FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Italy freelance visa?
The official page asks for: clearance (nulla osta) from the local Questura, chamber of Commerce statement of resources needed, proof the profession is on the official lists, proof of suitable housing and no-objection statement if a licence is needed.
How much money do I need for the Italy freelance visa?
Income in the last financial year above the legal minimum for exemption from health cost-sharing, EUR 8,500, already earned in the country of residence. A bank guarantee or insurance policy cannot be used to show it. Money available in Italy to cover the resources the Chamber of Commerce says the activity needs. These resources cannot be less than three times the yearly social allowance (assegno sociale). No figure is given.
How long can I stay on the Italy freelance visa?
The permit to stay for self-employment lasts up to two years. Yes. Each renewal can last up to three years.
How much does the Italy freelance visa cost?
EUR 116 for the long-stay visa, usually paid in local currency. The permit to stay has its own costs, not given on the pages read.
Who can apply for the Italy freelance visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. For people from outside the EU who want to work for themselves in Italy. Within the yearly quota, liberal professionals qualify if their profession is regulated or supervised, or is non-regulated but has a national association on an official list. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can already live in Italy without this visa.
Can I bring my family?
Holders of a self-employment permit lasting at least one year can apply to bring family members, under the conditions of the law.
What work can I do on the Italy freelance visa?
The visa names the self-employed activity it is issued for.
How do I apply?
The visa at the Italian embassy or consulate for the applicant's place of residence. Then the permit to stay, sent through a post office (Sportello Amico) kit. The visa must be issued or refused within 120 days of a complete application.
Sources
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (vistoperitalia.esteri.it)
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (ambtbilisi.esteri.it)
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (ambilcairo.esteri.it)
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (normattiva.it)
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (normattiva.it)
- Italy: Self-employment visa for liberal professionals (lavoro autonomo - libero professionista), then permit to stay for self-employment (normattiva.it)
- Italy: Visa portal: long-stay self-employment visa, permit to stay steps (vistoperitalia.esteri.it)
- Italy: Labour Ministry: Decreto Flussi 2026 to 2028 published (lavoro.gov.it)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.