Italy has announced new visa requirements for international students, effective from January 2025. Find out what exactly will change for applicants and what is the procedure for obtaining a student visa

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Italy is a promising destination for international students. Every year, thousands of applicants from abroad arrive in the country, including citizens of Tunisia, Madagascar and Azerbaijan. However, the country recently announced significant changes to the visa application procedure for foreign students who plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days. The new visa rules will come into effect from January 10, 2025 and, according to experts, will significantly affect applicants. About changes to the procedure for obtaining an Italian student visa in 2025 and the current rules for obtaining a permit further.

Changes to the procedure for obtaining a student visa in Italy in 2025

According to the new rules, from now on, foreign students applying for an Italian student visa must come to the consulate to fill out their application. Also, during this meeting, they will be fingerprinted - this is an additional security measure.

However, experts say the rule could negatively impact international students studying in Italy, as having to travel to consulates to have their fingerprints taken would increase costs for students and make the visa application process more complicated and stressful.

The move also eliminates the previously available “batch processing” option, which was commonly used by US institutions to facilitate timely visa approval for groups of students. Given that the number of US students in Italy has increased by 37% in the past year, such changes could significantly reduce the number of applicants.

What is an Italian student visa?

An Italian student visa is a type of Italian long-term visa (also known as a national or D-visa). This is a permit that you must apply for if you want to stay in Italy for more than 90 days. In addition to a visa to legally stay in Italy, you will also need a residence permit.

You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.

Who needs a student visa to study in Italy?

Virtually every applicant who plans to study in Italy needs an Italian student visa. Only citizens of the following countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to study in Italy: EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Representatives of the rest of the world must obtain a visa to study in Italy for more than 3 months.

Documents required for an Italian student visa

To apply for a student visa in Italy, you must provide the following documents:

- Application form for a student visa to Italy.

- Recent passport-sized photographs.

- A travel document valid for at least three months after the expiry of your visa and containing at least two blank visa pages.

- Photocopies of previous visas.

- Birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.

- Confirmation of enrollment or pre-enrollment in a course at an Italian university.

- Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.

- Proof of accommodation in Italy, such as a rental agreement or student accommodation.

- Proof of sufficient financial resources.

- Health insurance for Italy, covering treatment and hospitalization.

- Certificates of previous education.

- Proof of knowledge of English or Italian.

- Receipt of paid visa fee.

- In case the student is a minor - a consent to travel signed by both parents or legal guardians.

Important! All documents not in Italian or English must be translated by an authorized translator.

Documents must be submitted to the Italian embassy or consulate in the country of residence.

How much does a student visa to Italy cost?

The fee for obtaining a student visa to Italy is 50 euros. However, the price may vary depending on your nationality, and this does not include other additional costs or service fees.

Residence permit for student visa in Italy

Within eight days of entering Italy with a student visa, you must go to your local post office to apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). You will receive the necessary forms there. You will also need to bring the following documents with you: a copy of your passport, health insurance and a letter of acceptance to the university.

You must then also apply to your local Italian Questura (police headquarters).

Can you work with a student visa in Italy?

With a student visa in Italy, you can only work part-time. This means a maximum of 20 hours per week and 1040 hours per year.

How long is a student visa in Italy valid?

An Italian study visa is initially available for a maximum of one year, renewable for the duration of your studies.

Is it allowed to move with your family to Italy on a student visa?

With an Italian visa, you can only bring close relatives to Italy, such as your spouse or children.

Italy is a good country for international education, but more difficult visa requirements may reduce the number of applicants in the country.

As a reminder! The Finnish Immigration Service plans to cancel most residence permits issued to foreign students. We have previously reported on the reasons for this decision, who may lose their permit, and the procedure for obtaining a student residence permit in Finland.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.