Research & Training · Italy

Research and training in Italy

The permit for non-EU researchers, doctoral candidates and trainees governed by EU Directive 2016/801. A simplified procedure through a hosting agreement with the host institution — university, research centre or company.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

What it is and how it works

A permit designed for those who study and research

EU Directive 2016/801, transposed into Italian law by D.Lgs. 108/2018, created a dedicated channel for the entry of non-EU researchers, students and trainees. The key mechanism is the hosting agreement: the host institution (university, research centre, company) acts as guarantor for the stay, greatly simplifying the applicant’s dossier.

Outside Decreto Flussi quotas

The research and training permit is excluded from annual quotas. No click-day, no quota availability — the application is filed at any time of year.

Work activity permitted

Researchers may carry out teaching activity within the scope of the research project. Trainees and students may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). No separate work permit required for ancillary work.

EU mobility facilitated

Researchers and students admitted to Italy may move to and carry out part of their activity in other EU countries (up to 180 days) without applying for a new permit in the destination country.

Conversion to work permit

At the end of the research project or doctorate, the permit may be converted to a job-seeking permit (12 months) during which the holder may look for work and convert the permit without leaving Italy.

Key figures

At a glance

2

years + duration of the research project

20h

per week work permitted (students/trainees)

12m

job-seeking permit after project completion

EU

mobility to other EU countries up to 180 days

Research & Training · Who qualifies

Who can access this permit?

The directive provides three distinct categories, each with slightly different requirements. The common thread is always the hosting agreement with a recognised institution.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

Three categories

Researchers, students and trainees

Researchers

Non-EU nationals with a doctorate or master’s degree giving access to doctoral programmes, admitted by a recognised research institution to carry out research within a specific project. Includes doctoral candidates, post-docs and senior researchers.

University students

Non-EU nationals admitted to a bachelor’s, master’s or single-cycle degree programme at an Italian university. The permit under the Directive is distinct from a simple student visa — it offers greater rights, including part-time work.

Trainees

Non-EU nationals admitted to a training internship (stage) at an Italian company or institution within a recognised training programme. The internship must have a training character and cannot replace an employment relationship. Maximum duration: 12 months.

The hosting agreement

The central document of the application

What it is

A contract between the researcher/student/trainee and the host institution describing the project, financial conditions, duration and responsibilities of each party. It is the cornerstone document around which the entire application is built.

Who signs it

The host institution (university, research centre or company) and the applicant. The institution must be recognised by the Ministry. We coordinate with the institution’s relevant administrative office.

Haven’t found a host institution yet, or unsure whether yours is accredited? Book a consultation — we help you verify the situation and set the right strategy.

Research & Training · Procedure

How to obtain it, step by step

The procedure is similar to other residence permits but has one distinctive feature: it is the host institution that takes the first step, not the applicant.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

The stages

From hosting agreement to permit

1

Signing of the hosting agreement

The host institution and the applicant sign the hosting agreement. We coordinate with the international relations office or HR department of the institution and prepare all required institutional documentation.

Institution + ImmiLex1–2 weeks

2

Visa application at the Italian consulate

With the signed hosting agreement and complete dossier, the applicant applies for a research, study or training visa at the Italian consulate in their country. We prepare all documentation and the interview briefing.

Applicant + ImmiLex15–60 days

3

Entry and permit kit submission

Entry with visa. Within 8 days, submission of the permit kit at the designated post office. For researchers, the permit is issued for the duration of the project plus 2 years.

ApplicantWithin 8 days

4

Questura appointment and permit issued

Biometric appointment at the Questura and issuance of the residence permit for research/study/training. Duration varies by category and project length.

ImmiLex handles follow-up60–90 days

Research & Training · Documents

What you need for the application

Thanks to the hosting agreement, the dossier is less complex than other permits. The host institution covers many guarantees otherwise required of the applicant.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

Required documents

Full list for all categories

01

Signed hosting agreement

The cornerstone of the application. Signed by the host institution and the applicant, describing the project, duration, compensation/scholarship and responsibilities.

Host institution + Applicant

02

Valid passport

With at least 6 months of residual validity beyond the intended length of stay.

Applicant

03

Academic qualification

Master’s degree or doctorate (for researchers) or secondary school/bachelor’s degree (for students), with apostille and sworn Italian translation.

Applicant + apostille + translation

04

Admission letter or contract

Official letter from the university or research centre confirming admission to the programme, the research project or the traineeship assignment.

Host institution

05

Proof of accommodation

Rental contract, place in university accommodation or hospitality declaration.

Applicant

06

Health insurance

Private health insurance or coverage provided by the host institution until enrolment in the Italian NHS.

Applicant or Host institution

07

Criminal record certificate

From the country of citizenship, with apostille and sworn translation. Request this in advance as timelines vary.

Country of origin + apostille + translation

Research & Training · Costs

How much does the permit cost?

Costs are among the lowest compared to other permits, partly because the host institution takes on some guarantees that would otherwise fall on the applicant.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

ImmiLex fees

What you pay us

Orientation call

€ 150

1 hour · Deducted from fee if you proceed

Category verification (researcher, student, trainee)
Verification of host institution accreditation status
Personalised document checklist
Realistic timeline and total cost estimate

Book a consultation — € 150

Full service

€ 950

We handle everything · Orientation call deducted

Coordination with the host institution’s relevant office
Preparation and review of the hosting agreement
Complete visa dossier preparation
Residence permit kit submission
Follow-up through to permit issuance

Request an assessment

Government fees

Fees payable to the state

Research/study/training visa: €50–116 (varies by type)
Residence permit contribution: €50–100 (reduced for students and researchers)
Revenue stamps: €32–48
Postal kit (post office): €30
Apostilles and translations: €50–200

Indicative total cost: Between €1,200 and €1,800 all-in, often partially covered by the host institution.

Research & Training · FAQ

Your questions answered

The questions we hear most often from researchers, doctoral candidates and trainees planning a period of study or research in Italy.

Simplified procedure. The hosting agreement signed by the host institution replaces most ordinary documentation. The institution acts as guarantor — not the applicant alone. Who is admitted →

Can I work while in Italy with the research permit?

Researchers may carry out teaching activities connected to the research project without specific hour limits. Students and trainees may work up to 20 hours per week (1,040 hours per year) in activities outside the main programme.

What happens if the research project ends earlier than planned?

You are entitled to a 12-month job-seeking permit during which you may look for work and convert the permit without leaving Italy. This is one of the most significant advantages of this category over other permits.

Does the university need to be a state institution or can it be private?

It can be either state or private, provided it is accredited by the MIUR. Fully accredited private universities qualify by right. For private research institutions or companies, specific registration in the Ministry of University and Research register is required.

Can I bring my family to Italy with this permit?

Yes. Researchers may apply for family reunification for a spouse and dependent children, with more favourable conditions than standard reunification (lower minimum income). Students and trainees have more limited options.

After my doctorate can I stay in Italy?

Yes, through the 12-month job-seeking permit. During this period you may look for work and convert the permit to an employment or self-employment permit without leaving Italy. Many doctoral graduates use this period to start an academic or corporate career.

Can the traineeship convert to employment?

The training permit does not convert directly to a work permit. At the end you may apply for a job-seeking permit or, if offered an employment contract, follow the standard procedure for a work permit (including Decreto Flussi or Art. 27 if applicable).

Research and training in Italy

A permit designed for those who study and research

Outside Decreto Flussi quotas

Work activity permitted

EU mobility facilitated

Conversion to work permit

At a glance

Who can access this permit?

Researchers, students and trainees

Researchers

University students

Trainees

The central document of the application

What it is

Who signs it

How to obtain it, step by step

From hosting agreement to permit

Signing of the hosting agreement

Visa application at the Italian consulate

Entry and permit kit submission

Questura appointment and permit issued

What you need for the application

Full list for all categories

Signed hosting agreement

Valid passport

Academic qualification

Admission letter or contract

Proof of accommodation

Health insurance

Criminal record certificate

How much does the permit cost?

What you pay us

Orientation call

Full service

Fees payable to the state

Your questions answered

Can I work while in Italy with the research permit?

What happens if the research project ends earlier than planned?

Does the university need to be a state institution or can it be private?

Can I bring my family to Italy with this permit?

After my doctorate can I stay in Italy?

Can the traineeship convert to employment?

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