Visas
Information and practical advice about visas in Italy.
A quick guide to getting a Schengen visa for Italy and the EU
Depending on which non-EU country you're from, you may need a Schengen visa to visit Italy as a tourist. Here's what to know about the application process, fees and more.
Your key questions answered about the Schengen area's 90-day rule
The EU/Schengen area's '90-day' rule is a complicated one that causes much confusion for travellers - here we answer some of the most common questions from readers of The Local.
How does the 90-day rule work in Italy?
Most non-EU citizens face limits on how long they can spend in Italy and the EU as a whole. Here's what the 90-day rule is and how it works.
Five things to know about Italy’s golden visa
While European countries like Spain and the Netherlands have scrapped their visa programs for wealthy foreign investors, Italy’s is still available in 2026.
Five things to know about Italy's digital nomad visa
The digital nomad visa allows remote workers from outside the EU to move to Italy and stay for a year or more. Here's what you need to know before applying.
Digital nomad visa: How does Italy's income requirement compare?
How attainable is the digital nomad visa for Italy when compared to similar visas around the world? Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
How many people get an EU Blue Card for Italy every year?
The EU hands out tens of thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures – but only a few hundred are issued by Italy.
Which nationalities get the most EU Blue Cards and where do they go?
The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most?
The work visas you can use to move to Italy in 2026
Moving to Italy is a dream for many, but securing a visa can be a challenge for workers from outside the EU.
EU announces plan to extend 90-day rule for certain non-EU workers
The European Commission has announced it will look into allowing certain non-EU professionals to stay in the EU beyond the current 90/180-day rule, as part of a future overhaul of its visa system. It also asked EU countries to make visa access "simpler and faster" for skilled workers.
EU announces new push to overhaul visa system and deportations policy
The European Union on Thursday laid out plans to overhaul its visa system and step up deportations as part of a five-year migration strategy that cements a hardening line on the hot-button issue.
EXPLAINED: What happens if you overstay your 90-day limit in Italy?
If you're visiting Italy from a non-EU country, your time here is limited, unless you have a long-stay visa. But what happens to people who overstay and how strictly are the rules enforced?
EU ministers agree new rules around suspending visa-free travel
European affairs ministers gave the go ahead this week to new rules that will make it easier to suspend the right to visa-free travel for non-EU countries under certain circumstances.
COMPARE: Which country in Europe is the easiest to retire to?
Finishing work and heading off to a glorious new life as a retiree in Europe is the dream for many, but just how easy is it to do in reality? We compare the rules in 9 countries in Europe.
What work visas can you apply for to move to Italy in 2025?
Moving to Italy is a dream for many, but obtaining a visa can be a major challenge for workers from outside the EU.
Can unmarried couples jointly apply for Italy’s elective residency visa?
If you and your partner are not married, can you still jointly apply for an elective residency visa to move to Italy? We asked an immigration lawyer to weigh in.
Europe to draw up new visa strategy to bring in skilled non-EU workers
The European Commission is preparing a new visa strategy to attract "top talent from abroad that is needed to fill skills and labour shortages in the EU and drive research and innovation."
The best ways to move to Italy after the citizenship clampdown
After Italy drastically tightened rules around claiming ancestry-based citizenship, what are the alternative routes to gaining Italian residency for those affected? The Local asks the experts for their advice.
The six most important pieces of paperwork you’ll need when moving to Italy
If you’re thinking of moving to Italy, it can be hard to know where to start in your preparations. Here’s a look at the first things that should be on your to-do list as you plan your move.
Retiring to Italy: What you need to know about visas and residency
Retiring to Italy is a dream for many, but there are some bureaucratic hoops you’ll have to jump through before it becomes a reality.
Step-by-step: How to get your Italian elective residency permit
Once you’ve received your Italian elective residency visa, the next step will be to secure a residency permit. Here's how the process works in detail.
Self-employed vs digital nomad visa: Which one should you choose to move to Italy?
With the introduction of a digital nomad visa last year, foreign freelancers have another option to move to Italy besides the self-employment 'visto'. We broke down the main differences to help you decide which one's best for you.
'Cascade scheme': Who can benefit from longer term Schengen visas?
Certain non-EU nationals, including Indian citizens, can benefit from a new type of Schengen visa, which rewards travellers with an established travel history, and allows multiple entries to the EU/Schengen area over a long period of time.