{"id":2655,"date":"2022-11-04T14:02:51","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T14:02:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/?page_id=2655"},"modified":"2026-04-23T06:56:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T06:56:51","slug":"visa-for-self-employed-workers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/international-work\/visa-for-self-employed-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Visa for Self-Employed Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Internazional Work<\/div>\n

Visa for Self-Employed Workers<\/h1>\n
\n

For self-employed workers, the topic of the self-employment visa<\/strong> can represent a complex challenge to face. For this reason, it is essential to rely on competent professionals who are experts in the matter of entry visas for self-employment.<\/p>\n

Self-employment for non-EU workers<\/strong> is subject to the quota system<\/strong>, which regulates the entry of non-EU citizens into the national territory, as established by the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

[sign-in]<\/p>\n

Requirements to obtain an entry visa for self-employment<\/h2>\n
\n

The provisions regarding self-employment visas are contained in Article 39 of Presidential Decree No. 394 of August 31, 1999<\/strong>, and its subsequent modifications and integrations.<\/p>\n

Self-employment for non-EU workers<\/strong> is permitted for non-occasional self-employment activities<\/strong>, provided that their exercise is not expressly reserved for Italian or EU citizens. These include industrial, professional, artisanal, or commercial activities<\/strong>, as well as the establishment of corporations or partnerships<\/strong> and access to corporate positions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Decreto Flussi<\/strong> establishes the annual quotas<\/strong> reserved for non-EU self-employed workers. For example, the 2023 Flow Decree<\/strong> set a quota of 44,000 units<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Additional requirements to obtain an entry visa for self-employment<\/strong> vary depending on the specific type of work<\/strong> the foreigner intends to perform in Italy.<\/p>\n

In general, Article 26 of the Consolidated Immigration Act<\/strong>, paragraph 2, states that:<\/p>\n

\u201cA foreigner intending to carry out in Italy an industrial, professional, artisanal, or commercial activity, or to establish corporations or partnerships, or to access corporate positions, must also demonstrate that they:\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Have sufficient resources<\/strong> for the activity they intend to undertake in Italy.<\/li>\n
  • Possess the requirements provided by Italian law<\/strong> for the exercise of the specific activity, including, where required, the conditions necessary for registration in professional registers or lists.<\/li>\n
  • Have a certificate issued by the competent authority<\/strong>, dated not earlier than three months prior, stating that there are no obstacles to the issuance of the required authorization or license<\/strong> for the activity the foreigner intends to carry out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Furthermore, paragraph 3 of the same article establishes that the self-employed foreign worker must:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Have suitable housing arrangements<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    • Have an annual income<\/strong>, from legal sources, that exceeds the minimum threshold required for exemption from healthcare expenses<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      \"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      Specific requirements for different categories of self-employed workers<\/h2>\n
      \n

      Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Entrepreneurs must demonstrate:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • A business plan<\/strong> and legally sourced financial resources of at least \u20ac500,000<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • The creation of at least three new jobs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      • A financial certification<\/strong> issued by the Chamber of Commerce<\/strong>, confirming the necessary capital for the business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Freelance Professionals<\/strong><\/p>\n

        For all activities requiring licenses, authorizations, registration in professional lists, or a business start-up declaration<\/strong>, professionals must:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Request from the competent administrative authority<\/strong> a certificate<\/strong> stating that there are no obstacles<\/strong> to the issuance of the necessary qualification, authorization, or declaration.<\/li>\n
        • Obtain financial certification<\/strong> proving they have sufficient resources for their activity.<\/li>\n
        • If the activity requires registration with the Business Register<\/strong>, the Chamber of Commerce<\/strong> must issue the corresponding certificate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Even for activities that do not require licenses or authorizations<\/strong>, the foreigner must obtain a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce<\/strong> or the relevant professional association regarding financial resources<\/strong> needed to operate in Italy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          \n

          \"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

          Corporate Roles and Consultants<\/h2>\n
          \n

          Specific requirements apply to foreigners taking on corporate positions or foreign consultants working in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

          For non-EU consultants<\/strong>, the following is required:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • A contract<\/strong> accompanied by a business registration certificate<\/strong>, if working within a company.<\/li>\n
          • A formal declaration of responsibility<\/strong> from the company owner or administrator, stating that the self-employed worker earns an annual amount not lower than the minimum required for exemption from healthcare costs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
          • A responsibility statement<\/strong> sent to the Territorial Labor Directorate<\/strong>, in which the employer confirms that the established relationship does not constitute an employment contract<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
          • Companies must also provide a copy of the latest financial statements<\/strong>, while individual businesses must submit the owner\u2019s income tax return<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Regarding foreign shareholders<\/strong> or those assuming corporate roles in companies that have been active for at least three years<\/strong>, no financial certification is required.<\/p>\n

            A foreign shareholder providing labor or holding a corporate position<\/strong> must have:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • A certificate of company registration<\/strong> in the Business Register.<\/li>\n
            • A formal declaration of responsibility<\/strong> issued or sent in advance by the employer to the Labor Directorate, confirming that the relationship is not an employment contract<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • A statement from the company\u2019s legal representative<\/strong>, ensuring that the annual salary meets the minimum threshold for exemption from healthcare costs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

              [album]<\/p>\n

              How to obtain a self-employment visa<\/h2>\n
              \n

              To obtain a self-employment visa<\/strong> in Italy, the non-EU foreigner must follow specific procedures and meet various requirements.<\/p>\n

              Before beginning the application process, the foreigner must:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Verify that they meet all legal requirements<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
              • Gather the necessary documentation<\/strong>, including a business plan<\/strong>, proof of financial resources<\/strong>, a certificate of business registration<\/strong>, and authorization documents from the Chamber of Commerce<\/strong> or relevant professional organization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                If necessary, the foreigner may first enter Italy on a business visa<\/strong> to prepare for their activity. By establishing a tax domicile<\/strong> (e.g., through an Italian representative), they can register their business, VAT number, and tax code (codice fiscale)<\/strong> before formally applying for a self-employment visa.<\/p>\n

                Once the necessary documents are collected, the foreigner must:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Submit a nulla osta request (clearance permit)<\/strong> to the Questura (Police Headquarters)<\/strong> in the location where they intend to operate.<\/li>\n
                2. Once the provisional nulla osta is granted, submit it with supporting documents to the Italian Embassy or Consulate<\/strong>, which will assess the application within 30 days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  In What Cases Can a Self-Employment Visa Be Denied?<\/h2>\n

                  The self-employment visa for non-EU workers is an opportunity that may be denied if the applicant does not meet the legal requirements<\/strong> or if their documentation is incomplete or unreliable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                  Common Reasons for Visa Rejection:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Failure to meet legal requirements<\/strong>, such as lacking the necessary qualifications, licenses, or financial resources<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation<\/strong>, which is a common reason for visa refusals.<\/li>\n
                  • Doubts about the authenticity of the provided information<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  • Criminal records or Schengen Information System (SIS) alerts<\/strong>, which could prevent entry for security reasons.<\/li>\n
                  • Failure to demonstrate sufficient financial resources<\/strong> to establish and sustain a business and cover personal living expenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Would you like me to continue with the remaining sections, such as residence permit procedures, conversion of student visas, and costs<\/strong>? Let me know how you\u2019d like to proceed!<\/p>\n

                    When to Apply for a Residence Permit for Self-Employment<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    The residence permit for self-employment<\/strong> must be requested by a non-EU foreigner<\/strong> who has obtained a visa from the competent Embassy or Consular Authority<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                    As previously mentioned, once the required documentation is gathered, the visa application is completed, and the nulla osta for self-employment is obtained<\/strong>, the foreigner faces two possible outcomes:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Visa denial<\/strong>, which may lead to legal proceedings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                    2. Approval of the application<\/strong>, resulting in the granting of a self-employment visa<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Once the foreigner enters Italy<\/strong>, they must apply for a residence permit within 8 days<\/strong>. The application must be submitted to the competent Questura<\/strong> (police headquarters), which previously issued the nulla osta<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                      Categories of self-employed workers eligible for entry under the quota system<\/h2>\n
                      \n

                      The categories of workers eligible to obtain a self-employment visa<\/strong> and the subsequent residence permit for self-employment<\/strong> are established by the Decreto Flussi (Flow Decree)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                      According to the 2023 Flow Decree<\/strong>, the following categories are included:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Entrepreneurs<\/strong> who intend to implement an investment plan<\/strong> beneficial to the Italian economy, involving:<\/li>\n
                      • A personal investment of at least \u20ac500,000<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • The creation of at least three new jobs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Freelance professionals<\/strong> intending to exercise:<\/li>\n
                      • Regulated or supervised professions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Non-regulated and non-supervised professions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Non-regulated professions represented at the national level<\/strong> by associations listed in public administration registers<\/strong>, which issue quality certification for services<\/strong> and professional qualifications<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Holders of corporate administrative or management positions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Renowned artists or highly qualified professionals<\/strong> hired by public or private institutions, provided they meet the requirements set out in Interministerial Decree No. 850 of May 11, 2011<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                      • Foreign nationals planning to establish an \u201cinnovative start-up\u201d<\/strong>, provided they meet the legal requirements and have a self-employment contract with the start-up<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                        Conversion of a study visa into a self-employment visa<\/h2>\n
                        \n

                        A foreigner already present in Italy<\/strong> with a valid residence permit for study or professional training purposes<\/strong> may apply to convert their permit into a residence permit for self-employment<\/strong>, as per Article 39, paragraph 9, of Presidential Decree No. 394 of August 31, 1999<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                        This conversion is subject to the quota limitations<\/strong> established by the Decreto Flussi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                        However, the restriction on entry quota availability<\/strong> was eliminated by Decree-Law No. 23 of March 20, 2023<\/strong>, converted into Law No. 50 of May 5, 2023<\/strong>, but only for the conversion of study permits into residence permits for employment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                        The so-called \u201cCutro Decree\u201d<\/strong> abolished the rule that previously tied the conversion of study residence permits into work permits to the availability of a quota under the Flow Decree<\/strong>. As a result, the conversion of a study permit into a work permit can now be requested at any time during the year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                        Conversely, the conversion into a self-employment residence permit still requires quota availability<\/strong>, unless the foreigner holds a degree from an Italian university<\/strong> (either public or private) legally recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education (MIUR)<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Bachelor\u2019s Degree (Laurea)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • Specialist or Master\u2019s Degree (Laurea Specialistica\/Magistrale)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • Postgraduate Diploma (Diploma di Specializzazione)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • PhD (Dottorato di Ricerca)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • First-Level University Master\u2019s Degree (Master Universitario di 1\u00b0 Livello)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • Second-Level University Master\u2019s Degree (Master Universitario di 2\u00b0 Livello)<\/strong><\/li>\n
                        • Certificate or Diploma of Advanced Training (Attestato o Diploma di Perfezionamento)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Additionally, quota availability is not required if the foreigner reached adulthood (18 years) while residing in Italy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                          In both cases, the foreigner can apply for the conversion of their residence permit from study to employment or self-employment at any time during the year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

                          The applicant must submit the request for conversion online<\/strong> through the Italian Ministry of the Interior\u2019s electronic application system<\/strong> and then attend an appointment at the Single Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l\u2019Immigrazione)<\/strong> to submit documents and receive authorization for conversion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                          Refusal of the Self-Employment Visa<\/h2>\n
                          \n

                          The refusal of a self-employment visa is issued when the competent authorities ascertain the absence of the requirements established by law or detect irregularities in the documentation submitted. The refusal may result, for example\u2014aside from the case of unavailability of quotas\u2014from the lack of sufficient financial resources according to the specific parameters for the intended activity, from an inadequate business plan, from the absence of the necessary authorizations or professional qualifications required for the activity to be carried out, or from the lack of suitable accommodation.<\/p>\n

                          Additional grounds for refusal concern public security and social order: the presence of criminal records, a report in the Schengen Information System (SIS), or convictions in the country of origin may lead to the denial of the visa. Consular and diplomatic authorities also verify the authenticity of the statements made and the documents attached: false or misleading information is grounds for rejection.<\/p>\n

                          In the event of refusal, the applicant receives a formal decision with reasons from the competent Italian Embassy, which may be challenged before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) of Lazio, in Rome, within the legal deadlines. Before filing an appeal, it is necessary to verify that the legal requirements are met. First, the formal regularity of the procedure must be assessed\u2014for example, whether the refusal was preceded by a notice of rejection under Article 10-bis of Law No. 241\/1990, whether the reasoning is adequate, and whether it allows the reconstruction of the administrative decision-making process. Second, the substantive grounds must be examined, namely whether the applicant for the self-employment visa can effectively dispute the reasons underlying the refusal.<\/p>\n

                          Our advice is always to act correctly from the start, in order to reduce the risk of facing a refusal of the self-employment visa. As the saying goes, \u201cwell begun is half done.\u201d To achieve this, however, it is essential to seek the assistance of qualified experts in immigration law and administrative procedures. Success requires, first of all, the preparation of a complete, consistent dossier capable of countering the reasons given by the Administration in support of the refusal of the self-employment visa, and then, during the proceedings, effectively challenging the opposing arguments by asserting the actual situation of the foreign applicant. This is precisely what you can expect from the Boschetti International Law Firm<\/strong>, with its twenty years of experience in immigration and administrative law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


                          \n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                          Internazional Work Visa for Self-Employed Workers For self-employed workers, the topic of the self-employment visa can represent a complex challenge to face. For this reason, it is essential to rely on competent professionals who are experts in the matter of entry visas for self-employment. Self-employment for non-EU workers is subject to the quota system, which […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":3480,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2655","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2655"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5424,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2655\/revisions\/5424"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.italyvisainvestments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}