Entry visa for non-EU citizens

The entry visa for non-EU citizens is a tool required by Italian authorities in order to assess the legal and regular entry of non-EU citizens. Specifically, this is an authorization issued by the diplomatic representations of the “host” country allowing the non-EU citizen to cross the border for short periods. The logic on which the tool is built and its function are simple and intuitive. Each country requires certain parameters to be met in order 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. Let’s try to understand more.

Entry visa: which one?

The legislation on which the entry visa rests is enshrined in the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement or more simply the Schengen Acquis . This agreement, which became European legislation in 1999, standardized the visas of European Union countries and the fourEuropean Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. To date, thanks to the Schengen Acquis, EU citizens can move freely between the accession countries. What about non-EU citizens? There are three macro categories of entry visas, each designed to cater for the different needs of non-EU citizens:

• Uniform Schengen Visas (VSU);
• Visas with limited territorial validity (LTV);
• Long-stay or National (VN) visas.

VSU, VTL, VN: what changes?

The main differences between the visa categories listed above relate to the “freedom of movement” they grant to foreign nationals.

1. Uniform Schengen Visas (VSU) guarantee free movement in all Schengen Acquis countries. These documents can be for airport transit or for stays of less than 90 days.
2. Limited Territorial Validity (LTV) visas, on the other hand, allow the non-EU national to travel only to the country issuing the visa. They do not offer the possibility of access to the territory of other Schengen Acquis countries.
3. Long-stay visas or national visas (VN). This category of entry visa guarantees a stay of more than 90 days in the territory of the country that issued the document. Unlike the others, national visas only provide for transit through other Schengen Area countries.

The reasons for the Visa

Another characteristic that connotes an entry visa for Italy is the reason why the foreign national applies for it. To date, the relevant legislation in Italy provides twenty-one grounds for entry, listed below according to the reference categories in the previous paragraph.

N°	REASON	CATEGORY
1	Visa for Adoption	VN
2	Business Visa	VSU
3	Medical Treatment Visa	VSU or VN
4	Diplomatic visa	VN
5	Sports competition visa	VSU
6	Visa by invitation	VSU
7	Self-employment visa	VSU or VN
8	Employment Visa	VSU or VN
9	Mission visa	VSU or VN
10	Family Visa	VN
11	Visa for religious reasons	VSU or VN
12	Re-entry visa	VN
13	Elective Residence Visa	VN
14	Research visa	VSU or VN
15	Study visa	VSU or VN
16	Airport Transit Visa	VTL
17	Tourist visa	VSU
18	Vacation visa	VN
19	Volunteer visa	VSU or VN
20	Visa for foreign investors	VN
21	Visa for digital nomads and remote workers	VN

How do you apply for a visa to Italy?

At this point we can go out of our way to define ourselves as aware of the main characteristics that connote an entry visa. All that remains is to figure out how to apply for a visa to the Bel Paese. First of all, it is necessary to find out 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 specially included a web page to simplify the search for information for non-EU citizens. When filling out the form, you will find on the “Visa for Italy” page the requirements and documentation that must be submitted in order to obtain a visa. This tool is very useful for all non-EU citizens who are unfamiliar with the requirements of Italian authorities.

The Visa Application

The visa application involves several documents to be submitted. These include standard mandatory documents and specially required documents depending on the reason or type of visa requested. Tendentially, the required documents are:

• The visa application form available online;
• passport-size photograph;
• valid identification;
• Demonstration of housing availability.
• Valid travel tickets (or reservation);
• Exhibition of possession of economic means of livelihood;
• Health insurance (covering the demands of the Italian authorities);

Consular Fees and Charges

Standard visa application fees are subject to periodic updates at the European Union level (for example, the fees for short-stay Schengen visas have been adjusted to €90 for adults and €45 for children between the ages of 6 and 12).

The Welcome package that’s right for you

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 requirements of Italian authorities for entry visas. Membership in the package includes: union membership, health care agreement and access to health care conventions for the member. The health protection agreement is the most important component from a legal standpoint, as it meets and exceeds the conditions required by Italian authorities for entry into Italy. The component related to healthcare conventions, on the other hand, groups several services that support the member in different areas of his or her stay in Italy.