FAQ's

Welcome to the FAQ page. Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions about visa rules and procedures. The questions are listed by type;

General information

Business visa

Employment visa

Study visa

Tourist visa

Re-entry visa

General information

Where do I have to apply for visa?

• Visas must be requested at Italian missions abroad having jurisdiction on the applicant’s place of residence. As a rule, residence is defined as the place where a person lives and works. If the applicant’s place of residence is not in agreement with their passport’s place of issue, the applicant is asked to submit a residence permit issued at least six months prior to application. The Consulate may require extra documents (like working contract or house property) to support residence permit.

I am a third-country national living in China. Can I apply for a non-immigrant visa here in China or do I have to apply in my home country?

• While there is no prohibition for third country nationals to apply, applicants should be able to provide evidence of their legal permission to reside in our Consular District, by producing their student or work residence permit. The Consulate may require extra documents (like working contract or house property) to support residence permit.

My husband holds a Guangzhou permanent residence permit, while I hold a Shanghai one; I have recently moved to Guangzhou and I do not have any temporary residence permit yet. Can we apply for visa together at the same Consulate?

• No. In this case you have to apply for visa separately at the Consular District having jurisdiction on the province that has issued the permanent residence permit.

I already hold a multiple-entry Schengen visa that is about to expire. Can I apply for a new visa in advance?

• Yes. The validity of the new visa will start from the expiry date of the previous visa.

My Schengen visa has a 6-month validity. How long can I stay in the Schengen area?

• If you hold a 6-month multiple-entry visa, you can stay in the Schengen area up to a total of 90 days, which might be spent in different periods but in the space of 180 days.

How far in advance of my travel date can I apply for visa?

• Two months maximum. For example, if you plan to depart in September, you cannot apply before July. We recommend that you apply at least three weeks before your planned date of departure.

Can I apply by EMS?

• No. the Italian Visa Application Center does not accept applications sent via courier. You must apply in person or by sending an authorized third party.

Which is the expiry date of my visa?

• Two important data appear on the visa: the visa expiry date (e.g. 17th November) and the duration of the stay expressed in days (e.g. 10 days). The applicant must leave the Schengen area before their visa expiry date, making sure that the duration of their stay does not exceed the one stated on their visa.

What should I do after obtaining visa?

• Upon entering Italian territory, you have to make sure that you hold all the documents already submitted for your visa application, as well as proof of financial means. Where applicable, you will have to apply for a residence permit at the local police station ("Questura").

Business visa

I often go to Italy for business purposes and I wish to apply for a 1-year multiple-entry visa. Do I need to draw up a 1-year insurance policy?

• The insurance policy has to cover only the first period of stay in Italy, which has to be documented. It is implied that applicants will draw up an insurance policy every time they travel to Italy within the period of validity of their visa.

The inviting Italian company issued an invitation letter for a period of 10 days; I will then proceed to Paris for a 3-day conference. Can I apply for a Schengen visa whose duration covers both visits?

• Yes. However, it is necessary to submit a letter of invitation from France, or, on the alternative, a declaration by the Italian company stating that the applicant will proceed to France and specifying the reason of the trip and the hotel where the applicant will stay.

I am going to Italy a for 10-day training session at a Milan-based company. Before returning to China, I wish to go to Vienna on a 3-day holiday. Shall I apply for a business or a tourist visa?

• You can apply for a business visa. However, you will need to provide proof of financial means and hotel reservation in Vienna.

Employment visa

What should I do to obtain a working permit in Italy?

• The application can only be submitted by the Italian or foreign employer at the local Unified Immigration Desk ("Sportello Unico").

Study visa

I wish to enroll in an Italian university. Where can I find relevant information? Which documents should I submit to apply for visa? What validity will my visa have?

• You can find all the information on enrolment into Italian universities on the website www.studyinitaly.cn . The visa application is the final stage of the pre-enrolment procedure. For a list of the necessary documents to apply for visa, please visit the website www.italyvac and click Guangzhou to look for the relevant checklist. Study visa is usually valid until 31st January of the year following the registration year; the validity of the residence permit will be extended accordingly by the relevant Unified Immigration Desk upon passing the prescribed university exams.

I have a scholarship covering university tuition, lodging and boarding for the whole period of my stay in Italy. Do I have to show any other proof of financial means?

• You will have to only if the amount of your scholarship is lower than the one set by the relevant directive passed by the Italian Ministry of the Interior in 2000.

I have been granted a 3-year scholarship to study in Italy. Can I bring my wife and children with me?

• Yes. Family reunion is granted to anyone staying in Italy for a period of over 1 year. Before applying for a family reunion visa, you will have to obtain special permission (nullaosta) at the relevant Unified Immigration Desk.

Tourist visa

I have already traveled to Schengen countries with business visas. I now wish to go to Italy on a long holiday. Can I apply for a 6-month multiple-entry visa?

• As a rule, tourist visas are issued for short periods and based on the documentation submitted by the applicant.

I am currently in Italy and my tourist visa is about to expire. Can I extend it at the Police Station ("Questura")?

• No. You NECESSARILY MUST leave Italian territory before your visa expires. Visas cannot be extended, they only entitle you to enter national territory. Where allowed by law, only residence permits can be extended or converted.

  Re-entry visa

I hold a valid Italian residence permit. If I wish to travel to China for a short period and then return to Italy, do I have to apply for a re-entry visa to Italy?

• No. If you hold a valid residence permit, you do not have to apply for a re-entry visa to Italy. You will just have to show your passport and residence permit at the border customs post.

I lost my Italian residence permit in China. What should I do? You have to apply again for visa at the relevant Italian diplomatic mission in China, attaching the residence permit loss/theft report issued by the local Police Station and legalized by the Chinese Foreign Affairs Office.

For more information on Italy Visa, please visit
www.esteri.it/visti/home_eng.asp & www.esteri.it/eng/index.asp