If you’re a non-EU citizen and you want to move to Italy and work as a self-employed individual, you will need an Italy Self-Employment Visa.

The Itay Self-Employment visa is a type of Italian long-stay visa (national or D-visa). This is the type of visa you must apply for if you intend to work as a freelancer or open business in Italy.

Every year, the Italian government issues self-employment visas for specific professions. However, the self-employment visas are:

• The Italy Corporate Figure

Issued to foreign nationals appointed by officials (CEO, board member, auditor) of Italian companies (Srl, Spa) operating for at least 3 years may apply for a visa for self-employment. The foreigner will be required to provide proof of appointment to the position of officer and financial according with a company. It is also important that the Italian company can prove its financial stability and turnover.

• Digital Nomad Visa 

Immigration program dedicated to remote workers and freelance experts

• The Italy Startup Visa

Issued to foreigners wanting to open or enter an innovative company in Italy (required investment of no less than €50,000).

• The Italy Freelancer Visa

Issued to individuals who intend to take up self-employed, freelance work and do not have a company who want to hire them.

• The Italy Consultant Freelancer Visa

Issued to individuals who intend to take up self-employed, freelance work for an italian company who want to collaborate with them.

• The Italy Entrepreneur Visa

Issued to foreigners who want to implement an investment plan (of no less than €500,000) that is beneficial to Italian economy.

Unfortunately, it’s non possible apply for an Italy self-employment visa anytime.

Italy has an immigration policy in place when it comes to how many work visas is will issue on a yearly basis.

This immigration program is called a Decreto Flussi (translated to “Flow Decree”). Every year, the Italian government opens the Decreto Flussi for a few months. That is the only time that non-EU nationals can apply for an Italian work visa. With the Decreto Flussi, Italy offers permit of stay conversion, self-employment request and other seasonal works.

Reference to the law DECRETO DEL PRESIDENTE DEL CONSIGLIO DEI MINISTRI 29 dicembre 2022

When Decreto Flussi is pubblished and request period opened (its required to check if quota has not been filled), Its neccessary to get authorization to work in Italy (which called Nulla Osta). In addition, before request of Nulla Osta sometimes is required to register a business and receive required certifications to perform that job.