Resto al Sud 2.0 (Invitalia start-up grants for under-35s in Southern Italy)
Start your own small business in Puglia, Sicily or Sardinia with most of the start-up cost…
Record checked Oct 27, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:01 UTC
Summary
Invitalia's Resto al Sud 2.0 funds new businesses started in eight southern regions by people aged 18–34 who are inactive, unemployed or 'working poor': a non-repayable start-up voucher of up to €40,000 (up to €50,000 in some cases), or a 75% grant on investment plans up to €120,000 and 70% on plans between €120,000 and €200,000. Open since 15 October 2025 on a rolling basis.
Dream spread
Start your own small business in Puglia, Sicily or Sardinia with most of the start-up costs covered.
Relocation reality check
Only for under-35s who are not in work (or in the GOL programme or 'working poor'), and the business must be based in one of the eight southern regions. Applications are judged in order of arrival within 90 days while funds last, and you co-fund the remaining 25–30% of investment plans. Foreigners need legal residence and Italian paperwork to apply through Invitalia's online area; this is not a visa.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansReality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
People aged 18 to 34 who are inactive, unemployed or jobless (including GOL participants and working poor) starting a business in Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily.
The long game
If Italy becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Italy · residency → PR → citizenship
Curated- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y5Permanent residency~5 years
- Y10Citizenship eligible~10 years
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Property purchase
- Not required
No amounts on record. Check the official source.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation$400
- Setup costs$800
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇮🇹 Italy. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/italy
National sub with an active English-friendly community.
- Reddit — 'moving to Italy' threads
Source trail
Official links, the line we checked, and when we last checked it.
“"rivolto ai giovani tra i 18 anni compiuti e i 35 anni non ancora compiuti"; "voucher a fondo perduto fino a un importo di 40.000 euro"; contributo del 75% per programmi fino a 120.000 euro; domande esaminate "entro 90 giorni, in base all'ordine cronologico di presentazione"”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 27, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.