Visa and Residence Permit for internship and training

Italy offers foreign citizens residing abroad attractive opportunities to enter the country for training purposes through the visa and residence permit for internship and training. This instrument is designed to promote the acquisition of professional skills and integration into the labor market. It represents a regulated pathway for non-EU citizens to access Italy’s educational and productive systems.

The Italian visa for training internships is intended in particular for non-EU citizens who, while residing abroad and not being employed, are selected to undertake an internship experience with Italian companies or host organizations. The internship activity must be strictly connected to a structured training project aimed at completing or strengthening a professional training path.

The role of promoting entities and competent authorities

The procedure for activating an internship involves accredited promoting entities, which are responsible for submitting the training project to the competent authorities. The project is subject to an administrative assessment intended to verify the consistency of the training objectives, compliance with current regulations, and the suitability of the host organization or company.

Once the review process has been successfully completed, an authorization is issued allowing the trainee to apply for an entry visa. The visa for study or training purposes is then granted by the Italian diplomatic or consular representation in the applicant’s country of residence, in compliance with the quotas established at the national level.

Entry into Italy and Residence Permit

After entering Italian territory, the trainee must apply for a residence permit for training purposes. This residence permit allows the trainee to lawfully carry out the internship for the entire duration provided for in the approved training project, ensuring full legality of the stay in Italy.

A particularly relevant aspect of this pathway is the possibility, at the end of the internship, to convert the residence permit for training into a residence permit for work purposes. Such conversion is allowed if an employer—either the same host organization or another—offers an employment contract that complies with Italian law.

An opportunity for growth and integration

The visa and residence permit for internship and training therefore represent not only a regular channel of entry into Italy, but also a concrete opportunity for professional growth and integration into the country’s economic and social fabric. Through a qualified training experience, foreign citizens can acquire marketable skills and, in many cases, embark on a stable employment path, contributing to the development of Italian businesses and the labor market.

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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.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.