Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Italian visas, relocation, and citizenship
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Visas for Italy
What types of visas are available for Italy?
Italy offers several visa types including tourist visas (up to 90 days), work visas, student visas, family reunification visas, self-employment visas, and investor visas. The type you need depends on your purpose of stay and duration.
How long does it take to get an Italian visa?
Processing times vary by visa type and your home country. Tourist visas typically take 5-15 days, while work and long-term visas can take 30-90 days. We recommend applying at least 2-3 months before your planned travel date.
What documents do I need for an Italian visa application?
Common requirements include a valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, valid passport that will not expire less than 6 months from the date your apply for your visa, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial statements, and purpose-specific documents (employment contract, university acceptance letter, etc.).
Can I work in Italy on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not allow for work activities. You need a specific work visa or permit to be legally employed in Italy.
What is the difference between a visa and a permesso di soggiorno?
A visa allows entry into Italy, while a permesso di soggiorno (permit to stay) is required for stays longer than 90 days. You must apply for the permesso within 8 days of arrival.
How much does an Italian visa cost?
Visa fees vary by type and nationality. Short-stay visas typically cost €80-90, while long-stay visas range from €116-200. Additional service fees may apply.
Can I extend my tourist visa while in Italy?
Tourist visas generally cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances. You would need to leave the Schengen area and reapply.
What is the Italian work visa process?
Every year, the Italian government defines the numerical limits for each category of foreign nationals allowed to apply for a work permit. Your employer must first obtain authorization from Italian authorities. Once approved, you can apply for a work visa at the Italian consulate in your home country.
Do I need travel insurance for an Italian visa?
Yes, travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation is generally mandatory for all visa types.
Can I bring my family on my Italian visa?
Depending on your visa type, family members may be eligible for dependent visas. Work visa holders can typically bring spouses and minor children through family reunification procedures.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
If rejected, you’ll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation addressing the rejection reasons.
Can I travel to other EU countries with an Italian visa?
With a short-stay Schengen visa, you can travel freely within the Schengen area. Long-stay visas typically allow limited travel to other Schengen countries.
What is the self-employment visa for Italy?
This visa is for individuals planning to start a business or work as freelancers in Italy. It requires proof of financial resources, business plan, and relevant qualifications.
How do I prove financial means for a visa application?
You’ll need bank statements, employment letters, sponsorship letters, or proof of scholarships showing sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Do I need to speak Italian to get an Italian visa?
Generally, no. Italian language ability is not a requirement for most visas.
Relocation to Italy
What are the first steps when relocating to Italy?
Obtain the appropriate visa/permit, secure housing (sometimes, you need to do this before the visa, depending on visa type), apply for your permesso di soggiorno, register with local authorities, get a tax code (codice fiscale), and open a bank account. Consider learning basic Italian before arrival.
How do I find housing in Italy?
Options include real estate agencies, online platforms, local newspapers, and networking. We also work with clients all over the world to find suitable accommodations before arrival in Italy.
What is the anagrafe registration and why is it important?
The Anagrafe is the municipal population registry. Registration is mandatory and provides access to healthcare, education, and other public services.
How do I get a codice fiscale (tax code)?
Visit the local Agenzia delle Entrate office with your passport and proof of residence. The codice fiscale is required for employment, banking, and most official transactions. Alternatively, you can hire us to do this for you before you arrive in Italy.
What are the healthcare options for expats in Italy?
EU citizens can use European Health Insurance Cards initially. Non-EU residents must purchase private health insurance prior to arriving in Italy, but after residing in Italy and registering with the local authorities they may be able to register with the public health service.
How do I open a bank account in Italy?
You’ll need your passport, codice fiscale, and proof of residence. Some banks may require a permesso di soggiorno for non-EU citizens.
What are the education options for expat children?
Options include Italian public schools, international schools, and private schools. Public education is free, but international schools offer instruction in English or other languages.
How does the Italian tax system work for expats?
Italy uses a progressive tax system. There are many advantageous options for expats such as the lump sum tax option or the 7% flat tax option. Consider consulting a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What are the best cities for expats in Italy?
Popular choices include Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna for job opportunities, and smaller cities like Perugia and Parma or coastal areas for lifestyle. Consider cost of living, job market, and personal preferences.
How do I get an Italian driving license?
Costs vary significantly by region. Northern cities like Milan are most expensive, while southern regions offer lower costs.
How do I handle utilities and internet in Italy?
Contact providers directly for gas, electricity, water, and internet. Some services may require a deposit for non-residents. Compare providers for best rates and packages. When in doubt, you can also hire us to help!
What cultural adjustments should I expect?
Italians value family, food, and leisure time. Business hours include long lunch breaks, and many shops close on Sundays. Learning Italian customs and basic language will help integration.
How do I find work in Italy as an expat?
Use job websites, recruitment agencies, networking events, and LinkedIn. Consider your industry’s job market and required qualifications or certifications in Italy.
What are the pros and cons of living in Italy?
Pros include rich culture, excellent food, beautiful landscapes, and relaxed lifestyle. Cons may include bureaucracy, language barriers, and economic challenges in some regions.
Italian Citizenship
What are the ways to obtain Italian citizenship?
Main pathways include: by descent (jure sanguinis), by birth in Italy under certain conditions, through marriage to an Italian citizen, naturalization after legal residence, and by adoption.
What is Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis)?
If you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent. There’s generally no generational limit, but you must prove an unbroken chain of Italian citizenship. New rules in March 2025 complicate the process.
What documents do I need for citizenship by descent?
You’ll need birth, marriage, and (sometimes) death certificates for each generation, naturalization records, and proof that ancestors didn’t renounce Italian citizenship before descendants were born.
Can I get Italian citizenship through marriage?
Yes, after 2 years of marriage if residing in Italy, or 3 years if residing abroad. You must demonstrate B1 level Italian language proficiency and have a clean criminal record.
What are the requirements for naturalization?
You must have legal residence in Italy for 10 years (4 years for EU citizens), demonstrate Italian language proficiency, have adequate income, and no serious criminal record.
Do I need to renounce my current citizenship?
Italy allows dual citizenship, so you typically don’t need to renounce your current citizenship. However, check your home country’s laws as some prohibit dual citizenship.
What is the 1948 rule for Italian citizenship?
Before 1948, Italian women couldn’t pass citizenship to their children. Court cases (1948 cases) can now challenge this rule for descendants of Italian women.
Can I pass Italian citizenship to my children?
Generally, Italian citizens can pass citizenship to their children regardless of where they’re born, continuing the jure sanguinis principle. New rules in March 2025 have complicated this aspect, so please reach out to us for more info.
What Italian language level is required for citizenship?
B1 level proficiency is required for citizenship through marriage and naturalization. This must be certified by approved institutions.
How much does the Italian citizenship process cost?
Costs include document fees, translations, apostilles, and application fees. Total costs can vary significantly depending on your case complexity and location.
Can I apply for citizenship while living outside Italy?
Yes, you can apply at Italian consulates for citizenship by descent or marriage. However, consular processing times are typically longer than applying in Italy.
What happens if my ancestor naturalized in another country?
If your Italian ancestor naturalized in another country before their descendant was born, they may have lost Italian citizenship, breaking the chain. Each case requires individual analysis.
Are there any restrictions on Italian citizenship?
Italy may deny citizenship for security reasons, serious criminal convictions, or if you’re considered a threat to public order. Financial requirements apply for naturalization.
What rights do Italian citizens have?
Italian citizens can live and work freely in Italy and the EU, vote in elections, access public services, receive consular protection, and pass citizenship to their children.
For personalized assistance with your visa, relocation, or citizenship journey, contact Arrivo. Our experts are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Book a consultation
Talk to an Italian visa and citizenship expert today.