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Visas and residence permits
Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions on Italian visas and residence permits

Visas and residence permits
FAQ

See below the most frequently asked question about visas and residence permits. If these answers caught your interest and you wnat to learn more about these subjects, contact us! Your Way to Italy is available to clarify any point

1. Do I need a visa to travel and enter Italy and/or the Schengen area?

You might, depending on your nationality. Citizens of certain countries are visa exempted for short-term stays while others must apply for a Schengen visa also for short-term stays of less than 90 days.

2. Can I apply for a visa while I am in Italy?

No, visa applications shall be filed at the Italian Consulate/Embassy in the foreign country of residence of the applicant.

3. Do I need to file my visa application in person?

Yes, the majority of the Italian Consulates/Embassies require the submission of the visa application in person and the passport of the applicant must always be surrendered for the visa stamping process.

4. Can I extend the duration of my Schengen visa for tourism or business?

Generally speaking, no, it is not possible unless in limited cases of force majeure (e.g. hospitalization).

5. If I have obtained a national D visa should I then apply for a residence permit once in Italy?

Yes, within 8 days from the entrance in the Schengen area with a national D visa the applicant must submit the application for the obtainment of the residence permit.

6. My national D visa has expired, should I renew it to remain in Italy?

National D visa are issued for a maximum duration of 365 days; upon expiration of the visa is not necessary to renew it if the person upon arrival in Italy has duly applied for the residence permit, which replaces the visa.

7. Can I work in another EU Member State with an Italian residence permit?

Only holders of an EU ICT, EU Blue Card and EU long term residence permits may, under certain conditions and for a limited period of time, work in another EU Member State.

8. Should EU citizens apply for a visa or residence permit to live and work in Italy?

No, EU citizens and those of EEA countries, are not subject to the previous obtainment of a visa or residence permit to live and work in Italy but should only register with the Register of the population (Anagrafe) of the place where they will live.

9. If I live and work in Italy can I apply for an EU long term residence permit?

Those who have been living in Italy for at least 5 years holding a valid residence permit may request an EU long term residenec permit if they can also prove to have an annual income higher than the minimum for the exemption from the social allowance, absence of criminal charges and convictions and knowledge of Italian language of at least A2 level.

10. Can I bring my family members with me if I move to Italy to work?

Family members of non-EU citizens who hold a residence permit for subordinate work, self-employment, or asylum, study, ICT or service agreement, religious reasons or family reasons of a duration of at least 1 year, or - notwithstanding the duration - holders of an EU Blue Card, EU ICT or investor visa can apply for a residence permit for family reasons to live and work in Italy through the procedures of family cohesion and family reunification.

11. Are there more favourable rules for family members of Italian or EU citizens living in Italy?

Family members of Italian or EU citizens who are already residing in Italy can apply for a residence card (carta di soggiorno) according to Legislative Decree 30/2007 through a simplified procedure.

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