ENTRY TO ITALY

​Are you planning to come to Italy, but you don't know the types of documents you need?
The following article can help you!
There are different documents depending on the purpose of the trip:
Visa, visa denial, visa extension, visa for joining family members, work, business, marriage, foreigners, study bursary, re-entry into Italy.

---

Do I need an entry visa for Italy?


To find out if you need an entry visa for Italy, visit the database Visa for Italy.
After clicking on the question "Do you need a visa?" and selecting the country, you are a citizen of, where you have registered residency, and the length of stay and reason, you will see if you need to obtain a visa for entry into Italy. All types of tickets list the documentation required.


Where do I apply for a visa?


Visa applications must be submitted to the Embassy or Consulate of Italy. A list is provided on the Visa for Italy database.
For further information, see Responsibility for issuing visas.
List of foreign embassies and consulates in Italy


I wish to invite a foreign friend to Italy. Where can I apply for a visa?
The person that must apply for the visa is the foreign visitor, who can do so at the visa office of the Italian embassy or consulate authorised for the place where that person is a registered resident.
For more information, see Procedures for issuing visas.


What documents do I need to apply for a visa?


The Visa for Italy database lists all required documents, but the visa office may also request other documentation depending on your case. We suggest you get specific information at the visa office authorised for your area.


How much does a visa cost?
See Visa fees.


How long does it take to get a visa?


The terms for issuing a Schengen visa are listed in the art. 23 of the Visa Code: 15 days, extendable in specific cases to 60. The timeframes for issuance of national permits are set out in section 5 (8) of Presidential Decree 394 of 31.8.1999, as amended by D.P.R. 334/2004, which states that the diplomatic/consular mission, "after ascertaining that the application can be entertained, and after conducting the necessary investigations about the visa, including the preventive security checks, shall issue the visa within 90 days of the date of application" (30 days for paid employment, 120 days for self-employment).


What is the difference between the duration and validity of a visa?


There are two timeframes for an entry visa:

• Duration is the actual maximum period of stay permitted
• Validity is the time within which the access can be used.

A visa's validity is generally longer than its duration, establishing when and until when the ticket can be used. The permit expires on the last day of its validity, and from that date, third-country visitors are required to leave the Schengen area. Otherwise, their presence becomes illegal.


For example: if a Schengen visa has a duration of 30 days and a validity of 90 days starting today, that means it can be used to enter the Schengen area at any time in the next three months for a maximum of 30 days.




I am waiting to find out whether my visa application has been accepted; how can I check its status?


To check on the status of your visa application, contact the consulate where you applied.


Can I extend my visa once I am in Italy?


Aliens with a uniform short-stay Schengen visa can stay in Italy or another Schengen country for some time not to exceed the length of the ticket, except in the case of proven inability to leave or in other adequately justified exceptional circumstances (e.g. business visa extension for negotiations, supplier contacts, etc.).
In such cases, the local Police Questura decide on visa extensions.
The long-stay visa permits entry into Italy, but once across the border, a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) is required and is the only document that allows aliens to reside legally in Italy.


I submitted all the documentation requested, but my visa was denied. Why?


Applicants are notified of Schengen visa denials and their reasons using a form found in the Visa Code.
Applicants are also notified of the reasons for denial in the case of long-stay visas.
Denials in the case of Schengen or National Visa not requested for family reasons can be submitted for review by the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (T.A.R.) (regional administrative court) of Lazio within 60 days of receipt of notification of denial.
In the case of visas denied for joining or accompanying family members only, eventual claims can be made through a lawyer to the authorised regular court (Tribunale Ordinario) without time limitations.


What do I need to apply for a visa as a family member of an Italian citizen?


The family members of E.U. and EEA citizens can apply for visas by Italian legislative decree 30/2007, art. 2.
The required documentation includes:


Visa application (click here)
A recent photograph
A valid travel document with an expiration date of at least 3 months beyond that of the visa requested
A marriage certificate or other adequate documentation demonstrating a familial relationship
In the case of minors, written consent to the issuance of the visa by the other parent




I am not required to have a visa for a short stay in Italy. How do I calculate the date I can re-enter the Schengen area?


Citizens of countries not subject to the entry visa requirements for short stays can remain in Italy or the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 out of every 180 days.


I am getting married to an Italian in Italy. What visa do I apply for?


Italian law does not provide for a visa for matrimony, so the type of visa you would apply for would be a tourist visa.


I wish to enrol at an Italian university: where do I find out what documents I need to do so?


The Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) annually publishes the norms governing international students' access to Italian university courses.


Do I have to have bank security (fidejussione bancaria) to obtain a study visa?


No. Bank security is not one of the documents necessary to show sufficient means of support for residence in Italy.
You must have assured sufficient financial resources, either personal means or subsidies from institutions recognised by the Italian government (including universities).




Where can I find a list of bursaries for foreigners to study in Italy?


Each year the Italian government makes study bursaries available to foreign citizens or Italian citizens residing abroad.


I want to come to Italy to work. What must I do? What documents must I have?


Entry into Italy by non-EU citizens for non-seasonal and seasonal subordinate work and self-employment occurs mainly within the context of the entry quotas established by the law known as the "decreto flussi".
The Italian or foreign employer residing in Italy must first apply for clearance (nulla osta al lavoro) at the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione of the Prefettura del territorio where the worker will be residing or where the place of work is located.
Once clearance is obtained, you may apply for your visa at your local diplomatic mission.


I earned my university degree abroad. Will my degree be recognised in Italy?


Foreign academic credentials are not automatically recognised in Italy.
For all pertinent information see CIMEA (Centro Informazioni sulla Mobilità e le Equivalenze Accademiche).


Are there any subsidies/aid for someone wanting to repatriate to Italy?
Suppose you wish to return permanently to Italy after establishing residency abroad for at least 12 months. In that case, you have a right to facilitated customs treatment and – depending on the regional, provincial and local laws – possible financial contributions.


Do you need assistance for your translation? Please see my website you will find the right service for you!! Translations