Visa for athletes, minors and "Ius Soli Sportivo"

Italian law provides for an extra-quota procedure to the "Decreto Flussi" - but in any case subject to an annual availability limit - for entry for work reasons for those who wish to pursue a professional or amateur activity in an Italian sports club.

How many non-EU athletes can enter Italy each year?

Every year, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers - at the request of CONI - issues a decree establishing the maximum quotas for the entry of both professional and amateur athletes, which must then be distributed by CONI among the different national sports federations (FSN).

The entry of athletes, within the limits of the quota indicated above, may be for both subordinate and self-employed work, and the registrations of foreigners already regularly present in Italy for another function must also be counted in the numerical limit described, excluding sports trainers and coaches.

Can underage athletes enter Italy?

Yes, as long as they are minors between 15 and 18 years old, in order to obtain a visa and residence permit, it will be necessary to obtain a prior permit from the Italian sports club, which must guarantee compliance with the rules relating to the minor's stay throughout the period of stay in Italy, and an authorization issued by the competent Territorial Labor Inspection.

What is meant by “ius soli sportivo”?

The "ius soli sportivo" was introduced by art. 1, paragraph 369 of Law 205/2017 and then modified by legislative decree 36/2012 and now provides that minors of non-EU citizenship, even those who do not comply with the legislation on entry and residence, may enroll with Italian sports cluab without any additional requirement compared to those provided for Italian citizens, provided that they are enrolled for at least 1 year in a course of study in the Italian school system. 

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The content of this article is intended to provide general guidance on the topic. If you require further information, you should seek specialized advice according to your specific circumstances.