Types of Visa for Expats in Rome & Italy
- Short Stay in Rome
Travelers planning to visit Italy for a short stay are required to obtain a Schengen Visa if they are non-EU citizens. The visas are valid for a minimum of eight days and a maximum of ninety days. EU citizens only need to present an identification document to be allowed into Italy.
- Staying Long Term in Rome – Looking for work/Have work/Internship
Italy is part of the European Union and allows nationals of the EU to seek jobs and begin working without a work permit. However, a “declaration of presence” from the local police office is required. Also, EU-citizens planning to stay beyond three months, must apply for a residence permit. For non-EU citizens, work visas are required and include the distacco visa and quota visa. Distacco is for those working for non-Italian companies and valid for about two or three years. The short-term visa is non-renewable. Quota visa is for those employed by Italian companies and is limited depending on the job category and your nationality.
- Non-Working Residents / Retirees
Retirees living in countries within the European Union do not require a visa to relocate to Italy. They only need to register at the nearest police station in the metropolis that they choose to live in. However, non-EU retirees must apply for the elective residence permit and fulfill the requirements before settling in Italy.
- Studying in Rome
EU nationals can stay in Italy for the duration of their study as long as they have a valid passport or Identification card. There are two types of student visas in Italy which apply to non-EU citizens.
- Type C – for those whose study program does not exceed ninety days or three months. The short-stay visa allows the holder to make more than one entry into Italy within the designated time period.
- Type D – for those planning to study for more than three months in Italian institutions. The long-stay visa allows you to stay beyond ninety days or for the length of the study program. Holders of the visa are required to present themselves to a nearby police station within the first eight days of arrival and will be sent a residence permit card to provide they reside in Italy legally.
