Visa types
Tourist Schengen visa
A short-stay visa for exploring Italy or a European trip centred on Italy.
Business and trade fair visa
For trade fairs in Milan and elsewhere, meetings and business talks; an invitation and an assignment letter are required.
Visiting family or friends
For visiting relatives or friends in Italy; an invitation letter and the host's ID or residence permit are requested.
Student visa
A national visa for university study in Italy; pre-enrolment is usually done through the Universitaly portal.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and copies of previous visas
- Completed and signed application form
- Biometric passport photo
- Travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen area
- Flight reservation and proof of accommodation
- Recent bank statements
- Employer letter, payslips and SGK service record
- For business owners: tax registration and trade registry gazette
- For business trips: invitation from the Italian company or trade fair registration
- For family visits: invitation letter and the host's ID or residence permit
Document lists vary by applicant and by consulate; the consulate's current official list is always the one that counts.
How to apply
- 1
Confirm that Italy is your main destination and choose the right visa category.
- 2
Check the Italian mission's current document list for your purpose of travel.
- 3
Complete the application form and prepare your documents.
- 4
Book an appointment at the authorised visa application centre.
- 5
Submit your file and give your biometric data at the appointment.
- 6
Track your application and collect your passport.
Practical tips
- For major fairs in Milan, planning months ahead helps you avoid appointment shortages.
- If you are visiting several Italian cities, document your accommodation in each one.
- For study, put pre-enrolment and admission on a timeline; the visa application comes after them.
- Make sure the income on your bank statements and employer letter tells the same story.