Visa Strategy & Lavoro Autonomo Blog

In-depth, legally grounded explainers on the Italian self-employment (lavoro autonomo) route, written from the perspective of people who have actually gone through the process.

Updated regularly · All articles link back to real legislation and administrative practice.

Why Lavoro Autonomo applications fail illustration

Strategy & Risk

Why Lavoro Autonomo Applications Fail: 10 Common Mistakes

Most self-employment visa files don’t fail by accident. They fail because the story of your activity, finances and ATECO choice doesn’t make sense to Italian authorities. Here’s how to avoid that.

Italian Visa vs Permesso di Soggiorno: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Your visa gets you into Italy. Your permesso di soggiorno keeps you here legally. They’re issued by different authorities under different rules — and confusing them can cost you your future in Italy.

The Codice Fiscale in Italy: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How Foreigners Can Get It

Without a Codice Fiscale you’re half-visible to Italy’s systems. Learn what it is, why it matters for everything from rentals to Partita IVA, and how to obtain it from abroad or after arrival.

What Is a Nulla Osta for Lavoro Autonomo — and What Does It Really Do?

The consulate is not where your case really lives or dies. The local nulla osta is. Understand how Chambers and Questure examine your activity and finances, and what they actually approve.

Registering Your Residency vs. Requesting a Permesso di Soggiorno: Two Different Tracks

The Comune manages your residence. The Questura manages your immigration status. They interact, but they are not the same system — and mixing them up can delay your path to long-term residence.

What Happens After You Arrive in Italy With a D-Visa?

The visa is not the finish line. It’s the starting gun. This guide walks through your first 8–12 weeks — from the permesso application and Questura appointment to residency registration and Partita IVA.

How the Decreto Flussi Works for Self-Employment Applicants

Self-employment quotas are brutally limited. Learn how the annual Decreto Flussi system works, why timing matters more than anything, and what it means for your nulla osta and visa strategy.

Freelancers Moving to Italy: How To Choose the Right ATECO Code

Your ATECO code drives everything: Chamber requirements, INPS, tax regime and even nulla osta feasibility. This article explains how to pick one that matches your actual work and documented income.

Digital Nomad Visa vs Lavoro Autonomo: Which One Is Right for You?

Italy now offers two long-stay options for professionals: the Digital Nomad Visa and the Lavoro Autonomo visa. The consequences for your work rights, clients and long-term residency plans could not be more different.

Article ~8 min read

2025

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