Residence Permits for Founders in Italy

Residence permit for self-employment (startup)

A founder who enters on the Italia Startup Visa receives a residence permit for self-employment linked to the startup. Residence permits are issued for the period and purpose stated in the visa, and authorizations for independent activity are granted for up to two years at a time. Renewal must be requested at least 60 days before the permit expires and is granted while the conditions for entry still hold, which for a founder means the startup remains active. New residents over 16 sign an integration agreement, self-employed workers enroll in the national health service, and every permit holder registers with the municipality where they live.

Issued by

Questura, after an application sent via the post office

Initial term

Up to 2 years for independent activity

Renewal

Request at least 60 days before expiry

Health care

Mandatory enrollment in the national health service

Integration

Agreement signed with a first permit of 1 year or more

Leads to

EU long-term permit after 5 years

Requirements

• Hold a long-stay self-employment visa issued for the startup under the Italia Startup Visa.
• Apply for the permit within eight working days of arrival.
• Keep the startup active and meet the original entry conditions at each renewal.
• Enroll in the national health service and register residence with the municipality.

How to apply

1. Collect the application kit at a post office and submit it from a Sportello Amico counter.
2. Track the file online with the credentials on the receipt and attend the Questura appointment.
3. Apply for renewal at least 60 days before expiry, with proof that the business continues.

Investor Visa for Italy

Status: Not subject to the annual entry quotas

Article 26-bis of the Consolidated Immigration Act gives non-EU investors a dedicated visa and permit. The options are at least EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds held for two years; at least EUR 500,000 in shares of a company or venture capital fund set up and operating in Italy, held for two years; at least EUR 250,000 when that company is an innovative startup registered in the special section; or a philanthropic donation of at least EUR 1 million to a public-interest project. The investment must be made within three months of entry. The first permit lasts two years and renews for three-year periods.

Startup option

EUR 250,000 in a registered innovative startup

Company option

EUR 500,000 in an Italian company or VC fund

Bonds option

EUR 2 million in Italian government bonds

Donation option

EUR 1 million for a public-interest project

First permit

2 years; revoked if the investment is not made

Renewal

3-year periods while funds stay invested

Quotas

Not subject to annual entry quotas

Requirements

• Non-EU national with a written commitment to invest or donate within three months of entering Italy.
• Proof that the required funds are owned, available and transferable to Italy.
• Sufficient personal resources to live in Italy during the stay.
• Clearance (nulla osta) from the designated administrative authority before the consulate issues the investor visa.

How to apply

1. Submit the investor application online through the Investor Visa for Italy platform to obtain clearance.
2. With the clearance, apply at the Italian consulate for the investor visa.
3. After arrival, request the investor permit and complete the investment or donation within three months of entry.
4. Renew for three years at a time, showing the funds remain invested.