Manuel Garrido
Thinking of traveling, working, studying, or retiring in Italy? You’ll need the right visa—but with so many options, where do you start?
Italy visas are your legal gateway to experiencing life in one of Europe’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a few weeks or planning a permanent move, choosing the wrong visa can delay or even derail your plans.
We’ve simplified it. This guide breaks down the top 8 Italian visas, what they’re for, who they’re for, and what they cost—so you can confidently take action today. Let’s find the right visa for you.
Read on to find:
Do You Need a Visa for Italy?
If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Schengen Area—you don’t need a visa to enter Italy.
If you’re from the US, UK, Australia, or other non-EU countries—you’ll likely need a visa Text – Visual Editordepending on the length and purpose of your stay.
Top 10 Italian Visas
Schengen Tourist Visa
Visa Type
The Schengen Tourist Visa short-stay visa (Type C) allows travel to Italy and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day days. It’s ideal for tourism, business trips, family visits, and short-term study. This visa cannot be extended or converted into a long-stay visa while in Italy.
Visa Requirement
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond departure)
- Completed visa application form and signed declaration
- Passport-sized photo
- Travel health insurance (covering the entire Schengen area) – with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contract)
- Return flight reservation
- Purpose-specific documents (e.g. invitation letters)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Note: Requirements may vary slightly based on nationality.
Visa Cost
- Adults: €90
- Children (6–12 years): €45
- Children under 6: Free
Italy Golden Visa
Visa Type
The Italy Golden Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) under the Italian Investor Visa Program. It is designed for non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Italy and offers a pathway to Italian residency and potential citizenship over time.
Visa Requirement
- €2 million in Italian government bonds
- €1 million donation to a philanthropic initiative supporting public interest
- €500,000 investment in an Italian company
- €250,000 investment in an Italian innovative startup
Applicants must also:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Demonstrate the legality of their investment funds
- Maintain the investment for a minimum of 2 years
- Obtain a nulla osta (certificate of no impediment) from the Italian government before applying
Visa Cost
- No government fee to apply for the visa itself
- Costs are tied to the investment amount (starting at €250,000)
- Additional legal and processing fees may apply
The visa is valid for 2 years and renewable for 3 more years. If conditions are met, it can lead to permanent residency or citizenship.
Read our Italy Golden Visa Guide
Italy Elective Residency Visa
Visa Type
The Italy Elective Residency Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) designed for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Italy without engaging in employment. It’s ideal for retirees or financially independent individuals seeking to enjoy Italy’s lifestyle.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Stable, passive income of at least €31,000 per year for individuals or €38,000 per year for couples, sourced from pensions, investments, or other non-employment means.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as a lease or property ownership.
- Comprehensive health insurance covering medical expenses in Italy.
- Valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay.
- Completed visa application form and supporting documentation.
Visa Cost
- Application fee: €116 per person, payable at the Italian consulate.
- Additional costs may include expenses for health insurance and document preparation.
Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Type
The Italy Digital Nomad Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) introduced in April 2024. It is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely as employees or freelancers for companies or clients outside Italy. It grants a one-year residency, renewable annually, and offers access to Italy’s rich culture and the broader Schengen Area.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Proof of remote work: An employment contract with a foreign company or client agreements for freelancers.
- Minimum annual income: €28,000
- Professional qualifications: A university degree, professional certification, or at least five years of relevant experience.
- Work experience: A minimum of six months in the current field.
- Clean criminal record: No convictions in the past five years.
- Health insurance: Coverage of at least €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen Area.
- Proof of accommodation: Lease, rental contract, or property deed in Italy.
- Valid passport: With at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay.
Visa Cost
- Application fee: €116, payable at the Italian consulate.
- Additional costs: May include expenses for health insurance, document preparation, and translations.
After arrival in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit at the local police headquarters (Questura) within eight working days.
Italy Work Visa
Visa Type
The Italy Work Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who have secured employment with an Italian employer. This visa permits entry into Italy for work purposes and requires obtaining a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days of arrival to legally reside and work in the country.
Visa Requirements
- A valid job offer from an Italian employer.
- A work permit (Nulla Osta) issued by the Italian immigration office.
- A completed long-stay visa application form.
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond the visa’s duration.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting Italy’s visa photo requirements.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself.
- Proof of paid visa fee.
- Relevant diplomas or professional certificates.
- International medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including hospitalization and emergency repatriation.
Visa Cost
- The standard fee for the Italy Work Visa is €116.
Upon arrival in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at the local post office within eight days. The residence permit’s validity aligns with the employment contract’s duration and can be renewed for up to five years.
Italian Study Visa
Visa Type
The Italian Study Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) for non-EU/EEA nationals intending to study in Italy for more than 90 days. It is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange, or language programs.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photograph.
- An official letter of acceptance from an Italian educational institution detailing course duration and weekly hours (minimum 20 hours/week).
- Proof of financial means, demonstrating at least €467.65 per month or €6,079.45 per year.
- Proof of accommodation in Italy.
- Health insurance covers medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- A one-way flight reservation or proof of sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket.
- For minors, a notarized parental consent letter and copies of parents’ ID documents.
Visa Cost
- €50 for university, postgraduate, or exchange programs.
- Additional costs may include expenses for documents translation, legalization, and the residence permit application upon arrival in Italy.
Upon arrival in Italy, students must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within eight days at the local post office.
Family Reunification Visa Italy
Visa Type
The Family Reunification Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) that allows non-EU family members to join relatives legally residing in Italy.
Visa Requirements
- Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Minor children (under 18)
- Adult dependent children with total disability
- Dependent parents without other children in the home country or over 65 if other children cannot support them due to documented health issues
- Sponsor requirements:
- Must have resided legally in Italy for at least 2 continuous years (exceptions apply for holders of EU Blue Card, ICT permits, or Investor Visas)
- Must possess a valid residence permit of at least one year
- Must demonstrate adequate housing that meets health and safety standards
- Must have a minimum annual income of €5,830.76, increasing by 50% for each additional family member
- Application process:
- Sponsor in Italy must obtain a Nulla Osta (entry clearance) from the local immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione)
- Applicant submits the visa application at the Italian consulate in their country of residence
- Upon arrival in Italy, the family member must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days
Visa Cost
- Application fee: €116
- Additional costs:
- Residence permit application: approximately €76
- Residence permit issuance: between €40 and €100
Religious Activity Visa
Visa Type
The Religious Activity Visa is a long-stay visa (Type D) designed for non-EU nationals intending to perform religious or pastoral work in Italy. It is intended for missionaries, clergy members, or individuals working with recognized religious institutions.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- A formal invitation or support letter from a recognized Italian religious institution
- A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond the visa duration)
- Completed long-stay visa application form
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support the stay
- Health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000
- Certificate of the host religious institution’s legal recognition in Italy
- No criminal record certificate
Visa Cost
- Application fee: €116
- Additional costs may include health insurance and residence permit fees
Upon arrival in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) within 8 days at the local Questura (police headquarters).
Independent Work Visa
Visa Type
The Independent Work Visa is a long-stay (Type D) visa for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals who wish to work independently in Italy.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- A work authorization (Nulla Osta) from the Italian immigration office
- Proof of self-employment or freelance activity, such as contracts, portfolio, or business registration
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources
- Health insurance covering medical emergencies
- Tax ID number (Codice Fiscale) from Italian authorities
- Criminal background check from your home country
Visa Cost
- Application fee: €116
- Additional administrative costs for obtaining Nulla Osta and a residence permit
Once in Italy, applicants must apply for a residence permit at the post office within 8 working days of arrival.
Italian Citizenship
If you are not from the EU and have lived in Italy with a visa for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency. After 10 years, you can apply for Italian citizenship.
To get citizenship from Italy, you must meet some requirements, like speaking Italian at a B1 level and having no serious criminal record.
Citizenship By Descent
Italian Citizenship by Descent is a recognition process that allows individuals with an Italian parent or grandparent to claim citizenship through ancestry (jus sanguinis).
Applicants must show a tangible connection to Italy, such as recent residence or direct family ties. A €600 administrative fee applies, along with potential translation and legal costs.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Italy Visas
Is it hard to get a visa for Italy?
It’s not hard if you meet the eligibility requirements and provide complete, accurate documentation. Rejections typically result from missing paperwork, insufficient funds, or unclear travel purposes.
How long can I live in Italy as a US citizen?
As a tourist, you can stay in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. You must apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) for longer stays before entering.
How can I stay in Italy longer than 90 days?
You must apply for a national visa (Type D) suited to your purpose (e.g., work, study, elective residency). Once in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit.
How do I get a visa for Italy?
Determine your visa type, gather the required documents, book an appointment at the Italian consulate or visa application center, submit your application, and attend an interview if required.
What are the different types of visas available for Italy?
Key types include:
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Short stays (up to 90 days)
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term purposes (work, study, family, etc.)
- Special visas: Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Elective Residency Visa
How long does it take to process an Italy visa?
- Schengen Visa: Typically 15 calendar days
- National Visa: Can take up to 90 days, depending on the category and consulate
How much does an Italy visa cost?
- Schengen Visa: €90 (adults), €45 (children 6–12), free for under 6
- National Visa (Type D): Usually €50–€116
Other costs may include translations, legalizations, and health insurance.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy as a tourist?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens from the EU/EEA and several countries (like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Others must apply for a Schengen Visa.
Can I extend my visa while in Italy?
Schengen visas cannot usually be extended unless under extraordinary circumstances (e.g., medical emergency). National visas may be extended through proper channels before expiration.
What is the validity period of an Italy tourist visa?
A Schengen tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The exact number of days granted is at the consulate’s discretion.
What is the difference between a Schengen visa and an Italian national visa?
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Short-term, allows travel across 27 Schengen countries
- National Visa (Type D): Long-term, for purposes like work, study, or residency, and requires applying for a residence permit in Italy
