Italy — Immigration & Citizenship
From citizenship by descent to EU Blue Cards, from digital nomad visas to investor pathways — expert guidance from first assessment to permit in hand.
2025 Reform — D.L. 36/2025: Jure sanguinis applications or Prenot@mi appointments confirmed before 27 March 2025 continue under the old rules. New applications are limited to two generations. Check your eligibility →
Nine distinct immigration pathways — each with its own requirements, procedure and timeline. Select the one that fits your situation.
Claim Italian citizenship through an Italian ancestor. The 2025 reform limits new applications to two generations, but transitional provisions protect many cases already in progress.
For highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying job offer. Merit-based, outside the Flussi quota. Entry from abroad requires three phases across three separate Italian authorities.
Italy's annual quota system for non-EU workers. Quotas are exhausted within minutes of the click-day. Full dossier preparation months in advance is essential — there are no second chances until the following year.
For non-EU citizens working remotely for foreign clients or employers. In force since April 2024. No Nulla Osta, no quota. Minimum income ~€28,000/year. Only two phases.
For retirees and passive income earners who wish to live in Italy without working. Min. €31,000/year from non-employment sources. Very popular among Americans, British and South Americans post-citizenship. Optional 7% flat tax for pensioners.
Residency through qualifying investment: €250k in innovative startups, €500k in Italian companies, €1M in philanthropy or €2M in government bonds. No minimum stay. €300k/year flat tax on all foreign income.
Three distinct pathways: non-EU permit holders (Art. 29), families of static Italian citizens (FamIT Permit) and families of EU citizens (Carta di Soggiorno). The pathway depends entirely on the sponsor's status.
Intra-company transfers, contract workers of foreign companies and former employees of Italian companies abroad. All outside the Decreto Flussi quota — no click-day, no annual limit.
Four pathways to Italian citizenship: marriage (2 years), 10 years of residence, birth in Italy, special cases. B1 certificate mandatory. We manage the complete dossier from document collection to the citizenship decree.
The strongest permit for those who have lived in Italy for 5 years. No renewal, rights almost equivalent to Italian citizens, freedom to work without restrictions and mobility to other EU countries. Requires stable income, suitable housing and Italian A2 level.
Freelancers, independent professionals and non-EU entrepreneurs opening a business in Italy. Dedicated Decreto Flussi quotas (limited), no corporate sponsor. The permit renews as long as the business continues.
Non-EU researchers, PhD students and trainees in Italy through a hosting agreement with a university or research body. Quota-free, part-time work permitted, facilitated EU mobility and conversion to employment at the end.
Non-EU citizens studying in Italy for more than 90 days must obtain a national study visa (type D, study purposes) before arrival, and convert it into a residence permit within 8 days of entry.
Non-EU citizens enrolled at Italian universities, language schools or other courses lasting more than 90 days. EU citizens enjoy free movement and do not need a visa.
Under Decreto Cutro (Law 50/2023), study permit holders who find work in Italy can convert the permit to a work permit without waiting for the next Decreto Flussi — one of the most direct pathways to stable residence.
Confirmation from an Italian university or recognised institution, indicating the course, duration and start date.
InstitutionBank statements, scholarship letters or family support documentation covering tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses.
ApplicantRental contract or university accommodation confirmation, plus comprehensive health insurance valid in Italy for the study period.
ApplicantSubmit the application at the Italian consulate in your country of residence with the complete dossier. Processing time: typically 2–4 weeks. ImmiLex prepares and reviews the dossier before submission.
Postal kit submitted within 8 days of entry. Valid for the duration of the course, renewed annually for multi-year programmes. Work permitted up to 20 hours/week.
Renewals must be submitted 60–90 days before expiry. The postal receipt issued on submission constitutes proof of lawful stay during processing — the holder is not considered irregular during this period.
Most Italian residence permits are renewable: work, study, family, elective residence, digital nomad, EU Blue Card and long-term residence permits. ImmiLex assesses renewability and any changes in requirements since original issue.
Some permits can be converted to a different type — for example, from study to work, or from seasonal to employment. ImmiLex identifies the best option at the time of renewal.
Updated income documentation, employment records and any permit-specific requirements.
Renewal kit submitted at an authorised post office. The receipt constitutes proof of lawful stay during processing.
The Questura schedules the appointment and issues the renewed permit. ImmiLex follows the case through to delivery.
Select your nationality to find out immediately whether a Schengen visa is required, whether you can travel without a visa (ETIAS from Q4 2026), or whether EU free movement applies.
An online pre-authorisation for visa-exempt nationals. Similar to the US ESTA. Confirmed launch: Q4 2026. Cost: €20, valid 3 years or until passport expiry. A 6-month transitional period will follow before it becomes mandatory.
Any website currently selling “ETIAS” is a scam. ETIAS does not yet exist. The application will be submitted exclusively at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias when it opens in Q4 2026.
Valid for at least 3 months beyond the departure date, min. 2 blank pages. Completed and signed standard Schengen form.
ApplicantCoverage for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen Area.
ApplicantFlight bookings, hotel reservations or invitation letter. Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the stay.
ApplicantNon-EU citizens employed as native-language readers at Italian state or private universities. Governed by Art. 27, lett. b D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. The Italian university is the sponsoring employer and initiates the Nulla Osta procedure at the SUI. Contract duration typically follows the academic year and is renewable.
ProcedureThe Italian university submits the Nulla Osta to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione. ImmiLex prepares the institutional dossier.
Visa at the Italian consulate, then soggiorno contract at the SUI and residence permit application within 8 days of entry.
Non-EU citizens employed as university professors at Italian state or private universities. Art. 27, lett. c D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. No maximum duration limit — professors may be employed indefinitely and the permit is renewed for as long as the employment relationship continues. The Italian university sponsors the Nulla Osta.
ProcedureThe Italian university submits the application. We prepare the documentation for the academic appointment and employer declarations required since December 2025.
Visa at the Italian consulate, then soggiorno contract at the SUI and permit application within 8 days of entry.
Non-EU citizens employed as domestic workers by foreign or Italian nationals relocating to Italy who need household staff. Governed by Art. 27, lett. e D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. The employer must be a private household. Remuneration must comply with the CCNL thresholds for domestic work. Permit duration follows the employment contract.
ProcedureThe family employer submits the Nulla Osta to the SUI with an employment contract, proof of accommodation and income documentation. Mandatory employer declaration verification since December 2025.
Visa at the Italian consulate, then soggiorno contract at the SUI and residence permit application within 8 days of entry.
Non-EU citizens admitted to undertake a traineeship in Italy at an Italian company or institution. Art. 27, lett. f D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. The Italian host organisation sponsors the Nulla Osta. Duration typically up to 12 months. No employment contract — the trainee receives an allowance, not a salary. Mandatory employer declaration verification since December 2025.
ProcedureThe host company or institution submits the Nulla Osta with the traineeship agreement, the trainee's CV and qualifications, and the training programme. ImmiLex prepares the complete dossier.
Visa at the Italian consulate, then soggiorno contract at the SUI and permit application within 8 days of entry.
Non-EU citizens employed as seafarers (gente di mare) on Italian-flagged vessels. Governed by Art. 27, lett. h D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. The shipowner sponsors the Nulla Osta at the SUI. The permit is tied to the vessel and the employment contract. Roles covered include deck officers, engineers, sailors and other crew.
ProcedureThe Italian shipowner submits the Nulla Osta with the employment contract, maritime certificates (STCW) and vessel documentation. Mandatory employer declaration verification required.
Visa at the Italian consulate, soggiorno contract at the SUI and permit application within 8 days of first entry into Italy.
Non-EU citizens admitted to Italy as au pairs or participants in bilateral cultural exchange programmes. Art. 27, lett. r D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. Au pairs live with a host family and provide childcare in exchange for board, lodging and a weekly allowance. The programme must be structured within a recognised exchange framework. Duration typically up to 12 months. Age usually 18–30. The host family sponsors the application.
Main requirementsThe family must have children and demonstrate sufficient income to support the au pair. A formal au pair contract is required with duties, schedule (max 30h/week), allowance and accommodation details.
Non-EU citizen aged 18–30, basic Italian knowledge (or commitment to attend a language course), clean criminal record, valid health insurance.
The host family submits the application with the au pair contract, income documentation and proof of accommodation.
Visa at the Italian consulate, then soggiorno contract at the SUI and permit application within 8 days.
Italy has bilateral Working Holiday Visa agreements with a limited number of countries, allowing young citizens (typically 18–30 years old, up to 35 for some countries) to live and work in Italy for up to 12 months. The primary purpose must be tourism/travel; work is permitted to fund the stay. No Nulla Osta required — the visa is issued directly by the Italian consulate under the bilateral agreement. Countries with active agreements include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and others.
Citizens of a country with a bilateral WHV agreement with Italy. Age 18–30 (35 for some agreements). Must not have previously used the programme. Clean criminal record, health insurance, sufficient funds for the initial period.
Stay in Italy for up to 12 months, work in any sector (some agreements limit work to covering costs), travel freely within the Schengen Area. Work with a single employer is usually limited to 3–6 months depending on the agreement.
Submit directly at the Italian consulate in your home country with passport, financial means documentation, health insurance and clean criminal record. No Nulla Osta or Italian employer required at this stage. ImmiLex prepares and reviews the complete consular dossier.
Register with the Questura within 8 days of arriving in Italy. ImmiLex assists with registration and the permit application procedure.
Non-EU citizens admitted to Italy to carry out unpaid voluntary activities at a recognised Italian NGO, association or volunteer organisation. Governed by Art. 27-bis D.Lgs 286/98. Outside the Decreto Flussi quotas. The volunteer does not receive a salary but may receive expense reimbursement (board, lodging, pocket money up to the legal threshold). The host organisation must be formally registered and act as sponsor.
Italian ODV (volunteer organisations), APS (social promotion associations), ONLUS, foundations and other bodies registered in the Registro Unico del Terzo Settore.
Board and lodging provided by the organisation plus a pocket money allowance up to the legal threshold. No salary. Duration typically up to 12 months. The activity must be genuinely voluntary and consistent with the organisation's social mission.
The host organisation submits the Nulla Osta. The dossier includes: hosting agreement, proof of registration, description of voluntary activity, accommodation and expense coverage documentation. Mandatory employer declaration verification since December 2025.
Visa at the Italian consulate (type D, volunteering), then permit application within 8 days of entry.
We evaluate eligibility, identify the optimal pathway and provide a clear estimate of timelines and costs before any commitment.
We map every required document, guide retrieval from Italian and foreign registries, and coordinate apostilles and certified translations.
We prepare, review and submit — at the consulate, Comune, Questura, Sportello Unico or online portal, depending on the pathway.
We monitor progress, respond to authority requests and guide you through every remaining step until status confirmation.
“Those moving to Italy don’t need a generic answer. They need someone who knows the path.”
ImmiLex was created to bring high-quality immigration consulting — previously accessible only to large law firms or those who could afford high fees — to individuals, families and companies of all sizes who want to relocate to Italy or regularise their status.
Our goal is to be a single point of reference from the first consultation to case closure, so clients never have to chase updates or navigate a complex system alone.
Every case is different. We work to measure for each client’s specific situation, without off-the-shelf solutions or standard responses.
Quick replies and proactive updates at every stage. Clients never have to chase us — we keep them informed throughout.
We handle every aspect of the case: document collection, coordination with Italian authorities, apostilles, translations and application filing.
Deep knowledge of Italian immigration law with continuous regulatory updates. Every dossier is managed with rigour and attention to detail.
One hour via Zoom with a dedicated expert. We analyse your situation, identify the most effective pathway and give you a concrete roadmap. From € 150.
Time zone: Europe/Rome (CET/CEST) · Duration: 1 hour
Refund policy
Full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance. Write to info@immilex.eu for any changes.
Secure payment via Stripe. Your card details never pass through our servers.
Your consultation has been booked.
You will receive a confirmation email shortly.
Confirmation sent to