Student Visa for Italy

Non-EU citizens who wish to remain in Italy for more than 90 days must obtain a long-stay (Type D) visa before arrival. One such option is the Italian Student Visa, which allows foreign nationals to reside in Italy for the duration of an approved course or study program.

Italian citizens (including those recognized jure sanguinis) and EU citizens do not require a visa to reside in Italy.

The Italian immigration process consists of two required steps:

1. Obtaining a visa from your local Italian consulate before traveling to Italy
2. Applying for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) after arrival

The visa allows entry into Italy, while the residence permit authorizes you to remain in the country for the duration of your studies. After entering Italy, applicants are generally required to apply for their residence permit within 8 days at the local Questura (police headquarters).

For individuals with Italian ancestry up to the second degree (parent or grandparent born in Italy), Italian citizenship may be available after two years of legal residence in Italy. For those who do not qualify for citizenship jure sanguinis under the updated Tajani Law, a long-stay visa—such as the student visa—can serve as a lawful way to establish residency.

Student visa requirements are published by each Italian consulate and may vary depending on the type of study program, including:

● Full university degree programs
● Individual university courses
● Post-graduate studies
● Exchange programs
● Internships, apprenticeships, or vocational training

While requirements may vary slightly by consulate, applications generally include:

● Completed long-stay visa application form
● Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond intended stay)
● Passport-style photograph
● Proof of residence within the consular jurisdiction
● Proof of accommodation in Italy for the entire stay

○ If staying with a private individual rather than university housing, a Declaration of Hospitality is required, along with a copy of the host’s identification (and residence permit, if applicable).

● Health insurance covering the full duration of the program
● Proof of financial means
● Flight itinerary, including return travel

Proof of enrollment must also be provided, typically in the form of an official enrollment letter from the Italian educational institution confirming:

● Program details
● Dates and duration
● Weekly attendance (minimum 20 hours)
● Signature of the program administrator

Some consulates may request documentation related to prior studies or require pre-enrollment through Universitaly and a Dichiarazione di Valore, depending on the course and institution.

Within 8 days of arrival, student visa holders must apply for a residence permit by:

1. Collecting the residence permit application kit from the post office
2. Submitting the completed application and supporting documents
3. Paying the required fees and purchasing a marca da bollo
4. Attending a scheduled appointment at the Questura for fingerprints

The receipt issued by the post office serves as temporary proof of legal residence until the physical permit is issued. The student residence permit is typically valid for the duration of the course.

Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, with an annual maximum of 1,040 hours.

Because the student visa is tied to the course of study, it is generally not renewable unless the program is multi-year. If the course ends, applicants may need to:

● Apply for a new student visa for a different program
● Convert the permit to a work permit if eligibility requirements are met
● Apply for a residence permit for job search through the local employment center