Simplify Your Journey with ItalyStartUp
Expanding your innovative venture into Italy is now easier than ever thanks to the Italia Startup Visa program. If you’re a non-EU entrepreneur looking to tap into Europe’s fourth-largest economy, here’s everything you need to know—and how ItalyStartUp can guide you through every bureaucratic step.
What Is the Italia Startup Visa?
Launched under the Italian Startup Act (Decree-Law 179/2012), the Italia Startup Visa offers a streamlined, digitized path for non-EU nationals to found an innovative startup in Italy. It’s part of Italy’s broader strategy to attract foreign talent, foster sustainable growth, and make the country a global innovation hub.
- Official Italia Startup Visa portal (MISE): https://italiastartupvisa.mise.gov.it/
- Italian Startup Act (DL 179/2012): https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legge:2012-10-18;179!vig=
- MISE Incentives for Innovative Startups: https://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/incentivi/impresa/startup-innovative
Eligibility & Key Requirements
- Non-EU citizenship
- Innovative startup status, as defined by Art. 25 of the Startup Act
- Minimum financial availability of €50,000 to invest in the new venture
- Supporting documents, including a detailed business plan and proof of funds
Before applying, candidates often partner with certified incubators or accelerators to strengthen their proposal.
- Certified Incubators List (MISE): https://italiastartupvisa.mise.gov.it/startup-visa/incubatori-certificati
The 3-Step Application Process
- Submit Your Application
Email your form, passport copy, business plan, and proof of ≥ €50K funds toitaliastartupvisa@mise.gov.it. - Technical Evaluation
Italy’s Startup Visa Technical Committee reviews your documents and, within 30 days, issues a Certificate of No Impediment if you meet the criteria.- Technical Committee Info: https://italiastartupvisa.mise.gov.it/startup-visa/come-funziona
- Visa Issuance & Residence Permit
Armed with the Nulla Osta, apply for the visa at your local Italian consulate. Once in Italy, convert it into a self-employment residence permit within eight days.- Consular Visa Info (MAECI): https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/servizi/stranieri/
Common Challenges for Applicants
- Navigating Italy’s bureaucratic landscape in a second language
- Ensuring your business plan aligns with innovative startup criteria
- Coordinating with the Technical Committee and multiple ministries
- Managing tight 30-day evaluation deadlines
How ItalyStartUp Eases the Process
At ItalyStartUp, we act as your trusted partner throughout the entire Startup Visa journey:
- Business Plan Advisory
We help craft a compelling, Italian-market-ready plan that satisfies the Committee’s innovation criteria. - Documentation & Translation
From notarized statements to financial proofs, our bilingual team prepares and translates every required document. - Incubator Coordination
We connect you with certified incubators for formal endorsements, boosting your application’s strength. - Application Submission & Tracking
We manage the email communications withitaliastartupvisa@mise.gov.it, follow up on your Certificate of No Impediment, and liaise with consular offices. - Post-Visa Support
Upon arrival, we guide you through your residence permit application at the Questura, ensuring full compliance with Italian immigration rules.
With ItalyStartUp by your side, you can focus on building your product, not wrestling with red tape.
Ready to Get Started?
- Italia Startup Visa – Ministry of Economic Development (MISE):
https://italiastartupvisa.mise.gov.it/ - Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visa Guidelines):
https://www.esteri.it/mae/en/servizi/stranieri/ - EU Start-up and Scale-up Initiative (European Commission):
https://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/promoting-entrepreneurship/start-ups_en - Horizon Europe (EU Research & Innovation):
https://ec.europa.eu/info/horizon-europe_en - Chamber of Commerce Company Registration (Infocamere):
https://www.registroimprese.it/
Or, learn how ItalyStartUp makes your visa journey seamless:
Discover Our Startup Visa Support Services
Embark on your Italian venture today—your gateway to Europe’s vibrant startup ecosystem!
Discover more about our R&D consultancy services and request your free initial assessment today!
✉️ info@italystartup.org | 🌐 www.italystartup.org | 📞 +39 349 380 6329
Italian 
English