🇮🇹 Italy · Entrepreneur
Self-employment/Lavoro Autonomo — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum monthly income | €700 |
| Minimum annual salary | EUR 14,000 |
| Minimum investment | €14,000 |
| Health insurance | Required (valid in-country) |
| Age range | 18–65 |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €116 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 12 months. Does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Documents
- Visa Application Form (1 to 90 days or 91 to 365 days, dated and signed in front of a Visa Officer)
- Recent passport-size photograph, on white background, full face and front view, stapled/glued to the application form
- Valid passport plus 1 copy of the page with photograph and expiration date, valid 3 months after visa expiration, at least 2 blank pages
- For Non-US citizens: original and copy of Permanent Residence Card or other US immigration document allowing re-entry into the US
- Copy of Driver’s License or State ID as proof of residence in the jurisdiction of this Consulate General (or other proof of current address)
- Copy of the Nulla Osta from Italy to be obtained by competent Authority
- Confirmed flight reservation
- Visa fee (form of Money Order or cashier’s check, payable as specified)
- Return envelope (pre-paid, self-addressed, trackable)
- Consent to send by mail form
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://conschicago.esteri.it/en/servizi-consolari-e-visti/servizi-per-il-cittadino-straniero/visti/visa-categories-and-requirements/lavoro-autonomo-self-employment-either-short-or-long-term-visa/.
Frequently asked
How much income do I need?
You must show €700.
Does this visa lead to permanent residence?
No — it does not lead directly to permanent residence.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes — valid health insurance in the country is required.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
“Business people, entrepreneurs, artisans: statement describing the parameters of the economic resources required to carry out the said business, commercial or artisan activity, issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the area in which the activity is to be carried out. These resources must not be less than three times the amount of the annual unemployment subsidy (about € 14,000).”
“...income higher than the minimum level foreseen by the law for exemption from participation in health services contributions (€8,400);”
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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-09.