Italy · Skilled Worker Visa

Self-employment - Business Owner

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-09 · Our methodology
4.3/10 diff
Moderate

Business owners/entrepreneurs must obtain a nulla osta (entry clearance) from the competent Italian Questura and prove e…

Min income
€1,167/mo
Processing
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Business owners/entrepreneurs must obtain a nulla osta (entry clearance) from the competent Italian Questura and prove economic resources, certified by the Chamber of Commerce, of not less than three times the annual unemployment subsidy (about €14,000).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
Min Income
€1,167/mo
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18–65
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Income€1,167/mo
Minimum Savings€8,400

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Milan
Single (monthly)€2,100
Family (monthly)€4,200
Rent 1BR (center)€1,200
Groceries€525
Transport pass€126
Rome
Single (monthly)€1,850
Family (monthly)€3,800
Rent 1BR (center)€1,000
Groceries€462
Transport pass€111
Bologna
Single (monthly)€1,650
Family (monthly)€3,400
Rent 1BR (center)€850
Groceries€412
Transport pass€99
Florence
Single (monthly)€1,587
Family (monthly)€3,231
Rent 1BR (center)€603
Groceries€397
Transport pass€95

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Self-employment - Business Owner?

Business owners/entrepreneurs must obtain a nulla osta (entry clearance) from the competent Italian Questura and prove economic resources, certified by the Chamber of Commerce, of not less than three times the annual unemployment subsidy (about €14,000).

What are the financial requirements for the Self-employment - Business Owner?

Applicants need minimum income of €1,167/mo, minimum savings of €8,400. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can the Self-employment - Business Owner lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Italy?

Yes. Italy offers 19 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Italy country page.

What is the cost of living in Italy?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Milan: €2,100/mo; Rome: €1,850/mo; Bologna: €1,650/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-09 · See our methodology

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