If you are a US or Canadian citizen and have traveled to Italy before, you likely did so with a simple passport stamp. This is because citizens of select countries do not require a visa to travel to Italy for stays up to 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than 90 consecutive days, you must qualify and apply for a Long-Stay or “Type D” Italian Visa.
To be able to live in Italy legally with one of the Long-Stay visas outlined below, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno, or residency permit. Once you enter Italy on a Long-Stay visa, you will have eight business days to visit your local Questura and request the Permesso di Soggiorno. Once the request has been submitted, you will be legally permitted to reside in Italy.
Visas can be a rather confusing topic, and the right one for you will depend on your individual circumstances. Here we outline the most common visa options available to foreign citizens.
SHORT-STAY
Visa-Free Travel / Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Visto Schengen)
Citizens of 60+ countries–including the US, Canada, and the UK–may visit Italy (and the rest of the Schengen Area) visa-free for up to 90 days every 180 days, or approximately six non-consecutive months out of the year. From the time you first enter any of the Schengen countries, you may spend 90 of the following 180 days inside the Schengen Area.
If your passport does not belong to one of the 60+ countries that may travel visa-free to Italy, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa at your local embassy before traveling.
LONG-STAY
Elective Residency Visa (Visto per Residenza Elettiva)
If you are interested in relocating to Italy for the purpose of long-term residence, you may apply for the Elective Residency Visa provided that
- you agree not to take active employment while you reside in Italy
- you have a lease, rental contract, or deed for property in Italy
- you demonstrate sufficient passive income (pension, fixed income, dividend income or similar) to support themselves. The minimum level of passive income indicated by immigration authorities as of 2023 is €31,000 for an individual and €37,000 for a married couple; however, the income threshold is at the discretion of the consulate at which you apply
Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali e Lavoratori da Remoto)
If you are a freelancer or employee and perform your job entirely from home, you should consider moving your home to Italy! You may apply for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa if
- you have substantial experience in a profession that permits remote occupation, or have otherwise obtained an advanced degree related to said profession
- you have a lease, rental contract, or deed for property in Italy
- your annual personal income is at least €28,000
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
Foreign individuals will be granted a visa in case they are willing to contribute in their own name
- an investment of at least €2,00,000 in Italian government bonds
- an investment of at least €500,000 in the equity capital of an Italian corporation (for a term of no less than two years). The required amount is reduced to €250,000 if the corporation is identified to be an ‘innovative’ start-up
- a philanthropic donation of at least €2,000,000 towards projects of public interest, in the fields of culture, education, immigration, scientific research or historic restoration
Entrepreneur Visa (Visto di Ingresso e Soggiorno per Lavoro Autonomo)
Foreign individuals who wish to establish and conduct a business in Italy will be granted a visa, based on an annual quota, as long as
- the activity they wish to pursue is not reserved by law to citizens of Italy or the European Union (e.g. professions related to national security)
- the applicant demonstrates to possess sufficient resources to support the business activities they wish to pursue
- the applicant can demonstrate to have an accommodation (own property or long-term rental) and sufficient passive income to support themselves
Student Visa (Visto di Studio)
While EU/EEA citizens can study in Italy without a visa, other international students aren’t as lucky. If you apply for any degree course that has at least 20 hours of courses per week (or 80 hours per month) and lasts more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Student Visa, or Visto di Studio, which is valid for up to one year and can be renewed. Requirements will depend on the consulate at which you apply, but typically include
- proof of enrollment from an Italian institution
- demonstration of financial means to support yourself while in Italy
- proof of health insurance coverage in Italy
While obtaining a visa that allows you to move to Italy is not always simple or quick, relocation can mean an improved quality of life, a lower cost of living, and even significant tax advantages.
