What are the steps to obtain an entry visa in Italy? When speaking of a visa, or consular visa, we refer to a permit allowing its holder to enter or leave a certain country within a set period of time. Depending on the country, the issuance of the visa can be granted by the embassy or the consulate, i.e. the diplomatic representation of that country in Italy, or alternatively directly at the border. In most cases, the visa consists of a label placed on a passport page. There are several types of consular visas: work visa to start a new business, the visa for private visits, transit visa, tourist visa, business visa, the visa for family reunification. The latter can be considered as a residence permit, required to authorize entry and long-term stay in Italy for non-EU family members of Italian citizens, e.g. children, parents or spouses. Law Firm Damiani&Damiani has a vast experience in dealing with requirements for residence permits in Italy, and informs that in Italy it is possible to authorize entry and long-term stays even for the non-EU cohabitant of the Italian citizen within a de facto couple. In other words, those living outside the EU can apply for a residence permit in Italy, even if not married to an Italian citizen.
Necessary Documents
For this and many other security reasons, to issue a visa Italian embassies and consulates require a number of specific documents that may vary from country to country. Normally they include a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date the visa expires, and a passport photo of the applicant. It is also necessary to fill in the form that the consulate issues and pay for the consular fees. It is not common for a visa to be issued free of charge – more often than not, the consulate claims expenses in relation to urgent procedures. Depending on the country, the time frames for granting the visa may vary. In any case, individual consulates hold the unquestionable right to modify visa issuing times, consular fees and documentation requirements, even without notice.
Where to Apply
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for granting visas issued by the Italian Republic through the embassy and consulate, its authorized diplomatic and consular bodies. They are also in charge of verifying the possession of the requirements that must be met to obtain the visa. Depending on the country, the visa application can be submitted online, at the embassy or at the consulate. In case of an online visa application, it is usually sufficient to fill out an online form, possibly with the support of an agency. Certain countries grant visas depending on the place of residence, and in such cases the document is issued by the diplomatic representation of the country where the foreigner resides. Several consulates allow application submissions through accredited agencies or delegates.
How to Apply for a Visa
When looking at applying for an entry visa in Italy, it is possible to refer to the diplomatic representation or to an international law firm specialized in immigration law, such as Damiani & Damiani. When contacting the embassy or consulate, it is necessary to provide a passport photo (in some cases even more than one, depending on the requirements of the individual consulate) and the form, duly completed in all its parts, issued by the consulate. As previously mentioned, the passport must be valid for at least six months after the expiry of the visa. Finally, in some cases other documents may be requested according to the type of visa and the consulate: pay slips, travel insurance policies, hotel bookings, air tickets, company invitation letters, and so on. Having all the documents been evaluated by the consulate, the visa can finally be issued. Before granting a visa, some consulates also require an interview.
Passports
As we have seen, a fundamental step in obtaining a visa regards the passport, which all Italian citizens can obtain. In order to get it, the office in charge is the Police headquarters (if the applicant is in Italy) or an Italian consular and diplomatic representation (if in a foreign country). To get a passport, it is necessary to fill out an application form and attach two recent identical passport photos. In addition to that, a valid identification document and a copy thereof are required, along with a payment receipt for 42 euros and 50 cents. The payment must be made in a post office with a current account slip payable to the Ministry of Economy and Finance – Treasury Department. The account slip is provided directly at the post office. For further information regarding payment methods and more, it is advisable to always consult the Police website.
Countries not Requiring Passports or Visas
Italian citizens moving between different countries do not always have to present their passport and apply for an entry visa. In some cases, it is sufficient to show an identity card. When entering European Union countries, Italians only need an identity card. However, they are not requested to present a passport in Albania, Andorra, Bosnia, Vatican City, Gibraltar, Liechtenstein, Principality of Monaco, Republic of Montenegro, San Marino and Serbia either. Although the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU after Brexit, those who wish can enter with an identity card only, but must then leave after 6 months.