Do you have non-EU clients considering a move to Europe? MGI Vannucci & Associati explains the Italian visa and entry requirements for non-EU citizens
MGI Vannucci & Associati of Lucca, Italy, has released a new article providing all MGI Worldwide accounting network members with detailed information about Italian visa requirements for non-EU citizens.
MGI Vannucci & Associati explains:
Italian visa for non-EU citizens
The phenomenon of migration is a defining social event of our times. While international migration has been a reality in Italy for more than 20 years, in the past five Italy it has become one of the most important EU countries to annually welcome people from all over the world, benefitting its entire economic and social system.
In an increasingly global context, with ever more integrated markets and heightened international competition, every part of the ecosystem must be global, beginning with the individuals who take part in it.
It becomes crucial for a foreign citizen to understand which documents to request and what administrative paperwork must be completed in order to fully participate in the economic and social life of our country.
Differences between EU and non-EU citizens
Citizens of countries that are members of the European Union have the right to enter and reside freely in Italy without any administrative formalities if their stay is less than three months. A stay of more than three months is permitted when the foreign national, alternatively, is working, has the economic resources necessary to support himself, is attending a course of study or is a family member of a European citizen who has the right to stay for more than three months. In addition, the subject is required to register with the registry office of the municipality of residence.
Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, require an entry visa in order to be able to stay and work in our country. A visa is an administrative document, issued by the Italian Representations abroad, which authorises the foreigner to enter our country and can be granted for various reasons, including work, study and family.
Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to live in Italy? Then we suggest you continue reading and find out how.
Visa for self-employment
The visa for self-employment, provided for by Art. 26 of the Testo Unico on Immigration, is the administrative document that allows non-EU foreigners to enter Italy and carry out a professional or working activity that is not subordinated.
The procedure for obtaining a visa, which affects the annual quotas provided for by the Decreto Flussi, and the subsequent administrative formalities can be summarised as follows:
- Obtaining the visa clearance (nulla osta).
- Issue of the visa.
- Entry into Italy and application for a residence permit.
1) Nulla osta
The nulla osta for the visa must be applied for, even through a procurator, at the competent police headquarters (i.e. in the place where the foreigner intends to reside) by submitting the following documents:
- Certification of the relevant financial parameters, issued by the territorially competent Chamber of Commerce (or other competent administrative authority).
- Passport and other identification documents.
- Declaration that there are no obstacles to the issue of a permit for self-employment, accompanied by appropriate documentation (only if the activity requires a permit for its performance. For example: lawyers, chartered accountants).
The Questura has 30 days to issue or refuse the authorisation.
2) Entry Visa
Within six months of the issue of the nulla osta, the applicant must go to the Italian embassy or consulate of the country of residence and, presenting the following documents, apply for a visa:
- Nulla osta.
- Documents proving the availability of proper accommodation.
- Proof of an income higher than the minimum required by law for exemption from participation in healthcare costs.
On average, within a month, the Italian Representation issues a visa for self-employment.
3) Residence permit in Italy
Within six months of the issue of the visa, the foreigner must enter Italy and, from that moment, he has eight days to present himself at the competent police headquarters and apply for a residency permit, presenting the required administrative documentation.
The residency permit is valid for one year and may be renewed for two years and then for another two. After five years, the foreign citizen may apply for a long-term residency permit, which is valid indefinitely.
Italia Startup Visa
An alternative and simplified way of obtaining a visa for self-employment is regulated for non-EU citizens who intend to start an innovative business in Italy.
The Decreto Flussi provides, on an annual basis, specific entry quotas for particular forms of self-employment: enterprise in the form of an innovative startup.
The procedure for obtaining this visa is entirely digitalised, the application is sent exclusively via the email address of the Ministry of Economic Development (MISE), it is completely centralised, in fact MISE manages communications with all the administrations involved, and it is very quick: the authorisation is generally issued in less than a month.
See here the article published by MGI Vannucci & Associati about Italia Startup Visa.
How MGI Vannucci & Associati can help
Thanks to the experience of MGI Vannucci & Associati in the field of visas, advice to foreigners, and collaboration with specialised law firms, they are prepared to support MGI Worldwide CPAAI member firms in the process of obtaining a visa:
- Assisting in the collection and presentation of the documents necessary to obtain the nulla osta as well as communicating, on your behalf, with the relevant offices.
- Supporting in the process of visa issuance by the competent Italian Representation.
- Assisting in the application for a residence permit and in all the procedures following the obtaining of the visa.
About MGI Vannucci & Associati
MGI Vannucci & Associati is a dynamic professional accounting and tax advisory firm that supports its clients in their business decisions and their personal and professional growth. The firm has been active for more than thirty years and has 2 headquarters offices in Tuscany.
For more information contact Pierpaolo Vannucci ([email protected]) or visit the firm's profile page or website.
MGI Worldwide with CPAAI, is a top 20 ranked global accounting network and association with almost 9,000 professionals, accountants and tax experts in some 400 locations in over 100 countries around the world.