Visas for Italy: Work, Tourist & Resident Permits

The requirements and processes to obtain a visa for Italy will vary depending on a person’s nationality as well as their reason for being in Italy.

EU citizens and those from a designated list of countries are afforded visa-free entry into Italy for up to 90 days. Citizens of countries not appearing on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Italy for tourism or business purposes.

Expats from EU-member states may also legally work in Italy without a work permit. If they intend to stay for more than three months, they’ll need to report their presence to their local Register Office (Anagrafe). Non-EU nationals, however, must navigate a more rigorous bureaucratic process if they wish to work and reside in Italy.  

There are several types of visas for Italy. The most commonly used are the Uniform Schengen Visa (USV) and the National Visa (NV).

The USV, or type C, is a short-term visa valid for up to 90 days. It allows for travel to Italy and other Schengen states. The NV, or type D, is a long-term entry visa that allows the holder to stay in Italy for specific purposes, such as to study, work or permanently reside in the country. The type D visa also allows for travel to other Schengen countries for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Anyone intending to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit.

Expats will need to prove a legitimate reason for their stay, and this will determine the length of the permit's validity, which can be up to two years. For instance, a residence permit can be granted for seasonal work, study purposes, self-employment, open-ended employment or family reunification.

Expats will have to apply to renew their residence permits at least 90, 60 or 30 days before the expiry date, depending on the length of time the permit was granted for.

Non-EU citizens entering Italy for the first time with a residence permit must sign an agreement with the Italian Ministry of Interior (Ministero Dell’Interno) whereby they agree to fulfil certain integration objectives, such as attending Italian language classes.

Expats can apply for a family residence permit if their family is to join them. After living in Italy for five years with a valid residence permit, expats can apply for permanent residence.