Visa and Regulations for staying in Italy

NON-EU STUDENTS

1. Exchange Students

Before departure: insurance and entry into Italy

• For stays longer than 90 days, a study visa is required
• For stays up to 90 days, visa requirements depend on nationality

To check whether a visa is required and the necessary documentation, visit:
MAECI – Visa for Italy
(select reason: “STUDY – EXCHANGE AND MOBILITY PROGRAMME”)

• Always contact the nearest Italian Embassy well in advance

Health insurance requirement:

• If purchased in your home country, it must:
  • Be valid in Italy
  • Cover illness, accidents, and maternity
• It must be presented to the Embassy and stamped to certify validity

 Important 
Without the Embassy stamp, the insurance may not be accepted in Italy for the residence permit, and you may be required to purchase a new policy.

Upon arrival in Italy: declaration of presence and residence permit

Declaration of presence (for stays under 90 days)

Non-EU exchange students staying less than 90 days must submit a declaration of presence (no residence permit required).

• If entering Italy from a non-Schengen country:
  • The Schengen entry stamp on your passport replaces the declaration
• If entering through a Schengen country:
  • Submit the declaration within 8 days at the Questura (Police Headquarters) of your province of residence
• If staying in a hotel:
  • The registration form signed at the hotel serves as the declaration

Always carry a copy of the declaration in case of police checks.

Residence permit (for stays over 90 days)

Non-EU exchange students staying more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit within 8 working days of arrival in Italy.

2. Students Enrolled in Degree Programmes or Single Courses

Before departure: health insurance and visa

• Non-EU students residing abroad must apply for a study visa to enter Italy
• The visa is issued after completing pre-enrolment procedures at Italian Embassies

 Important 
A tourist visa does not allow:

• University enrollment
• Issuance of a residence permit for study purposes

Health insurance requirement:

• Must be valid in Italy and cover illness, accidents, and maternity
• Must be presented to the Embassy and validated with an official stamp

 Without validation, it may not be accepted for the residence permit.

Upon arrival in Italy: declaration of presence and residence permit

Declaration of presence (for stays under 90 days)

Non-EU exchange students staying less than 90 days must submit a declaration of presence (no residence permit required).

• If entering Italy from a non-Schengen country:
  • The Schengen entry stamp on your passport replaces the declaration
• If entering through a Schengen country:
  • Submit the declaration within 8 days at the Questura (Police Headquarters) of your province of residence
• If staying in a hotel:
  • The registration form signed at the hotel serves as the declaration

 Always carry a copy of the declaration in case of police checks.