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Visa categories

Visas to enter Italy

 

  • Tourism / Airport Transit

SCHENGEN TOURIST AND TRANSIT VISA REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy

Applicants should provide:

  1. Schengen Visa application form(short term) duly filled and signed
  2. Recent passport-style photo(3.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background)
  3. IDs and Travel Documents:
  • Passport (and copy of relevant pages) or travel document 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area. Passports issued more than 10 years before the dates of travel cannot be accepted. Passports must have at least two empty ‘visa’ pages.
  • US Visas or other Immigration Documents: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and US government supporting documents, i.e.: Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (plus enrollment verification letter and school ID), I797 – any visa or permit with the exception of B1-B2 – with a validity of at least 90 days beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.
  • Proof or residence in the Consular Jurisdiction: driver’s license or State ID, or State Income tax or copy of lease or last three months utility bills.
  • Copy of previous Schengen Visas (if any) issued in the past five years
  1. Complete round trip flight reservationsfrom the U.S/Bermuda to the Schengen Area; if planning to travel across different Schengen Countries, applicants are required to bring also flight/train tickets to/from each Country
  2. Proof of available lodging in Italy: tourist vouchers, hotel bookings, etc. If planning to stay at a relative’s place, applicants will have to provide at the time of the interview a duly filled, signed and dated host declaration, along with copy of the host’s documents (if the host is a EU Citizen: ID card or passport; if the host is NOT a EU Citizen: copy of permit of stay will have to be provided along with passport and ID).
  3. Proof of economic means of support (as per the Direttiva del Ministero Dell’Interno 1.3.2000): last three months of complete checking bank statements of the account(s) the applicant receives their paychecks on. If the applicant has more than one bank account, additional three months complete bank statements can be accepted (only checking and savings). ALL BANK ACCOUNTS MUST BE IN THE US.
  4. Source of income supporting documents:
  5. Employed applicantsshould provide: recent letter of references from their employer, which must include employment start date, job title, annual salary and approval of vacation period (with dates). Employed applicants must also provide their last three pay stubs;
  6. Self-employed applicantsshould provide: articles on incorporation, 1099, last three months of complete business bank statements and personal bank statements, copy of business income tax
  7. Retired applicants: proof of pension (letter from Social Security, letter from former employer, etc.). PENSIONS MUST BE IN THE US. Foreign pensions are not accepted
  8. Unemployed applicants:
    • Dependent spouses should provide: spouse’s employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), joint income tax return and affidavit of support filed by the sponsoring spouse and notarized by a Notary Public. If filing taxes separately, applicants must their marriage certificate in original and in copy. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;
    • Dependent children should provide: parents’ employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), income tax return and affidavit of support filed by the sponsoring parent(s) and notarized by a Notary Public. Applicants are also required to please provide original (plus one copy) their birth certificate showing both their parents’ names. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;
    • Dependent parents or other next of kin relatives (brothers and sisters): applications of such nature will be reviewed on a case by case basis. As a general rule, applicant will be required to provide the sponsoring relative’s employment and income information (employment letter, last three pay stubs, three months of bank statements), along with notarized affidavit of support and birth certificate(s) and/or complete family vital records. Certificates issued by a foreign non – U.S. Authority will have to be translated and legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the issuing Country;

The Consulate reserves the right to require additional documentation if deemed necessary.

  1. Proof of Schengen medical insurancecovering the entire period of stay in the Schengen area.  Applicants can purchase insurances from any provider of choice and all providers are accepted.
  2. For Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq: Citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq are required to provide their original birth certificate showing both parents’ names; if the certificate is not in English, English translation legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of issue is also required.
  3. Visa Fee: Visa fees must be paid by money order only.

MINOR APPLICANTS

When applying for a minor, parents (or legal guardians) are required to follow the following guidelines:

  • Minors cannot apply personally nor book their own appointments; parents or legal guardians are required to act on their behalf.
  • Both the parents required to come at the Consular interview together with the minor. Divorce or marital separation do not automatically grant the designated custodian parent sole authority over the minor for the purpose of applying for a Visa.

In addition to the documents listed in points 1-9, the following documents are required:

  • Birth certificate showing both parents’ names in original plus one copy; if the certificate is not in English, English translation legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of issue is also required;
  • Notarized letter(s) signed from both parents granting permission to travel and assumption of financial responsibility for the entire duration of the travelling period (if not travelling with both parents); if one of the parents lives outside of the US, such letter has to be legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of Issue;

If travelling without any parent or legal guardian i.e. on a school trip) the additional following documents are also required:

  • Letter from the School with detailed itinerary and chaperones;
  • Parental consent to travel signed by both parents with the name of the designated chaperone; if one of the parents lives outside of the US, their document has to be legalized by the Italian Consular Office of the Country of Issue;
  • Assumption of responsibility signed by the designated chaperone and legalized

Consular Officials have full authority in conducting the interview and reserve the right to request additional documents if deemed necessary.

Applicants are required to come to the Consular Interview prepared and with complete applications; missing documentation may result in the impossibility to submit the application the day of the interview.

Consular Officials are not responsible for, cannot guarantee the processing time of applications not the final approval of a Visa by the Visa Commission.

The Visa Office does not return documents nor makes copies of originals; it is the applicant’s responsibility to provide copies of important documents they may need to keep.

 

  • Business

SCHENGEN BUSINESS VISA REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy (included photocopy of passport and relevant pages, green card, driving license, I-20, Advanced Parole etc.)

Applicants should provide:

  1. Schengen Visa application form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. The applicant must appear in person;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport (and copy of relevant pages) or travel document valid three months over the planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.
    For non US citizens: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and letter from US government letters i.e. Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (any visa except B1-B2);
    Moreover for non-US citizens proof of residence such as driving license or State Income tax.
  4. Return-trip booking or ticket;
  5. Local letter demostrating status as financial-commercial operators: letters in original from the appliant’s company in USA specifyng the reasons the applicant is expected in Italy, position held by the applicant, dates of trip and duration of stay as well as declaration of financial responsibility.
    For self-employed applicants: copy of Certificate of incorporation, business income taxes return, business bank statments;
  6. letter of invitation from Italian company (in original, on letterhead). The person signing the letter should also include a copy of ID Card/passport;
  7. 7. Business license of Italian company
  8. Italian hotel reservation, not compulsory if indicated in the invitation letter
  9. Proof of economic means of support, as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000. Last three months bank statements: the most recent full statements which include bearers name, address and financial history;
  10. Proof of medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Italy. US health insurancesare accepted only with letters from the insurance provider confirming overseas coverage. Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency hospital and repatriation expenses.

 

IMPORTANT:

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does NOT guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

Note that incomplete documentation will not be accepted.

Please note that your application will be rejected if you are missing the following documents:

– Flight reservations

– Official business invitation from Italy

 

  • Study

STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS

 

  1. Students participating in study abroad programs:

Kindly note that original documents need to be submitted exactly in the following order.

Please also note that you will have to provide a separate set of photocopies (stapled together) of the documents indicated in points 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

1.Long term visa application form and one recent passport size picture (1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front view, white background).

  1. Passport (valid at least 90 days beyond the expiration date of the visa) and photocopy of the main page.
  2. Photocopy of student’s ID and driver’s license (or state ID).
  3. Letter filled out from the University in Italy (not simply filled out by the American Institution but on their own letterhead) directed to the Visa Office of the Italian Consulate in New York, confirming the enrolment of the student, program dates, duration, weekly hours of attendance (minimum 20 hours a week) and specifying the address of the student’s accommodation.
  4. Letter from the University in United States, addressed to the Visa Office of the Italian Consulate in Philadelphia, specifying that the student is officially enrolled with said University and confirming his/her enrollment in the University Study Abroad Program in Italy. The letter should also indicate the address of the University in Italy, program dates and duration.
  5. Personal bank letter or bank statement on its official letterhead, indicating the total amount of funds in their personal account (no joint bank accounts). Please note that the minimum amount of funds required to study in Italy is about 50 dollars per day (to cover basic expenses in Italy and repatriation costs).
  6. Personal credit card statement with indication of credit limit.

Students who have been granted a scholarship/financial aid are required to provide a letter from the

University stating the amount and the date of disbursement.

  1. Schengen medical insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation for the first 15 days of their stay in Italy.
  2. Personal Money Order duly filled out and addressed to Consulate General of Italy.

Long Study Visas (over 90 days) will be applied a fee

 

Visa Office has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what  particular visa.

 

  1. Students enrolling in full Italian University Programs:

 

Visa requirements:

  1. Visa Appliction form duly filled in and signed. For short stay visas up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visas beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport or travel document valid at least three months over the planned stay in Italy and a photocopy of relevant pages;
  4. current student ID and a copy. In the case of non U.S. citizens you need to have the U.S. Alien Registration Card, or F1 Visa and updated I-20 and a copy;
  5. one way flight reservation;
  6. copy of declaration of value (dichiarazione di valore), if applicable, issued by the School Office of the Italian Consulate/Embassy having jurisdiction over the University/School that issued the certificate; for any information on the declaration of value and whenever required or necessary.
  7. Declaration of the availability in Italy of appropriate lodgings. In case the applicant will be staying with friends/family, a letter of invitation is required along with a copy of the host’s ID (“Permit of stay” for non-European Union citizens);
  8. Proof of financial means of support in Italy of no less than 442,30 Euro monthly (aproximatively 600 USD) The availability can be proven through:

– Bank letter showing the details of the personal bank account of the student;

– Bank letter showing the details of a joint bank account in the name of both the student and his/her family;

– an official letter from the Financial Aid Advisor, stating the amount granted for that semester and the date of disbursement;

  1. The letter from your insurance company must state that you will be covered for all medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for at least 30,000 euro during your stay in Europe. If your current insurance company does not provide such coverage, you are requested to find an international insurance.

All documents listed in #6, 7, 8, and 9 must be presented in original and photocopy

 

  1. Students independently attending a course on Italian Language/Culture
  2. Application form duly filled in and signed. For short stay visas up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visas beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form;
  3. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  4. Passport or travel document valid at least three months over the planned stay in Italy and a photocopy of relevant pages;
  5. Copy of driver’s license, State ID, State Income Tax or last 3 months utility bills;
  6. Return flight reservations for study programs shorter than 90 days and one way flight reservation for study programs longer than 90 days;
  7. letter of acceptance from the host Institution/School in Italy, specifying the type of course, number of weekly hours and dates;
  8. Transcript of previous studies in your Home Country;
  9. Declaration of the availability in Italy of appropriate lodgings. In case the applicant will be staying with friends/family, a letter of invitation is required along with a copy of the host’s ID (“Permit of stay” for non-European Union citizens);
  10. Proof of financial means of support in Italy of no less than € 27.89 per day (aproximatively 35 USD) for each day of the duration of the study program. The availability can be proven through:

– Bank letter showing the details of the personal bank account of the student;

– Bank letter showing the details of a joint bank account in the name of both the student and his/her family;

– an official letter from the Financial Aid Advisor, stating the amount granted for that semester and the date of disbursement;

  1. The letter from your insurance company must state that you will be covered for all medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for at least 30,000 euro during your stay in Europe. If your current insurance company does not provide such coverage, you are requested to find an international insurance.


All documents listed in #6, 7, 8, 9, 10 must be presented in original and photocopy.

 

The Visa Office has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is su

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING VISA REQUIREMENTS

1.Visa application form duly filled in and signed. For a short stay visa up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visa beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form.

2.Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);

3.Passport or travel document valid at least three months over the planned stay in Italy and a photocopy of relevant pages;

4.Copy of State driver’s license, State ID, State Income tax or last 3 months utility bills;

5.Return flight reservations for study programs shorter than 90 days and one way flight reservation for study programs longer than 90 days;

6.Enrollment letter to a professional training course, mentioning its duration, subject of the training program, credentials etc.). The course must be organized by training entities authorized to perform professional training programs (as per Art. 142 paragraph 1, letter d, DL 112/1998 and Decree of the Ministry of Labor N. 166 dated 05.25.2001). The course cannot exceed the duration of 24 months and must aim to obtain a professional qualification or recognition of achieved skills. The training entity must declare in the enrollment letter that it has been accredited according to the above mentioned laws to carry out professional training courses;

7.Documentation concerning previous studies in your Home Country;

8.Proof of economic means of support, as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000;

9.Declaration of the availability in Italy of an appropriate lodging;

  1. Proof of medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Italy.
    US health insurances are accepted only with letter from the insurance provider confirming overseas coverage. The letter from your insurance company must state that you will be covered for all medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for at least 30,000 euro during your stay in Europe. If your current insurance company does not provide such coverage, you are required to find an international insurance.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Visa Office has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

 

STUDY INTERNSHIP VISA REQUIREMENTS

1.Visa application form duly filled in and signed. For a short stay visa up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visa beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form.

2.Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);

3.Passport or travel document valid at least three months over the planned stay in Italy and a photocopy of relevant pages;

4.Copy of State driver’s license, State ID, State Income tax or last 3 months utility bills;

5.Return flight reservations for study programs shorter than 90 days and one way flight reservation for study programs longer than 90 days;

6.Documentation concerning the internship program: Internship programs are organized by authorized entities (as per Art. 2 paragraph 1 of Decree of Ministry of Labor and Welfare N. 142 dated 03.25.1998) and are implemented according to a specific agreement between the promoting institution and the hosting employer. The visa can be requested by presenting a formal internship project (as per Art. 18 of Law N. 196/97 and Art. 4 of the D.M. N. 142/98) duly stamped by the competent Italian Region;

7.Proof of economic means of support, as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000;

8.Declaration of the availability in Italy of an appropriate lodging;

9.Proof of enough financial means for returning to your Home Country or a return flight ticket;

  1. Proof of medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Italy.
    US health insurances are accepted only with a letter from the insurance provider confirming overseas coverage. The letter from your insurance company must state that you will be covered for all medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for at least 30,000 euro during your stay in Europe. If your current insurance company does not provide such coverage, you are required to find an international insurance.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Visa Office has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

Please note that your application will be rejected if you are missing the following documents:

– For study (less than 90 days):

          – Flight reservations

          – Enrollment letter from the Italian school

– For study (more than 90 days):

          – Enrollment letter from the Italian school

 

  • Subordinate work

SUBORDINATE WORK VISA REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy (included photocopy of passport and relevant pages, green card, driving license, I-20, Advanced Parole etc.)

Applicants should provide:

  1. Visa Appliction form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. For short stay visa up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visa beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form. You must appear in person;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport or travel document valid three months over the applicant’s planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.
    For non US citizens: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and letter from US government letters i.e. Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (any visa except B1-B2);
    Moreover for non-US citizens proof of residence such as State Drover’s license, State ID, State Income tax or last three months utility bills.

In order to process this type of visa your employer needs to request a “nulla osta” (entry clearance), at the “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione” (Unified Immigration Desk) in Italy. The “Sportello Unico” will provide for the Nulla Osta (entry clearance) and the “contratto di soggiorno per lavoro” (job contract) to be sent to the Diplomatic Representation.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does NOT guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

 

  • Independent work

SELF-EMPLOYMENT VISAS 

  • Self-employed professionals and Entrepreneurs (requirements are being updated)
  1. a) Self-Employed professionals are those mentioned in the list of the Italian Ministry of Justice ‘Associazione delle Professioni non Regolamentate’ according to D.Lgs 206/2007 art. 26 comma 3 and according to ‘Elenco Professioni Vigilate’ are included in ordini, collegi e albi professionali (professional orders, professional boards and bulletin boards). For medical professions the visa is issued upon recognition of your University Degree by the Italian Ministry of Health.
  2. b) Entrepreneurs are considered those business operators who intend to perform in Italy a commercial activity that is considered significant for the Italian economy.

Visa requirements:

  1. visa application form
  2. recent passport-style photo
  3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
  4. declaration by the Office authorized to issue any required certification, license and authorization, to receive notices of commencement of business activity, or by the Body which supervises professional associations . Such declarations should be issued within the previous three months .
  5. Declaration of parametri di riferimento (list of specific assets to perform different commercial or professional activities) issued by the local Chamber of Commerce or by the pertinent professional order. Such amount cannot be lower than the triple of the minimum social welfare yearly income (14.000 Euro).
  6. proof of income, earned during the preceding fiscal year in the country of residence, higher than the minimum level provided by the law for exemption from participation in medical and health public assistance (8.500 Euro).
  7. nulla osta (authorization) issued within the previous 90 days by the competent Italian Questura (Police Commissary)
  8. Availability of a suitable lodging
  • Partners and Chairmen of Italian Companies

Partners and chairmen (listed in D.I. 850/2001) in Italian S.p.A., S.r.l. and SAPA which must have been operating for at least three years.

Visa requirements:

  1. visa application form
  2. recent passport-style photo
  3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
  4. certification of enrolment of the firm in the Business Registry (Visura Camerale)
  5. copy of the declaration of responsibility sent by legal representative of the Italian company to the local Italian DTL (Territorial Labor Office) stating that, in virtue of the contract stipulated, the applicant will not be employed as a subordinate worker
  6. nulla osta (authorization) issued within the previous 90 days earlier by the competent Italian Questura (Police Commissary)
  7. availability of a suitable lodging
  • Managers or highly qualified employees , University language tutors and university professors, translators and interpreters
  1. a) Managers or highly qualified employees of companies based in Italy or with branches in Italy, or of branch offices of foreign companies headquartered in a member country of the World Trade Organisation, or managers of main offices in Italy of Italian firms or firms of another EU member
  2. b) University language tutors and university professors intending to fill an academic position in Italian universities or in an educational institute;
  3. c) translators and interpreters;

Visa requirements:

  1. visa application form
  2. recent passport-style photo
  3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
  4. Certification, issued by the competent Labor Territorial Service of the Italian DTL (Territorial Labor Office) stating that, in virtue of the contract stipulated, the applicant will not be employed as a subordinate worker
  5. availability of a suitable lodging
  6. a contract showing a yearly income higher than the minimum level provided by the law for exemption from participation in medical and health public assistance (8.500 Euro).
  7. nulla osta (authorization) issued by the competent Italian Questura (Police Commissary) within the previous 90 days
  • Sport personnel and Athletes

Visa requirements:

  1. visa application form
  2. recent passport-style photo
  3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
  4. declaration of consent by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee sent directly to the competent Italian Diplomatic/Consular Representation, indicating the athlete’s personal data, sport practiced, and details and address of the team/club of destination. This statement must be accompanied by the nulla osta (authorization) of the Italian Questura (Police Commissary), stating that the sport practiced is included in the list of activities entitled to apply for a sport-self-employment visa. The nulla osta should be issued within the previous 90 days .
  • Artists and entertainment industry personnel

Well renown artists and his/her entourage or artists invited by renown Italian institutions or theaters (Schengen Visa only)

Visa requirements:

  1. visa application form
  2. recent passport-style photo
  3. passport or travel document valid for at least three months after visa expiry date
  4. job contract ensuring the self-employee’s compensation is higher than the amount provided by the Italian national contracts for the same category of employees
  5. Proof of lodging
  6. Flight reservation

 

 

  • Elective residency

RESIDENCY VISA REQUIREMENTS

The residency visa allows entrance into Italy to individuals who belong in one of the following categories:
• applicants with high self-sustaining incomes and financial assets who have a real necessity to stably residing in Italy and who can demonstrate a steady and adequate income (not from subordinate work) and other financial resources;

Applicants with high self-sustaining incomes should provide:

  1. Long term Visa Application Form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. The applicant must appear in person.
  2. Passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport or valid travel document valid three months over the planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.

For non US citizens: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and letter from US government letters i.e. Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (any visa except B1-B2);
Moreover for non-US citizens proof of residence such as driving license or State Income tax;

  1. Documented and detailed guarantee of substantial and stable private income originating from pensions, annuities, income from properties and income from stable economic and commercial activities. Income deriving from subordinate work will not be taken into consideration. Please provide official letters from banks, financial consultants, financial institutions, U.S. Social Security institutes, etc. and last 2 years of your Income Tax Return;
  2. A registered lease or deed for property in Italy;
  3. A letter explaining the reasons of your intention to move to Italy.

Residency visa can be also issued to dependent spouse and minor children and dependent children over 18 living with their parents, assuming that the applicant can demonstrate adequate financial assets to support them.

This visa is issued solely to those applicants who are planning to move permanently to Italy and it does not allow the recipient to work.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does NOT guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

 

  • Religious Activity

RELIGIOUS REASONS VISA REQUIREMENTS

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy.

Applicants should provide:

  1. Visa Appliction form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. For short stay visa up to 90 days please download and fill in Schengen Visa application form. For long stay visa beyond 90 days please download and fill in Long term application form. You must appear in person;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport or travel document valid three months over the applicant’s planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.
    Visa fee paid for with the exact amount either in cash, credit, debit card or with a money order payable to the Consulate General of Italy.
    For non US citizens, proof of residence such as: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa (any visa except B1-B2) and US government document i.e. visa renewal letter, Advanced parole, IAP66, I20 and copies, etc;
  4. Return-trip booking or ticket or proof of available means of personal transport;
  5. Adequate documentation regarding the applicant’s effective ‘religious’ qualification. Applicants should provide: an original letter from your Congregation/Parish in the US stating your position within the parish and your assignment in Italy;
  6. Adequate and documented assurances regarding the religious nature of the event in which the applicant intends to take part or regarding the activity to be carried out in Italy. The letter from Congregation in Italy should specify the purpose of the trip, the name and address of the organization where the applicant intends to stay and the length of stay. Such letter should also mention the coverage of all living expenses, including medical assistance (only for long term visas). Specific mention should be made to the fact that, while in Italy, the applicant’s personal needs will be met in full by the Congregation; the letter must bear an official seal from the Holy See’s competent authorities;
  7. Proof economic means of support as per Ministry of Interior Directive 1.3.2000 (click here) or declaration of assumption of responsibility by the religious organization (if all living expenses are not covered by the Italian Congregation);
  8. Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency hospital and repatriation expenses for short term visas.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

 

  • Family reasons

FAMILY REASONS VISA REQUIREMENTS

The family reasons visa allows entrance in Italy to:
• a relative(spouse, children, or dependent parents)of a non-EU citizen holding a regular Italian Permit of stay. In this case you need a “nulla osta” (entry clearance) issued no more than 6 months earlier by the competent “Sportello Unico” (Unified Immigration Desk).
All documents must be presented in original and photocopy (included photocopy of passport and relevant pages, green card, driving license, I-20, Advanced Parole etc.)

Applicants should provide:

  1. Long term Visa Appliction form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. You must appear in person;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport or travel document valid three months over the applicant’s planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.
    Visa fee paid for with the exact amount either in cash, credit, debit card or with a money order payable to the Consulate General of Italy.
    For non US citizens: Alien Registration Card or a valid US INS visa and letter from US government letters i.e. Advanced Parole, IAP66, I20 and copies (any visa except B1-B2);
    Moreover for non-US citizens proof of residence such as driving license or State Income tax.
  4. Copy of the EU or European Economic Area citizen’s identity document or passport along with a declaration requesting the presence of the family member in Italy and swearing to be in possession of the requisites foreseen by the law;
  5. Administrative documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) attesting to the familial relationship. Proof of relationship (birth certificates for children or marriage certificate for spouse). Foreigners applying for permanent residency in Italy through marriage to an Italian citizen must register their marriage at the competent Italian Consulate prior to applying for the visa;
  6. In the case of minor children, written permission from the child’s other parent for visa to be issued.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does NOT guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

Note that incomplete documentation will not be accepted.

REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY VISITING FOREIGNERS DURING THEIR STAY IN ITALY

Foreigners must report to the ‘Questura’ of the city where they are residing in, to obtain a ‘Permesso di Soggiorno’ (Stay Permit), within one week from entry into Italy. To obtain an extension of the ‘Permesso di Soggiorno’, the foreigner must file an application with the ‘Questura’ before the expiration of the original stay permit.

 

  • Family of US Military personnel

FAMILY OF US MILITARY PERSONNEL VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL STATIONED IN US OR NATO BASES IN ITALY

All documents must be presented in original and photocopy (included photocopy of passport and relevant pages, green card, driving license, I-20, Advanced Parole etc.)

Applicants should provide:

  1. Long term Visa Appliction form duly filled in and signed at the Consulate. (applications from minors should be signed by both parents or legal guardian). You must appear in person;
  2. Recent passport-style photo (3,5 cm x 4,5 cm or 1”3/8 x 1”3/4, full front and white background);
  3. Passport (and copy of relevant pages) or travel document valid three months over the applicant’s planned stay in Italy. The passport will be kept and returned with the visa, if approved.
    If you are a U.S. citizen, you must have a valid “Official” or “No Fee” passport in order to apply.
    For further details please contact your Command/Base or the Passport Office at the Pentagon. If you are a foreign national applying with your national passport you must also submit a copy of your green card.
  4. Copy of military orders;
  5. Original Command/Pentagon sponsorship letter;
  6. Original letter on Department letterhead (i.e.: Department of the Air Force, Department of Navy, etc) indicating:
    the names of the family members to be transferred to Italy; their relationship with the military/civilian assigned to the base; the Base to which they will be transferred; the expected length of stay in Italy; expected date and border of entry into Italy;
  7. Visa fees for US official and “no fee” passport holders are waived.

This consular administration has full authority to evaluate and request additional documentation, if deemed necessary, in addition to what is submitted. Furthermore, the applicant is hereby informed that submitting all required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of any particular visa.

Note that incomplete documentation will not be accepted.

REGULATIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY VISITING FOREIGNERS
DURING THEIR STAY IN ITALY

Foreigners must report to the Questura of the city they are visiting, to obtain a ‘Permesso di Soggiorno’ (Permit of stay), within eight days from entry into Italy. The ‘Permit of stay’ must be presented together with the passport, upon any request of the Italian Authorities. It must be surrendered to the Italian Authorities at the time the foreigner departs from Italy.

  • Digital nomad/ Remote worker visa

The digital nomad / remote worker visa is intended for individuals who are not EU citizens and who intend to work remotely while living in Italy.

The visa is only available to highly specialized workers whose careers require or exceed the requirements listed in article 27-quater of the Legislative Decree n. 286 of 25 July 1998, including careers that require post-secondary degrees or at least three years’ professional training or experience. Please see page 4, “Qualifying Professions”.

The visa is subdivided into two categories: “digital nomads”, who are freelancers, consultants, or other independent specialists, and “remote workers”, who are employees of a company but can perform their work completely remotely. Remote workers are subject to two additional requirements, listed separately on page 3.

Applicants must submit all required documents.

At the appointment, applicants must submit the following documents:

  1. Passportor travel document accepted by the Schengen countries valid for a period of at least 15 months past your intended date of travel to the Schengen Area (including Italy). The passport must have at least two blank pages. (plus: photocopy of the page with personal data and expiration date, and photocopy of the page with signature if the signature does not appear on the same page).
  2. Proof of physical residencein our jurisdiction, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill. If submitting a driver’s license or state ID, please also provide a photocopy of the document.
  3. Only for non-U.S.citizens: Proof of legal residence in the United States, such as U.S. Alien Registration Card or valid long-term U.S. visa.
    • S. B1/B2 visas are not acceptable for this purpose. B1/B2 visa holders must apply at a Consulate in their home country. (plus:photocopy of the card or the passport page with the long-term U.S. visa).
    • Non-U.S. citizen students must have a valid I-20 Form and exchange visitors a valid I-66.
  4. One National Visaform (if you intend to stay in Italy more than 90 days) or Schengen visa form (if you intend to stay in Italy 90 days or less) completely and clearly filled out, and signed by the applicant.
  5. Onerecent, ICAO standard photograph: 40mm (1.57 inch) tall and 35mm (1.37 inch) wide, full face, front view, color photograph of yourself. The photograph must be glued to the top of the form where indicated.
  6. Letter or certificate of travel medical insurance showing coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization costs and repatriation for medical reasons, for the days you are outside the United States. Insurance coverage must not be less than 30,000 Euro (or $50,000). Inadequate medical expenses coverage is the number one reason for visa rejections.
    • You cannot present your insurance card alone as proof of insurance.
      Consular officers may request additional documents at their discretion. Please be aware that submitting the required documentation does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
    • If you cannot obtain the above-mentioned declaration or do not have a health insurance policy, then you must show proof of purchase of an Italian health insurance or present an Affidavit of Health Insurance stating that you will purchase an Italian insurance policy upon your arrival in Italy, before registering with the provincial police headquarters (Questura).
  7. Proof of qualifying profession(see below)
  8. Lease, rental contract, or deed for property in Italy.
    • The lease, rental contract, or deed must be in the applicant’s name and must cover the entire duration of the visa.
    • If renting or leasing, the applicant must present an original copy of a “Contratto di Locazione ad Uso Abitativo”, complete with proof that the landlord has registered it with the Agenzia delle Entrate, the Italian Tax Authority.
    • A third party’s offer of hospitality or a hotel stay is unacceptable. If the applicant does not have a lease, rental contract, or deed in their name, the visa application will be denied.
    • In the event that the applicant must change residence, you should notify the Questura that issued your residency permit (see page 6 for “Permesso di Soggiorno”).
  9. Proof of legal incomeof at least three times the minimum necessary to pay healthcare taxes in Italy.
    • At the time of this writing in 2024, the minimum legal income is no less than 24,789 euros (or the equivalent in USD) per year.
    • Proof can be provided in a variety of ways, including paystubs, tax return, W-2, or three most recent bank statements.
    • The income must derive from the work the applicant will be performing in Italy. Other passive income, such as Social Security, rents, or stocks, will not be considered.
  10. Proof of six or more months’ prior work experience in the field
    • For digital nomads: tax returns, client invoices, membership in professional or industrial associations can all provide evidence of employment
    • For remote workers: tax returns, pay slips or a letter from the employer can be used as proof of employment
  11. The nonrefundable visa application feemust be paid in exact amount by cashier’s checkor money order made out to the Consulate General of Italy. The fee adjusts every three months – Jan. 1st, April 1st, July 1st, Oct. 1st – based on the Italian government’s official euro-dollar exchange rate. The fee is posted on our webpage.
    • If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you must pay the national visa fee.
    • If you intend to stay for 90 days or less, you must pay the Schengen visa fee.
  12. One Declaration for Mailing Passports completely and clearly filled out and a self-addressed(from yourself and to yourself) pre-paid USPS Priority or Priority Express envelope so that your passport can be mailed back to you. Please be sure to ask the postal clerk for a tracking number.

 

Additional Requirements for Remote Workers

  1. Employment contract showing a salary that equals or exceeds that required by the collective contracts negotiated by the relevant Italian national union, and that in any case cannot be below the median annual salary as calculated by ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics), which can be viewed at
    http://dati.istat.it/viewhtml.aspx?il=blank&vh=0000&vf=0&vcq=1100&graph=0&view-metadata=1&lang=it&QueryId=12006
  2. Letter from employer stating that the employer has not been convicted in the past five years of any crimes related to the facilitation of illegal immigration, the exploitation of minors for work purposes, the violation of labor laws, or other crimes listed under comma 5-bis of article 22 of the Testo Unico Sull’Immigrazione (Italian immigration code).
    • The letter must be signed by an executive, legal representative, or other appropriate agent of the employer, and the signature must be accompanied by a photocopy of the signer’s photo ID.

Qualifying Professions

The visa is only available to highly skilled workers whose careers require or exceed the requirements listed in article 27-quater of the Legislative Decree n. 286 of 25 July 1998, including careers that require post-secondary degrees or at least three years’ professional training or experience.

There are three ways to demonstrate you belong to a qualifying profession.

  1. The possession of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree that must be recognized through CIMEAor a Declaration of Value.
  2. For professions licensed by government agencies, such as architects, engineers, teachers, etc., please present an attestation from the applicable Italian Authority certifying that you possess the requirements set out by Legislative Decree n. 206 of 6 November 2007 (click here to see the full list of approximately 180 licensing agencies and their professions).
    1. In some cases, it may be necessary to acquire a license to exercise a regulated profession before you are able to apply for the visa;
    2. In reviewing the list of licensing agencies above, you may notice agencies specifically for the regions of Trento and Bolzano. Due to their special legal status as “autonomous regions”, both regions may establish and use their own licensing agencies. If you do not intend to live in the Trento or Bolzano regions, you do not need to refer to these agencies.
  3. A higher professional qualification with proof of at least five years’ professional experience in the field. For each employment in the relevant five years, the applicant must submit the following documents released by the Public Authority of the country where the expertise was acquired:
    1. Identification data of the company and the business sector it operates or operated in;
    2. The position held within the company (owner, partner, employee);
    3. Copy of the employment contract and/or copies of the pay slips related to the period worked (at least two for each year);
    4. Letter from the company or employer describing your professional duties at the company including the start and end dates of the employment
  4. For executives and specialists working in the ICT industry only, the requirement is reduced to three years’ professional experience acquired in the past seven years.

Dependent Family Members

Once in Italy, a digital nomad or remote worker can sponsor for a family visa a spouse from whom they are not separated or separating, and a child under 18, including a spouse’s child from a previous marriage or out of wedlock, provided that the other parent consents to the issuance of the visa.

At the time of this writing in 2024, digital nomads or remote workers cannot sponsor children over 18 or parents to join them in Italy, even if these individuals are dependent on them.

The sponsorship process begins in Italy at the Questura where the digital nomad or remote worker applied for the residency permit (see “Permesso di Soggiorno” on the next page). Questions about sponsoring family members should be directed to the Questura entitled to receive the application.

The Permesso di Soggiorno (Residency Permit)

Once you enter Italy on a national visa, including the digital nomad or remote worker visa, you are required to visit the local Questura (provincial police headquarters) and apply for a “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residency permit) within the first eight working days of your arrival. The Questura you visit must be the one with jurisdiction over your home in Italy.

The permesso is a small plastic card like a U.S. green card, and, like the U.S. green card, it replaces your visa. You do not need to apply for a visa again while it is valid. Unlike the green card, the permesso is issued for a limited time; at the time of present writing in 2024, the permesso for digital nomads is issued for one (1) year, but you can renew it locally at the Questura (provincial police headquarters) as long as you maintain your employment, lodging, and health insurance (and your employer is not convicted of crimes).

You will need to present many of the same documents to the Questura for your permesso that you presented to this office for the visa; for that purpose, we highly encourage you to print a photocopy of your application packet for yourself before submitting it to this office.

During and after the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the Questure in Italy began allowing applications for the permesso through a post office. Please check the website of the Questura in whose jurisdiction you will be living for this and any other questions related to the permesso issuance.

 

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT, AT THE TIME OF YOUR APPOINTMENT, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS PRESENTED WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW ARE NOT PRESENTED, THE APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO RESCHEDUELE A NEW APPOINTMENT.

Please note that visa officers may request additional documents at their discretion based on the interview with the applicant.

NEWS – Following the recent amendment to the Immigration Consolidation Act (“TUI” Legislative Decree 286/1998, article 26-bis), foreign nationals who intend to make an investment in Italy are allowed entry and stay in the country through a simplified procedure for the issuance of the visa. The “investor visa” is not subject to the annual limits on entries (“quotas”) referred to in the aforementioned Immigration Consolidation Act. For more information and submission of applications, please consult the website https://investorvisa.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/