Choosing the Right Italian Visa

Created: Feb 5, 2024 | Updated: May 9, 2024

Italy is an amazing place with a great history, awesome culture, and beautiful views. Lots of people dream of going there, whether it's for the art in Florence, the romance in Venice, or the pretty scenery in Tuscany. But before you can go, you need to figure out the right visa for your trip, that is if you need one at all. Italy has different visas for different reasons, so it's important to pick the one that fits your plans. This way, you can enter the country smoothly and legally.

Types of Italian Visas

There are two main categories of Italian visas: short and long-stay. These visas have different types which serve different purposes depending on the length of your trip and your reason for entering Italy. These two categories can be further divided into four kinds of Italian visas. These are:

The Short Stay Visas

Type A Schengen Visa or Airport Transit Visa
Type B Schengen Visa
Type C Uniform Schengen Visa

The Long Stay Visas

Type D Long-Stay (Schengen) Visas or National Visas:
The Family Visa
The Italian Student Visa
The Internship Visa
The Italian Golden or Investor Visa
The Elective Residence visa
The Startup Visa

Schengen visas are a major part of Italian immigration. Italy is one of the countries in the Schengen Area, meaning it uses the visa to admit visitors through its borders. Italian visas facilitate various types of visits to Italy depending on the visitor's intentions and the duration of their stay. These intentions could be:

Family and friends reunification
Religious reasons
Medical care
Employment
Sport
Diplomatic mission
Business
Cultural visits
Official visits
Sports visits
Study
Tourism

Type A Schengen Visa or Airport Transit Visa

The type A Schengen visa allows citizens not from Schengen countries to wait for their connecting flights in the international zone of an airport located in a Schengen country. If you are travelling from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country and your connecting flight is in the airport of a Schengen country, you must have this visa. Having this visa does not mean you are allowed to enter the Schengen country. You’re only allowed in the international zone of the airport.

Type B Schengen Visa

The type B Schengen visa was used for journeys lasting fewer than five days. It was replaced by the type C Uniform Schengen visa in 2010 but has the condition “transit” indicating that you are only in transit. The Type B visa was discontinued in 2010 after the implementation of the EU Visa Code. This change was part of a broader effort to streamline visa policies within the Schengen Area.

Type C Uniform Schengen Visa

The Type C Uniform Schengen visa is the most common short-term visa in Italy. It is issued by the visa services of a country in the Schengen area. It allows you to stay in Italy and other Schengen countries for a short time, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Depending on the purpose of your trip, the short-stay category C Schengen visa can be:

A single-entry visa: This is indicated as “1” on the visa sticker and allows you to enter the Schengen area only once. If you leave the area, the visa automatically expires even if the validity period isn’t over yet.
A double-entry visa: This is indicated as “2” on the visa sticker and allows you to enter the Schengen area twice during the validity period of the visa. This means you can leave the Schengen area and re-enter it during that period. When you leave the second time, your visa expires.
A multiple-entry visa: This is indicated as « MULT » on the visa sticker and allows you to enter and leave as many times as you wish for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period.

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows you to stay and travel in the territories of Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days in any six-month period. It is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement, which was signed in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. The Schengen visa simplifies travel for visitors who want to visit multiple European countries on the same trip without needing to get a visa for each country. With a Schengen visa, you can cross internal borders within the Schengen Area without being subjected to border checks.

Criteria for Joining the Schengen Zone

To become a member of the Schengen Area, countries have to fulfil the criteria outlined in the Council Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013. They are:

They must adopt the Schengen Acquis, which are the regulations and standards for controlling external borders, issuing Schengen visas, police cooperation, and protecting of personal data.
They must demonstrate the ability to effectively control their external borders. This involves adequate staffing, infrastructure, and technology to perform border checks according to Schengen standards.
They must be able to issue visas in accordance with Schengen rules. This includes the capacity to use the Visa Information System (VIS), which allows Schengen states to exchange visa data.
They must establish cooperation with law enforcement agencies of other Schengen countries and ensure mechanisms for data protection that comply with EU standards.
They must be able to connect to and use the Schengen Information System which is a large, shared database used by European countries to maintain and distribute information related to security and border management.
They must demonstrate that they can participate in judicial cooperation with other Schengen members, particularly concerning the handling of criminal cases.
They must undergo the European Union evaluations, including on-site visits, to assess their readiness to apply the Schengen acquis. These assessments look at areas like border management, police cooperation, visa processes, and data protection.

What Countries Can I Visit With a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. These countries include:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czechia
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Countries

Norway
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Switzerland

Some non-Schengen countries allow you to enter with a valid Schengen visa, such as:

Albania
Antigua and Barbuda
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Colombia
Cyprus
Georgia
Gibraltar
Kosovo
North Macedonia
Montenegro
Sao Tome and Principe
Serbia
Turkey

Who Needs an Italian Schengen Visa?

Italy is one of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area of Europe. Because of this, most of its visitors must apply for a Schengen visa if they intend to stay up to 90 days. This, however, depends on where they’re coming from.

Travellers That Need a Schengen Visa to Visit Italy:

Citizens of countries that don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

Travellers That Don’t Need a Schengen Visa to Visit Italy:

Travellers who are nationals of the Schengen area and/or EU member countries.
Travellers who are citizens of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU. The citizens of these countries can visit Italy visa-free by applying online for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Travellers who have a visa from one of the member countries of the Schengen area.

How to Get an Italian Schengen Visa

Step One - Make a Visa Application

You can apply for your Italy visa online, through the official visa portal system. Fill out the online form with the necessary details and submit it. If you are unable to access the online form, you can apply directly through your local Italian mission such as the Italian embassy or consulate in your country. If you need a long-stay national visa to Italy, you cannot submit your application online. Still, rather you should print and fill out the hardcopy form and apply through your Italian Embassy or visa application centre.

Step Two -Put Together the Required Documentation

Gather all the required documents for your specific Italian visa. The Italian visa requirements include:

The filled out Italian Schengen visa application form.
Your valid international passport.
Two identical passport photographs (35x45m, coloured, clear, taken within the last six months. Your face must take up 70-80% of the picture).
Civil status documents like your birth and marriage certificates.
Copies of your previous visas.
Your travel insurance.
Proof of accommodation.
Proof of sufficient funds.
A cover letter stating your reason for travelling.
Your travel itinerary.
Employment status documents.
Work permits (for work visas).
Residence Permit.
A signed letter of invitation from an Italian company and a schedule of your stay with your business contacts (for business visas).
Documentation linked to your business operations (for business visas).
Visa fees.
Certified parental or guardian authorisation (for minors).

All documents in foreign languages will need to be accompanied by an Italian-certified translation for them to be valid, especially if you are applying for a long-stay visa. Accurate certified translation services are necessary for the success of this process.

With Translayte, you will have access to certified translation services in Italy, handled by professional Italian translators that are qualified and enrolled with Italian courts. Our services are easy to order and delivered quickly, with 100% guaranteed acceptance at the Italian embassy in your country and immigration authorities within Italy.

Step Three- Submit Your Documents
After filling out the form and gathering your documents, you need to officially submit your application through your local Italian mission.

Step Four - Pay Your Italy Visa Fee
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa online. If you are not able to pay online you will be asked to make your payment during your visa interview.

Step Five - Schedule Your Visa Interview
On the online platform, schedule a day for your interview at your Italian mission. You can also schedule your appointment by reaching out to the embassy, consulate or visa application centre directly by email or phone.

Step Six- Attend Your Visa Interview

Go early for your interview and take all the required documents. At your interview, you will submit the documents, and your biometric information and be interviewed. After this process, you will either be granted a visa or receive a rejection.

Additional Documents you may Need to Present at the Schengen Port of Entry

When entering the Schengen Area, in addition to your passport with the visa sticker on it, you may be asked to present additional documents at the port of entry, even if you have a valid Schengen visa. These documents are requested by border control authorities to verify your purpose of visit and ensure you meet all entry requirements. Here's a list of documents you might need to present:

Letter of invitation
Return or onward travel ticket
Proof of Schengen travel insurance,
Proof of funds
Proof of European accommodation

The Italian Long-Stay (Schengen) National Visas (Type D)

The national visas are also known as type D long-stay visas. Although they don’t fall under the visas in the Schengen agreement, this category is usually called “Schengen visa” since it is used by a Schengen country. Not all Schengen countries will have the same number and types of Type D visas. Each Schengen country designs its national visa policies according to its own economic, social, and political needs.

The visas under this category are solely designed and issued by the Italian government following national legislation. If you are a foreigner planning to live, study or work in Italy for more than 90 days (up to 1 year), you must have a visa in this category. It lets you stay in Italy and any other country in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days or during your entire visa validity period.

Types of Italian Long Stay National Visas

1. The Family Visa: Non-EU citizens who want to join a family member who has already obtained permanent residence in Italy can obtain this visa. The following family members can come to join you in Italy through the Italian family visa:

Your spouse.
You and your spouse's children who are under the age of 18.
Children, dependent on you who are over 18, and unable to provide for themselves due to health problems.
Your parents, if they are over 65, dependant on you and have no other children who can care for them.

2. The Italian Student Visa: This visa allows non-EU citizens to enter Italy for study purposes. You have to prove your enrollment or pre-enrollment into an Italian institution. This visa is usually valid for the duration of the course. It allows you to work part-time in Italy and, can be converted to a work permit after it expires.

3. The Internship Visa: This visa allows non-EU nationals to do an internship program in Italy if they have undergone vocational training or education in their country. The visa is valid for at least 3 months and no more than 12 months meaning the internship cannot be longer than this period.

4. The Italian Golden or Investor Visa: The Italian Golden visa is for foreign nationals who choose to invest in strategic assets for the Italian economy and society. The visa is valid for two years and can be renewed in Italy. To get an Italian golden visa, you must:

Make the investment or donation declared in the visa application within 3 months of entry into Italy.
Must keep the investment for the duration of the validity of the visa.

5. The Elective Residence Visa: The Italian elective residence visa is for foreign nationals who can support themselves financially and want to live in Italy without an employment contract. To get an elective residence visa, you must not intend to work during your stay in Italy. It is valid for one year and can be renewed in Italy.

6. The Startup Visa: This visa is for foreign citizens who want to set up their business in Italy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Italian Visa:

Define the Purpose of Your Trip: Clearly understand the purpose of your stay in Italy – whether it's tourism, work, study, or family reunification. This will guide you in selecting the appropriate visa category. Determine how long you intend to stay and how many times you will need to enter Italy.
Research the Visa Requirements: After deciding the purpose of your trip, do extensive research on what you will be required to provide for the visa. This will include documentation like financial proof, health insurance and identification documents.
Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process well in advance because planning avoids unnecessary stress and anxiety along the way.
Consult the Authorities: If you have questions or uncertainties, consider talking to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. They can provide guidance on the application process and requirements.
Check for Changes: Visa regulations can change, so regularly check for updates on the official website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider Professional Assistance: Applying for an Italian visa yourself is cheaper but, in complex situations or for certain visa types, you should seek advice from immigration consultants or legal professionals.

FAQs

How Much Does an Italy Visa Cost?

The Schengen visa to Italy costs €80. The fee is free for children under the age of six and €40 for children between the ages of six and twelve.

When Should I Apply for an Italian Visa

It is best to submit your application for a visa to Italy a minimum of fourteen days before your trip, and while applying in advance is good, applying as early as over six months before the trip is discouraged.

Do I Need Travel Insurance When Applying for a Schengen Visa to Italy?

Yes, you will need a travel insurance plan with a minimum coverage of €30,000 to be granted a Schengen visa. Your insurance must also be accepted by all 29 countries within the Schengen area and must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Who Is Entitled to the Free Accelerated Schengen Visa Procedure?

If you're a family member of someone from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, and they're either going to or living in a different EU/EEA country (not their home country), you can travel with them or join them with a free accelerated Schengen visa. This means that if you're joining or accompanying your family member who is from these areas to another country within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are entitled to a free accelerated Schengen visa.

Can I Convert My Schengen Multiple Entry Visa Into a National Visa?

No, it is not possible to convert a Schengen multiple entry visa into a National visa. Schengen visas and national visas serve different purposes and are subject to separate application and issuance processes. Schengen visas are for short-term stays and travel within the Schengen Area while National visas are for long-term stays and grant you the right to live or work in a specific country. If you want to get a National visa, you will need to apply from your country of residence.

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