What is the nulla osta and how long is it valid for the self-employment route?

Before you can obtain the self-employment visa, you generally need a nulla osta, an authorization from the immigration office (Sportello Unico) that certifies you are entitled to carry out your independent activity and that the legal and professional preconditions are met.

The nulla osta is valid for six months, so you must use it to obtain your visa and enter Italy within that window. Supporting certifications from the relevant Italian authority typically must be recent, so coordinate the steps closely to avoid documents expiring before you travel.