The Italian visa for non-EU citizens is an important document required by Italian authorities to assess the legal and regular entry of citizens who do not belong to the European Union. Specifically, it is an authorization issued by the diplomatic representations of the “host” Country that allows the non-EU citizen to cross the border for short periods. The rationale on which the document is based, as well as its function, is simple and intuitive. Each Country requires compliance with certain parameters to grant an entry visa. These parameters vary depending on the type of visa, the reason for the visa, and the duration of the visa. We’ll try to explain more about them.
Index
- Italian visa: which one?
- USV, VTL, NV: differences
- Reasons for an entry visa
- How to apply for an Italian visa
Italian visa: which one?
The legislation that theoretically holds the entry visa is enshrined in the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, also known as the Schengen Acquis. This agreement, which became European legislation in 1999, has standardized the visas of the Countries of the European Union and the four Countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Today, thanks to the Schengen Acquis, EU citizens can move freely between the member Countries. What about non-EU citizens? There are three macro-categories of entry visas, each designed to solve the different needs of non-EU citizens:
- Uniform Schengen Visas (USV);
- Visas with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV);
- Long-stay or National Visas (NV).
USV, LTV, NV: differences
The main differences between the categories of entry visas listed above are related to the “freedom of movement” they grant to foreign citizens.
- Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) guarantee free movement in all Schengen Acquis countries. These documents can be for airport transit or stays of less than 90 days.
- Visas with limited territorial validity (LTV). They allow non-EU citizens to travel only to the country issuing the visa without the possibility of access to the territory of other Schengen Acquis countries.
- Long-stay visas or national visas (NVs). This category of entry visa guarantees a stay of more than 90 days in the territory of the issuing country. Unlike the others, national visas only provide for transit through other countries belonging to the Schengen Area for a maximum of five days.
Reasons for entry visa
Another feature that connotes an Italian visa is the reason for the application, namely why the foreign citizen applies for the Italian visa. Today, the relevant legislation in Italy provides for twenty-one reasons for entry, listed below according to the categories explained in the previous paragraph.
| N° | REASON | CATEGORY |
| 1 | Visa for Adoption | NV |
| 2 | Business Visa | USV |
| 3 | Medical Treatment Visa | USV o NV |
| 4 | Diplomatic Visa | NV |
| 5 | Visa for sports competition | USV |
| 6 | Invitation Visa | USV |
| 7 | Self-Employment Visa | USV o NV |
| 8 | Visa for employment | USV o NV |
| 9 | Mission visa | USV o NV |
| 10 | Family Visa | NV |
| 11 | Religious visa | USV o NV |
| 12 | Re-entry visa | NV |
| 13 | Elective Residence Visa | NV |
| 14 | Research Visa | USV o NV |
| 15 | Study Visa | USV o NV |
| 16 | Airport transit visa | VTL |
| 17 | Tourist Visa | USV |
| 18 | Vacation Visa | NV |
| 19 | Volunteer visa | USV o NV |
| 20 | Visa for foreign investors | NV |
| 21 | Visa for digital nomads and remote workers |
How to apply for an Italian visa
First of all, to apply for a visa to stay in Italy it is necessary to inquire on the website of the Italian Diplomatic Representation in the Country of origin (Embassy and/or Consulate). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has included an interactive web page to simplify the search for information for non-EU citizens. By filling out the form, the “Visa for Italy” webpage indicates the requirements and documentation to submit to obtain a visa. This tool is very useful for all non-EU citizens who are unfamiliar with the requirements of the Italian authorities.
The visa application
The visa application involves several documents to be submitted. These include standard mandatory documents and additional required documents that vary according to the reason and/or type of visa applied for. Usually, the required documents are:
- Proof of possession of economic means of support;
- Visa application form available online;
- Passport-size photograph;
- Valid identification document;
- Proof of accommodation availability;
- Valid travel reservation;
- Health insurance (covering the requirements of the Italian authorities).
The Welcome package that fills your needs
The Welcome Association Italy union offers packages for non-EU citizens applying for Entry Visas to Italy for up to 90 days. This package is designed to meet the entry visa requirements of the Italian authorities. Membership in the package includes adhesion to the trade union, health protection agreement, and access to health care conventions for the member. The health protection convention is the most important component from a legal point of view since it meets and exceeds the conditions required by the Italian authorities for entry in Italy. The component related to health conventions, on the other hand, gathers several services that support the member in different areas during his stay in Italy.
