The Italian Government policies
to attract and retain innovative entrepreneurs
from all over the world
For non-EU innovators who are in their home countries, and wish to join the Italian startup ecosystem to establish their innovative business
For non-EU innovators who are already in Italy, and wish to prolong their stay to establish an innovative startup
The Italian Government policies
to attract innovative entrepreneurs
from all over the world
Italia Startup Visa
Set up your innovative company in Italy and enjoy our groundbreaking Startup Law!
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10 REASONS
Why Italy is the country where you should set up your startup
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application process
How to get the startup Visa in 4 quick steps
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Filing cabinet
Here you can find all the documents necessary for the application process and the Italian startup policy
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Ecosystem map
See how innovative startups and certified incubators are scattered through Italy
Made in Italy: a key driver for the scaling-up of your startup
Italy is celebrated throughout the world for its art, culture, creativity and manufacturing quality. These are the foundations on which the unique supply chain for “Made in Italy” products is built. Italy has brought industry, culture and lifestyle together in a way that does not only concern design and the superb quality of fashion, food and furniture, but also sheer artistic expression in all of its forms. Tellingly, a KPMG report recently stated that “Made in Italy” is the 3rd best known brand in the world. By establishing your startup in Italy, you will have the chance to leverage our most celebrated sectors, add value to your products and scale up your business.
High-quality and competitive skills
Italy boasts an extensive network of high-quality universities (300,000 graduates per year) as well as science and technology parks. According to OECD, Italian researchers have one of the highest productivity ratios in the world. At the same time, universities and research centers are tightly linked with industry. Cooperation between academia, R&D subsidiaries of multinationals located in Italy and domestic industrial clusters lead to spillover effects that your startup may easily benefit from. And do not forget that, compared to more celebrated global innovation hubs, our talents are available at reasonable costs.
Italians do it better: how our grassroots manufacturing culture can boost your startup
Italy is the 2nd manufacturing country in the European Union and the 5th in the world. The backbone of Italian manufacturing is made up of clusters of SMEs spanning all industries, from high-quality leather goods to aerospace, from apparel to med-tech, from agro-food to industrial automation. If your business has to do with manufacturing, you will be able to rely on a wide, flexible and highly-developed network of SMEs, able to act as high-quality and low-cost suppliers in countless sectors. You will discover how easy it is to grow a startup in Italy with limited investment, since manufacturing facilities are already available at competitive costs.ts.
Rome wasn’t built in a day: Italy’s artistic and cultural heritage is an untapped asset
Italy is ranked 1st worldwide for UNESCO World Heritage sites. This inexhaustible artistic, historical and cultural capital of ours has always inspired creative minds and innovators from all over the world. In spite of its vastness, this huge wealth is still largely underexploited and represents a sector with a superb business potential. If your startup operates in the fields of art, culture and tourism, being based in Italy will unleash a tremendous multiplier effect.
All roads lead to Rome: Italy is a gateway to strategic markets
Italy is a crossroads strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, and represents the main thoroughfare linking Southern Europe to Northern and Central Europe by land (Italy has the 2nd highest road and 5th rail network extension in the EU, and is the 2nd European country for maritime freight network). It is a gateway to 500 million consumers across the European Union and to 270 million in Northern Africa and the Middle East. The new EU trade agreements with several countries, currently in a negotiation phase, e.g. TTIP with the United States, will increase business opportunities for Italy and for your startup as well.
Italy offers robust investment incentives and has pioneered capital raising tools for startups
Corporates, business angels and VCs investing in Italian innovative startups can benefit from the 2nd highest tax relief discipline in the European Union. Moreover, your startup could raise capital in exchange for shares through dedicated online portals, under the umbrella of a solid legal framework: in fact, Italy has been the 1st country on earth to introduce a specific set of regulations for equity crowdfunding.
The Great Beauty: Italy’s lifestyle as an asset to enhance your working environment
Living in Italy is uniquely attractive. The appeal of our cuisine, which is the most celebrated and imitated in the world, needs no introduction. Toss in being the country that ranks 2nd worldwide for life expectancy at birth. Add the historical charm that exudes from of all of our cities, and the fascinating landscape you can quickly reach by car or by high-speed train from just about anywhere. Snow-covered peaks, beautiful lakes and fertile valleys in the North; hills covered with vineyards and olive trees in the Center; an eternal sun, volcanoes and unique islands with breathtaking beaches in the South: can any other working environment be more desirable for you and your team?
Italian startups can benefit from a flexible, tailor-made employment law
The Italian government’s startup policy has introduced a flexible labour law with 6 to 36-month temporary contracts applicable for the whole startup’s life cycle (up to 4 years). Moreover, startups have the chance to introduce performance-related pay and remunerate workers and external consultants with stock options and work for equity respectively, with a privileged tax treatment for stock options. Finally, there’s a 35% tax credit for hiring highly-qualified personnel with open-ended contracts. When you hire a developer costing 50,000 euro a year (which is not much, is it?), the Government will pay 17,500 for the first year! Not bad, uh?
Solidity and vastness of the internal market, countless opportunities for expansion
Italy’s 1.5 trillion euro GDP is 10th among OECD countries and 4th among European countries. The economy is largely export-driven, with a WTO rank at 9th place in world trade for merchandise. Starting your company in Italy means having access to a large internal market, with 60 million residents, and to unique export know-how. With tens of millions of internet users, Italy offers countless opportunities to businesses operating in strategic sectors such as logistics, IT, life sciences, cleantech and tourism.
Strong commitment by the government to develop a robust startup ecosystem
Recent Italian governments have become very serious about improving the business friendliness of the country, and the country has started attracting significant investment as a result. In the last two years, high-tech businesses and innovative startups have been at the top of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development’s agenda. This makes it the right time to invest in Italy and tap into the unique opportunities the country has to offer you. We can’t wait to blend our talent with yours!
STEP 1 through Direct Application
In front of your PC
You need ...
- Application form for ISV
- Presentation deck (in .ppt format or equivalent)
- Forecast of costs and revenues (business plan)
- Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files
- Copy of your passport
Send to ...
ISV Committee (italiastartupvisa@mise.gov.it)
with the following subject:
APPLICATION ISV FIRST NAME: John LAST NAME: Smith
Obtain ...
(Within 30 days) Nulla Osta ISV, including provisional police certificate of no impediment for entry purposes
STEP 2 through Direct Application
You go to the competent Embassy or Consulate
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You need ...
- Nulla Osta ISV including provisional police certificate of no impediment for entry purposes
- Certificate of suitable accommodation in Italy (e.g. hotel booking)
- Certificate of minimum income for previous year (e.g. income tax return)
- Hard copy of submitted Application form for ISV
- Hard copy of submitted Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files
- Passport
- 4 passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence in the local consular district
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Send to ...
Italian Embassy or Consulate responsible for your area of residence (documents to be provided in person)
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Obtain ...
1-year startup self-employment visa (Italia Startup Visa)
STEP 3 through Direct Application
No more than 8 days after your arrival in Italy…
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You need ...
- Two postal bulletins, of €30.46 and €50.00 each (to be paid at the post office)
- A €16.00 revenue stamp ("marca da bollo")
- Photocopy of your entire passport (all internal pages included)
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Certificate of suitable accommodation in Italy
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Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura) documents to be provided in person
Please set the date of the appointment well in advance, by writing to italiastartupvisa@mise.gov.it
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Obtain ...
1 year self-employment residence permit
STEP 4 through Direct Application
After one year, no later than 60 days before the expiry date of the residence permit…
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You need ...
- Visura camerale (Certificate of incorporation, articles of association and file search report) of your innovative startup
- Evidence of adequate annual income
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Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura) documents to be provided in person
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Obtain ...
2 year self-employment residence permit
STEP 1 through Certified Incubator
At home
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You need ...
- Undertaking by incubator to host startup
- Presentation deck (in .ppt format or equivalent)
- Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files
- Copy of your passport
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Send to ...
ISV Committee (italiastartupvisa@mise.gov.it)
with the following subject:
APPLICATION ISV FIRST NAME: John LAST NAME: Smith -
Obtain ...
(Within 30 days) Nulla Osta ISV (startup backed by incubator), including provisional police certificate of no impediment for entry purposes
STEP 2 through Certified Incubator
You go to the competent Embassy or Consulate
-
You need ...
- Nulla Osta ISV (startup backed by incubator)
- Certificate of suitable accommodation in Italy (i.e. hotel booking)
- Certificate of minimum income for previous year (i.e. income tax return)
- Hard copy of submitted Application form for ISV
- Hard copy of submitted Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files
- Passport
- 4 passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence in the local consular district
-
Send to ...
Italian Embassy od Consulate responsable for you area of residence (document to be provided in person)
-
Obtain ...
1-year startup self-employment visa (Italia Startup Visa)
STEP 3 through Certified Incubator
No more than 8 days after your arrival in Italy…
-
You need ...
- Two postal bulletins, of €30.46 and €50.00 each (to be paid at the post office)
- A €16.00 revenue stamp ("marca da bollo")
- Photocopy of your entire passport (all internal pages included)
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Certificate of suitable accomodation in Italy
-
Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura), documents to be provided in person
Please set the date of the appointment well in advance, by writing to italiastartupvisa@mise.gov.it -
Obtain ...
1 year self-employment residence permit
STEP 4 through Certified Incubator
After one year, no later than 60 days before the expiry date of the residence permit…
-
You need ...
- Visura camerale (Certificate of incorporation, articles of association and file search report) of your innovative startup
- Evidence of adequate annual income
-
Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura) documents to be provided in person
-
Obtain ...
2 year self-employment residence permit
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR ITALIA STARTUP VISA (ISV):
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR ITALIA STARTUP VISA (ISV):
The Italian Government policies
to retain innovative entrepreneurs
from all over the world
Italia Startup Hub
Set up your innovative company in Italy and enjoy our groundbreaking Startup Law!
STEP 1 through Direct Application
In front of your PC
-
You need ...
- Application form for ISH
- Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files (e.g. Investment letter of intent)
-
Send to ...
ISV&H Committee (italiastartuphub@mise.gov.it)
with the following subject:
APPLICATION ISH FIRST NAME: John LAST NAME: Smith -
Obtain ...
(Within 20 days) Certificate of no impediment for ISH
For self-employed workers, subordinate workers, relatives of a holder of a residence permit: Step 2 not applicable. After having received the ISH Certificate of No Impediment (Step 1), you can go straight to the post office (Step 3)
STEP 2 through Direct Application
You go to the Single Desk for Immigration (meeting to be arranged online)
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You need ...
- Certificate of No Impediment for ISH
- Residence permit presently held
- Documentation proving suitable accommodation (e.g. hotel booking)
- Documentation proving an income above the minimum level set by law for the exemption from the participation to National Health Service expenses (8,500 euros)
- ID or Passport
- A 16 euro tax stamp (marca da bollo)
-
Send to ...
- The Single Desk for Immigration (Sportello unico per l’immigrazione), at your local Prefecture (Prefettura);
- documents to be provided in person. Meeting arranged online through nullaosta.lavoro.it (click here, registration required). Procedure found in guidelines
- authorisation to conversion of residence permit
More information on the website of your local Prefettura.
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Obtain ...
Authorisation to conversion of residence permit.
STEP 3 through Direct Application
At an authorised post office (“Sportello Amico”, download a list here)
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You need ...
- Authorisation to conversion of residence permit
- ID or Passport
- Conversion kit (available at the post office)
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Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura)
-
Obtain ...
A date for the release of the permit (meeting with Questura)
STEP 4 through Direct Application
On the set date, you go to your local Questura (police headquarters)…
-
You need ...
- Receipt from the post office
- ID or Passport
-
Send to ...
Your local police headquarters (in person)
-
Obtain ...
Your self-employment residence permit
STEP 1 through Certified Incubator
In front of your PC
-
You need ...
- Undertaking by incubator to host startup
- Cover letter for proof of financial resources and attached files (e.g. Investment letter of intent)
-
Send to ...
ISV&H Committee (italiastartuphub@mise.gov.it)
with the following subject:
APPLICATION ISH FIRST NAME: John LAST NAME: Smith -
Obtain ...
(Within 20 days) Certificate of no impediment for ISH (startup backed by incubator).
For self-employed workers, subordinate workers, relatives of a holder of a residence permit: Step 2 not applicable. After having received the ISH Certificate of No Impediment (Step 1), you can go straight to the post office (Step 3)
STEP 2 through Certified Incubator
You go to the Single Desk for Immigration (meeting to be arranged online)
-
You need ...
- Certificate of No Impediment for ISH (startup backed by incubator)
- Residence permit presently held
- Documentation proving suitable accommodation (e.g. hotel booking)
- Documentation proving an income above the minimum level set by law for the exemption from the participation to National Health Service expenses (8,500 euros)
- ID or Passport
- A 16 euro tax stamp (marca da bollo)
-
Send to ...
- The Single Desk for Immigration (Sportello unico per l’immigrazione), at your local Prefecture (Prefettura).
- Documents to be provided in person. Meeting arranged online through nullaosta.lavoro.it (click here, registration required). Procedure found in guidelines.
- Authorisation to conversion of residence permit.
More information on the website of your local Prefettura.
-
Obtain ...
Authorisation to conversion of residence permit.
STEP 3 through Certified Incubator
At an authorised post office (“Sportello Amico”, download a list here)
-
You need ...
- Authorisation to conversion of residence permit
- ID or Passport
- Conversion kit (available at the post office)
-
Send to ...
Local police headquarters (Questura)
-
Obtain ...
A date for the release of the permit (meeting with Questura)
STEP 4 through Certified Incubator
On the set date, you go to your local Questura (police headquarters)…
-
You need ...
- Receipt from the post office
- ID or Passport
-
Send to ...
Your local police headquarters (in person)
-
Obtain ...
Your self-employment residence permit
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR ITALIA STARTUP HUB (ISH):
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS FOR ITALIA STARTUP HUB (ISH):
