Jubilee 2025 and residence permit for religious reasons

In one of our recent articles, we talked about the cases in which pilgrims arriving in Italy for the Jubilee 2025 for tourism will need an entry visa. Today, on the other hand, we want to provide a useful guide for non-EU citizens who need a residence permit for religious reasons to enter our country for this major event. The Jubilee is held every 25 years and is both an occasion for celebration and devotion and a time for deep spiritual reflection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What are the residence permits?
• How long does the residence permit for religious reasons last?
• Who is required to have a residence permit?
• Voluntary enrollment in the SSN and residence permit
• The assistance of Welcome Association Italy

What are the residence permits?

Foreign citizens who intend to stay in Italy longer than 90 days are required to have a residence permit. The latter is an official document issued by the Police Headquarters of the Province where the stay will take place.

There are different types of residence authorizations, each related to the specific reason for staying in Italy.

• Employment: intended for those who have found regular employment in Italy and need an extended stay for employment reasons.
• Study: aimed at international students who are admitted to study at Italian universities or other educational institutions.
• Family reunification: for those who move to Italy to live with already resident family members, such as spouses, minor children or elderly parents.
• Religious reasons: specifically for priests and ministers of religion within their own order who enter the country to participate in significant religious events or to work with established religious organizations (the case of Jubilee 2025).

Religious residence permits are crucial for those who must actively participate in large events such as Jubilee 2025, ensuring that pilgrims can stay for the duration without breaking immigration laws.

How long does the residence permit for religious reasons last?

Generally, the duration of the religious permit is one year and is made to coincide with the period in which the religious event or commitment takes place. For a special occasion such as Jubilee 2025, the permit can be specifically applied for at the right time to cover the entire period of the religious holiday, allowing religious people to experience the full experience without legal or bureaucratic interruptions.

Who is required to have a residence permit?

The need for a residence permit depends on a number of factors, including the nationality of the visitor and the length of the intended stay in Italy. All citizens of non-EU countries who intend to stay in Italy for a period longer than three months will need to apply for it. In the particular case we are examining, non-EU religious citizens who hold priestly ordination or who are ministers of religion recognized in the Ministry of the Interior's list and have an active role in organizing or carrying out ceremonies (e.g. Jubilee 2025) will also apply for it.

The VN visa for religious reasons

For religious people arriving from outside the Schengen area, an entry visa i.e., national visa (VN) is required for religious reasons over 90 days. Important details about this visa include:

• validity, in fact the visa is valid for the period of the event and may allow multiple entries if participation requires it;
• requirements, as it is necessary to submit documents proving "religious" status and participation in religious events, such as a letter of invitation from the hosting organization;
• application procedure, in factthe visa application must be submitted to the Italian consulate or embassy in the country of residence well in advance of the planned departure.

Voluntary enrollment in the SSN and residence permit

The L.D. 29.03.2024, no. 39 (Art. 9 para. 7) changed the contribution to the National Health Service for foreigners holding a residence permit for religious reasons (not obliged to register with the SSN), equalizing it to that provided for study purposes. This amendment reduced the annual contribution from 2,000 to 700 euros. A significant reduction that finds its motivation precisely in the exceptional presence of pilgrims and tourists expected for the Jubilee 2025.

The amount must be compulsorily paid for the entire year. It is not permissible to pay a smaller amount than annually or for a shorter period of time. It is also likely that the 700-euro contribution will extend to all religious permit holders, regardless of their denomination.

The assistance of Welcome Association Italy

With Jubilee 2025 just around the corner, it is crucial for all pilgrims and participants who need a permit to begin the bureaucratic process as soon as possible. Making sure you have all the necessary documents and have a good understanding of the requirements can help you avoid delays and complications, allowing you to fully focus on your spiritual experience. If you need further assistance, Welcome Association Italy is ready to help you with detailed information and support in the application process.