Italy Visa Types 2027: Which One Fits You?
Explore the main types of Italian visas in 2027, from tourist and student visas to work, digital nomad and long-stay options, and find the one that fits your plans.
Emily Carter
Last updated
Why the Right Visa Is Your First Step to Italy
Italy offers great food, historic cities, respected universities and a growing demand for skilled workers. But before you pack your bags, you need the visa that matches your goal. Italy has two main kinds of visas: short-stay visas for visits of up to 90 days, and long-stay national visas for living in Italy. Choosing the right one from the start saves you time, money and the risk of refusal.
Short Visits: Italy Tourist and Business Visas
If you want to travel, visit family or attend business meetings, you usually need a short-stay Schengen visa. It lets you stay in Italy and the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A short-stay visa does not allow you to work or to study for a long program in Italy. If your plans are longer or include work, you need a national visa instead.
Italy Student Visas
If you want a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in Italy, you need a long-stay national student visa. First, you complete pre-enrollment on the official Universitaly portal, then you apply at the Italian embassy or consulate. For 2026/27 and 2027/28, you must show at least €10,179.85 a year in financial means. As a student, you can also work part-time for up to 20 hours a week.
Italy Work and Digital Nomad Visas
Most Italian work visas depend on a yearly quota, with 165,850 places approved for 2027, and your employer must apply for you. Highly skilled professionals with a qualifying job offer can use the EU Blue Card, which has no quota and is open all year. If you work remotely for clients or companies outside Italy, the digital nomad visa lets you live in Italy without an Italian employer. It is only for highly skilled workers with a stable income from their own work.
Living in Italy Long Term
If you have enough stable income, such as a pension, and do not plan to work, the elective residence visa may suit you. After five years with a valid residence permit, you can apply for a long-term EU residence permit. For this, you need an income at least equal to Italy’s social allowance and Italian at A2 level. This permit gives you much more stability, and the card is valid for 10 years.
Do You Need a Job Offer to Move to Italy?
Not always. Student, digital nomad and elective residence visas do not need one. Most work visas and the EU Blue Card do require a job offer from an Italian employer.
Can Your Family Come With You?
In many cases, yes, through family reunification. Your spouse and children under 18 can usually join you once you have a valid residence permit.
Where Do You Apply for an Italian Visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate, or its official visa centre, in the country where you live. The official Visa for Italy portal shows which visa you need.
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