 30.46 (≈ $34). Cost of the electronic residence permit card for a permit longer than 90 days; a contribution of EUR 40, (≈ $45) 50 or 100 depending on permit duration or type and a EUR 16 (≈ $18) tax stamp are also payable.
How long can I stay on the Startup Visa?
The start-up visa and first residence permit last one year; the permit can then be renewed for up to two years, and again for two further years.
How long does the Startup Visa take to process?
The start-up committee grants its clearance (nulla osta) within 30 days; the visa then depends on a place being available in the yearly self-employment quota; the residence permit is decided within 90 days.
Can I work on the Startup Visa?
Self-employment in the innovative start-up.
Can I bring my family on the Startup Visa?
Your spouse or partner may work in Italy without a separate permit.
Who can apply for the Startup Visa?
Non-EU nationals. 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 Visa lead to permanent residence in Italy?
Time on the Startup Visa counts toward permanent residence in Italy, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Startup Visa counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence.
Is there a tax break for Startup Visa 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.
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How this was checked
Checked on 2026-10-12 against 13 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.
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.
- Guidelines to the Italia Startup Visa programme (20 March 2018) · Ministry of Economic Development (MISE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs · checked 2026-10-11
- Italia Start-up Visa (national long-term visa) requirements · Consulate General of Italy in Chicago (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) · checked 2026-10-10
- 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
- Cost for a visa and how to pay · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Italian Embassy in Addis Ababa) · checked 2026-10-11
- How, where and how much: applying for a residence permit · State Police (Polizia di Stato) · checked 2026-10-11
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Articles 28-30 (family reunification and family-reasons permit) · Normattiva · checked 2026-10-10
- Legislative Decree 286/1998, Art. 30: residence permit for family reasons · Normattiva (Italian Government) · checked 2026-10-12
- DPCM of 2 October 2025: entry flows of foreign workers 2026-2028 (Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 240 of 15 October 2025) · Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana · checked 2026-10-11
- 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 2026-10-10. 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.