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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.