What are the conditions for obtaining a visa and residence permit in Italy?

Immigration to Italy: Current Trends

Issues related to immigration to Italy are becoming increasingly important, especially because of the growing interest in moving to this country. According to the latest data, there are approximately 5.2 million emigrants in Italy, equivalent to about 8.7% of the population.

Statistics for 2020 show that the expats with the largest number of expats are Chinese nationals, followed by Indians and Bangladeshis. By the beginning of 2022, Bahraini and Qatari nationals, as well as Luxembourg nationals, make up the largest number of immigrants. Many newcomers choose regions such as Lombardy and Lazio, where the capital of Italy, Rome, is located.

The predominant motivation for moving to Italy among migrants is family reunification, followed by educational purposes and labor contracts.

Visa Requirements for Entry into Italy

The immigration procedure starts with understanding the visa requirements to enter Italy. This country is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area, which imposes certain obligations on those who plan to visit.

• For citizens of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan it is necessary to obtain a Schengen visa, which can be obtained either in Italy or in any other country included in the agreement.
• Ukrainians with biometric passports can visit Italy without a visa, but their stay is limited to 90 days within six months. Those with regular passports should take care of obtaining a visa in advance.

Types of Visas for Travel to Italy

If you have a permanent residence permit in any of the EU countries, you can enter Italy without a visa. In terms of visa types, the most popular visa is the short-term tourist visa category C, which entitles you to stay in the country for up to 90 days within six months.

• For those travelers who intend to visit Italy several times a year, there is a three-year multiple entry visa option.
• It requires a minimum of two Schengen visas issued by Italy, or one Italian visa and at least two visas from other Schengen countries.

Documents for Obtaining a Visa

To get information about the required documents for a visa for Russians, I recommend to read the data on the website of the Italian visa center VFS. Both application forms and documents are available for download both on this site and on the pages of Italian consulates.

On average, the visa application process takes about 14 days, but there are rush processing options that can be obtained in one to three days.

Obtaining a Residence Permit

If you are interested in obtaining a residence permit in Italy, it is important to understand that certain formalities are required. Depending on the purpose of your stay in the country, the process may vary.

• The grounds for obtaining a residence permit are factors such as employment, studies or family reunification.
• There are aspects concerning the extension of residence permits and the formalization of permanent residence (Permanent Residence) and citizenship, which opens new horizons for future immigrants.

Reasons for Refusal of Residence Permit

There are many reasons why a residence permit may be denied. Such reasons may include:

• Filing problems.
• Failure to meet the purposes stated in the filing.
• Failure to comply with the conditions under which the residence permit was issued.

It is important to note that a residence permit in Italy provides many opportunities, including access to work, study and medical services.

Preparing for Immigration to Italy

Immigration to Italy is an important step that requires a thorough understanding of all the procedures and nuances involved. The legal aspects and economic conditions must be taken into account in order to make the process as simple and successful as possible. Italy as a new homeland attracts many people and its attractiveness in terms of quality of life can be the basis for a new beginning.

Italian consulates in the world

Italian consulates are located in different parts of the world, including countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. These diplomatic institutions play a key role for citizens who intend to visit Italy or deal with visa-related issues.

Special visa advantages for real estate owners

For those who own real estate in Italy, there are special conditions for obtaining visas. Owners of apartments or houses can obtainmultivisa. This visa category allows you to stay in Italy for up to 90 days per half-year, totaling up to 180 days per year, with the possibility of multiple border crossings.

However, in order to apply for this visa, you must provide originals and copies of documents proving ownership of real estate, includingsales contract. It is worth emphasizing that a multi-visa can be requested only after the completion of the transaction. In case you are going to Italy to buyreal estate, you will need tofirst entry visa.

Long-term D-type visas

Long-term D visas exist for people who plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days in a six-month period. These visas are categorized according to the purpose of stay, including:

• Study Visas;
• Visas for brides and grooms;
• Family Visas;
• Work visas (long-term business visa);
• Medical Visas;
• Student Visas.

Unlike Schengen visas, a long-term visa requires a personal visit to a consulate or visa center to submit all required documents. The full list of required documents for different types of long-term visas can be found on official resources.

Residence permit in Italy

Persons interested in obtaining a residence permit in Italy should familiarize themselves with the official conditions established by the migration law (decree no. 286/1998). Detailed information on the types of residence permits available and the relevant requirements can be found on the Italian Police website, which is translated into several languages, including Italian, English, German, French, English and Spanish.

Benefits of living in Italy

Although opening a real estate account does not automatically guarantee a residence permit, having a home can significantly increase the chances of successfully applying for a residence permit, especially for categories such as investors or financially independent persons who apply under the programelective residence.

Investments for obtaining a residence permit

Foreign citizens can also apply for a residence permit in Italy if they are willing to make significant investments in the Italian economy. In this case, it is necessary to choose one of the investment programs offered. These may include:

• Investing €2 million in Italian government bonds;
• A grant contribution of 1 million euros to social projects;
• Investments in small and medium-sized businesses in Italy for the amount of 500 thousand euros.

Conclusion

The process of emigrating to Italy requires careful research and understanding of all necessary procedures and requirements. Since regulations may change, experts recommend always checking information on official sources or consulting with specialists to obtain up-to-date information that may affect the visa or residence permit application process.

Investment opportunities in Italy

Italy currently offers foreign investors quite interesting prospects for joining its economic structure. In order to start a business or invest in the Italian economy, the minimum amount required to contribute is 250 thousand euros. These funds can be invested in the equity capital of local companies or in innovative startups that are included in the official list.

Investors can obtain a visa for two years, renewable for three years. Participants in this program have a chance to obtain permanent residence, and after ten years they can apply for Italian citizenship.

Residence based on financial independence

For those who seek to immigrate for financial independence, another option is the residence permit based on financial solvency. This type of residence permit is intended for wealthy foreign nationals who wish to stay in Italy indefinitely.

It is important to note that this status does not allow you to engage in professional activities or open a business in the country, but it allows you to stay here for a whole year and use income earned outside Italy.

Conditions for obtaining residency

Two key conditions are required to obtain residency under this ground:

• Availability of housingin the country (available for both rental and purchase);
• Minimum annual incomein the amount of 31 thousand euros for the main applicant.

If the applicant is joined by a spouse, this amount is increased by 20%, and for each child another 5% is added. That is, for a family of three or four people, the annual income should be at least 40-43 thousand euros.

Labor immigration

If a foreign citizen plans to obtain a residence permit on the basis of employment, he/she must have an official invitation from the Italian employer. The entire process is the responsibility of the employer, who sends a package of documents with full details of the new employee to the immigration service.

This package includes:

• copy of the employee's identity document;
• employment contract;
• the employer's obligation to ensure the return of the worker to his or her home country in case of deportation.

Interestingly, the loss of employment by a foreigner in Italy does not automatically lead to the loss of the residence permit. The permit will remain valid until its expiration date.

Opportunities for entrepreneurs

It is also worth noting that entrepreneurs and self-employed persons have the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Italy. The requirements for immigration documents may vary depending on the type of business to be opened.

For example, a company founder, known as an imprenditore, is required to:

• Availability of at least 500 thousand euros of own funds;
• Creation of at least three jobs.

However, self-employed individuals may be exempted from some of the strict requirements. In addition, immigrant visas may be granted to athletes, artists, scientists and other creative professions.

Result

Italy thus creates an attractive environment for a wide range of migrants by offering a variety of ways to reside legally on its territory. These initiatives contribute to a more successful integration of foreign nationals into the economic, cultural and social life of the country, making Italy a desirable place to live and work.

Obtaining a residence permit in Italy

In Italy, there are many grounds for obtaining a residence permit (LPR), each of which has its own characteristics. One of the most common ways to obtain a residence permit is to study at an Italian university. To start this procedure, you will need to obtain an official invitation from the educational institution, which must then be submitted to the consulate or the migration service.

To receive such an invitation, you will need to have at a minimumsecondary school certificateor a diploma from another educational institution obtained in the home country.

Other grounds for obtaining a residence permit

It is also possible to obtain a residence permit on the basis of running a business, family reunification or long-term medical treatment in Italian medical institutions. More detailed information on the different ways of obtaining a residence permit can be found in specialized literature and resources.

Pensioners and residence permits

If we talk about pensioners, there are no specialized immigration programs for this category of foreigners in Italy. Usually they can obtain a residence permit on the basis of a so-called residence election application (elective residence). This option is suitable for those who have stable financial means to live in the country. Family reunification is also an alternative if you have close relatives in Italy who hold a residence permit or citizenship.

Documents for applying for residence permit

When preparing documents to apply for a residence permit, you will need the following basic documents:

• Application for a residence permit.
• The original and a copy of the passport of a foreign citizen.
• Proof of housing in Italy.
• Documents confirming that you have a sufficient level of income.
• Certificate of no criminal record.
• Four passport size photographs.
• Medical insurance.
• Receipt for payment of the state duty.

In addition, you should submit documents that will prove the reason for applying for a residence permit (e.g. a work invitation or proof of kinship).

Long-term visa type D

It is important to note that in order to obtain a residence permit, permanent residence permit (PRP) or Italian citizenship, you must first obtain a long-term visa type D.

After you have spent five years in Italy, you will have the opportunity to become a permanent resident. This gives you a number of rights similar to those of Italian citizens, with the exception of the right to vote in elections. You will be able to live and work in Italy without hindrance, education will be available, as well as medical care. You will have the right to leave and return to the country at your convenience.

Obtaining Italian citizenship

As for obtaining citizenship, it is necessary, first of all, to have lived in the country for at least ten years. Applicants must confirm the availability of a stable income and the absence of a criminal record. It is important to note that if a foreigner marries an Italian citizen, the period for obtaining citizenship is significantly reduced, and he or she will be able to apply after two years of uninterrupted residence.

Language requirements

At the stage of applying for a long-term residence permit and citizenship it is necessary to know the Italian language. The minimum acceptable level for permanent residence isA1and for citizenship.B1. Italian law and the Constitution do not prohibit dual citizenship.

Expenses for registration

As for the costs of residence permits, consular fees for Russians are as follows:

• Long-term D visa for any purpose other than study -116 euros
• Long-term study visa D -50 euros
• Registration of a residence permit for a period of up to one year -40 euros
• Registration of a residence permit for a period of one to two years -50 euros
• The stamp of approval is.16 euros
• Postage is30 euros
• The electronic format of the residence permit is30.46 euros

In general, you will need to prepare from100 to 150 eurosdepending on the type of authorization required.

Legal services

There are multiple law firms on the market that are willing to offer their services in processing long-term visas and residence permits. The cost of these services varies from1000 to 7000 eurosfor a single applicant. However, none of the companies can guarantee a positive decision on your application. Nevertheless, they can greatly assist in collecting and preparing all the necessary documents. A concrete decision on the issuance of a residence permit is made only in Italy, and this process often takes time.

Reasons for denial of residence permit

There are many grounds on which a residence permit may be refused or extended. These include:

• Incomplete package of documents
• Existence of a criminal case against the applicant
• Lack of evidence of stable income
• Lack of permanent housing in Italy
• Incomplete grounds for extended stay

Extension of residence permit

If you already have a residence permit, it is essential that you keep a close eye on its validity and apply for its renewal well in advance. You should do this before90 daysbefore the expiry of your permit at the Questura, which is the responsible authority. It is important to remember that your residence permit may be revoked if various irregularities or discrepancies are detected.

Obtaining a residence permit in Italy

Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Italy through the use of false documents is a serious offense. In situations where the holder of this authorization violates the law, it may result in the loss of the right to stay in the country.

If a citizen no longer meets the conditions for the continued validity of his/her document, this can also cause certain problems. For example, if the applicant has not been in the territory of the European Union for twelve consecutive months, this may be grounds for revoking his status. It is also worth noting that absence from Italy for more than six years may negatively affect the legal status of the resident.

Effect of residency status in another EU country

However, if a person has obtained residency in another European country, this may affect his/her right to live in Italy. It is important to note that having a residence permit in Italy grants certain rights and imposes certain obligations.

Rights and obligations of residence permit holders

• This document allows the foreigner to stay in Italy for the entire calendar year.
• However, to successfully extend this document, you must be in the country for more than 183 days per year. Otherwise, the extension may be refused.

Free movement within the Schengen area

Persons holding a residence permit are able to travel freely throughout all Schengen countries without the need to obtain visas. They can cross the borders of these states and go outside the Schengen area, which makes traveling easier.

However, it should be remembered that the maximum temporary stay in other countries should not exceed 90 days during a six-month period.

Health services for residence permit holders

With regard to health care, holders of a temporary or permanent residence permit can benefit from the Italian national health system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). This allows them to choose a doctor, obtain a health card (tessera sanitaria) and access free medical care on an equal footing with local residents.

Family members of such persons also have similar rights. However, it is important to mention that health insurance does not cover all types of medical services.

Social protection

Another important aspect is social protection. Holders of certain types of residence permits may be entitled to:

• unemployment benefits,
• Social housing (provided their permission is for a period of at least two years),
• cash payments in case of temporary disability.

However, these rights will not apply to those who have obtained residency status under the Residenza Elettiva category.

Education for foreign children

In the field of education, children of migrants with a residence permit can receive education in kindergartens and schools free of charge. Adults can enroll in any educational institution in Italy, including universities, under the same conditions as local students.

Work and employment

It should be noted that a residence permit does not always entitle you to official employment. This right may only be available to those who have come to the country on the basis of an employment contract, business or for the purpose of family reunification or study (under certain conditions).

Car and driver's license

Those who have a residence permit are given the opportunity to purchase and register a car in Italy, as well as obtain a driver's license that meets European standards.

Obtaining a mortgage loan

Additionally, having a residence permit makes it much easier to obtain a mortgage loan in Italy. Foreigners who do not have this status or permanent residency level usually find it very difficult or even impossible to obtain financial assistance in this area.

Tax status

Finally, it is important to note that having a residence permit does not automatically make a person a tax resident of Italy. It implies the need to fulfill a number of additional conditions to register as a tax resident of the state.

Conclusion

To conclude our article, we would like to emphasize that Italy continues to be one of the most attractive countries for relocation and immigration, which in turn is due to its rich culture, picturesque landscapes and high standards of living. It is important to note that the immigration process requires careful legal compliance and preparation. As data has shown, the number of immigrants in the country reached 5.2 million in 2021, indicating a high level of interest in living in Italy.

Benefits of living in Italy

For citizens of the CIS countries, including Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, the realization of the desire to obtain a visa or residence permit is an important step that will certainly affect their future fate. I am sure that understanding all the nuances of visa policy, the rules for obtaining residence permits and residence permits, as well as the mechanisms of citizenship registration will be the basis for successful integration into Italian society.

What gives you a residence permit in Italy

The importance of residence permits in Italy cannot be overemphasized. They open the door to new opportunities, allowing not only to live in the country, but also to make friends, families, career prospects and, of course, a sense of belonging to a culture that is multifaceted and rich in history.

Important points in the process of obtaining a visa and residence permit

It is also worth remembering the importance of preparing all the necessary documents and working carefully with consulates and migration services. Mistakes in this process can lead to refusals, which are certainly worth avoiding. Every step, from obtaining a visa to applying for citizenship, requires attention and responsibility.

Basic steps for successful immigration

• Examining visa policies: It is important to familiarize yourself with all the requirements for obtaining a visa and residence permit.
• Document preparation: Be sure to gather all the necessary documents in advance.
• Consultations with experts: It is not unreasonable to seek help from immigration experts.
• Keep an eye on the deadlines.: Check the submission and processing deadlines regularly.

Conclusion

So, if you are planning to spend time in Italy or want to start a new life, do it consciously and prepare in advance. I hope this article has been useful and helped you understand the complex but fascinating aspects of the immigration process to Italy. Good luck in your endeavors and may your dream of living in this beautiful country come true!