Moving to Italy with a Student Visa

Many people dream of living in Italy, attracted by its history, culture, and quality of life. However, for those who are not citizens of the European Union, staying in the country for more than 90 days requires a long-term visa for Italy. Among the various types available, one of the most common and accessible is the student visa, which allows you to live legally in Italy for the duration of a course or training program.

Requirements for obtaining a student visa and residence permit

To obtain a student visa, it is essential to prove that you meet all the requirements established by the competent Italian consulate. First of all, you must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the planned end date of your stay and submit a duly completed and signed visa application form. The consulate will also require a recent photograph, proof of residence within its jurisdiction, and documentation regarding your accommodation in Italy, which may consist of a rental contract, confirmation of university housing, or a declaration of hospitality.

Another key aspect concerns health insurance coverage, which must be valid for the entire stay in Italy, and proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. These financial resources can be demonstrated through personal or parental bank statements, letters of guarantee, or other official certifications.

Naturally, the core of the application is the proof of enrollment in a course of study in Italy. The educational institution or university must provide an official letter of admission or enrollment, written in Italian, indicating the duration, dates, and weekly hours of the program. In some cases, the consulate may also request the Dichiarazione di Valore (Declaration of Value) for your educational qualifications or pre-enrollment through the Universitaly portal.

How to submit the application

Once all documentation has been gathered, you must book an appointment at the Italian consulate through the Prenot@mi portal. The appointment must take place no later than 15 days before departure and no earlier than 6 months before the travel date. The average processing time for the visa is about two weeks.

After arriving in Italy, within 8 days, you must go to the post office to request the “kit for the residence permit for study purposes.” The package includes forms to fill out and instructions on how to submit the application. An appointment will then be scheduled at the police headquarters (questura), where fingerprints will be taken and the procedure completed. The receipt issued by the post office serves as legal proof of residence while waiting for the final document.

Living in Italy as a student

During the validity period of the student visa, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week (1,040 hours per year). The duration of the residence permit corresponds to that of your study program but can be renewed if you continue in another program or if your course lasts several years.

In some cases, the student residence permit can be converted into a work residence permit, provided you have a valid employment contract or meet the requirements to start self-employment. It is also possible to apply for a job-seeking residence permit by registering with the local Employment Center (Centro per l’Impiego), if you obtained a university or master’s degree in Italy.

An opportunity for the future

Studying in Italy means not only earning an academic qualification but also immersing yourself in the Italian language, culture, and lifestyle. For those with Italian ancestry up to the second degree (a parent or grandparent born in Italy), living in the country with a valid visa and residence permit can also be a step toward Italian citizenship after two years of legal residence.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.