Moving from UK to Puglia to open B and B

My first question would be...'what visa are you applying for'?

@fireandlifesafety

The info online can be rather conflicting - we will be self employed and I have read about a self employment visa (nothing on the consulate website - planning an appointment with them soon).

The is also a innovative start up visa- there are several sections of this which are difficult to meet.

The Elective residency visa is for retirees so you cannot work.

We have the funds and business model - I like to have clarification before commitment.

cheers

paul

Good luck.  We looked at a B&B a couple of years ago and binned the idea, there was no chance of getting a visa.

To get a self employed visa you will need to provide 2 or 3 years tax returns in that job.  You will need a property to rent out and all the other stuff.  Only then will they tell you if you can have a visa, which are limited no.s andentirely at the whim of the consulate staff. 

Hello,

I think  Self-Employment Visa might be the right visa for your case.

To move to Italy as self-employed entrepreneurs, you'll need to apply for a visto per lavoro autonomo (self-employment visa).

Eligibility Requirements:

Business Plan: You’ll need a detailed business plan. For a hospitality and wellbeing center, highlight your experience, market research, and plans for sustainability and community engagement.

Minimum Income Requirement: Show financial stability by demonstrating income exceeding €8,500 annually.

Chamber of Commerce Approval: Obtain authorization (nulla osta) from the local Chamber of Commerce where you intend to establish your business.

Proof of Location: Lease or purchase property suitable for your planned business.

Application Process:

Gather Required Documents:

Completed visa application form.

Valid passport.

Proof of financial resources.

Your business plan and the nulla osta.

Evidence of accommodation in Italy.

Proof of medical insurance.

Submit Application at the Consulate: Apply through the Italian consulate in your home country. Processing times can vary but usually take 2-3 months.

Convert to a Residence Permit: Once in Italy, convert your visa into a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) for self-employment within eight days.

Startup Visa (Alternative Option)

If your business has innovative aspects, such as using wellness technology or offering eco-friendly tourism solutions, you could explore Italy’s Startup Visa.

Requirements:

Propose an innovative business idea in sectors like tourism, technology, or sustainable development.

Secure a minimum investment of €50,000, either through personal funds, venture capital, or government programs.

Partner with an Italian-certified incubator or accelerator for guidance.

This route is quicker than the self-employment visa and provides additional support, but your business must meet innovation criteria.

Setting Up the Business:

Register the Business: File as a sole proprietorship (ditta individuale), partnership, or company (SRL). An accountant (commercialista) can help you navigate this.

Tax and VAT Registration: Register for a tax number (codice fiscale) and VAT number (partita IVA).

Health and Safety Compliance: For hospitality businesses, you must meet health and safety regulations, which vary by region.

Funding and Incentives

Italian Government Incentives:

Invitalia Program: Offers grants and low-interest loans for startups in tourism and wellness sectors, especially in southern Italy.

Regional programs may offer incentives for restoring properties or promoting sustainable tourism.

EU Grants:

Check for EU funding opportunities targeting sustainable and innovative businesses in rural areas.

Build Local Connections

Language Skills: Learn Italian to navigate local regulations and build relationships.

Network Locally: Join local business groups, attend tourism fairs, and connect with other expatriates or Italians in hospitality in Cisternino area or Valle d'itria

Plan for Bureaucracy

Italy's bureaucracy can be time-consuming. Work with professionals such as:

A commercialista for accounting and tax matters.( I know a good one who speaks English but is a bit expensive)

A legal advisor specialising in immigration and business law. ( I know legal advisors based in Bari that might be able to help you)

I hope this can help.

Hi

Many thanks for you detailed answer 🙏

The consulate doesn’t provide too many answers unfortunately hence asking on here. I’m quite willing to keep digging and we have time and finance on our side.

I have spoked to a company called Why Wait Italy - Italian immigration and relocation specialists- not sure if any one has experience of them?

I may utilise them to investigate visa options depending on costs.

We also have a contact in Puglia - ex estate agent and translator - who assists with buying and liases with surveyors etc. Italian estate agents charge 3% to the buyer and seller.

she charges 2% and offers so much more.

We are fortunate to know the area well, know the properties that fulfil our criteria and have local trade contacts.

We also have lots of skills in the wellbeing industry, hospitality industry and marketing (key is marketing - social media etc). Also key is a USP - not just a B and B - plenty of those already.

Regards

Paul