🛂 Visa Guidelines

Navigating your path to study and stay in Italy

Italy provides various visa and residence permit options to support international students at every stage of their academic journey. Understanding the process and meeting the documentation requirements are essential to start your studies in Italy smoothly and legally.

🎓 Types of Student Visas

Visa Type Description Duration Eligibility
Short-Stay Visa (Type C) For language courses, short-term study, or training programs Up to 90 days Enrolled in programs < 90 days
Long-Stay Student Visa (Type D – Studio) Main visa for students pursuing degree programs Over 90 days Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, diploma courses
Exchange Program Visa For students in university-level exchange agreements Duration of exchange Enrolled in partner institutions

📝 Application Process for Italian Student Visa

✅ Admission Confirmation
Secure an acceptance/admission letter from an accredited Italian university or educational institution.

✅ Pre-Enrollment via Universitaly
Create a profile and submit your application at www.universitaly.it, the official government portal for student visa applications.

✅ Prepare Required Documents

  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport-size photographs (as per biometric standard)

  • Letter of admission from an Italian institution

  • Proof of financial means (~€6,000–€7,000/year)

  • Proof of accommodation in Italy

  • Health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage or private policy)

  • Academic transcripts and certificates

  • Flight reservation (if required)

  • Motivation letter (if requested)

✅ Schedule Visa Appointment
Book your appointment with the nearest Italian consulate or VFS Global visa application center.

✅ Submit Biometrics & Attend Interview
Attend the interview with all documents and provide fingerprints and photo if required.

✅ Pay Visa Fees
Visa fee typically ranges between €50–€60 (subject to change).

✅ Wait for Visa Decision
Processing time: 2–6 weeks (varies by country and season).

🛂 After Arrival in Italy

📝 Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit)

Mandatory within 8 working days of arriving in Italy. Apply at your local post office using the Permesso Kit.

You’ll receive a receipt (cedolino), followed by a biometric appointment and later your residence card.

  • Initial validity: 1 year (or based on course duration)

  • Renewal: Required annually during your study period

💡 Important Tips

  • Early Planning: Start visa application 2–3 months before your intended travel date.

  • Financial Proof: You can show bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarships, or parental affidavits.

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory before visa issuance and during your stay. EU citizens must have an EHIC.

  • Work Rights: Students can work part-time up to 20 hours/week (or 1,040 hours/year).

  • Family Reunification: Possible for long-term student visa holders after certain conditions are met.

📑 Visa Documents Checklist

  • Valid passport

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport-size biometric photos

  • Admission letter from Italian institution

  • Proof of accommodation in Italy

  • Proof of financial resources

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Academic transcripts and diplomas

  • Universitaly pre-enrollment confirmation

  • Flight itinerary (if required)

  • Any additional documents requested by consulate

📩 Need Visa Assistance?

At Impel Overseas Consultants, we offer full-spectrum support for your Italy student visa, including:

✅ Document review & checklist guidance
✅ Universitaly registration assistance
✅ Appointment booking and interview prep
✅ Post-arrival support with Permesso di Soggiorno

🎓🛂 Let us simplify your Italian student visa process — contact us today! 🇮🇹