Foreigners interested in coming to Italy must follow a few steps before actually entering the country. These steps depend on their nationality. For example, EU citizens only need valid identification papers, such as passports or IDs, however, for non-EU citizens, a visa will be required.
Below, our immigration lawyers in Italy offer detailed information on how to obtain a visa when coming to this country. We can also help you obtain a golden visa for Italy.
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Types of visas for non-EU citizens in Italy
The government issues various types of visas for non-EU citizens entering Italy. These visas are usually issued based on the reasons for coming to Italy.
The following types of Italian visas are available for foreigners:
- the tourist visa is one of the most issued Italian visas and it is recommended for those entering the country for a period of fewer than 90 days;
- the business visa is dedicated to investors coming to Italy for business or work reasons;
- the visa for cultural and sports events is issued for foreigners coming to Italy for attending such activities;
- the student visa is issued for those coming to study in Italy or for attending internship programs in the country;
- the transit visa is available for certain non-EU citizens transiting Italy to another country.
If you are interested in Italy immigration, our local attorneys can advise on this matter. They will also guide through the Italian citizenship process.
We invite you to read about how to apply for a visa in Italy from the infographic below:
Obtaining a visa for living in Italy
If the previously mentioned types of visas are available for those interested in coming to Italy for a short period of time, those interested in relocating to Italy have other options. Among these, the residence permit will enable a foreign citizen to live in Italy for a few years or to permanently relocate here.
The residence permit allows a foreigner to move to Italy with the purpose of establishing here. Those who want to work in Italy are allowed to apply for work permits, provided that they meet certain requirements.
The residence permit is available for all foreign citizens who want to relocate to Italy, however, they will be subject to different application requirements in accordance with their nationality. Also known as a long-term visa or permesso di soggiorno, the residence permit is required to both EU and non-EU citizens moving to Italy for a long period of time.
The following documents are required when applying for a residence permit for Italy:
- the valid passport for non-EU citizens or ID for EU citizens;
- information about the place where the applicant will live;
- information about the reason of entering the country;
- proof of self-sustenance.
The residence visa is usually issued for one of the following reasons:
- for studying purposes;
- for reuniting with other family members;
- for work purposes.
In the case of foreign nationals coming to Italy for work, additional information will be required by the Italian authorities. Also, in the case of foreign workers, the Italian employer has the duty of applying for the work permit on the employee’s behalf. For this, a valid employment contract is necessary. The employer is also required to obtain clearance from the employment office for bringing a foreign employee.
The applicant will also need to fulfill certain formalities in their home country through the Italian Embassy or Consulate.
An important requirement when first arriving in Italy is to register with the local police station where the applicant lives. The registration must be done in the first 8 days after the arrival.
With a vast knowledge of all types of immigration matters, our specialists in Italy can advise on each case of immigration based on the client’s nationality. We can also advise on how to apply for Italian citizenship.
Obtaining permanent residency in Italy
The natural step after living in Italy for a specific period of time is to obtain Italian citizenship. The minimum period of time of living here in Italy in order to obtain permanent residency is 5 years. The application for a permanent residence visa can be submitted through a postal office or directly with the municipality office in the city or town the applicant lives.
In order to obtain a permanent residence permit, the applicant is required to submit various documents that show their living status in Italy. Apart from the valid passport and the temporary residence permit, the foreign citizen must also present the income tax form which indicates that the applicant earns more than the minimum allowance provided by the state. It is also a mandatory condition for the applicant to have a clean criminal record in order to become a permanent resident of Italy. The applicant must also submit proof that he or she has proper living arrangements in the county.
The permanent residence permit represents the first step in obtaining Italian citizenship.
Documents related to obtaining a visa for Italy
The documents needed to obtain an Italian visa will depend on the type of visa the applicant applies for. Generally, the following documents are required:
- the application form which can be downloaded or obtained from the Italian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country;
- the ID or passport which must have a validity of at least 6 months accompanied by two recent passport-sized photographs;
- travel insurance and a bank reference indicating the applicant has financial means to support themselves for the duration of the stay;
- the flight and hotel reservations are necessary for tourist visa applicants.
We remind applicants for Italian visas that other documents, such as a cover or recommendation letters are necessary for other types of visas. Usually, similar documents are required when applying for a residence permit in Italy.
Assistance in applying for a visa to Italy
Foreign citizens interested in coming to Italy for various purposes can rely on our Italian immigration lawyers who can help them prepare all the documents needed to enter the country. Among the services we offer are counseling and assistance with the preparation of the application forms. All our services are tailored to the needs and specific nationality conditions imposed for each applicant.
We can also help in various types of immigration situations, such as applying for work permits, permanent residence or business visas. Our immigration lawyers in Italy can also help foreign entrepreneurs who want to relocate to this country with the purpose of starting their own businesses. Individuals who want to move to Italy with the purpose of investing here have the possibility of applying for residency through investment, case in which they can rely on our local advisors for detailed information on all the conditions they must fulfill, but also for assistance in preparing all the documents needed to have a successful application.
Please feel free to contact us for assistance if you want to immigrate to Italy. No matter the reason you decide to come to Italy, our specialists will offer prompt support in order for you to obtain the desired visa in the shortest amount of time possible. You can also rely on us for detailed information on the residence permit in Italy.
Regardless of the visa you apply for, there isn’t any immigration document that can grant you with the right to obtain citizenship in Italy.
This is a procedure that can be started when the foreigner shows a commitment to living in this country and being part of the Italian society, so, in most of the cases, it is a long-term process, that can start after 10 years of living here.
However, those who want to move to Italy, whether they are EU nationals or third party nationals, benefit from a wide range of rights once relocated here.
Foreigners have the right to purchase a property, to work in Italy, to participate in various education structures and to enjoy the same rights the Italian nationals have, with certain limitations (not having the right to vote, for instance).
This will apply regardless of the visa obtained by the foreigners, as long as the visa is one that is issued on a long-term basis.
For instance, foreigners who arrive here under the Golden Visa in Italy retain the same rights, which can also be extended to their close family members (this visa allows relocation of the applicant along with the person’s close family members).