Last updated 2025-06-02
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows staying in Italy for the purpose of starting an independent business, commercial, or craft activity. The entry of foreign nationals for self-employment is generally subject to quotas established by the flow decree. Obtaining a work authorization is mandatory before applying for the visa.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
A long-term visa (or long-stay visa) is valid for a stay of more than 90 days in the territory of the state that issued it. A national visa, in most cases, has a limited validity period of 3 to 12 months. The exact duration of the visa validity depends on the decision of the consular authorities, which is based on the documents submitted by the applicant. Depending on the purpose of stay, after entry, it is usually necessary to apply for an internal residence permit.
from 3 months to 1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
As a rule, this visa serves only as an entry document allowing a limited period of stay. Within eight working days from the date of entry into Italy, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit at the competent authority for foreigners (local police station, Questura), where a residence permit will be issued in accordance with the purpose of stay. Otherwise, the period of stay is limited to the date indicated on the visa. The validity and duration of the visa are determined by consular officers based on the specific circumstances of each applicant.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
In most cases, visa extensions are not granted. However, it is possible to apply for an extension of the residence permit at the competent immigration authority up to 60 days before its expiration. Visa extensions may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as the inability to leave Italy due to emergency medical treatment, serious illness, or the death of a close relative, as well as in cases of force majeure or natural disasters.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on the visa application; however, consulates make a decision, which may vary depending on provided documentary evidence and other factors. Visa may be issued for single or multiple entries.
from 3 months to 4 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for such a visa is usually about three months. In rarer cases, the consulate may take 90 to 120 days to make a decision on the application. Also, if necessary, consular officers may require the applicant to provide other documents or additional materials in accordance with specific circumstances or invite the applicant to an in-person interview, which may significantly increase the processing time.
€116 - for adults
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fee may be waived or may vary depending on the nationality, marital status, specific purpose of the visit and other individual characteristics of the applicant. In addition, the consular fee is not charged when issuing visas to the following relatives of EU citizens residing in Italy when travelling to visit such relatives: - Spouses, - Persons who have entered into a registered union with an EU citizen within the framework of the current national legislation of a Member State of the European Union, provided that such union is considered equal to marriage in accordance with the legislation of the host Member State of the EU, - Direct descendants in the descending line, under the age of 21, or who are dependent, - Direct ancestors in the ascending line (or guardians), provided that they are dependent. The consular fee is usually paid in the local currency of the country of application and may vary depending on the exchange rate. The exact cost should be checked directly with the local mission at the time of application. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to ICAO photo guidelines.
Visa application form
The national visa application form completed, dated, and signed. It's possible to download the form online for free and print it.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Certificate of an abstract recognition of the resources
Certificate of an abstract recognition of the resources necessary for the business, trade or craft activity to be undertaken, issued by the relevant Chamber of Commerce for the area where the activity shall take place. These resources must not be fewer than the annual amount of the minimum income (4, 962.36 Euro).
No-impediment
Juridical document issued by the Italian authorities attesting to the absence of legal obstacles for applicant's self-employment activity (Nulla Osta) from the relevant SUI (Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) at the Prefecture).
Income of the previous financial year
Availability of an income relating to the previous financial year which must be higher than the minimum level required by law for exemption from health care contribution (8,500 Euro), already acquired in the country of residence.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel health insurance
Valid for the entire Schengen area and the full duration of stay, covering at least €30,000, and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation, including in case of death.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Academic/professional curriculum vitae
A biography presented in the form of a table, without gaps between time intervals, indicating the full address and contact information with 1 copy.
Proof of accommodation
Proof of suitable accommodation in the form of one of the documents: -agreement for the purchase or rental of a building -statement made in accordance withe articles 2 and 4 of Law no. 15 of 4th January 1968 -statement made in accordance with the same law by an Italian or foreign national legally residing in Italy.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Self-employment
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranasupp@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 3 months to 1 year
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
€116