Italy, with its rich cultural history, delicious cuisine, and significant economic standing within the European Union, is a prime destination for expatriates. The country's immigration system is designed to manage who can enter and stay, varying significantly between EU/EFTA citizens and non-EU/EFTA nationals. Here's an overview of the visa and immigration process in Italy.
Italy saw over 274,000 first-time visa and permit applications in 2021, highlighting its popularity among expatriates. The country houses over 5 million resident foreigners, making up about 8.8% of the total population. The immigration process is managed by the Ministry of the Interior, with different rules for EU/EFTA citizens compared to third-country nationals.
EU/EFTA Citizens: Can enter and stay in Italy without a visa or residence permit. They need to register with the local municipality if staying for more than three months and can apply for permanent residence after five years.
Non-EU/EFTA Nationals: Generally require a visa to enter Italy. However, residents from over 60 nations, including the US, Canada, and the UK, can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Longer stays require a visa and residence permit.
Short-stay visas, or Schengen type C visas, are valid for up to 90 days. Types of short-stay visas include:
Family (invitation) visa
Study visa
Tourist visa
Various work visas (business, research, salaried-employment, self-employment, etc.)
Other visas (medical, mission, religious, transit)
Long-stay visas, or type D national visas, apply to stays longer than 90 days. These include:
Adoption and family visas
Study visas (for university studies, apprenticeships, vocational training)
Work visas (investor, startup, research, salaried-employment, seasonal work, self-employment, voluntary work, working holiday)
Other visas (elective residence, medical care, mission, re-entry, religious)
Applications for both short and long-stay visas should be submitted to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country or via a visa application center. The process includes providing various documents and attending an interview. Fees vary depending on the visa type.
Italy is considering introducing a digital nomad visa for skilled remote workers, although no launch date has been announced.
Italy adheres to the 1951 Geneva Convention on refugees and the Dublin Regulation for international protection claims. Asylum seekers can apply at any police station, and applications are assessed by the Territorial Commission for the Recognition of International Protection.
EU/EFTA nationals do not need a residence permit but must register for longer stays. Non-EU/EFTA nationals must apply for a temporary residence permit within eight days of arrival for stays longer than three months.
Italy's immigration system offers various pathways for those looking to move, work, or seek asylum in the country. Understanding the specific requirements and processes is crucial for a successful application.
Prepared on the information from expatica.com