Immigrate to Italy - Obtain Italian Residence Permit (2024)

With the help of ourimmigration lawyers in Italy, foreigners can benefit from complete services related to moving to this country.With avast experience inimmigration matters, our Italian lawyers can offer the necessary support to those interested inrelocating to Italyfor various reasons.

Who is required to apply for a visa for Italy?

Italy is an EU member state which means that citizens from EU countries don’t need toobtain residence permitswhen relocating here. However, they do need to register with the local police station in the city they live within 8 days from their arrival in the country.

For citizens of non-EU countries, the requirements are more stringent, meaning that these persons need to apply for one of the availabletypes of visasprior to entering the country. The government provides for various types of visas. Through these visas, foreigners can simply reside, work or start their own companies in Italy.

With the help of ourimmigration lawyers in Italy, foreign citizens can discover the proper visa to suit their immigration needs. It should be noted that theresidence permit in Italyis one of the most requested documents.

Immigration services available in Italy

Foreign citizens can rely on the following services offered by our lawyers if they want toimmigrate to Italy:

• assistance in obtaining various types of visas for immigrating to Italy;
• consultacy for obtaining Italian citizenship under the local legislation;
• legal help for applying for residence permits with the Italian authorities;
• assistance in applying for appeals related to immigration to Italy;
• legal advice in applying for work-related permits in Italy;
• guidance in corporate andbusiness immigration to Italy–obtaining golden visa for Italy.

All the services offered by our specialists inimmigration to Italyare personalized. You can also rely on us if you decide to apply forItalian citizenship.

Types of visas in Italy

Foreign citizens interested inItalian immigrationcan solicit one of the followingtypes of visaswith the authorities, under the Visa Code of 2009:

• the Schengen visas, which are divided into 3 categories: A, B and C and which grant foreigners from non-EU countries to travel through the EU without applying for other visas;
• the limited territorial visas which are usually issued for humanitarian purposes;
• long-term residence visas which are issued for periods of more than 3 months and which allow for multiple exits and entries in Italy;
• temporary and permanent residence permits which have a validity period of 5 years and which can lead to citizenship in Italy.

If you want to apply for one of thetypes of visasor residence permitsmentioned above, ourItaly immigration attorneyscan advise you.

Document requirements for obtaining Italian visas

In order toapply for anytype of Italian visa, a foreigner will need to prepare and submit various types of documents. These will depend on the visa applied for and the reason for coming to Italy. For thetourist visa, for example, the requirements are less stringent and the foreign citizen will need to submit the application form issued by the Italian Immigration Office, the valid passport, the flight ticket, the travel insurance and the proof of accommodation. Thetourist visais quite easy to obtain.

When it comes to othertypes of visas, foreign citizens will need to present: the valid passport (the usual validity period of a passport ranges between 5 and 10 years), the reason for which they enter Italy (supporting documents, such as invitations and official letters), recent photographs and a valid insurance policy. Foreigners will also need to prove that they are self-sufficient, meaning they have enough money to support themselves during their stay. A bank receipt will usually suffice in this case.

In the following cases, specific documents will be required:

• for students, the enrollment forms and sponsorship from the university are required;
• for employees, the employment contract must be submitted with the visa application form;
• for sole traders, the valid business license is required as a proof;
• for retired foreign persons, the pension coupons of the last 6 months are also required.

Those who want to bring their children along must have their birth certificates on them. In case one of the spouses travels alone with the children, a court order allowing the parent to take the children out of the country and the consent of the other parent are required.

The documentation needed to be submitted whenapplying for an Italian visais not complicated, however, the applicant must pay attention to their status and the reasons they enter Italy for in order to prepare in accordance. This is why in most cases specialized advice is needed. Ourspecialists in immigration to Italycan help foreign citizens from third-countries to prepare and put in order the documentation related toapplying for any type of visa.

We can also assist those who want to apply for aresidence permit in Italy.

We have also prepared a scheme showing the mainways of immigrating to Italy:

The residence permit or permesso di soggiorno in Italy

Theresidence visa or permesso di soggiornois one of the most soughttypes of visa for Italy. This document allows third-country nationals tolegally live andwork in Italy. Moreover, it guarantees the right to travel to other EU countries without being required to apply for additional visas.

Theresidence permitcan be obtained based on atemporary visa, the applicant is required to go to the nearest police station in the city or town he or she lives in order to be taken into evidence.

Do not hesitate to reach out to ourimmigration lawyers in Italyfor more information on the requirements related to appearing before the police officers in order to be taken into evidence.

The work permit in Italy

A foreign citizen who has applied and obtained a job with an Italian company will be issueda work permit oremployment visa. In this case, the procedure is different, as the employing company must conduct the necessary procedures in order to obtain the work permit on behalf of the foreign worker.

The foreign citizen will need to contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in his or her home country in order to apply for the work visa there. Ourimmigration attorneys in Italycan guide in this procedure. The work permit comes with aresidence permit in Italy.

How to obtain residency by investment in Italy

In 2017, the Italian government created a program through which foreign citizens who want torelocate to Italycan apply for aresidence permit by investment. The conditions for this program are:

• the minimum amount to be invested is 2 million euros in bonds issued by the government, bonds or shares issued by companies;
• investments in innovative startups are also allowed – the minimum amount required is 500,000 euros;
• investments of 1 million euros can be made in cultural projects or activities;
• the investment must be kept for a minimum period of 2 years.

Based on any of these investments, the businessman will be issued a2-year investor visawhich can be renewed for an additional period of 3 years. This is also one of the most suitable visas forItalian citizenship.

We invite you to watch a short video about our immigration services in Italy:

Self-employment in Italy

One of the main ways ofimmigrating to Italyis through aself-employment visa. This is one of the most important options for those who want to have a small business after relocating to Italy. In order to obtain such a visa, a foreign citizen must meet certain requirements.

Foreign citizens interested inimmigration in Italy through aself-employment residence permitmust know that there is a limited number of activities they can undertake. Among these, there are handcrafts and professional activities that require qualifications. It is also possible for those applying for a self-employment visa for Italy to engage in various trades and commercial activities. The good news about this visa is that it can be obtained by sole tradersimmigrating to Italy.

Theself-employment visais also available for foreign citizens coming as employees of Italian companies in which they take directorship roles.

The documents required to obtain such a visa imply submitting proof of sufficient financial resources and qualifications when it comes to professionals.

Our lawyers in Italycan explain all the requirements related toobtaining a self-employment visain this country.

The student visa in Italy

Italyis not attractive not only for those looking toimmigratefor work reasons, as some of the Italian cities are recognized as university centers in which the number of foreign students has increased in the last years. For those who want to study here, the student visa is the most suitable option.

In order toobtain a student visa for Italy, a foreign citizen must first enroll with a university in this country and be accepted. After that, the foreign student must present proof acceptance with the Italian consulate or embassy in their home countries. Other documents must also be presented, however, most students do not know they need such proof.

There are also other conditions to be accepted in Italy based on a student visa and these conditions can be explained by our lawyers.

It is good to know that the student visa is the only type of visa that can be converted into a work permit. In other words, a student finishing the courses of an Italian university can work in Italy afterconverting the student visa into an employment permit.

How to retire to Italy

Italy is one of the few European countries to provide special conditions forsenior citizens to immigrate to Italyafter they have retired from work in their home countries. In order toretire to Italy, a foreign citizen must submit proof of pension where the minimum amount of money earned per year is 31,000 euros.

Foreign citizens can retire with their spouses, however, Italy also welcomes their children to provide that an additional amount of money is presented as proof of sustenance. It is also possible to obtainItalian citizenshipand retire permanently here.

Schengen visas for Italy

Italyis not only an EU member state, but also a Schengen area member, which means that the government has adopted the policies related toimmigration based onSchengen visas. The most required Schengen visa is the national one which enables foreign citizens to travel to other member states freely.

Ourimmigration lawyers in Italycan help foreigners apply for any type of visa based on their eligibility criteria.

How can our Italy immigration lawyers help you?

The first thing to do when interested inimmigrating to Italyis to get in touch with us and present us your situation. Based on that preliminary discussion, our lawyers will propose the proper way for you toimmigrate to Italy.

An important aspect to consider whenimmigrating to Italyis that the visa will depend on whether you are an EU or non-EU citizen, so our lawyers know how to guide you in the proper way and present all of the options available based on your citizenship.

Once our solution has been tailored to your needs and requests, you will be required to send us the documents imposed by the law, so we can start theimmigration orpermanent visa application procedure.

Ourimmigration attorneys in Italywill keep in touch with you through all the phases of the procedure.

Why choose our immigration services in Italy?

As mentioned earlier, all our services are personalized, therefore your case will be treated individually from the beginning to the end. Also, once you have decided to work with us all your personal information will be confidential and disclosed only to the authorities upon filing the documents needed forimmigration to Italy.

Why immigrate to Italy?

There are many reasons for which foreign citizens seek toimmigrate to Italy. According to the National Statistics Office, the number of migrants has increased at a steady pace in the last few years, in 2017 being registered one of the largest numbers of migrants of 301,000 persons.

Here is what you need to know if you want toimmigrate to Italy:

1. as a student, you will need at least 900 euros per month as proof of self-sustenance;
2. for investors, the minimum amount of money required is 50,000 euros invested through the StartUp Visa Program;
3. foreign citizens must register with the local police station within 8 days from arriving in the country;
4. the validity period of a temporary residence permit for Italy can be of 5 years for non-EU citizens.

What are the main benefits for immigrating to Italy?

Here are7 of the manyadvantages of immigrating to Italy:

1. access to a large labor market – Italy offers plenty of temporary and permanent jobs for immigrants;
2. the possibility of entering other European Union countries, considering Italy’s membership;
3. Italy is one of the most open European countries for migrants from EU and non-EU countries;
4. the easy integration with the locals is one of the mainadvantages of immigrating to Italy;
5. the possibility of immigrating to Italy through a wide range of visas (Italy offers a great number of visas compared to other countries);
6. Italy has a special program for citizenship for investors, thus addressing all types of immigrants;
7. safety – Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe and the European Union at the moment.

There are also other reasons for which one can decide toimmigrate to Italyand ourlawyers who specialize inimmigration matterscan help them no matter their nationality.

If you need to know moreadvantages of immigrating to Italy, you will be interested in knowing that immigration has had a positive impact on the local economy considering:

• non-EU immigrants have contributed with 16,5 billion euros to the Italian economy in recent years;
• compared to that amount, the Italian government has spent 12,6 billion euros with them;
• more than 600,000 pensions have been received by Italian citizens thanks to the value added by immigrants to the economy;
• considering 1 in 10 Italians is over the age of 75, immigrants have contributed to the rejuvenation of the population.

What are the main aspects to consider when preparing to immigrate to Italy?

There is no definition of a “correct”preparation for immigration, however, there are a few steps which can help applicants know the documents required and what to expect during the procedure.

Ourlawyers in Italystrongly advise you to:

1. verify the Italian legislation which is applicable to your country of residence;
2. check thetype of visayou are interested in and see if you qualify for it (each visa comes with different requirements);
3. obtain firsthand information from specialists at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country and specialists in Italy (our lawyers can assist);
4. start preparing the documents you will need to obtain the visa (the passport, first of all);
5. prepare for the interview with the authorities (most visa applicants will go through an interview).

If you check at least the first 3 points of the advice above, you will find it easier to go through the actual visa application process. With the help of ourimmigration lawyers in Italy, thepreparation for immigrating to Italycan be easier.

Immigrants and the Italian legislation

One of the most important aspects to verify whenpreparing toimmigrate to Italyis the laws of the country. We can tell you that Italy has a friendly approach to foreign citizens coming from both EU and non-EU countries, with the mention that visa requirements apply for non-EU immigrants.

When it comes to the type of visas required, there are several types of visas under which a foreigner can enter Italy, according to the laws here.

If you need more information on thelegislation andimmigration policies in Italy, our lawyers can guide you or can direct you to the regulations applicable to your country of origin.

How can an immigration lawyer prepare you for relocation to Italy?

First of all, ourimmigration lawyers in Italywill offer tailored advice, meaning that they will address your specific situation. Then, we will help you prepare all the documents you need for a successful application (we will even review every document). The last stage will be preparing you for the visa interview.

Here is what you should know aboutItalian visas:

• your passport must have at least a 3-month validity period at the time you apply for the visa;
• if you are a non-EU citizen, you will also need health insurance which covers medical expenses of at least 37,500 euros;
• you must register with the police station in the Italian city you have moved to within 8 days from your arrival;
• temporary residence permits have different validity periods, between 6 months and 2 years.

For full details on theimmigration services available in Italyand for a personal consultation, do not hesitate tocontact usanytime.Ourimmigration lawyers in Italycan offer detailed information on theinvestor visawhich can be obtained under this program. We also have the necessary experience in assisting with obtaining other types of visas for Italy.

Persons interested in acquiring citizenship in Italy can have 3 main options: 1) citizenship by Italian descent, 2) citizenship by marriage with an Italian national and 3) citizenship by naturalization.

Foreigners who arrive here for business purposes can qualify for citizenship by naturalization, a right which they can have only after becoming permanent residents.

If you want to move to Italy for other purposes, such as studying here, apply for a job or to reunite with family members, you can contact our team.

Our lawyers can help you navigate the complex list of visas regulated under the national law, and find the one which is the most suitable to your case. Visa requirements can also vary depending on the nationality of the applicant.

Foreigners interested in business opportunities here can address to our team to find out the current list of visas designed for this specific purpose. One of the visas available in this category is the Golden Visa in Italy.

This visa was introduced in 2017 to promote the expansion of foreign direct investments and it grants foreign investors with the possibility to stay in Italy for 5 years. Contact us for more details and legal help.