Visa
We provide comprehensive support for obtaining Italian visas, guiding you through the requirements and application process.
If a foreigner intends to apply for an entry visa to Italy or their applications has been rejected or a response from the Public Administration takes time to arrive, they can rely on us and receive immediate legal assistance.
As a general rule, you must apply for an Italian Visa if you are a non-EU national
intending to enter and/or stay in Italy for business, tourism or other reasons.
Please note that nationals from certain Visa free countries or residents from the Schengen area are exempted from applying for an Italian Visa, if some conditions apply.
There are three categories of visas:
Type A
For airport transit.
Type C
For short stays (valid for up to 90 days).
Type D
For long stays (valid for more than 90 days).
Visas are further divided into four types:
VSU
Uniform Schengen Visa, allows the holder to travel freely among the countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement.
VN
National long-term visa, the holder may also travel within the Schengen area, but only for up to 90 days every 180 days.
VTL
Limited Territorial Visa, allows the holder to travel only within one country.
VTA
Airport Transit Visa, allows the holder to transit through one or more airports in Schengen member states.
VN vs. VSU Visa – What’s the difference?
The difference between a VN visa (National Visa) and a VSU visa (Uniform Schengen Visa) lies primarily in the purpose, duration, and territorial validity of the visa.
VN Visa (National Visa):
- Purpose: Issued for long-term stays (over 90 days) in a specific country, typically for purposes like work, study, or family reunification.
- Territorial Validity: It allows the holder to reside in the issuing country (e.g., Italy) but also permits travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Duration: Valid for stays longer than 90 days, generally linked to the duration of the specific activity or purpose (e.g., employment or study).
VSU Visa (Uniform Schengen Visa):
- Purpose: Issued for short-term stays (up to 90 days) for
purposes such as tourism, business, or other temporary
activities. - Territorial Validity: It allows the holder to travel freely within the entire Schengen area for the duration of the visa, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Duration: Valid for short stays of up to 90 days.
In summary, the VN visa is for long-term residence in a specific country with limited Schengen travel, while the VSU visa is for short-term stays with broader Schengen travel permissions.
Short Term Visas: Type C
The Schengen uniform visa authorizes entry in Italy for short stay in or transit through the Schengen area for a period not exceeding 90 days in a period of 180 days.
Some types of short term visas
Tourism Visa
For non-EU travelers who wish to visit Italy for leisure or sightseeing.
Student Visa
For non-EU citizens who wish to study in Italy.
Business Visa
For non-EU citizens who wish to enter Italy for business purposes.
Medical Visit Visa
Issued to non-EU citizens who need to travel to Italy for medical treatment.
It also applies to one or more accompanying persons, such as a family member or caregiver, if necessary for the treatment.
Long Term Visa: Type D
A visa option for non-EU citizens who intend to stay in Italy for extended periods, typically for work, study, or family reunification. This visa allows for stays longer than 90 days and requires the holder to apply for a residence permit within 8 days of arrival in Italy. The visa is essential for those planning to reside in Italy for several months or even years, providing a legal pathway for extended stays.
Some long-term visas include:
Family Reunification Visa
- Purpose: enables family members to live legally in Italy alongside their relatives.
- Eligibility: available to relatives/spouses of foreign citizens with valid Type D visas or residence permits.
- Sponsor Requirements: the family member residing in Italy must meet certain criteria, including income thresholds and adequate accommodation provisions.
Student Visa
For non-European Union citizens who wish to participate in internship programs within the country. This visa is designed for individuals who have completed vocational training or educational courses in their home nations.
The internship opportunity for non-EU nationals has a minimum length of one quarter of a year and can extend up to a full year.
The visa’s validity period corresponds directly to the duration of the internship, ensuring that visitors can legally stay in Italy for the entire course they want to attend.
This program provides a valuable chance for international participants to gain practical skills and knowledge in an Italian work environment, while also experiencing the country’s rich culture and lifestyle.
Start Up Visa
For non-EU citizens who intend to set up their own business in Italy, which takes the form of an innovative startup.
Investor Visa
Sometimes referred to as the Golden VISA, this program provides a 2-year residency in Italy for those who make one of the following investments:
- €2,000,000 in Italian 10-year Government bonds.
- €1,000,000 in an Italian charity.
- €500,000 in an Italian limited company, reduced to €250,000 if the company is an innovative startup.
You can direct these investments towards your own startup or limited company in Italy; there is no requirement for the business to have been active before the application. Throughout the entire VISA period, the applicant must maintain the investment within Italy.
Self Employment Visa
For individuals who are self-employed in their home country and wish to relocate to Italy, this VISA requires proof of extending their business into Italy and evidence of operating their trade for over 2 years in their home country. This VISA is an ideal choice for digital nomads looking to establish themselves in Italy. The VISA can be renewed annually and necessitates a minimum annual gross income of €11,500.
Elective Residence Visa
Italy offers a specialized visa program designed for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in the country without engaging in employment activities. This visa, known as the self-sustaining residency visa, is particularly suitable for individuals who can demonstrate financial independence.
Eligibility Criteria
The primary requirement for this visa is the ability to support oneself without relying on employment within Italy. Typical applicants include:
1. Retirees with stable income.
2. Individuals with significant financial assets.
3. Individuals with a substantial passive income source.
The income must come from any passive source, which must be proven to remain
constant even after moving to Italy, amounting to no less than €32,000 per year, €38.000 per couple.
Visa Duration and Renewal:
- Initial validity: one year
- Renewal option: available within Italy
Key Consideration
This visa does not permit the holder to engage in work activities within Italy. The fundamental premise is that the applicant’s stay in Italy will be sustained through personal financial means rather than local employment.
This visa provides an excellent opportunity for eligible individuals to experience long-term residency in Italy while enjoying its rich cultural heritage and lifestyle.
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