National Visa (Type D) - Self-Employment / Autonomous Work
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Up to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 116
- Validity
- 365 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
National visa (Type D) for non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to engage in self-employment (lavoro autonomo) in Italy, including freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Subject to Decreto Flussi quotas. Applicants must demonstrate relevant qualifications, licensing (if applicable), and sufficient financial resources. The Nulla Osta for autonomous work requires demonstrating that the activity does not harm Italian workers and that sufficient resources are available.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals require a Type D visa for self-employment in Italy.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the activity and personal expenses.
Minimum funds: Sufficient for business activity and personal expenses
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Employment
Must have relevant qualifications and licenses for the intended activity. Subject to Decreto Flussi annual quotas.
Required status: Relevant qualifications and Nulla Osta for autonomous work
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size, white background
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, financial documentation; Minimum amount: Sufficient for activity and personal living expenses
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement or property documentation; Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form (Self-Employment)
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Varies by consulate; Amount: EUR 116
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications, licenses, or certifications required for the intended self-employed activity; Must be translated: Yes
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Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.
Minimum investment: Sufficient to sustain activity; Must include financials: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather professional qualifications, licenses, business plan, and financial documentation. Obtain credential recognition if needed.
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Online application
Submit Nulla Osta application to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione within Decreto Flussi deadlines.
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Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at Italian consulate/embassy.
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Document submission
Submit all documents including Nulla Osta, qualifications, and business plan.
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Fee payment
Pay approximately EUR 116.
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Biometrics
Provide fingerprints as required.
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Processing wait
Processing can take up to 90 days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport. Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 days of arrival.