Startup Visa
Italy
Program Overview
Italy's Startup Visa is a dedicated entrepreneur immigration pathway designed to attract non-EU founders with innovative, scalable business ideas to Italy's growing startup ecosystem. Launched under Italy's broader Italia Startup Visa initiative, it offers a streamlined, centralised application process managed by the Italy Startup Visa committee — a cross-ministerial body that evaluates applications on the basis of innovation, scalability, and the founder's ability to execute.
Unlike traditional investor visa programmes, Italy's Startup Visa does not require a large capital transfer. The minimum investment threshold is just €50,000, and in practice many successful applicants raise this from Italian or European investors rather than contributing it personally. What the programme evaluates is the quality of the business idea, the founder's track record, and the potential for the venture to create jobs and economic value in Italy.
Italy is the EU's third-largest economy and home to a rapidly maturing startup ecosystem centred on Milan, Rome, and Turin. The country offers access to the EU single market, a highly educated talent pool, and a quality of life that is consistently ranked among the world's best. After ten years of legal residency in Italy, startup visa holders become eligible to apply for Italian citizenship and an EU passport.
Key Highlights
Suited For
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA nationals aged 18 or over
- Innovative business idea that is scalable, technology-driven, and not yet operational in Italy
- Minimum investment of €50,000 committed to the Italian startup (can be from third-party investors)
- Business plan submitted to and approved by the Italy Startup Visa committee
- Clean criminal record
- Sufficient financial means to support yourself during the initial period
- Application submitted through the centralised Italy Startup Visa online portal
Investment Options
Self-Funded Startup
€50,000The applicant personally commits at least €50,000 to the Italian startup entity. Funds must be verifiably available and committed to the business.
Third-Party Funded
€50,000 from investorsThe €50,000 minimum can be provided by Italian or EU-based investors, accelerators, or venture capital funds — the applicant does not need to contribute the capital personally, provided the investment is committed and documented.
Key Benefits
- EU residency and work rights in Italy — access to the EU single market
- Low investment threshold of €50,000 — the most accessible EU entrepreneur visa
- Centralised, English-friendly application process with a dedicated committee
- Path to Italian citizenship and an EU passport after ten years
- Access to Italy's startup ecosystem, accelerators, and EU funding programmes
- Spouse and dependent children included in the residency application
- Italy's flat-tax regime (€100,000/year lump sum) available for high-net-worth individuals who relocate
- World-class quality of life, culture, and Mediterranean lifestyle
Based on enquiry volume and advisor recommendations on the Jurentra platform.
Min. Investment
€50,000
Processing Time
3–6 months
Visa Type
Entrepreneur Visa
Path to Citizenship
10 years
Ready to take the next step?
Our network of licensed advisory firms can guide you through every stage of your Startup Visa application.