Italy Self-Employment Visa (Lavoro Autonomo — National D)

Good to know before you apply

Rules that apply to every Italy visa type — worth a quick read so nothing trips up your file.

• 1North jurisdiction — Applications from residents of New Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Chandigarh are decided by the Embassy of Italy, New Delhi. Place of passport issue does NOT determine jurisdiction — residence does. Applications from other jurisdictions go to Mumbai / Kolkata / Bengaluru consulates with slightly different checklists.
• 2Applicant MUST mention their OWN working phone number on the application form and at the counter — not the agent's or representative's number. The Embassy reserves the right to verify, and non-compliant applications may be judged incomplete.
• 3Visa applications must be submitted in the country where the applicant has continuously lived for the last 6 months — proof of residence required. The Embassy cannot process applications from visitors to India (even Indian nationals abroad).
• 4Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay, issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages. For Short-term visas, 6 months validity from travel date is required.
• 5Travel medical insurance is mandatory for ALL Schengen visa applicants — minimum €30,000 coverage, valid throughout Schengen territory, covering the entire stay (or repatriation for multi-entry). Only approved Indian Travel Insurance companies are accepted (see VFS Italy site for the current list); alternatively, policies from countries where claims are recoverable in Schengen States.
• 6Polio vaccination certificate required IF applicant is from / stayed >4 weeks in: Afghanistan, Kenya, DRC, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic (vaccination must be 4 weeks to 12 months before travel).
• 7Photo specs: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm, light/white background, color, ≤6 months old, 80% face zoom, non-smiling, no sunglasses/hat (unless religious). Stick (don't staple) on the application form.
• 8The Embassy reserves the right to ask for additional documents or a personal interview even if not mentioned on the official checklist.
• 9Visa fee, VFS service charges, and value-added service fees are NON-REFUNDABLE if the application is refused or withdrawn while under processing.
• 10D-Type Long-Term visa applications must be submitted by APPLICANTS ONLY — no accompanying persons inside VFS centres.