Researchers visa for Italy

The first step a non-EU citizen must adhere to in order to come to Italy for a scientific research experience is to identify projects and calls at Italian universities. The search for the university- partner can be based on several parameters ranging from research programs in the applicant’s field of study to the forms of facilities they provide to the applicant. The choice of university is crucial, as it will be responsible for providing support throughout the administrative and bureaucratic process.
Tip: Use online resources such as the university portal Study in Italy to find detailed information on Italian universities and research programs available in the specific field.

Once the host university has been identified, the researcher may contact the administrative office or the research program coordinator to inquire about the procedure for applying for a clearance. The nulla osta is a document issued by the Italian authorities at the request of the host university. This document is essential as it allows the non-EU researcher to work at institutions accredited with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR). It is important to send a formal request complete with all required documents.
Tip: Prepare a detailed list of documents needed to apply for the Nulla Osta and be sure to send them in advance of the scheduled start date for the research.

After obtaining Nulla Osta, the hosting agreement is established between the host university and the researcher. This document defines the details of the stay in Italy and includes important information regarding:

• Health insurance during the research period.
• The legal relationship and conditions of employment, including hours and duties.
• The monthly financial resources made available for the researcher’s livelihood.
• Expenses for the return ticket at the end of the research period.

The health coverage component deserves a brief discussion in light of Italian regulatory developments. As of January 2024, membership to the National Health System for non-EU citizens has been drastically increased under the Budget Law 2024. The measure provides a substantial increase in the cost of subscription to the Italian NHS. In the case of non-EU researchers, as well as for all non-EU citizens holding residence permits other than study or au pair, the cost of membership starts at a minimum of €2,000.00, rising depending on income. For this reason, many non-EU citizens decide to opt for private health coverage.

Tip: Schedule regular meetings with the research program coordinator to discuss and clarify all aspects of the hosting agreement and ensure a clear and mutual understanding of expectations.

Once the documentation is completed and the approval of the host university is obtained, the nulla osta will be officially issued and forwarded to the Italian diplomatic and consular authorities in the country of origin . Be sure to keep this document securely, as it will be needed for the next steps in the procedure.
Tip: Check the nulla osta carefully to ensure that all details are correct and that there are no errors or discrepancies.

With the clearance in hand, the procedure to apply for an entry visa can be started at the Italian consulate in the applicant’s home country. Welcome Association Italy always recommends seeking information from institutional channels to understand what documents are needed to start the practice. Of these, Visto per l’Italia is among the most navigated and navigable. By filling out a simple form, it will be possible for the researcher to find all the information to be able to apply for an entry visa and subsequently a residence permit, including the locations of Italian diplomatic representations in the country of origin.
Tip: Plan your visa application far enough in advance of the expected start date of your research to avoid delays or problems during the process.

After obtaining an entry visa, the researcher arrives in Italy to begin scientific research at the host university. Once you arrive, be sure to immediately contact the appropriate office at the Police Headquarters to start the application process for a residence permit. Please note that the applicant has the canonical 8 days from entry to initiate the application for a residence permit for scientific research. It will be necessary to contact the appropriate office of the Police Headquarters (Questura), making sure that you have all the necessary documents and fill out the application form accurately.
Advice: A) Make a copy of all important documents, including the entry visa and clearance, and keep them in a safe place. They may be required during the application process for a residence permit for scientific research. B) Book an appointment online through the Questura website to avoid long waits and ensure that you have all the support you need during your meeting.

To concretize the residence permit application, it will be necessary to purchase the postal kit containing additional documents to be completed and sent. This kit includes detailed instructions on how to proceed and where to send the documents. Although the forms may change depending on various factors, broadly speaking the required documents are:

• Entry visa application form;
• Passport-size photograph;
• Valid travel document with a remaining validity of at least three months from the expiration date of the requested visa;
• Authorization issued by the SUI (Single Desk for Immigration) for stays longer than three months;
• Documentation of being an employed researcher at a foreign university or research institution for short stays;
• Hosting agreement entered into with accredited Italian university or research institute for short stays.

Tip: Carefully follow the instructions provided in the postal kit and make sure to send all the required documents by the deadline to avoid delays in the process.

While in Italy, it is more than advisable, if not mandatory, to obtain a tax code from theInternal Revenue Service or from Caf and Patronati licensed to practice. This alphanumeric code is needed to carry out various financial and bureaucratic activities in Italy, such as opening a bank account, signing an employment contract or applying for a tax refund.
Tip: Plan a visit to the Internal Revenue Service as soon as possible after your arrival in Italy to obtain your tax code and avoid any inconvenience in the future.

Once you have completed all the previous steps, you must make an appointment at the Police Headquarters to finalize the application process for a residence permit for scientific research. During the appointment, be sure to submit all required documents and answer any questions the officer may have. The convocation has two main purposes:

• Photodactyloscopic sampling;
• Supplements of documents required for the permit.

Tip: Arrive on time at the appointment with all required documents and be prepared to answer any questions about the object of the scientific research and the reason for the stay in Italy.

At the end of the validity period of the permit, the renewal procedure must be initiated. Contact the appropriate office of the Police Headquarters sufficiently in advance of the expiration date to initiate the renewal procedure. Italian authorities recommend starting the procedure sixty days after the expiration of the residence permit, so as to provide continuity between titles. In the case of the holder of the residence permit for scientific research, it will be possible to renew by submitting the extension of the research program. Along with the extension, it will be necessary to prove possession of the renewal of the hosting agreement with the Host University.
Finally, to provide as broad a picture as possible for non-EU citizens holding a residence permit for scientific research in Italy, it is necessary to go on to define the possible conversions of this permit. The Testo Unico dell’Immigrazione provides two cases for the conversion of this title:

• Conversion to family cohesion;
• conversion by elective residence.

Tip: Carefully follow all the instructions provided during the renewal process and make sure to submit all the required documents on time to avoid losing your status as a legal resident of Italy.