Startup Visa

Support for Italy’s Startup Visa: innovative startup recognition, business plan, funding proof, and residence permit for founders.

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Innovative Startup Recognition

We help you obtain or align with the recognition required for the startup visa pathway.

Business Plan & Funding

We support your business plan and proof of funding to meet consulate requirements.

Visa & Permit

We guide you through the visa application and residence permit for startup founders.

The Italia Startup Visa is a simplified programme for non-EU entrepreneurs who wish to open an innovative startup in Italy. The process remains one of the most agile: in 2026, the entire procedure can be conducted in English. Eligibility depends on proving sufficient capital to invest, meeting the “innovative” criteria under Italian law, and obtaining a special authorization (Nulla Osta) before applying for the visa at the consulate. The visa then leads to a residence permit for startup founders (permesso di soggiorno per avvio di startup innovative), which can be renewed or converted under certain conditions.

We assist with preparing your business plan and financial documentation, aligning your project with the innovative-startup requirements, and guiding you through the online application to the Technical Committee (Italia Startup Visa) and the subsequent consular and permit steps. After you enter Italy, we support you with the permesso di soggiorno application—which must be submitted within 8 days of arrival—and with renewals or changes of status.

Main Requirements

What you need for the Italia Startup Visa, by category

1. Financial Resources

You must prove that you have capital available to invest in your project.

Minimum investment: At least €50,000.
Origin of capital: Can come from your own funds, loans, venture capital, or other investors.

Note: If you are joining an existing startup, the required amount increases to €100,000.

2. The “Innovative” Character of the Startup

It cannot be just any business (such as a restaurant or ordinary shop). To be considered an innovative startup in Italy, the company must:

Have the development or commercialization of technological products or services of high innovative value as its main business object.
Meet at least one of the following: spend at least 15% of its budget on Research & Development (R&D); OR have a qualified team (at least one third with a PhD or two thirds with a master’s degree); OR hold a registered patent or software.

3. Personal Income and Accommodation

Besides capital for the startup, you must prove you can support yourself:

Minimum annual income: Prove that in the previous year you had income above the minimum level of health exemption in Italy (in 2026 this is around €8,500).
Accommodation: Proof of accommodation in Italy—for example a rental contract or a hospitality declaration.

4. The “Nulla Osta” (Special Authorization) and Process

Unlike other visas, you do not start at the consulate. You first obtain a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) from the Italia Startup Visa programme.

You submit your business plan and financial documents online to the Technical Committee of the Italia Startup Visa.
They assess the project within 30 days.
If approved, you receive the Nulla Osta.

Process in brief: (1) Online application—submit your business plan to the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT). (2) Consulate—with the Nulla Osta, you go to the Italian consulate in your country to have the visa stamped in your passport. (3) Arrival in Italy—within 8 days of arrival, you apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno for startup founders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Startup Visa for Italy

What is an innovative startup in Italy?

The company must have the development or commercialization of technological products or services of high innovative value as its main object. In addition, it must meet at least one of: 15% of budget on R&D; a qualified team (at least 1/3 with PhD or 2/3 with master’s); or a registered patent or software. Ordinary businesses (e.g. restaurants or retail shops) do not qualify. We help you align your project with these criteria.

How much funding is required?

The minimum investment is €50,000 (own funds, loans, venture capital or other investors). If you are joining an existing startup, the requirement rises to €100,000. You also need to prove personal income above the Italian health-exemption minimum (around €8,500 per year). We help you present the evidence in the format the Technical Committee and consulate expect.

Do I apply at the consulate first?

No. You first apply online to the Italia Startup Visa (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, MIMIT) with your business plan and financial documents. The Technical Committee reviews within 30 days. If approved, you receive the Nulla Osta; only then do you go to the Italian consulate in your country to obtain the visa in your passport.

What happens after I enter Italy?

Within 8 days of arrival you must apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno for startup founders. We guide you through the kit, documents, and appointment so you can obtain and maintain your permit compliantly.

Can I renew or convert to another permit?

The startup permit can typically be renewed while you continue to meet the conditions. Conversion to work or other categories may be possible in certain cases. We advise on renewal and conversion options.

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