A National D visa for Italy is a long-stay permit that allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days within 180 days. To qualify, you must have a valid and compelling reason for your extended stay in Italy.
Good to Know
- The application fee for a long-stay visa is €116 (excluding the residence permit).
- The official processing time is 14 to 20 days.
- A long stay visa can be issued for different reasons, such as studying, working, or family reunification.
Italy Long-Stay Visa Types
Some of the most common long-stay visa types include the following:
- Work visa— for individuals with an Italian job offer.
- Study visa— for students enrolled in Italian institutions.
- Family reunification visa— for spouses, children, and dependent relatives of Italian residents and citizens.
- Elective residence (retirement) visa— for retirees or financially independent individuals.
- Self-employed visa— for freelancers and the self-employed.
- Working holiday visa— for young people from specific countries to work and enjoy a holiday in the country.
Who Needs a Long-Stay Visa?
Any non-EU citizen planning to stay in Italy for more than three months must apply for one. This requirement also applies to those who can enter the country without a short-term visa but intend to remain in the country.
Requirements for an Italy Long Stay Visa
To apply for an Italy long-stay visa, you must submit the following supporting documents:
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport photocopy
- Two passport photos
- Schengen travel health insurance
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Work contract (for work visa)
- University admission proof (for study visa)
- Marriage certificate (for family reunification visa)
- Proof of financial means (for retirement visa).
Some of the required documents for an Italy long-stay visa can be confusing to understand. If you’re unsure about what you need or are missing certain paperwork, getting professional help can make the process much easier.
Immigration specialists or legal experts can guide you through the application and make sure you meet all the requirements without unnecessary stress.
How to Apply for a Long-Stay Italy Visa?
To apply for a long-stay visa to Italy, you must first make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa you want to apply for.
Then, you can go ahead with the application steps as follows:
- Find the nearest Italian representative. You have to submit your application at an Italian consulate, embassy, or visa application center like VFS. You can find the nearest representative in your country here.
- Schedule an appointment. To submit your application, you must first set an appointment for your visa application. You can usually do this online on the website of the Italian consulate or embassy in your country (or nearest to you). If not online, some embassies may allow you to set an appointment via email.
- Prepare the required documents. Make sure you have all the required documents, which can change depending on the visa you’re applying for.
- Attend the visa interview. On the day of your visa appointment, you have to submit your application at the embassy/consulate, and sit down for a short interview.
- Retrieve your visa. Once your application has been processed, you have to retrieve your passport along with your visa, and then you can enter the country.
After Arriving in Italy
Upon arrival, you must:
- Apply for a residence permit— submit your application at the local police station “Questura” within 8 days.
- Register with local authorities— complete residence registration at the local municipality office “Commune” for tax and legal purposes.
- Obtain health insurance— enroll in the public health insurance scheme “Servizio Sanitario Nazionale” (SSN). You can also purchase private insurance for additional coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Long-Stay Visa and a Residence Permit?
A long-stay visa is an entry permit that allows you to enter Italy for an extended stay. However, it does not grant you the right to remain in the country long-term. That’s what your residence permit is for. Additionally, the visa process is the same for all applicants; the type of residence permit you receive will depend on the purpose of your stay in Italy.
Can My Family Members Apply With Me?
It depends on the type of visa, for example, you can’t sponsor your family members with a working holiday visa, but with a work, family, and student visa, you can.
Can I Work With a Long-Stay Visa?
Yes, in most cases, you can work with a long-stay visa in Italy, except for the elective residence visa, which does not allow you to take up employment.
Can I Switch Visa Types After Arriving in Italy?
Yes, if your immigration status changes while you’re in Italy, you can switch visa types. For example, if you have a student visa, but you have found employment in the country, you can switch your student visa to a work visa.
What Happens if My Application Is Denied?
If your application is denied, you will receive a letter detailing the reasons for your denial, so you can rectify the situation and apply again. You also have the option to appeal the decision, in which case you need to consult with a legal consultant on how to proceed next.
Do I Need to Learn Italian Before Moving?
In most cases, this is not a requirement for the visa application itself, but you’re still highly encouraged to learn the language if you plan on staying long-term in the country and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Please note that for a student visa, you may be asked to submit proof of language skills depending on your study program.