Giorgio
Lawyer · Genoa, Italy
- 148 cases handled · 1 in this service
- 11+ years in practice
- Speaks: Russian, English
- Law, University of Genoa
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5.00(5 reviews)
Self-Employed Visa in Italy
Italy's self-employed visa (visto per lavoro autonomo) is for non-EU citizens who want to work in Italy on their own account, as freelancers, professionals, company partners or entrepreneurs. English-speaking lawyers check whether the activity fits the yearly quotas or the startup route and prepare the file.
About Self-Employed Visa in Italy
The self-employed visa for Italy (also called the freelance visa, freelancer visa or entrepreneur visa; in Italian visto per lavoro autonomo) lets a non-EU citizen come to Italy to work for themselves: as a freelance professional (libero professionista), a sole trader, a partner or director of a company, or an artist. A separate national scheme, Italia Startup Visa, covers founders of innovative startups.
Who it suits
Professionals and business owners whose clients or customers will be in Italy. Someone who works remotely for clients abroad usually fits the digital nomad visa better, and someone hired by an Italian employer needs a work permit such as the EU Blue Card. A business visa is something else again: a short Schengen visa for meetings and trade fairs, which does not allow living or working in Italy.
How it works in Italy
Most self-employment entries depend on the yearly quotas of the decreto flussi, which set how many visas are available and for which categories. The applicant gathers statements from the competent bodies, for example the chamber of commerce for a business or the professional order for a regulated profession, proves resources and accommodation in Italy, and obtains from the police headquarters (questura) a clearance that nothing stands in the way (nulla osta). The visa is then requested at the Italian consulate. After arrival, the holder applies for the residence permit, opens a VAT number (partita IVA) and registers with the social security bodies. The startup route sits outside the quotas and goes through a committee at the Ministry of Enterprises. Categories and quotas change every year; a lawyer confirms the current ones.
What to watch for
- Quota places for self-employment are few and are often taken quickly, so a complete file ready in time matters.
- Regulated professions such as law, medicine or engineering need the qualification recognised before the person can practise.
- A company has to show real activity and enough capital; one set up only on paper is often refused.
- A student already in Italy may be able to change an existing permit instead (see student to work conversion).
What a lawyer does
A lawyer checks which category the activity falls into, prepares the documents for the chamber of commerce or the professional order, files the questura request, prepares the consular file and, after arrival, coordinates the permit, the VAT number and the first registrations with an accountant (commercialista).
Questions and answers
Is there a freelance visa in Italy?
Yes. Freelancers apply under the self-employment visa, as liberi professionisti, within the yearly quotas.
Can I also work for clients outside Italy on this visa?
Yes, but if all the clients are abroad, the digital nomad visa may be the simpler route.
What is the Italia Startup Visa?
A separate national route for founders of innovative startups, approved by a committee rather than through the quotas, with capital requirements of its own.
Can my family join me?
Family members can usually join once the self-employment permit is issued, through family reunification.
1 lawyer who provides Self-Employed Visa in Italy
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What our clients say about our service in Italy
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The lawyer was very helpful and knowledgeable. Most important to me, he communicated clearly and left no grey area. I appreciate how he follows up, and honestly I find the value for money very convenient. I was completely satisfied with the result.
— Mona13 Jun 2023 -
He was very professional and gave me good advice and information about my situation and what can be done about it, and his English was perfect, so there was no trouble understanding. I truly appreciated the advice not only on the legal level but on a human level too.
— Nicole04 Dec 2025 -
She gave me guidance on a complex problem.
— John10 Jul 2023Personal Tax Consultation, Italy -
My husband's case is complicated. At last we have found an excellent Avvocato, and this service came to our rescue; we are very satisfied.
— Jacqueline31 Jan 2023Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice, Italy -
The lawyer was a very professional man and the family are extremely grateful for his help with our matter. The fee was good value for money, and he was very clear about what we needed throughout our case, in perfect English.
— Antony21 Dec 2022 -
He responded quickly, understood my situation thoroughly and gave me the right solution, which I am very satisfied with.
— Rowena28 Sep 2022 -
The lawyer took the time to go through my options in detail and even suggested ones I did not know about. She is very knowledgeable in this field, and the help was excellent.
— Clinton20 Jul 2022Fiscal Advice, Italy -
The lawyer was always very thorough and came up with great solutions. She patiently went through everything and talked me through my options, which was a great help as I had just moved to a new country and did not speak Italian. The assistance was excellent.
— Kelly14 May 2022Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed, Italy -
Overall I had a very satisfying experience. The lawyer was very helpful on the phone, on WhatsApp and, at the end, during a 3-hour meeting at the notary's office. He is very professional and did everything I could have wanted, and I am sure we received the best service possible.
— Bo07 Apr 2022 -
Fast to respond, quick to grasp my questions and helpful every time. The assistance was excellent.
— Axelle05 Oct 2021General Tax Services, Italy -
Even though the case dragged on for more than a year, I was always kept informed about the process and got an immediate answer to every question. I am very satisfied with the final result.
— Tomas05 Aug 2020 -
The lawyer is an excellent accountant, and starting a business in Italy became very easy with her. She guided us through the complexities of Italian company law and contacts us on her own initiative with suggestions, news of new government rules or support, and other advice we need. Her English is perfect, so we never struggle to understand. I highly recommend her services.
— Eugene02 Jun 2020Business Set-Up, Italy