Italy Visa

Comprehensive guide to Italy visas and application

An Italy Schengen visa allows the holder to travel to any country within the Schengen area and remain there for a maximum of 90 days within a six month period. Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, you can enter Italy with a Schengen visa as well. For stays that are longer than 90 days, you have to apply for an Italy National visa instead.

However, depending on the country, not everyone needs to apply to get an Italian Visa for short stays. Some countries can freely travel to Italy with simply a passport or identification document.

Do I Need to Apply for Visa to Visit Italy?

The main indicator of whether you have to apply for a Schengen visa for Italy is your nationality. You can travel to Italy without a visa if you are:

  • A national from a Schengen Country.
  • A national from an EU (European Union) or EEA (European Economic Area)member state or from Switzerland.
  • A national from another (non-EU/EEA/Schengen) country who has been exempt from Schengen Visas.  For instance, the United States is a country that is exempt from Schengen visas, which means Americans can travel to Italy without having to apply for a visa first.
  • A holder of a residence permit/visa issued by another Schengen country.

Otherwise, you will most likely have to apply for a visa.

Do I Need a Visa to Transit Through an Italian Airport?

The Italy Transit Visa is granted to foreign nationals who have to stop in an Italian airport or seaport in order to change travel vessels before continuing their onward journey to a non-Schengen country.

You need an Airport Transit Visa to change flights at an Italian airport if you are from the following countries:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bangladesh
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Somalia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Senegal
  • Syria

Italy Visas for San Marino and Vatican City

Even though San Marino, a microstate, and Vatican City, a city-state, are not in the Schengen area, the EU, or the EEA, you can still enter there with an Italian visa. That’s because they are both located within Italy, and as such, the same visa rules apply to them as well.

 

Italy Visa Application

When you apply for an Italy visa, you must go through these application steps:

  1. Determine the type of Italy visa you need.
  2. Submit the application on time.
  3. Determine where to submit the application.
  4. Book an appointment.
  5. Fill in an Italy Visa Application Form.
  6. Gather the required documents.
  7. Submit the Italy visa application and enter the Italy visa interview.
  8. Pay the Italy visa fee.
  9. Wait for processing.
Determine the type of Italy visa you need

Before you apply for an Italy visa, you should first determine what type of visa you need. The type of visa you have to apply for depends on your purpose of travel. As such, you may have to apply for an Italy visitor visa, business visa, or tourist visa accordingly.

Knowing the type of visa you need is also important because different types of visas may have additional/different requirements

You can apply for:

  • An Italy Schengen visa to visit friends and family or for tourism.
  • An Italy Business Visa if you need to go to Italy for business-related purposes such as: to attend a meeting, presentation, or conference, meet with clients, conduct business, visit a partner company etc.
  • An Italy Visa for a sports/cultural/religious event if you want to travel to Italy to attend an event of the aforementioned kind.
  • The Italy Medical Visa if you need to travel to Italy to get medical treatment in an Italian medical institution.

When Should I Submit the Application for an Italy Schengen Visa?

You can apply for an Italy short-stay visa:

  • At the latest: Two weeks before your planned trip
  • At the earliest: Six months before your planned trip

You must submit your Italy Schengen Visa application at least three weeks before you intend to travel because it takes around three weeks for visa applications to be processed, if not longer.

For example, if you have omitted to submit a particular required document, it will delay the processing time. That’s because the visa officials have to send you back your application so you can resubmit once it is completed.

Furthermore, depending on the country and time of year, even booking an appointment can take some time so you have to keep that in mind if you need to enter Italy at a particular time.

Determine where to submit your Italy visa application

Where you can submit your Italy visa application differs based on the country. So, depending on what country you are from, you will have to submit your application in one of the following:

  • The Italian representation in your country, such as an Italian embassy or consulate.
  • A Visa Application Center to which the Italian government has outsourced visa applications, such as FS Global, COX and Kings, or TLS International.
  • Another Schengen country’s representation. If there is no Italian representation in your country, the Italian government will have outsourced visa applications to the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country.
If you are travelling to more than one Schengen country

The Italian visa for short stays is a Schengen visa. As such, you can use it to travel to other Schengen countries as well, as long as you do not exceed the amount of days allowed. You must be cautious to always calculate the amount of days precisely, so you won’t pay fines of any kind.

So, if you will be travelling to more than one country, you should only submit an application to the Italian representation if:

  • You will spend the longest amount of days in Italy than other countries
  • Italy is the first country you will visit
Book an Italy visa application appointment

Once you know where you should submit your Italian visa application, you must contact the Italian representation for an appointment. You cannot submit an application without a prior appointment.

Keep the wait times in mind when booking the appointment since your application date might not be for a few weeks.

Fill in an Italy Schengen Visa Application Form

You can usually find an Italy Visa Application Form online. You must complete and print the form before signing it. The application form requires you to provide personal information (name, nationality, date and place of birth) as well as your travel purpose, employment status, whether you have had any previous Schengen visas, etc.

You must attach the application form with all the other required documents.

Gather the required documents

Before you apply for Italy visa, make sure you have all the required documents you need. Ask for information about any additional requirements when booking your application.

Submit the Italy visa application and enter the Italy visa interview

When the date of your appointment arrives, you have to appear at the Italian representation in person. Also make sure you arrive on time, as the impression you make on the visa officers can help determine whether you are granted an Italian visa or not.

When you submit your application, you will also be asked to enter a visa interview. This interview lasts around 10-15 minutes, and includes questions about your purpose of travel, how you will provide for yourself, where you will stay, and even personal questions about your life. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully and without hesitation. Also make sure you are friendly (but not overly so) and have proper posture. Remember, making a good impression helps the fate of your Italy visa.

Pay the Italy visa fee

On the day you submit your application, you will have to pay a visa processing fee. The short-stay visa fees are the same for all Schengen countries, Italy included.

Almost all applicants have to pay a visa fee. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Currently, all adults have to pay €80 for an Italy Schengen visa, whereas minors aged 6-12 pay a reduced fee of €40. For minors under 6, the visa is free of charge.

Wait for your Italy visa application to be processed

After you submit your Italy visa application, you will have to wait for it to be processed., It is usually processed within 2-3 weeks. However, the processing time can take much longer depending on the country you are applying from and your specific circumstances. So, you should always take into account the Italy visa processing time and apply well in advance of your planned trip.

You should also be careful when you submit your documents because if anything is incorrect or missing, the Italian authorities will send you back your application and ask you to resubmit. This sets the visa processing time back even further.

Getting an answer

If your Italy visa application is accepted, you will receive a sticker on your passport. The sticker is your Italy visa which allows you entry into the Schengen zone. It shows the issue and expiry date as well as the validity of the visa.

If your Italy visa application is rejected, you will receive a letter informing you why. The letter of rejection also lets you know whether you are eligible to appeal the decision and how you can do that.

What If I Want To Stay in Italy for More Than 90 Days?

If you want to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days, you must apply for an Italian National visa. After you obtain the Italian national visa, you can enter Italy and must apply for an Italian Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) to be allowed to stay.

You must also apply for the adequate Italian national visa based on the purpose of travel as well.

The Italy work visa is a type of Italian Long-Stay visa, also known as a National or D-Visa. The Italian work visa is simply an entrance visa. This means that it grants you permission to enter Italy, but you still need to get additional permission to stay (a residence permit or permesso di soggiorno).

You must apply for your permesso di soggiorno within eight days after you have already entered Italy.

 

Before You Apply for the Italy Work Visa

Before you can apply for an Italy work visa, you have to make sure that you can. That’s because the Italian government only accepts work permit applications for a few months every one or two years, depending on Italy’s job market and the state of immigration.

In addition to that, there is also a set quota of how many work permits Italy will issue.

This is called a Decreto Flussi (translating to “flow decree”). In 2019, the Decreto Flussi opened in April, and the Italizan government set a quota of 30,850 work permits – the same as in 2018. Through the Decreto Flussi, the Italian government issues work permits for seasonal and non-seasonal workers.

This means that you can only apply for an Italy work visa if:

  • The Decreto Flussi is open
  • The yearly quota hasn’t been filled
  • You have an employer in Italy who will apply for your work permit (Nulla Osta)*
  • You are granted a work permit

*An Italian work permit is called a Nulla Osta al lavoro. Your employer has to apply for a Nulla Osta document at their province’s (Preffetura’s) Immigration Office (Sportello Unico d’Immigrazione – SUI).

The Italian government also issues work permits for foreign nationals who are already living in Italy and want to convert their current student or training residence permit into a work residence permit.

 
 

How Can I Get an Italian Work Visa and Permit?

So, you’re a foreign national who wants to move to Italy and find a job. Unfortunately, if you are a non-EU citizen, you need to already have a job in Italy (and have fulfilled several conditions) before you can apply for an Italy Work Visa.

For non-EU nationals, receiving permission to live and work in Italy involves a three-part process:

  1. Find an Italian employer who will hire you and apply for your work permit (they have to apply for your work authorization in Italy). Only after your employer receives your work permit and sends it to you, you can:
  2. Apply for an Italy Work Visa at the Italian Representation in your home country. If you receive the Italy Work Visa, only then you can:
  3. Enter Italy and apply for a Residence Permit to be allowed to stay and work in the country legally.

In addition, you only have a short window of time during which you can apply for an Italian Work Visa. The Italian Government also sets out yearly quotas in regards to how many non-EU citizens they will issue work visas to.

» Read more about Italy EU Blue Card for professional workers.

What documents do I need to provide to support my Italy Work Visa application?

When applying for an Italy work visa, you must have a set of supporting documents that are required for an Italian visa application. The additional requirements for an Italy Work Visa include:

 
 
  • Copy of your signed work contract.
  • The original and a copy of your Nulla Osta.
  • Completed Italian Long-Stay Visa Application form.
  • Passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months after the duration of your visa.
  • Passport pictures in line with Italy visa photo requirements.
  • Proof of accommodation in Italy.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Diplomas/other certificates.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of requirements. The requirements for an Italy work visa change depending on the country and specific case, therefore you should always contact the appropriate authority where you are applying for a work visa for more information.

The Italian authorities reserve the right to request any documents as they see fit.

In addition, you have to send your employer in Italy whatever documents that they need in order to apply for your work permit. Because your employer applies for your work permit at their province’s Immigration office (and each immigration office has different requirements), you must contact your employer in regards to what documents they need from you.

 

Where and when can you apply for an Italy Work Visa?

If the Italian immigration office grants you a work permit, your employer has to send the permit to you (usually electronically). The Italian Government also notifies the Italian representation in your country (such as an Italian embassy or consulate), in which you will apply for a work visa.

If your country has no Italian Representation, you must apply at the Visa Application Center or another Schengen country’s representation that Italy has outsourced visa applications to.

You must submit the application in person after you have collected all the necessary documents and downloaded and completed the Italy Visa Application Form.

After you apply for your Italian work visa, the Italian authorities will process your application and decide whether you meet the requirements for a visa. If you receive the Italy work visa, you have six months to pick it up and enter Italy.

After you Apply for the Italy Work Visa

Once you entered Italy with a work visa, you have eight days to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno card (residence permit). You must apply for the residence permit at your city’s local post office. You have to present your work permit and your work visa when you apply, along with additional supporting documents.

Then, it is the Foreign Department (Uffi­cio Stranieri) of your local Italian Police Headquarters (Questura) who gives you your Italian residence permit, allowing you to live and work in Italy.

How long is the Italy Work Visa Valid?

An Italian work visa is usually valid for the duration of the work contract, but no longer than two years. It can be renewed for up to five years.

Working in Italy for EU Nationals

Since Italy is part of the European Union, any EU national can enter the country and start working without any authorization (such as a work permit). But they do have to get a “declaration of presence” from a local police office or Questura.

If an EU citizen wants to stay longer than three months, however, they must also apply for a residence permit.

If you’re a non-EU national who wants to move to Italy and work as a self-employed individual, you will need an Italy Self-Employment Visa. But that’s just for entering Italy.

 

What is an Italy Self-Employment Visa?

The Itay Self-Employment visa is a type of Italian long-stay visa (national or D-visa). This is the type of visa you must apply for if you intend to work as a freelancer or open a start-up business in Italy.

However, the self-employment visa for Italy is simply an entrance visa. This means it allows you to enter the country, but you still need additional authorization to stay and work there.

You must have the authorization to work and the proper certification depending on what type of work you will perform prior to applying for the visa. You must get these authorizations in Italy while you are still in your home country. This means that you have to hire someone in Italy to assist you in getting these authorizations.

What are the Types of Italy Self Employment Visas?

Every year, the Italian government issues self-employment visas for specific professions. However, the self-employment visas are:

  • The Italy Startup Visa, issued to foreigners wanting to open an innovative company in Italy, as well as foreigners who want to join an already-existing company in an executive role.
  • The Italy Freelancer Visa, issued to individuals who intend to take up self-employed, freelance work and do not have a company who want to hire them.
  • The Italy Entrepreneur Visa, issued to foreigners who want to implement an investment plan (of no less than €500,000) that is beneficial to Italian economy.

Who Should Apply for an Italy visa for Self Employment?

Any non-EU national who wants to go to Italy and work as a self-employed individual needs to apply for an Italy Self-Employment Visa.

The requirements for an Italian Self-Employment visa apply to non-EU countries who are exempt from the Schengen visa as well. This means that even if you are in Italy without a visa (because your non-EU country is exempt), you must leave Italy and apply for the long-stay visa from your home country.

The same applies to any foreign national who is in Italy with a Schengen visa. You cannot apply for a residence permit if you have not received your Italian long-stay visa.

 

EU nationals as well as citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland are free to enter the country and work with simply their IDs or passports. But for stays exceeding 90 days, they need to obtain an Italian residence permit as well.

 

How to Obtain an Italy Self Employment Visa?

There is a set of requirements you have to complete before and after you apply for the Italian self-employment visa.

In fact, applying for an Italian self-employment visa is the third step in the lengthy process that is becoming self-employed in Italy. In a nutshell, the process for obtaining a self-employment visa for Italy is as follows:

  1. Apply for a Nulla Osta (authorization to perform self-employed work) from the local Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico Immigrazione – SUI).
  2. Get the necessary authorization and documentation needed to perform the specific self-employed activity in Italy.
  3. Apply for the Self-Employment Visa at the Italian Representation in your country (embassy/consulate).
  4. Enter Italy and apply for an Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) to be allowed to live and work in Italy legally.

In addition, you can only apply for an Italian self-employment visa (or any other Italian work visa) for a short window of time every year. You will also be subject to yearly quotas.

Before you apply for an Italy Self-Employment Visa

There are certain procedures and requirements you must meet before you can apply for the Italy self-employment visa. These include:

 
 
The Decreto Flussi

Unfortunately, you cannot apply for an Italy self-employment visa anytime.

Italy has an immigration policy in place when it comes to how many work visas is will issue on a yearly basis.

This immigration program is called a Decreto Flussi (translated to “Flow Decree”). Every year, the Italian government opens the Decreto Flussi for a few months. That is the only time that non-EU nationals can apply for an Italian work visa. With the Decreto Flussi, Italy offers seasonal and non-seasonal work visas as well as self-employment visas.

However, there is also a set quota of how many visas they will issue. In 2019, Italy offered 30,850 work visas overall, out of which, 2,400 were for self-employment.

Work authorization and registering your business

If the Decreto Flussi is opened and the yearly quota has not been filled, you have to get authorization to work in Italy. In addition, you must also register your business and receive the certifications that Italian nationals would have needed to perform that job.

You can only get these authorizations in Italy. This means you will have to employ a proxy (such as an immigration consultancy agency) so they can submit your application to the relevant authorities in Italy for you.

Your proxy has to submit your application for work authorization (the Nulla Osta) at the local Immigration Desk. If you receive the Nulla Osta, you will have to register your business with the Business Registrar, as well as the Companies House and Tax Registrar.

Once you receive all your authorizations, which give you a clear pass to freelance or open a business in Italy, you can apply for the Italy Self-Employment Visa.

Italy Self Employed Visa Application Process

You must apply for the Italy Self-Employment visa yourself at the Italian Representation in your country or a Visa Application Center that Italy has outsourced visa applications to. You have to:

  1. Book an appointment.
  2. Gather the required documents.
  3. Download and complete the Italy Long-Stay Visa Application Form.
  4. Submit the application in person.
  5. Pay the Italy visa fee.

For a detailed guide on each of these steps, visit the article on Italy Visa application process.

 

What Documents Do I have to Submit to Apply for an Italy Self Employed Visa?

The requirements depend on what type of work you will be engaged in. Your country of residence also plays a part in the documents you must have.

The requirements for an Italy Self-Employment Visa include:

  • Italian Long-stay visa application form.
  • Two passport-sized pictures that comply with Itay visa photo requirements.
  • Valid passport with at least two blank visa pages. It must be valid for at least three months longer than the visa you will be issued.
  • The Nulla Osta authorization (original and photocopy).
  • Proof of sufficient funds.
  • Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a purchase or rental agreement.
  • Proof of income from the previous year, which must be higher than the minimum level required by law for exemption from health care contribution (€8,400).
  • Certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce in the area you will be working, recognizing you have the resources necessary for the self-employed activity you will be doing. The resources cannot be less than the annual amount of the minimum income (€4,962.36).
  • Civic status documents.

If you will be taking on a corporate role within an already existing company (such as a partner or CEO), you will also need to have:

  • Proof the company is enrolled in Chamber of Commerce Business Registry.
  • The company’s registration number.
  • Your position within the company.
  • Copy of an official declaration of responsibility which states that you will not be working in a subordinate role. It must be issued by the local County Labor Office (Direzione Territoriale del Lavoro).
  • Proof you will receive a salary higher than the minimum level required for exemption from health care contribution (€8,400).

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. You may be required to provide documents specific to your home country or situation. Always contact the adequate visa application center for further information.

After you Receive the Italy Self-Employment Visa

After you receive your Italy self-employment visa, you can enter Italy. Once you are in the country, you have eight days to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno card (residence permit) at your city’s local post office. Then, it is the Foreign Department (Uffi­cio Stranieri) of your local Italian Police Headquarters (Questura) who gives you your residence permit.

How Long is the Italy Self-Employment Visa Valid?

The self-employment visa for Italy is valid for two years initially. However, it can be renewed. You have to apply to have your self-employment visa renewed at least 60 days before it expires.

Foreign nationals who want to study in Italy for a period longer than three months, may have to apply for an Italy Student Visa.

Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality. In addition to the visa, you will also need an Italian residence permit.

An Italy student visa is a type of Italian long-stay visa (also known as a national or D-visa). It is the Italy visa you must apply for if you want to stay in Italy for longer than 90 days.

The student visa for Italy is only an entrance visa. This means it grants you the right to enter Italy, but if you want to legally stay and study in Italy for longer than three months, you also have to apply for an Italian residence permit.

You can only apply for an Italian residence permit in Italy. This is why the entrance visa is necessary.

 

Who Needs a Visa to Study in Italy?

Almost everyone needs a visa to study in Italy for longer than three months.

Only nationals from the following countries are exempt from holding an Italian Student Visa to enter Italy:

  • EU (European Union) countries
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Liechtenstein
  • Iceland

Still, even the aforementioned countries are required to obtain an Italy residence permit after three months.

If you are a national from a country who is exempt from the Schengen visa, and the course lasts less than three months, then you do not need an Italy student visa. However, if the course lasts for longer than three months, then you have to apply for an Italian student visa from your home country.

If you are already in Italy with a Schengen visa, you have to leave the country and apply for a long-stay visa in your home country instead.

Non-EU nationals cannot apply for an Italian residence permit without an Italian long-stay visa.

What are the Italy Student Visa requirements?

When you apply for an Italian student visa, you must have several documents to support your application. You must also fulfill several conditions, such as already being enrolled in an Italian educational institution.

The requirements for an Italy student visa are:

  • The Italy Student Visa Application Form.
  • Recent passport-size photographs in line with Italian visa picture requirements.
    • 35mm x 45mm
    • Light, preferably white, background
    • Face must take up 70% – 80% of the picture
    • Neutral facial expression
  • Travel document that is valid for at least three more months after the expiry of your visa and with at least two blank visa pages.
  • Photocopies of previous visas.
  • Civil status documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.
  • Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university course.
  • Police clearances from your home country.
  • Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as apartment rental or student housing.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means.
  • Adequate health insurance for Italy which covers medical treatment and hospitalization.
  • Certificates of prior education.
  • Depending on the language the educational program is in: Proof of knowledge of English or Italian.
  • Receipt of paid visa fee.

In the event that the student is a minor, he or she must have a signed document consenting to the travel by both parents or legal guardians.

All documents that are not in Italian or English have to be translated by an authorized translator.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Different countries or Italian embassies may have different requirements, so you have to check in with them before you submit your application. An incomplete submission will be rejected and you have to apply at a later date. This will push back the processing time, which is sometimes quite lengthy as it is.

 

How to apply for an Italy Student Visa?

You must apply for the Italian student visa in your home country’s Italian embassy or consulate. In the event that no Italian embassy/consulate operates in your country, you have to apply to whatever location that Italy has outsourced visa submissions to. This could be a Visa Application Center or the embassy/consulate of another Schengen country.

However, you first have to contact them to book an appointment. Afterward, you gather all the required documents and submit them in person on your arranged date.

Make sure to bring the originals of all your documents as well as photocopies and that you have everything.

On the day you apply, you will also enter a visa interview.

Keep the visa processing time in mind when you apply for your visa. It takes around three weeks, sometimes more, for an application to be processed. So, you have to apply:

  • At the latest: Two weeks before your planned trip
  • At the earliest: Three months before your planned trip

If you have all the necessary documents, and the Italian embassy decides you meet the conditions, you will receive your Italian student visa.

Once you do, you may enter Italy where you have to apply for an Italian residence permit.

Residence Permit for Italy Student Visa

Within eight days of entering Italy with a student visa, you must approach your local post office to submit a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) application. There, you will receive an application kit with the necessary forms. You also need to submit the following documents:

  • A copy of your passport, specifically the bio-data page and your visa pages.
  • A copy of your health insurance.
  • A copy of your acceptance letter to your university.

Your local Italian post office will give you a receipt confirming your residence permit request. Then, you also have to apply at the local Italian Questura (the police headquarters). You have to submit a residence permit request for “Study – University”.

Can you work with an Italy Student Visa?

With a student visa for Italy, you are only allowed to work part time. Meaning, for a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year.

In addition, once your studies are finished, you can apply to convert your residence permit from a student one, to a work permit. You can only do this once the Italian immigration system for non-EU foreign workers, the “decreto flussi” is opened.

 

How long is the Italy Student Visa valid?

The Italian study visa is available for a maximum of one year initially, with the possibility of renewal for the duration of your courses.

However, in order for you to have the renew a student visa, you have to pass all your yearly exams at university.

If you are a non-EU national living in Italy with a valid residence permit, then you are eligible to apply to bring your (also non-EU) family members to live with you. This is done through the Italy Family visa, which is also known as an “Italy spouse visa” or family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) visa.

 

What is the Italy Family Reunion Visa?

The Italy Family Visa is one type of the Italian long-stay visa, which is also known as a national or D-visa. It allows the holder to enter Italy with the purpose of remaining longer than three months and joining a family member already residing in Italy.

Once your family member has received their Italy family reunion visa, they can enter the country and apply for an Italian residence permit. It is the permit which allows them to legally reside in Italy with you.

As such, the Italy Family Reunion Visa is known as an entrance visa.

If your family member is not an EU national or from Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein, or Iceland they will need an Italy family visa to enter the country. Even nationals of non-EU countries who are exempt from the Italy Schengen visa must apply for a long-stay visa.

Who is Allowed to Join You With an Italy Family Visa?

You can submit an application for the following family members to come join you in Italy through the Italian family visa:

  • Spouse.
  • Children under 18. Your spouse’s children also count, as do children who are born outside marriage as long as the other parent gives consent.
  • Dependent children over 18, who are unable to provide for themselves due to health problems.
  • Parents over 65 who are dependant on you and have no other children who can take care of them instead.
 

How to Apply for an Italy Family Visa?

Your family members must submit an application for the Italy Family Visa at an Italian embassy or consulate in their home country.

Get Nulla Osta authorization

However, before they can submit the visa application, you have to get authorization in Italy which allows them to join you.

 

This is called a Nulla Osta and it is basically a clearance from the competent Italian authorities, allowing your family members to join you in Italy. You must apply for a Nulla Osta at an Italian Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’immigrazione). If the Immigraion Desk issues the authorization, they will electronically forward it to the appropriate Italian embassy or consulate where your family members will submit the visa application.

Start the application process

The Nulla Osta is valid for six months. Your family members must apply for an Italian Family Visa at their home country within this period. The application process for an Italian Family Visa goes as follows:

  1. Book a visa appointment at an Italian embassy or consulate in their country.
  2. Download and complete Italy Long-Stay Visa Application Form.
  3. Gather all the necessary documents.
  4. When the date of the appointment comes, submit the application in person.
  5. Pay the Italian visa fee.
  6. Enter a visa interview.
  7. Wait for processing.

For details on the steps of Italian visa application, visit this article.

Requirements for an Italy Family Visa

When submitting a family reunion visa, you and your family members must provide several supporting documents. You must also be able to meet several conditions in regards to accommodation and financial income if you want to bring them to join you in Italy.

When your family members apply for an Italy family visa, they have to present:

 
 
  • Original and copy of the Nulla Osta
  • Copy of your residence permit (or ID card, if you are an Italian citizen) and passport
  • Italy Long-Stay Visa Application Form, completed and signed
  • Passport-size pictures
    • 35mm x 45mm
    • Light, preferably white, background
    • Face must take up 70% – 80% of the picture
    • Neutral facial expression
  • Passports which are valid at least three months after the expiry of the visa and have at least two blank pages.
  • Statement from you (the Italian resident) declaring that you want to have your family members with you, and you meet the requirements for family reunification set by Italian law.
  • Proof of family relationship, as applicable: Birth certificates for children and marriage certificate for your spouse.
  • Proof you have sufficient required funds and suitable accommodation to welcome your family members.
  • Receipt of paid Italy visa fee.
  • Proof of booked plane tickets.
  • In case a minor is travelling alone: Written permission from the child’s other parent allowing them to travel to Italy.
  • In case you are bringing your parent/s to Italy:
    • Original copies of your birth certificate.
    • Proof your parent/s are dependant on you (such as money transfers).
    • A written statement from your parent/s, declaring they are dependant on you.

In addition, there are several other conditions you have to meet to be eligible to bring your family members with you.

Italy Family Visa financial requirements

Financial requirements cannot be lower than the annual amount of the social allowance. You must make at least € 5.830,76 a year and then have 50% of that amount for any family members who will join you in Italy. So, if your spouse and one child will join you, you must have €11,661.52.

Accommodation requirements

Accommodation requirements which are in line with hygienic requirements established by Italian law. You must also have a big enough apartment to accommodate all your family members.

Number of family members in the apartmentMinimum area requiredMinimum number of bedrooms
245m21
355m22
460m22
565m22
675m23
790m23
895m23
9105m24
10115m25

If your family members receive their visas for family reunification, they have three months to enter Italy. Once there, they can apply for their Italian residence permit.

 
Italy Family Visa Processing Time

When it comes to the visa itself, the processing time is around three weeks, up to a couple months. However, different factors can impact it. For example, if there are no available appointment slots, your family members cannot submit an application immediately. Next, if there are any missing or incorrect documents from their application, they will have to resubmit, so the processing time will be delayed.

Add to that the time it takes for you to receive a Nulla Osta (this can range from 4 to 12 months), and it may be nearly a year before your family members can join you in Italy.

After Obtaining an Italy Family Visa

After your family members receive their family reunification visas from the appropriate Italian authorities abroad, they have six months to enter Italy. Once they are in Italy, they have eight days to submit an application for an Italian residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). They can do this at the local police headquarters (Questura), where they will receive an application kit with all the required forms.

Their residence permit allow your family members to work and enroll in school.

Italy Family Cohesion Visa

There is another option for bringing your family members with you to Italy: Italy Family Cohesion. However, in this case, your family would have needed to enter Italy at the same time as you under Italy Schengen visas (or no visa at all, if visas aren’t needed for their country.) then. Once in Italy, they have to apply for their residence permits for family reunion.

Otherwise, even for family cohesion, the same financial and accommodation requirements as for family reunion visa apply.

Before you travel to Italy, you must prepare all the required documents, such as translated and official marriage and birth certificates.

If you are a youngster from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea, you may be eligible to apply for an Italy Working Holiday Visa.

Italy takes part in the Working Holiday Program, which is a mutual cultural exchange program that makes it possible for young people (aged 18-30*) from a participating country to live and work in another participating country.

Currently, Italy has Working Holiday Visa agreements with the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea

Young people aged 18-30 from the above-mentioned countries can apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Italy. This visa allows them to live and work in Italy for up to a year.

However, they can only work for six months, and for no more than three months per employer.

A total of 1,000 visas are usually issued to young people from all participating countries.

*For Canadians, the age limit is 18-35.

 

What are the requirements for an Italian Working Holiday Visa?

The requirements for obtaining an Italian Working Holiday Visa are:

 
  • Be a resident of either Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea.
  • Be aged 18 to 30 (except for Canadian residents for whom the limit is 35 years of age).
  • You cannot have any minor dependants in your application.
  • You must not have received a Working Holiday Visa for any participating country before.
  • Have a valid passport with at least two blank pages. Your passport must be valid for at least another three months after your Italian Working Holiday Visa ends. In addition, you must have:
    • Photocopy of your passport’s bio-data page.
    • Photocopies of any previous visas.
  • Have a valid return ticket or prove that you have the necessary financial means to purchase one at a later date.
  • Show proof of sufficient financial means to provide for yourself for the duration of the stay (at least €200 for each month, meaning a minimum of €2,400 overall). You must show proof of financial means by way of bank statements from the last three months and a credit card in your name.
  • Obtain health insurance of at least €30,000, covering you for the duration of your stay in case of emergency, hospitalization, or repatriation.
  • Be in good health.
  • Show proof of accomodation at least for the first part of your stay.
  • Proof of paid Italy visa fee.

This is not a complete and exhaustive list of the requirements and documents you must provide when you apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Italy. Depending on your country and specific situation, you may need to provide additional documents. The Italian authorities also hold the right to ask for any additional documents they see fit.

 

Where to apply for an Italy Working Holiday Visa?

You must apply for the Working Holiday Visa for Italy at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country which covers your district.

 

How to apply for an Italy Working Holiday Visa?

You must first book an appointment beforehand with the adequate Italian embassy/consulate in your country.

On the date of your appointment, you must apply in person at the Italian embassy/consulate and have all the required documents.

You will also have to pay a non-refundable Italy visa fee.

 
 

If you receive the Working Holiday Visa, you have three months to travel to Italy. You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 12 months from the date you first enter Italy.

Residence Permit for an Italian Working Holiday Visa

Once you enter Italy have 8 days to apply for an Italian residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). You have to apply for your residence permit at the Immigration office (Ufficio Immigrazione) of the local Police Headquarters in Italy (Questura). This is the permit that allows you to stay in Italy long-term.

The documents you must submit for a residence permit for a Working Holiday visa are:

  • Application form (available at the Questura)
  • 4 passport-sized pictures
  • Duty stamp (Marca da Bollo), which costs around €14
  • Your valid passport with the Italian Working Holiday Visa sticker
  • Photocopies of your passport’s bio-data page and the Working Holiday Visa
  • Photocopy of your health insurance
Work permit for Italian Working Holiday Visa

If you want to work, your prospective employer must apply for a work permit (Nulla Osta al lavoro) on your behalf at the Italian Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).

You must apply for a work permit within 20 days of entering Italy.

When you employer submits your work permit application, they have to present your residence permit. If your residence permit has not been issued yet, they can present the receipt you were given when you applied for your residence permit.

Quick facts about Italy

Italy is surrounded by the Mediterrenean Sea, has a mild climate, an approximate of 60 million inhabitants, and, most importantly, delicious food and beautiful architecture.

It is one of the oldest and most beautiful European countries, with many famous historical and natural landmarks. In fact, for centuries, a popular nickname for Italy by poets was “Bel paese” which translates to “beautiful country”.

Italy is a very popular tourist spot, attracting an approximate 50 million tourists from all over the world each year. Many of those tourists can simply enter Italy with a valid passport or other travel document. Others may need to get an Italy visa.

FAQ:

If you apply for an Italy visa, and your application is denied, then you will receive a letter from the competent Italian visa authorities informing you why they did not issue your visa. The letter also explains whether you are eligible to appeal the decision.

You have to appeal to an Italian court with the help of an Italian lawyer within 60 days of visa refusal.

As with every other Schengen visa, you should be careful to not exceed the limit of 90 days within any six-month period, or else you might be subjected to fines or might even be banned from obtaining any other Schengen Visa.

In some cases, your visa can be issued for less than 90 days, depending on the type of Italy Schengen Visa you receive (single-, double-, or multiple-entry).

You cannot stay in Italy (or any other Schengen country) with a Schengen visa for more than 90 days. This is why it is called a short-stay visa.

Typically, when you apply for a Schengen visa, you will be issued a Uniform Schengen Visa (USV). The Uniform Schengen Visa for Italy can be:

  • Single-Entry Schengen Visa for Italy. With a single-entry Schengen Italy Visa, the holder can enter Italy (and any other Schengen area country) only once. Once you are in the Schengen area, you can travel among the countries and remain there for up to 90 days. However, after you leave the Schengen area, you cannot return even if you have not spend all the days your visa was valid for.
  • Double-Entry Schengen Visa for Italy. With a double-entry Italy Schengen visa, you can enter the Schengen area only twice, as the name suggests. However, the combined amount of days you can spend in Italy (and other Schengen countries) on both entries cannot exceed 90 days within six months.
  • Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa for Italy. If you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you can enter Italy (and any other Schengen-area country) as many times as you want. Still, you cannot exceed the 90 days you are allowed to stay on all your combined entries.

In rare cases, such as for humanitarian reasons, you may be issued only a Limited Territorial Validity Visa for Italy (LTV). With this type of Italy Schengen visa, you can only enter Italy and, potentially, other specific Schengen countries.

Additionally, important and well-known individuals, such as diplomats, who frequently need to enter Italy can be issued a C-visa which can be valid for one (C1), two (C2), three (C3) or five years (C5).

It is very difficult to extend an Italy short stay Visa.

However, in some rare cases, it is possible under certain conditions, such as for humanitarian reasons which make it difficult and dangerous for you to return to your home country. For example, if you will be prosecuted upon your return or if a dangerous situation erupted in your home country while you were in Italy.

Another possible ground for you to extend your Italy visa is if you have a single-entry Schengen visa and you enter later than your entry date. For example, if you were supposed to enter Italy on March 1, but you entered on March 14, then you could request a two-week extension.

In any case, if you want any chance of getting an extension, you have to apply at least one week before your visa expires. If you apply after visa expiry, you will be deported to your home country.

You can, however, extend an Italy residence permit, depending on the type of permit you hold. For example, the Italian residence permit with authorization to work can be extended for up to five years.

Yes, if you no longer meet the requirements that were set when you received your visa, the Italian authorities can revoke it.

Possible reasons your Italy visa can be revoked are:

  • Committing a crime.
  • If you misrepresented information when your first applied.
  • If you do not abide by the rules of the visa you have (for example, if you start working when you are not supposed to).

You can only stay in Italy without a visa if you are a citizen of an EU member state, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Iceland. Even in those cases, after three months, you have to get an Italian residence permit.

In addition to nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, certain other countries can stay in Italy without a visa – but only up to three months.