Visa, Residence Permit, and Citizenship Assistance Program

What Is a Visa?
A visa is a travel document that grants permission to enter a foreign country for a specific period of time. In most cases, you need to apply for a visa before traveling, either at an embassy, consulate, or online. In some cases, you may also obtain a visa upon arrival. Visas are usually affixed to your passport and specify how long you can stay in the country.

Most countries impose visa requirements as a security measure to control immigration and track the entry of foreign nationals. Navigating the complexities of Italian bureaucracy can be overwhelming. With the proper guidance, the process can be easier, faster, and more secure—this is where professional assistance becomes invaluable.

How Long Can You Stay in Italy Without a Visa?

Since Italy is part of the European Union (EU), citizens of EU member states enjoy the right of free movement. This means they can move, work, or study in Italy without needing a visa. However, if they plan to stay for more than 90 days, they must register their local residence.

The Schengen Visa: Short-Stay Visa for Non-EU Citizens

If you are a non-EU citizen planning to stay in Italy for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need a Schengen Visa. However, citizens of some countries, including the United States and Canada, do not need to apply in advance. Instead, they are granted Schengen access automatically upon entry at the border.

Our Visa, Residence Permit, and Citizenship Assistance Program helps you navigate these requirements efficiently, whether you’re applying for a visa, residence permit, or citizenship. With our support, you can avoid common pitfalls and bureaucratic delays, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to life in Italy.

Schengen Visa, Long-Stay Visa, and Residence Permit in Italy

Whether you need to apply for the Schengen Visa or if it’s given to you automatically, the rules are the same.

Schengen Visa: 90-Day Rule Within 180 Days

To control the entry of non-EU citizens into the Schengen area, the so-called “90 days in 180 rule” was established. This means that foreigners can stay for a maximum of 90 days in a span of 180.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The 90-day stay cannot be extended unless you can provide documented proof of force majeure (e.g., medical emergencies or travel disruptions). Staying beyond the allowed period can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Long-Stay Visa for Italy

If you are a non-EU citizen and wish to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an Italian long-stay visa (national visa) from your home country. The type of visa and its duration depend on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.

Italian Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)

If you plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno). A short-stay (Schengen) visa cannot be converted into a residence permit.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit:

• Once you enter Italy with a valid long-stay visa, you have 8 days to request a residence permit from the local authorities.
• The permit will allow you to stay in Italy for the duration specified on your visa (usually one to two years), after which it can be renewed.

Path to Permanent Residence and Citizenship:

• After five years of holding a temporary residence permit, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
• After ten years of living in Italy with a permanent residence permit, you may qualify for Italian citizenship through naturalization.

Italian Citizenship

Obtaining Italian citizenship offers more rights and benefits than a residence permit, granting you the same privileges as someone born in Italy. With citizenship, you can live, work, and vote in Italy and throughout the European Union.

There are several ways to obtain Italian citizenship:

• By Naturalization: After living in Italy for the required period with a valid residence permit.
• By Marriage: If you are married to an Italian citizen.
• By Descent: If you have Italian ancestry.

Let us assist you with your citizenship application and help open the doors to your new life in Italy!