The requirements and process to get a visa for Italy will vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and their reason for visiting Italy.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and those from a designated list of countries drawn up by the Italian government are afforded visa-free entry into Italy for varying periods. This list includes Canada, Japan, and New Zealand, among other countries.

EU and EFTA citizens only need a passport valid for the duration of their stay plus three months to pass the border. No additional tourist visa or business visa is required. Citizens of the European Union (EU) may also legally work in Italy without a work permit. All they would need to do is apply for a residence card to navigate bureaucratic channels and tap into certain parts of local life, like opening a bank account.

Citizens of countries not appearing on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Italy for tourism or business purposes.

Schengen visas for Italy

Schengen visas for Italy

There are several types of visas for Italy. The main types are the Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), the Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visa and National Visas (NV).

The Uniform Schengen Visa (USV), or type C, is a short-term visa that is valid for up to 90 days and allows for travel to Italy and other Schengen states.

The LTV, however, limits travel to the specified Schengen country (in this case, Italy). Expats with the LTV are only able to travel within Italy or any other Schengen states that are specifically mentioned in terms of the visa application and agreement.

The National Visa (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 may allow for travel to other Schengen countries.

Type C and D visas are split into several different categories, each of which has its own requirements. Prominent among these are the visas for business, subordinate work, independent work, working holiday and study. Visas can also be obtained for purposes of religion, culture, sports, or medical requirements or where a spouse is an Italian citizen.

Schengen visas (with the exception of the LTV visa) allow individuals access to other EU member states and member states of the EFTA.

Non-EU citizens who want to work in Italy will need to apply for a work permit.

Working in Italy
Doing Business in Italy

Useful links

Residence permits for Italy

If staying in Italy for more than 90 days, expats will need to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit). Applicants have to provide a legitimate reason for their stay, and this will determine the length of the permit’s validity. For instance, a residence permit can be granted for seasonal work, study purposes, self-employment, open-ended employment or family reunification, and is valid for up to two years.

Residence permits need to be renewed at least 60 days before the expiry date. Applications for permanent residence can only be made after living in Italy for five years with a valid residence permit.

Regardless of whether you apply for a residence permit before or after you have arrived (the ability to do so depends on your nationality), you'll have to report to your local immigration centre within eight days of arriving in Italy. The residence permit can be applied for at a post office and is issued at your local police station. This requires filling out an application form specifying the type of permit required, and supplying proof of identification, fingerprints and photos.

Different types of permits may have different requirements. The residence permit is in the form of an electronic smartcard to guard against fraud. The duration of a working residence permit for Italy is valid for as long as the applicant’s entry visa, although extensions are possible. Residence permit holders have access to government services and benefits.

Many aspects of Italian life require having a residence permit, including opening a bank account, so applying for this as soon as possible is both necessary and useful.

Banking, Money and Taxes in Italy

*Visa requirements can change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details

How do expats find the visa application process in Italy?

"Getting a visa was extremely difficult. I spent six months on a waiting list, then flew back to New York at the last minute when an appointment finally became available." 

American expat Roxanne shares more in her expat interview about Italy. 

"Getting a visa for Italy is slightly difficult. Sadly, we hired an attorney who did nothing." 

Find out more about moving to the Italian countryside in our expat interview about Italy with American Laurie.

"We were initially denied our visa due to a document error and had to reapply." 

Read Valerie's expat interview on Italy to see how she dealt with a visa issue.

Further reading

►For information on entering the country to work, read Work Permits for Italy

Are you an expat living in Italy?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Italy. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.