Italy•EuropeItalia Startup Visa (Type D)
At a Glance
Processing Time
60-90 days
Application Fee
50 EUR
Stay Duration
2 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Long-stay national visa for entrepreneurs establishing an innovative startup in Italy. Requires business plan with technological innovation and minimum EUR 50,000 investment.
The Italia Startup Visa is specifically designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs to Italy. The company must demonstrate technological innovation, be established for no more than 5 years, and have annual turnover not exceeding EUR 5 million.
Additional criteria include highly qualified personnel (at least 1/3 with PhD or research background, or 2/3 with master's degrees) or R&D expenses of at least 15% of production value.
Annual Visa Allocation
500 visas per year
The visa is subject to the annual 'Decreto Flussi' (Flow Decree) quota for self-employed workers. This quota is shared among several categories, including entrepreneurs and professionals. Historically, the specific allocation for startup founders has remained significantly underutilized.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
8,400 EUR
per year
Minimum Savings
50,000 EUR
Investment Required
50,000 EUR
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
At least 3 months validity beyond stay
Passport photos
2 recent biometric photos (35x40mm)
Business plan
Detailed plan showing technological innovation and economic viability
Proof of funds
Bank statements showing minimum EUR 50,000
CV/qualifications
Professional background and relevant expertise
Accommodation proof
Rental agreement or housing confirmation in Italy
Health insurance
Valid coverage in Italy
Criminal record certificate
Recent certificate from country of residence
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Designed specifically for startups
- Can lead to permanent residency
- Dependents included
- Access to Italian startup ecosystem
- Support from government initiatives
Considerations
- Requires EUR 50,000+ investment
- Business must meet innovation criteria
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Need to maintain business operations
- Complex registration process
Application Process
Develop innovative business plan
Create business plan with technological innovation, meet Italian startup criteria
Register on Italia Startup platform
Register business idea on official Italia Startup Visa portal
Prepare documentation
Gather business plan, proof of EUR 50,000+ funds, CV, accommodation proof
Submit visa application
Apply at Italian consulate with startup documentation
Biometric appointment
Attend appointment for fingerprints and photograph
Await decision
Check application status
Receive visa
Collect visa from consulate
Register company in Italy
Establish company with Italian business authorities
Apply for residence permit
Within 8 days of arrival, apply for residence permit
Application Forms
Italia Startup Visa Application
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