Italy Immigration Guide

Italy offers five main immigration pathways: Student Visa (for degree-seeking students), Work Permit/Subordinate Work Visa (for employees with job offers), Elective Residence Visa (for retirees and financially independent individuals), Family Reunification (for joining family members), and Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers employed by non-Italian companies).

Processing times vary by visa type and consulate. Student and Elective Residence visas typically take 30-90 days. Work permits take 4-8 months total (including nulla osta processing). Always apply 3-4 months before your intended move date to account for processing delays.

Yes, Italian student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university breaks. This helps offset living costs while studying.

The official minimum is approximately €31,000 per year in passive income (pension, rental income, dividends). However, many consulates, especially US and UK, require €35,000-€40,000+. Income must be passive - employment or freelance income does not qualify.

No, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have freedom of movement within Italy and do not need a visa. However, they must register for residence if staying longer than 90 days.

After 5 years of continuous legal residence on any visa type, you can apply for permanent residence (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo). Requirements include Italian language proficiency (A2 level) and passing an integration test.

The decreto flussi is Italy's annual immigration quota system that limits the number of work permits available each year. It typically opens in March-April with a 30-60 day application window. Applications outside this window must wait until the next year's decree, unless the role is quota-exempt (highly skilled, researchers, intra-company transfers).

No, tourist visas (90-day Schengen visas) cannot be converted to residence permits while in Italy. You must apply for the appropriate long-stay visa (Type D) from your home country before traveling to Italy. Some permits can be converted to other types (e.g., student to work permit) if you're already legally residing in Italy.