How to apply for an Italian visa

Moving to Italy? If you’re not a European national, you’ll likely need a visa to enter.

Under Schengen entry rules, short stays are limited to 90 days, and longer visits require a visa or residence permit.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The main short and long-term visa types for Italy

The documents you’ll need to prepare

How the application process works

What to expect after arrival, including residence permits

And our tips for avoiding common mistakes

By the end, you’ll know exactly which visa is best suited to your situation and how to secure it smoothly.

Let’s dive in!

Choosing the right visa

The visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip and the duration of your stay.

Italy uses the Schengen visa for short visits (less than 90 days) and national visas for longer stays (more than 90 days).

Here’s a list of the most common visa types in Italy:

Tourist visas are the most common, letting you stay in Italy for up to 90 days. They are strictly intended for tourists, and not for those seeking work.
Student visas are issued to students who have been accepted into a recognized Italian institution. They often come with limited work rights, so you can take on part-time jobs while studying.
Work visas require you to fit into Italy’s quota system (decreto flussi), which limits the number of permits available. To apply, you’ll need both a job offer and sponsorship from an Italian employer.
Family reunification visas allow close relatives (spouce, children, or parents) to join someone legally living in Italy. These visas offer residency rights and a pathway to long-term settlement.

You’ll find the full list of visa categories on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

It’s also worth knowing that not everyone needs a visa.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can freely enter, live, and work in Italy, and many non-EU passport holders are also visa-exempt for short stays.

Step 1: Complete the application form

Once you’ve decided which visa is right for you, the first step is filling out the Italian visa application form, available on your local Italian consulate’s website or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

One standardized form covers both Schengen short-stay visas and national long-stay visas.

However, you’ll need to attach different supporting documents depending on your visa type.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the form:

Leaving sections blank (even if not applicable, write “N/A”)
Forgetting to sign at the end
Providing incomplete addresses or vague travel details

Step 2: Prepare your required documents

Once your form is ready, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents.

Here’s what to prepare:

A completed visa application form, fully filled out and signed.
A valid passport with at least two blank pages, and copies of the bio-data page and any past visas/stamps
Passport-sized (35x45 mm) photos taken within the past 6 months.
Travel Itinerary and flight details
Proof of financial means, such as bank statements, payslips, or a sponsor’s financial guarantee letter
Accomodation details in Italy (hotel reservations, rental agreements, etc..)
Proof of visa-compliant Italian health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 across the entire Schengen area.

Depending on the type of visa, you may also need to provide an employment contract (for work visas), proof of university enrollment (for student visas), or documentation of a family relationship (for family reunification visas).

These often require official translations and apostilles if your documents aren’t in Italian.

Step 3: Book your appointment

Once your documents are ready, it’s time to book your visa appointment.

Your application must be lodged at the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the area where you are legally residing. To confirm your correct jurisdiction, check the official directory of Italian consulates worldwide.

The booking process differs depending on the country:

VFS Global: outsourced centers in many countries handle appointments and document collection
Prenota Online: Italy’s official digital booking system, used in some consulates
Direct embassy booking: Smaller embassies and consulates may manage appointments by email or phone

Expect long wait times, especially during summer and winter holidays. In some places, slots can fill up months in advance, so book as soon as your travel plans are set!

If you’re applying in a country where you’re not a citizen, you’ll need to show legal residence there. Many embassies won’t accept applications from short-term visitors.

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

Your visa interview is where the consular staff checks your documents and asks questions to confirm your intent.

Here’s what to expect:

Document check: staff review originals and copies, ensuring everything is complete
Interview questions: expect questions about the length and purpose of your visit, financial stability, and ties to your home country
Consistency check: officers compare your answers with the documents you provided. Any contradictions can raise red flags

A calm, organized approach demonstrates that you’ve planned responsibly and can make the process smoother.

Step 5: Provide biometric information

All Schengen countries, including Italy, follow the same biometric rules.

During your appointment, you’ll need to provide your fingerprints. Fingerprints are stored in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS) and remain valid for 5 years.

Certain applicants, including children under 12 years old, diplomatic staff, and heads of state, are exempt.

For official details, you can refer to the Schengen Visa Code regarding biometrics.

Step 6: Pay the application fee

Visa applications always come with a fee. The exact amount depends on the type of visa you’re applying for and your age.

Here are the current fee amounts for Schengen short-stay visas:

Adults: around €80
Children aged 6–12: around €40
Children under 6: free
Students, researchers, and certain categories: reduced or waived fees

For the most up-to-date amounts, please refer to the EU Schengen fee schedule or your local Italian consulate’s website.

Payment methods differ by location. Some consulates accept cash only, whilst others allow card payments. In some countries, fees must be paid in advance via bank transfer.

Double-check the payment instructions on your consulate’s website to avoid being caught unprepared.

Importantly, visa fees are non-refundable if your application is rejected. Rare exceptions may apply in cases of clerical errors or canceled appointments, but these are uncommon.

Step 7: Wait for processing and receive your visa

Once you’ve handed in your application, the waiting begins.

For Schengen short-stay visas, the standard processing time is up to 15 days. However, this can extend to 30 or even 60 days during busy travel seasons or when extra checks are required.

National visas (for study, work, or family purposes) typically take longer.

Since times differ by country, always check the website of the Italian embassy or consulate where you applied. Some publish regular updates on expected timelines.

Once approved, the visa is placed directly into your passport. How you get your passport back depends on the consulate:

In person pick-up at the consulate
Courier service (with an extra fee)
Collection by proxy if you authorize someone to pick it up for you

Please confirm the return method at your appointment.

The validity of your visa depends on its type:

Single-entry visas permit entry into Italy only once. If you leave, the visa will expire even if there are days remaining.
Multiple-entry visas permit repeated entry during the validity period, provided you comply with the 90-day rule within a 180-day period.

National visas (study, work, family) usually grant entry once, but you’ll then apply for a residence permit after arrival.

What to do after you get your Italian visa

Congratulations! You’ve obtained your visa, but there are still a few steps to ensure your stay in Italy goes smoothly.

A visa allows you to travel to Italy, but the final decision is made by border officers. They can still request proof of your plans and finances before allowing you in. For that reason, always carry:

Your return ticket
Proof of accommodation
Travel insurance documents
Proof of funds

If you’re staying in Italy for over 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival. Without this permit, your long-term visa will not be valid for living in Italy.

The process usually goes like this:

Pick up the application kit at a post office
Submit it with your documents and pay the fees
Receive an appointment at the Questura (police station) for fingerprints and final approval

Extending a short-stay Schengen visa is extremely difficult and is only granted in exceptional cases, so it’s better to plan ahead rather than relying on an extension.

If you hold a long-term visa, you may be able to convert it later. These conversions usually require meeting strict conditions and applying before your permit expires, so it’s best to start planning early.

What to do if your Italian visa is refused

Getting a refusal can be discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road.

Applications are usually rejected for issues that could have been avoided, for example:

Insufficient funds to cover your stay
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Expired or invalid travel insurance
Suspicion of false information

When a refusal occurs, you’ll receive a standardized Schengen refusal letter, which includes official refusal codes that explain the reason. Reviewing these codes will help you decide whether to appeal or reapply.

Appeals are submitted to the Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale (TAR). They must be filed within 60 days, and you’ll ned a lawyer. This route can take months and involve additional costs.

For many travelers, reapplying is a faster and more practical option. You can submit a new application once you’ve corrected the issues that led to refusal.

Conclusion

Applying for an Italian visa takes planning, patience, and attention to detail. The best way to avoid stress is to prepare carefully and rely on official government sources for accurate information on requirements.

To stay organized, you can also: