Italy is a country with a rich history and culture that has long attracted foreigners. For Ukrainians, emigration to Italy is not only a procedure, but also a chance for new professional and personal prospects in the heart of the European Union. Find out more about how to obtain a visa to Italy, the possibilities of long-term residence and work permits

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Emigrating to Italy is a complex process that requires careful preparation, understanding of the most important aspects and collection of the necessary documents.

How to move to Italy in 2024, what types of visas exist and how to obtain a work permit are described in the article below.

Moving to Italy for Ukrainians: choosing a visa

In 2024, Ukrainian citizens can travel to Italy without a visa if they have a biometric passport. The visa-free regime allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, for a longer stay in the country for the purpose of relocation, a visa is required. We will tell you what types of visas to Italy exist.

Short-term visa (type C)

Short-term visas are divided into the following categories:

- Tourist visa. For citizens who do not have a biometric passport or plan to stay in Italy for tourist purposes for more than 90 days. It is necessary to provide confirmation of hotel reservation, financial guarantees and other documents.

- Visitor visa. For visiting relatives or friends. You need to have an invitation from the host country, proof of family ties or friendly relations.

- Business visa. For business trips, participation in conferences or meetings. An invitation from an Italian company or organisation is required.

National visa (type D)

National visas are divided into the following categories:

- Student visa. For persons planning to study in Italian educational institutions. Proof of enrolment, financial guarantees and health insurance are required.

- Employment visa. For official employment in Italy. It is necessary to have a work permit (Nulla Osta) from an Italian employer.

- Family reunification. For persons who have close relatives with a residence permit in Italy. Proof of kinship and financial guarantees are required.

Transit visa (type A)

The so-called airport transit visa for passengers making a stopover at Italian airports without going to the city. Usually not required for Ukrainian citizens, but it is worth checking before travelling.

Read moreabout the cost of living in Italy, apartment rent, food prices, travel and medical services here.

Visa to Italy: what documents are required?

Documents for a short-stay visa to Italy

For a tourist visa:

- a completed and signed visa application form;

- a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip) and copies of all filled pages;

- two colour photographs of 3.5 x 4.5 cm on a white background;

- confirmation of hotel or other accommodation booking;

- round trip ticket reservation;

- certificate from the place of work indicating the position, salary and length of service;

- financial guarantees (bank statement on the availability of funds or travel cheques);

- health insurance valid in the Schengen area.

Additionally:

- for a visitor visa: an original invitation from the host party in Italy indicating the purpose and duration of the visit and a copy of the passport or identity card of the inviting person;

- for a business visa: an original invitation from an Italian company indicating the purpose and duration of the trip and an extract from the Italian company's trade register (visura camerale).

Documents for a national visa to Italy

For a student visa:

- a completed and signed visa application form;

- a valid international passport and copies of all filled pages;

- two 3.5 x 4.5 cm colour photographs on a white background;

- a letter of admission to an educational institution in Italy;

- proof of financial means for living and studying;

- health insurance valid for the entire period of stay;

- proof of residence in Italy.

For an employment visa:

- a completed and signed visa application form;

- a valid passport and copies of all filled pages;

- two 3.5 x 4.5 cm colour photographs on a white background;

- original work permit from the Italian employer;

- an employment contract specifying working conditions and salary;

- health insurance valid for the entire period of stay;

- proof of residence in Italy.

For a family reunification visa:

- a completed and signed visa application form;

- a valid passport and copies of all filled pages;

- two 3.5 x 4.5 cm colour photographs on a white background;

- original of the family reunification permit from the competent Italian authorities;

- documents confirming family ties (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.);

- proof of financial solvency of the receiving party;

- proof of availability of suitable accommodation in Italy.

For a successful move and to avoid any troubles, it is worth contacting specialists. The lawyers of Visit Ukraine provide full support and advice on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

Italy for Ukrainians: stages of preparation and obtaining a visa

Step-by-step instructions for successfully obtaining a visa:

1. Determining the type of visa. First, you need to determine the purpose and duration of your trip, which will help you choose the appropriate type of visa.

2. Prepare the necessary documents: Depending on the type of visa you choose, prepare the appropriate package of documents.

3. Make an appointment to submit documents. It is necessary to contact the Embassy of Italy in Ukraine or an accredited visa application centre to make an appointment for submission of documents. It is recommended to make an appointment via the official website or by phone.

4. Submission of documents. At the appointed time, visit the visa centre or the consular section of the Embassy of Italy with a full package of documents. Please note that personal presence is required to submit biometric data (fingerprints), if they have not been provided earlier.

5. Payment of the consular fee. Pay the visa fee, the amount of which depends on the type of visa. For short-term visas (type C), the fee is about 35 euros, for national visas (type D) - 116 euros. Payment is made in national currency at the exchange rate on the day of payment.

6. Waiting for a decision. The application processing time depends on the type of visa and can range from 10 working days for short-term visas and up to 30 calendar days for national visas. If necessary, the consulate may request additional documents or schedule an interview.

7. Receiving the document. After the decision is made, you will be notified of the readiness of the document. You can receive it in person at the visa centre or via courier service, if this option is available.

Read more about the rules of parking in Italy, as well as what drivers need to know about paid and free parking spaces, here.

Permesso for Ukrainians 2024: temporary residence permit in Italy

For those who plan to stay in the country for more than three months, it is mandatory to obtain a residence permit Permesso di Soggiorno. This document is required regardless of the reason for your stay - whether it is work, study or family reunion.

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What is Permesso di Soggiorno for Ukrainians?

Permesso is a document that officially allows you to legally stay in Italy. It is a preparatory stage for obtaining a permanent residence permit (Carta di Soggiorno). A modern card is an electronic medium with a built-in microchip that stores the holder's personal information.

Keep in mind that a Green Card is a prerequisite for legal entry and further movement in Italy by car. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can apply for a Green Card online from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

How to get Permesso in Italy?

The procedure for obtaining a Permesso di Soggiorno consists of two main stages: interaction with the post office and a visit to the police station.

After arriving in Italy, within eight days, you need to contact a specialised post office (Sportello Amico) to receive a registration kit. The following rules must be followed when filling out the documents:

- use only the Italian language;

- purchase a Marca da Bollo stamp (16 euros) from a tobacconist and attach it to the application;

- prepare copies of all required documents;

- receive a registration receipt.

Then, on the appointed date, you will have a personal meeting with Questura, during which your fingerprints will be taken, your documents will be checked and you will be informed of the date of issuance of your residence permit card.

Read about traffic rules, fines, toll roads in Italy and important nuances for drivers here.

Documents for Permesso in Italy

- a passport with a long-term visa (type D);

- four passport-size photographs;

- confirmation of the purpose of stay;

- medical insurance;

- copies of the documents submitted for the visa;

Permesso extension for Ukrainians: 2024

The Permesso di Soggiorno can be extended for up to 6 months - one month before its expiry and for 1-2 years - three months before its expiry.

The procedure for renewal is similar to the initial receipt: contact the post office, receive the kit and submit an updated application.

Read more about how Ukrainians can apply for protection in Italy in 2024, social support in the country and the main changes for refugees here.

Permanent residence permit in Italy

Ukrainian citizens who have been legally residing in Italy for more than five years have the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit (Carta di Soggiorno Permanente).

Obtaining such a document provides a number of opportunities, such as full freedom to live, work and study anywhere in Italy, the right to move freely and work in the European Union without additional permits, access to state support programmes, including unemployment, pregnancy and disability benefits, as well as the prospect of obtaining citizenship after 10 years of residence in Italy.

To apply for the Carta di Soggiorno Permanente, you must meet the following requirements:

- five years of documented residence in Italy;

- no criminal record both in Italy and in other countries;

- knowledge of the Italian language at the level not lower than A2, which is confirmed by special testing; 

- have a stable income sufficient to support yourself and your family members.

You can apply for permanent residence through the local police department (Questura), post office (Ufficio postale) or municipality (Comune).

Documents for applying for the Carta di Soggiorno Permanente:

- a valid passport or identity card;

- Italian tax number (Codice Fiscale);

- documents confirming residence in Italy for 5 years (for example, a temporary residence permit);

- certificate of no criminal record;

- certificate of passing the Italian language test;

- income statement or bank statements;

- proof of health insurance;

- receipt of payment of the administrative fee.

The standard application processing period is 60 days, but in some cases it can be extended up to 6 months. For convenience, applicants can use the Immigration Portal (Portale Immigrazione) to monitor the status of their application online.

Take care of your health when travelling to Europe with health insurance from Visit Ukraine, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

How to obtain citizenship in Italy?

There are two main ways for Ukrainians to obtain Italian citizenship: through naturalisation and through marriage.

For naturalisation, you need to have lived in the country for 10 years, have a stable income, speak Italian at B1 level, have a clean criminal record and apply through the ALI online portal.

An alternative option is to obtain citizenship through marriage with an Italian citizen. To do this, you must have been married for one to three years, depending on the presence of children, have a language certificate and a certificate of official marriage registration.

In any case, you will need to collect a full package of documents: a birth certificate, a certificate of no criminal record, tax returns, a residence permit, a language certificate and a receipt of payment of the state fee.

Work permit in Italy

An Italian work visa is a long-term visa (type D) that allows you to enter the country for employment. However, upon arrival in Italy, it is mandatory to obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) to officially stay and work in the country.

The main steps to obtain a work visa:

- Find an employer in Italy. Your future employer must apply for a work permit (Nulla Osta). Without this permit, you will not be able to apply for a visa.

- Wait for the opening of the Decreto Flussi. Every year, the Italian government sets quotas for the number of work permits for foreigners. This programme is called Decreto Flussi. For example, in 2019, the quota was 30,850 permits. You can apply only during the period when Decreto Flussi is open.

- Apply for a work visa. After receiving a work permit from your employer, you can apply for a visa at the Italian consulate or embassy in your country.

- Arrive in Italy and apply for a residence permit. Within 8 days after entering the country, you need to apply for a Permesso di soggiorno at the local immigration office.

For more informationon working permits in Italy and how Ukrainians can convert temporary protection into another type of residence permit, please follow the link.

Important to know! If you are not an EU citizen, you must find a job in Italy before applying for a visa. You can apply for a work visa only after obtaining a work permit. Upon arrival in Italy, it is mandatory to apply for a residence permit.

Remember. Ukrainians who have entered Italy by car should know all about the rules that apply to drivers. Read more about compulsory car insurance in Italy and whether Ukrainians need to take out a local policy here.

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