Visas assistance for non-EU/EEA Nationals
Non-EU/EEA members of the EUI who require a Visa to travel and/or subsequently reside in Italy should file their request for a special Visa (Type D - Mission) with the relevant Italian Embassy/Consulate. The EUI assists concerned EUI members by providing them with complete information and issuing special letters of visa support and additional documentation to be presented to the Italian Embassy/Consulate. Non-EU/EEA dependents (spouse/children) accompanying EUI members during their stay at the EUI may also receive a letter of visa support from the EUI.
Please contact the relevant office to receive complete information.
Complete information on Visas for Italy is available on the website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Visas Section) and the EUI Life In Florence - Information Guide (PDF).
A visa allows entry into Italy but does not grant residency. Upon arrival, additional steps are required to fulfil residence obligations.
Special ID Card issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA ID Card)
Members of the European University Institute who are staying for at least 12 months (except trainees), are issued an ID card - “Carta d’Identità per organizzazioni internazionali o missioni estere speciali” - by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Diplomatic Protocol, Office II - General Affairs of the Consular Corps and International Organizations, accreditations and diplomatic-consular immunities, state decorations.
Read more about MOFA ID Cards (EUI Members only)
Residence Permit for Non-EU citizens (Permesso di soggiorno or Dichiarazione di Presenza)
Residence Permit/Declaration of Presence is obligatory for:
- non-EU/EEA researchers and fellows who are not in possession of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA ID Card)
- non-EU/EEA spouse or dependent of a researcher or fellow who is not eligible for the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA ID Card)
- non-EU/EEA visiting/exchange student or visiting fellows
Foreign citizens staying in Italy for up to 90 days must submit a ‘dichiarazione di presenza' (declaration of presence) within eight working days after they arrive in Italy. For non-EU citizens coming from countries that do not apply the Schengen Convention, the obligation to file a declaration of presence is satisfied through the application of the USV sticker on the travel document at the moment of border control.
Non-EU citizens staying in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a ‘permesso di soggiorno’ (residence permit) within eight working days after they arrive in Italy.
Family members of EU citizens who are not EU nationals and are staying longer than 3 months should apply for the EC Long-Term Residence Permit (carta di soggiorno) for family members of EU citizens.
How to get a dichiarazione di presenza or a permesso di soggiorno or a carta di soggiorno:
Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to correctly apply for the permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) or carta di soggiorno and to comply with the entry and stay regulations of Italy and any other relevant countries.
To support you in this process, the Welcome Office collaborates with an external provider, Italy4You, whose services are sponsored by the EUI. The standard fee covered by the EUI includes:
- Assistance with the submission of your application (both first applications and renewals, if applicable);
- Assistance during your first appointment with the relevant Italian authority (Questura di Firenze).
Please note, however, that any administrative costs (such as state taxes, postal service fees, and other official charges) related to the permesso di soggiorno or carta di soggiorno remain the responsibility of the EUI member. Likewise, any additional services offered by Italy4you beyond their standard support package are at the EUI member’s own expense.
For further information, please contact the Welcome Office.
We strongly encourage you to contact Italy4You well in advance of your arrival to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to file the residence permit application within the deadline. The Welcome Office will not be in a position to directly monitor your application, which will remain under your sole responsibility, but is pleased to assist if you have questions or need further direction.
Residence Registration - Registrazione della Residenza Anagrafica
EU citizens and non-EU citizens who do not hold a Special ID Card issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA ID Card) staying in Italy for more than 3 months should register their residence with their local town hall registry office (Comune, Ufficio Anagrafe).
For additional information and assistance with the application procedure, please contact the Welcome Office.
If you intend to import your vehicle to Florence, please consult Imports, Customs, and Vehicles.
For all MOFA ID Card holders: The ID card issued by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA ID Card) exempts holders from registering their residence with the local authorities (Registrazione della Residenza Anagrafica with the Comune). The MOFA ID Card may be used in dealings and transactions where residence registration is required - Academic Service can provide supporting documentation. The MOFA ID Card is incompatible with the residence registration, and EUI researchers and fellows who intend to register their residence with the local authorities must inform Academic Service and return their MOFA ID Card.