Paths
Visas
Which visa you need and how to apply.
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Guides and tasks
Guides 30
- Elective residence visaFor people with stable passive income who want to live in Italy without working.
- National visa (type D) for Italy: what it is and when you need itA type D visa lets non-EU citizens stay in Italy for more than 90 days for study, work, family and other purposes, and differs from a Schengen visa.
- Medical treatment visaEntry to Italy to receive treatment at an Italian hospital or clinic.
- Schengen visa (type C): short stays up to 90 daysA type C visa allows short stays in Italy and the Schengen area for tourism, visits, business or transit. It does not let you live in Italy.
- The Schengen 90/180 rule explainedYou may spend at most 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area on a short-stay visa or visa-free. This guide shows how to count. Free
- Questura guide: permesso di soggiorno application and renewalHow the permesso process works: kit postale, appointment, fingerprints, ricevuta, what to bring and how long it takes.
- Visa-free entry to Italy: who can enter and for how longCitizens of many countries can enter Italy for up to 90 days in 180 without a visa. This guide explains limits, ETIAS and what you cannot do. Free
- How to apply for an Italian visa: consulates and VFS GlobalStep-by-step guide to booking, documents, biometrics and tracking an Italian visa application through the consulate or VFS.
Show all 30
- Dichiarazione di presenza: declaring your presence in ItalyNon-EU visitors must declare their presence within 8 working days if they did not get an entry stamp at an Italian border. Learn how and where.
- Your first 8 days: applying for the permesso di soggiornoIf you arrive with a type D visa you must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days. Here is the process via the Poste Italiane kit.
- Type C or type D visa: which one do you need?A type C visa is for short stays; a type D visa is for staying in Italy longer for a defined purpose. This table helps you pick the right one.
- If your Italian visa is refused: reasons and what you can doA refused visa comes with a written reason. You can reapply with better documents or challenge the decision within the time limit.
- Invitation and sponsor letters for an Italian visaSome visits need an invitation or a host declaration. This guide explains what such a letter should show and when it is requested.
- EES and ETIAS: new border systems for visitors to ItalyThe EU Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers at the border, and ETIAS is a planned travel authorisation for visa-free visitors. Check the official dates.
- Elective residence: income and tax pointerWhich income counts for the S1 visa, and where tax questions go.
- Airport transit through Italy: when you need a visaChanging planes in Italy may need an airport transit visa for some nationalities. Staying airside versus entering Italy matters.
- Elective residence: scam warningRed flags in offers that promise an elective residence visa. Free
- Medical visa vs urgent care permitHow the art. 36 treatment visa differs from the art. 19 health permit.
- Medical visa: clinic and broker scamsRed flags with intermediaries selling treatment in Italy. Free
- Are you a tax resident in Italy? The 183-day rule and the AnagrafeHow Italy decides tax residency, what the Anagrafe registration changes, and why it matters for worldwide income.
- Regime impatriati and the flat tax for new residentsThe two special regimes for people who move their tax residence to Italy, and what to check before relying on them.
- Permesso di soggiorno basics: what it is and who needs oneWhat the permesso di soggiorno is, who needs it, and the main permit types.
- Kit postale at Sportello Amico: how to apply in 8 working daysHow to get, fill in and send the kit postale at the post office.
- Permesso fees: contributo, card, postal and marca da bolloThe costs of a permesso di soggiorno, and what you pay where. Free
- Questura appointment and fingerprints: what to bringWhat happens at the Questura appointment and what to bring for each path.
- Ricevuta rights and tracking your praticaWhat the receipt lets you do, and how to follow the status of your file.
- Renewing your permesso: when to file and howWhen to renew a permesso, which kit to use, and what happens if you are late.
- Converting a permesso: art. 6 of the Testo UnicoHow permit conversion works under art. 6 TUI, for example study to work.
- Delays and remedies: PEC, lawyer, TARWhat to do if the Questura takes too long or refuses: letters, PEC, lawyer and TAR.
- Lost permesso, change of address and EU long-term residenceWhat to do if your permesso is lost, when you move, and how to get EU long-term status.
Tasks 3
- Book the consulate visa appointmentYour relative books and prepares the long-stay visa appointment.
- Family visa and entry into ItalyYour relative applies for the family visa at the consulate and enters Italy.
- Send the kit postale and attend the Questura appointmentTask: apply for your permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days of arrival.
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Latest news
Entry/Exit System now fully running at Schengen borders
The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational at all Schengen border crossings since 10 April 2026. Short-stay non-EU visitors are registered with fingerprints and a photo.
ETIAS travel authorisation: expected late 2026
ETIAS, the EU travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, has no confirmed start date. Earlier plans said the last quarter of 2026; some reports now point to 2027. Reported fee EUR 20. Check the official site.
Digital nomad visa: how to check the current rules
Italy has a visa category for remote workers. Conditions and procedure change, so check the official visa portal before you plan.