Applying for a Long-Stay Visa for Italy (2026 Guidelines)

There are many reasons why travelers find themselves spending multiple months in Italy. Maybe you're a retiree who is looking to purchase a second home, or you have a specific work mission in one of Italy's major cities. Different yet, perhaps your spouse is an Italian citizen and you've decided to join them abroad.

Regardless of the exact reason, most traveler who want to spend more than 90 days in Italy will need to apply for the right Italian long stay visa.

If you're looking to spend more than 90 days in Italy, you will most likely need to apply for the appropriate Italian long stay visa.

If you're a US, UK, or Canadian citizen (among many others), you will need to obtain a visa before enjoying months under the Tuscan sun, or whatever it is you're planning to do.

Who needs an Italian long-stay visa?

Most travelers who want to spend more than 3 months (90 days, specifically) in Italy will need to apply for a long-stay visa.

There are many different types of visas depending on what you're planning to do in Italy. There are even ones available for tourists who want a long vacation away.

The visa you need depends on your goals, what you'll be doing while in Italy (Studying? Working?), and how long you plan to stay.

Types of long stay visas for Italy

During your research, you may see the terms "national visa" and "Type D" visas. Though the nomenclature is different, they both refer to the same thing: a long-stay visa.

Please note that the information found below is from the Italian Embassy, specifically detailed for US residents. Processes and offerings may vary depending on the applicant's nationality/residency.

Long-stay visas for working in Italy

Simply having a visa doesn't necessarily give you the right to work in Italy. Only specific visas allow it. Different visas allow you to work, and usually, the type of work allowed is very specific. For instance, a visa for a self-employed traveler generally has different allowances than one for a salaried employee.

Please note that you should always gather actionable information from official sites, such as the Italian Embassy - especially when it comes to visa options, eligibility, and requirements. They will have the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Long-stay visas for self-employed workers

If you're self-employed and are hoping to either take your work overseas or work while overseas, you may want to look into Italy's self-employment national visa. If any of the following match your situation, you might be eligible.

• Business owners looking to move their business/operations or start a new business in Italy.
• Partners and chairmen of businesses starting in or relocating to Italy.
• Managers or highly qualified employees.
• Some academics, such as university professors and university language tutors.
• Interpreters/translators.
• Athletes and other sports personnel.
• Entertainment industry professionals.
• Artists.

Eligibility and requirements for a self-employment visa in Italy will depend on which category you fall under.

Long-stay visa for employees

If you have been offered a job by an Italian company, you may need to apply for a subordinate work visa.

To get this visa, your new Italian employer will need to request a nulla osta. This request needs to be at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione. Essentially, they need to request entry clearance for you at the official immigration desk in Italy. This clearance allows your visa application to be processed.

Once the clearance is granted, the job contract will be sent to the Diplomatic Representation. This process is mandatory for those seeking a subordinate worker visa in Italy.

Long-stay visa for digital nomads/remote workers

Italy is an early adopter of the digital nomad visa. This visa allows some foreigners to work remotely for their jobs back home (outside of Italy) while residing in Italy.

There are a couple of things to be aware of when it comes to this visa. Italy's digital nomad visa is specifically for highly skilled/specialized professionals.

For both visas, the following documents are required for US citizens before applying for a long-stay visa.

• A valid passport with 15 months of validity beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area (including Italy).
• Proof of physical residence in the States.
• A completed Italian national visa application.
• One recent photograph that adheres to ICAO standards.
• Proof of adequate, Schengen-compliant travel insurance.
• Proof that you have a qualifying profession.
• Proof of accommodation: a lease, rental contract, or deed for a property in Italy.
• Proof of income that is at least 3 times the minimum legal income in Italy.
• Proof of at least 6 months of professional experience in your field.
• Payment of application fee(s) and a self-addressed pre-paid envelope under specific directions.

There are a couple of options for this visa, one is for freelance/contracted digital nomads. The other is for employed digital nomads (or, those who work remotely for a company back home).

If you're applying as a remote worker, there are a few additional criteria:

• An employment contract where your salary meets a minimum requirement (you can learn more about specific details surrounding this through the Italian Embassy).
• A letter from your employer stating that you haven't been convicted of any crimes in the past 5 years related to a variety of different things, such as illegal immigration and exploitation of minor workers. More details can be found on the official Italian Embassy website.
• You must have the right to "work anywhere" at your company (or at least in the Schengen area).

Long-stay visas to move to Italy

There is an option for people who want to reside in Italy, but it isn't for everyone.

Italy's elective residency visa allows US residents with "high self-sustaining incomes" or financial assets to stay in Italy long-term.

This income cannot be from an employer. It has to be a revenue stream (or assets) that gives you a reliable, steady stream of income to cover your lifestyle in Italy.

When you apply for an elective residency permit in Italy, you will need to prove your financial status. This can be done by providing proof of pensions, annuities, property income, and/or stable economic/commercial activities.

An elective residency visa does not allow you to work while in Italy, which is why it's so important that your revenue stream is consistent, stable, and longstanding.

Along with proof of finance, you'll also need to write a letter detailing your intention to move to Italy. You'll also need to secure housing before applying for your visa. One of the required documents is a lease/deed in Italy.

Long-stay visas for students

Students looking to study abroad in Italy may be eligible to apply for a student visa. We have a dedicated page on this topic, here: Italian Study Visas.

Long-stay visas spousal and family visas

Spouses, children, and dependent parents of Italian citizens and residents may be able to reside in Italy through a family reasons visa.

To apply, you will need to show proof of the relationship(s). This could be a marriage license or a birth certificate, for example. The exact document required will depend on the family member's relation to you.

If you're a foreigner who has married an Italian citizen, you will need to register your marriage with the relevant Italian Consulate before you apply for permanent residency in Italy, if that's what you're looking to do.

The Italian Embassy can provide more information about what the specific requirements are for your situation.

Long stay visas for other reasons

Other types of long-stay visas for Italy exist. These include visas for religious activities, family of US military personnel (for Americans), and more.

Whether or not you are eligible to apply for any and all long-stay visas for Italy depends on whether or not you meet the minimum requirements set out by the Italian Embassy.