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Residency in Italy through business
Develop your own business in the Italian and European markets
- Cost: EUR 12,000
- Time frame for obtaining: from 2 months
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
About the program
The Self-Employment Entrepreneur program in Italy is intended for citizens of non-EU countries who plan to develop their own business in the country. The company founder must submit a detailed business plan, prove the economic interest of the project for Italy, and confirm the availability of at least EUR 500,000 of personal funds from lawful sources and the creation of at least three new jobs.
Advantages of residency in Italy
Opportunity for family immigration
An entrepreneurial residence permit allows close family members to obtain resident status. This makes it possible to relocate to the country together with a spouse, children, and financially dependent parents, provided that the applicant confirms the availability of income, housing, and a lawful basis for residence.
Access to premium banking services
Having a residence permit and tax registration when running a business in Italy simplifies interaction with banks and compliance procedures. After opening an account, an entrepreneur can use corporate financial products, payment infrastructure, and tools for conducting activities in the EU.
Global mobility
An Italian residence permit gives the right to stay in the country and make short-term trips to Schengen Area states without obtaining visas. This is convenient for entrepreneurs for whom communication with partners, clients, and investors in Europe is important.
Optimization of the fiscal burden
Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals may use preferential tax regimes, such as Forfettario, provided that the relevant conditions are met. This makes it possible to plan the fiscal burden in advance and adapt the structure of activity to the business format.
Flexible residence requirements
An entrepreneurial residence permit does not require continuous stay in Italy; however, the applicant must maintain a genuine connection with the country and a basis for residence. It is important to note that prolonged absence may affect the extension of status, obtaining a long-term residence permit, or subsequent naturalization.
Business development in a favorable environment
A residence permit in Italy gives entrepreneurs access to the EU market, developed infrastructure, cooperation with European partners, and broad consumer demand. Founders of innovative projects have access to special startup support mechanisms and investment incentives.
High quality of medical services
With lawful status and compliance with registration requirements, an entrepreneur may gain access to Italy’s National Health Service. This makes it possible to use medical care within the public system, including basic and specialized services.
Right to prestigious education
Children of foreign residents have full access to the Italian education system on the same basis as Italian citizens. As they spend more years living in the country, they gain access to Italian universities, vocational training programs, and the broader educational environment of the European Union.
Get your residence permit guide
- Step-by-step instructions for applicants
- Detailed requirements and costs
- Ready-to-use strategy for obtaining a residence permit
- Updated 2026 program
Get your residence permit guide
Who is eligible for residency
Main applicant (Entrepreneur)
- Detailed and economically viable business plan
- Confirmation of business investment from EUR 500,000
- Valid passport and photo
- Medical insurance
Spouse
- Marriage certificate with apostille
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance policy
- Confirmation of a medical examination at a certified clinic
Children
- Under 18 years of age
- Over 18 years of age, dependent due to health condition
- Birth certificate with apostille
Parents
- Confirmation of family relationship
- Evidence of financial dependence on the applicant
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Consultation and situation analysis
A Mirsatori specialist studies the purpose of relocation, the client’s entrepreneurial experience, the source of funds, family composition, and prospects for launching a business in Italy. Based on the consultation, a decision is made as to whether the Lavoro Autonomo — Imprenditore route is suitable for the applicant, and an action plan required for submitting the application is prepared.
Get a consultationDevelopment of an immigration strategy and business concept
Mirsatori lawyers help determine the business format that may be of economic interest to Italy. At this stage, investments, the job creation plan, the company structure, and the documents required to confirm the viability of the project are assessed.
Get a consultationPreparation of the business plan and applicant’s dossier
The Mirsatori team supports the preparation of the business plan, documents on the origin of funds, confirmation of available finances, housing, and other materials for the dossier. If necessary, translation, apostille, legalization, and adaptation of documents to the requirements of the selected procedure are arranged.
Get a consultationObtaining preliminary permits and applying for a D visa
Mirsatori specialists support the obtaining of the required permits, including Nulla Osta and documents related to confirmation of the availability of resources for entrepreneurial activity. After the dossier is formed, the client submits an application for a national D visa for self-employment in Italy.
Get a consultationIssuance of Permesso di Soggiorno after entry into Italy
After arriving in Italy, the applicant must submit documents for Permesso di Soggiorno within the established time limit. Mirsatori supports the preparation of the postal kit, biometric appointment booking, communication with the competent authorities, and obtaining the residence permit card.
Get a consultation
Become a resident of Italy by establishing your own business in the country
- Residence in an economically and politically stable country
- Availability of premium financial services for conducting business
- Capital protection, tax optimization, access to the European market
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Advantages of registering a company in Italy
Asset security guaranteed by the EU
Registering a business in Italy allows you to operate in an EU jurisdiction where the right to property is protected by Article 17 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This provides clear legal mechanisms for protecting assets, company shares, intellectual property, and contractual rights.
Confidentiality of financial information
Italy applies European personal data protection rules, including the GDPR, which regulates the processing of data by companies and organizations within the EU. At the same time, banks and other obliged entities must identify clients, verify transactions, and report suspicious transactions as part of AML control.
No restrictions on capital movement
Italy is part of the EU Single Market, where the free movement of capital, goods, services, and people applies. This simplifies cross-border settlements, investments, shareholding, and transfers of funds between EU countries, subject to compliance with banking, tax, and AML requirements.
Prestigious jurisdiction for business
Italy is a founding member of the European Union and one of the first states to join the eurozone. In addition, Italy is a member of the G7 — a forum of highly developed industrial countries united by common principles of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
Payment of taxes in a European country
An Italian company pays taxes in an EU and eurozone country, which may be important for entrepreneurs who need a transparent fiscal history. Corporate income tax IRES is levied at a rate of 24% on the company’s profits, while the standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%, with reduced rates of 4%, 5%, and 10% applicable to certain goods and services.
Access to the European Single Market
A company registered in Italy receives an operating base within the EU Single Market. This opens opportunities for the entrepreneur to scale, enter into contracts with European partners, and access a solvent audience in European Union countries.
Partnership with African and Middle Eastern countries
Italy is actively developing economic and diplomatic relations with Africa through the Mattei Plan, which covers education, healthcare, agriculture, water supply, energy, and infrastructure. For business, this may be an advantage when building export, infrastructure, energy, agricultural, and trade projects at the intersection of the EU, Africa, and MENA.
Tax optimization for innovative projects
Italy supports innovative startups and technology projects through special tax incentives, grants, and financial instruments. The official Invest in Italy portal states that the country has a portfolio of financial support and tax benefits for investment, R&D, and the growth of innovative companies. This makes it possible to structure projects taking into account available support measures, the amount of which depends on the company’s status, the type of investment, and compliance with the program conditions.
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining an Italian residence permit through business registration
A Mirsatori specialist will create a tailored residency plan based on your specific situation:
- Optimal business structure in Italy
- Selection of the most suitable jurisdiction
- Step-by-step guidance on setting up your company
- Application for a 4-year residence permit
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining an Italian residence permit through business registration
Types of companies and key features
Registering a company in Italy allows you to obtain an effective resource for conducting international entrepreneurial activity and entering the pan-European market.
S.r.l. — Società a responsabilità limitata
Limited liability company, one of the most common formats for small and medium-sized businesses in Italy.
- Limited liability of participants
- Flexible management structure
- Minimum capital from EUR 1
- Suitable for different types of companies
S.r.l.s. — Società a responsabilità limitata semplificata
Simplified form of a limited liability company intended for launching a business with minimal initial costs.
- Share capital from EUR 1 to EUR 9,999.99
- Simple incorporation procedure
- For small projects and startups
- Limited customization options
S.p.A. — Società per Azioni
Joint-stock company, usually chosen for large projects, attracting investors, and scaling a business.
- Minimum share capital of EUR 50,000
- Capital in the form of shares for transfer to investors
- For companies with a large number of shareholders
- For businesses planning to enter the stock market
S.a.s. — Società in accomandita semplice
Limited partnership, which has managing partners and investors with different levels of liability.
- Managing partners with unlimited liability
- Investors liable only within the amount of their contribution
- Company management is assigned to managing partners
- One participant conducts the business, while another contributes capital
S.n.c. — Società in nome collettivo
General partnership, in which partners jointly conduct business and bear unlimited liability for the company’s obligations.
- All partners are liable for the company’s debts with their own property
- Management powers for each partner separately
- No minimum share capital is required for this form
- For small businesses with a high level of trust between participants
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Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Italy
France
Bahrain
Serbia
Corporate tax
24%
15-25%
0%
15%
Dividend tax
26%
30%
0%
up to 20%
Personal income tax
23/33/43%
up to 45%
0%
10%
Residency processing time
from 60 days
from 6 months
from 2 weeks
from 2 months
For children
access to EU universities
Access to EU universities
Several schools
Limited options, instruction in Serbian/English
Residency for spouse/children
yes
yes
yes
yes
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Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
France
Cost
from EUR 20,000
Processing time
from 6 months
Benefits
Learn more
- Simple company registration process
- Residency for spouse and children under 18
- No language test required
Bahrain
Cost
from USD 13,500
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Fast and simple registration process
- Residence status for family members
- 0% corporate tax
Serbia
Cost
from EUR 3,500
Processing time
from 2 months
Benefits
Learn more
- Residency for family members
- Simple business registration
- No need to live in the country
FAQ
What is the minimum amount of share capital required to obtain a residence permit through business?
For an Italian entrepreneurial residence permit, the amount of the company’s share capital is not as important as the volume of investment in the project. Under the self-employment entrepreneur route, the applicant must confirm the availability of personal funds from lawful sources in the amount of at least EUR 500,000 and submit a plan for creating at least three new jobs.
How long does the entire process take from submission to obtaining the residence permit?
The time frame depends on the consulate, completeness of the documents, and workload of the Italian authorities. A visa application under self-employment may be reviewed for up to 120 days, and after entry into Italy, Permesso di Soggiorno must by law be issued within 60 days from the date of application submission, provided that all conditions are met.
Is knowledge of Italian required to obtain a residence permit?
Knowledge of Italian is not mandatory for obtaining an entrepreneurial residence permit. However, it will be useful for running a business, communicating with banks, counterparties, tax advisers, and government authorities.
Can family members work in Italy?
Yes, family members who have obtained Permesso di Soggiorno per Motivi Familiari may work in Italy. This status allows them to engage in employment or self-employment in accordance with the requirements of Italian legislation.
What taxes does a business pay in Italy?
Italian companies usually pay corporate income tax IRES at a rate of 24% and regional tax IRAP, whose basic rate is approximately 3.9% and depends on the region and type of activity. VAT also applies — its standard rate is 22%, while it may be reduced for certain goods and services.
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Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
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