Italy Student Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 25 June, 2025

Community

Join thouthands of remoters!

Join the community

Italy Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 3.8

Internet Infrastructure 5.0

Country Stability 4.0

Cost of Living 4.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0

Taxes 3.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Usually issued for up to 1 year, aligned with your study program duration.

Possible to extend? Yes, you can extend your student visa or residence permit by renewing it before expiration, as long as you remain enrolled and meet financial requirements.

Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA students accepted into accredited Italian universities or recognized study programs, including language courses lasting over 90 days.

Minimum Income Requirements You must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, typically around €6,000 per year, to cover living expenses while studying in Italy.

Time for visa applications Processing generally takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the consulate.

Want to know if you can apply?

Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

Start Visa Quiz

Dreaming of studying in Italy? Here's everything you need to know about the student visa.

From centuries-old universities to sun-drenched piazzas, Italy offers more than just world-class education; it’s a cultural experience like no other. But before you pack your bags for Rome, Florence, or Milan, there’s one essential step: getting your Italy Student Visa.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from visa requirements and application steps to documents you'll need and what to expect once you arrive. Whether you're planning a short-term language course or enrolling in a full university degree, this page is your go-to resource for navigating the Italian student visa process with confidence.

Italy Student Visa Overview

If you're a non-EU national planning to study in Italy for more than 90 days, you’ll need a national long-stay visa (type D) for study purposes, commonly known as the Italy Student Visa. This visa is a legal requirement and was established under Italian immigration law in line with European Union policies on student mobility.

Once granted, it allows you to enter Italy and apply for a residence permit to stay for the duration of your studies. Whether you're enrolling in a university degree program, language course, or vocational training, this visa is the first step to beginning your academic journey in Italy.

Who Is It For?

The Italian Student Visa is for non-EU/EEA nationals who have been accepted into an accredited educational institution in Italy. It applies to:

University students (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD)
Participants in exchange programs (like Erasmus+)
Students attending language schools or professional training courses.
Students enrolled in recognized higher education or cultural institutions.

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a student visa but must register their residency in Italy if staying longer than 90 days.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

With a valid Italy Student Visa and residence permit, you are allowed to:

Legally stay in Italy for the entire duration of your studies.
Apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days of arrival.
Work part-time (up to 20 hours per week and 1,040 hours per year)
Travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
Renew your visa/residence permit if continuing your studies.

In some cases, after graduation, you may also be eligible to convert your student residence permit into a work permit if you meet the necessary requirements.

Italy Student Visa Requirements

To apply for an Italy Student Visa (type D), you must submit a complete application with all the necessary documents to the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. Below is a list of the standard documents required, followed by key requirements that deserve special attention.

Completed long-stay visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photos (typically two, meeting biometric standards)
Valid passport (must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay and contain at least two blank pages)
Official letter of acceptance from an accredited Italian educational institution.
Proof of accommodation in Italy (e.g., university housing confirmation, rental agreement, or host declaration)
Round-trip flight reservation or proof of travel itinerary.
Visa application fee payment receipt.
A cover letter or statement of purpose explaining your study plans in Italy.

Note: All documents must be translated into Italian or English and may need to be legalized or apostilled depending on the country.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Italy. This typically means showing:

Recent bank statements.
Scholarship award letters (if applicable)
Proof of financial support from parents or a sponsor, along with their bank statements and a notarized affidavit of support.

As of the latest official guidelines, the minimum amount required is around €460.00 per month for each month of stay.

Private Health Insurance

Health coverage is mandatory. You must provide proof of valid private health insurance that covers the duration of your stay in Italy or proof of enrollment in the Italian National Health Service (SSN) (if applicable)

The insurance must be valid in Italy and the Schengen Area and cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses and emergency care.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Proof of Accommodation

You must show where you will live during your studies. Accepted documents include:

University housing confirmation.
Rental lease agreement.
Host declaration with a copy of their ID and housing documents.

Educational Documents

Your academic intent must be clearly documented with:

A copy of your high school diploma or previous academic transcripts.
Proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment via the Universitaly portal.
Language proficiency certificate (Italian or English), if required by the program.

How to Apply for the Italy Student Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for an Italian Student Visa may seem daunting at first, but the process is straightforward when broken down into manageable steps. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application with confidence, from securing admission to attending your visa appointment.

Step 1: Get Accepted to an Italian Educational Institution

Before you can apply for a visa, you must be officially accepted into an accredited Italian university, language school, or training program. You’ll receive a letter of acceptance, which is a mandatory document for the visa application.

Note: If you're applying for university-level programs, you may also need to pre-enroll via the Universitaly portal.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Prepare all the necessary documents, including your completed application form, valid passport, proof of financial means, accommodation, health insurance, and your acceptance letter. Double-check if translations or legalizations are needed in your country.

Step 3: Book an Appointment at the Italian Consulate

Visit the website of the Italian consulate or embassy in your country and schedule a visa appointment. Some consulates use online booking platforms, while others may require contacting them via email or phone.

Note: Appointments fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to book yours as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your appointment, bring printed copies of all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your studies, accommodation, and financial situation. Submit your documents and pay the visa application fee (typically around €50, but it may vary by country).

Step 5: Wait for Visa Processing

Visa processing times vary, but most applications are reviewed within 2 to 4 weeks. Some cases may take longer, especially during peak application seasons.

You may be contacted for additional documents or clarifications during this time.

Step 6: Collect Your Visa

Once your application is approved, you’ll be notified to collect your visa from the consulate. Check that all details are correct (especially your name, visa type, and validity dates).

Step 7: Apply for a Residence Permit in Italy

Within 8 working days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) at your local post office and complete the process with the immigration office (Questura).

How Much Does the Italy Student Visa Cost?

The cost of obtaining an Italian Student Visa depends on several required and optional expenses. To start, the visa application fee for a long-stay type D visa is typically €50, though this amount can vary slightly depending on the Italian consulate in your country. Once you arrive in Italy, you’ll also need to apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno), which includes both a fee based on the length of your stay and administrative costs. The base fee is usually:

€40 for stays between 3 and 12 months.
€50 for stays between 12 and 24 months.
€100 for longer stays or special cases (such as internships or research)

In addition to this, you’ll need to pay around €76.46 in administrative costs, which covers a €30.46 issuance fee, a €16 tax stamp (marca da bollo), and about €30 for postal services.

Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for document translations, legalizations, or apostilles, depending on your home country’s requirements. These services can cost anywhere from €20 to €100+ per document, especially if you’re translating academic records, financial documents, or insurance policies.

Taxes for People With an Italy Student Visa

If you’re studying in Italy and not earning income, you generally won’t need to pay taxes or file a tax return. Simply holding a student visa does not make you a tax resident.

However, if you work part-time, do a paid internship, or earn income while in Italy, you may be required to:

Get a tax identification number (codice fiscale)
Register with the Italian tax agency (Agenzia delle Entrate)
File an annual tax return if your income exceeds certain limits.

Some scholarships and grants may be tax-exempt, but it's best to confirm this with the issuing body or a tax advisor.

If you're in Italy for more than 183 days in a year, you might be considered a tax resident and taxed on worldwide income, even if you're working remotely for a company abroad.

To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to consult a tax professional if you plan to work or stay long-term.

Living in Italy as a Student

Living in Italy as a student is a vibrant and rewarding experience. From the historic streets of Rome to the student-friendly atmosphere in cities like Bologna, Florence, and Milan, you’ll find no shortage of culture, art, and community. Italian universities are well-integrated into city life, and it’s common for students to enjoy a mix of academic study, café culture, and weekend travel. The cost of living varies by city, but in general, students can live comfortably with a modest budget, especially if they take advantage of university housing, public transportation discounts, and student meal plans.

Beyond academics, international students often find it easy to make friends through university clubs, language exchanges, and cultural events. Italy’s rich traditions, delicious cuisine, and slower pace of life make it an ideal setting for balancing studies with personal growth. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sipping espresso at a local bar, or improving your Italian, daily life in Italy offers countless moments of connection and discovery.

Best Cities to Live in Italy

Choosing where to live in Italy as a student can shape your entire experience. Here are three of the best cities that combine great universities, vibrant student life, and plenty of cultural opportunities:

Rome

Italy’s capital offers an unbeatable mix of history, art, and modern life. With several prestigious universities and a lively student scene, Rome lets you study while immersing yourself in iconic landmarks, buzzing piazzas, and diverse neighborhoods. The city’s extensive public transport makes getting around easy, and there’s always something happening—from concerts to festivals.

Bologna

Known as the “learned city,” Bologna is home to the oldest university in the Western world. It’s famous for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable living costs, and excellent food culture. The compact city center is perfect for students who want to explore on foot or by bike, and its vibrant nightlife and cultural events keep the social calendar full all year round.

Florence

For art lovers and history buffs, Florence is a dream come true. This Renaissance city offers top-tier education alongside breathtaking architecture and museums. While it’s a bit smaller than Rome or Milan, Florence boasts a close-knit student community and easy access to the Tuscan countryside. Expect inspiring surroundings and a slower, enriching pace of life.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Italy is the Euro. €1 EUR = $1.137 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Italy is around €2,066, which equates to approximately $2,349 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Rome

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,153.77 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,272.73 per month
Basic Utilities - €193.51 per month
Wi-Fi - €26.82 per month
Public Transport - €1.50 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400–€600 per month

Bologna

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €950 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,730.52 per month
Basic Utilities - €197.67 per month
Wi-Fi - €29.05 per month
Public Transport - €2.30 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €350–€500 per month

Florence

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,006.82 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,985.29 per month
Basic Utilities - €193.84 per month
Wi-Fi - €29.86 per month
Public Transport - €1.70 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400–€600 per month

FAQs

How long does it take to get an Italy Student Visa?

The processing time varies by consulate but typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks. It’s best to apply at least 3 months before your planned travel date to allow for any delays.

Can I work in Italy while studying on a student visa?

Yes, student visa holders are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays, but your income must not interfere with your studies.

Do I need to buy health insurance for my Italy Student Visa?

Yes, proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for the visa application. You can choose private insurance or register with the Italian National Health Service (SSN) once in Italy.

Is it possible to extend my Italy Student Visa?

Yes, if you continue your studies in Italy, you can apply to extend your visa or residence permit before it expires, provided you meet the university’s enrollment and financial requirements.

Can family members accompany me on an Italy Student Visa?

Family members usually require their own visas, but some student visa holders can apply for family reunification if certain conditions are met. Check specific embassy guidelines for details.

Can I get help applying for the Italy student visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

Author