Emirati citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, if you’re a foreign resident living in the UAE with a valid residence visa, you must get a Schengen visa.
Starting in 2024, UAE nationals will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) visa before traveling to Europe. This will be required for entry into European countries.
Types of Visas
Tourist Visa
Transit Visa
Study Visa
Work Visa
Working Holiday Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Family Reunification Visa
Elective Residence Visa
1. Tourist Visa
This visa is for people who want to visit Italy for leisure activities and tourism purposes.
Requirements
When applying for a tourist visa to Italy, you need several important documents. One key document is the Italy Visa Application Form.
To get an Italy Tourist Visa, you will need:
A detailed travel itinerary, including your entry and exit dates, flight numbers, and the places you plan to visit in Italy or the Schengen Area. This can be a flight reservation rather than a booked ticket.
A letter from your tour organizer, if you are traveling with a tour group.
Proof of accommodation, which could be a hotel/hostel booking or a rental agreement, depending on where you will stay.
Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover your stay.
If you are visiting a relative or friend in Italy, you must provide:
An invitation letter from your host, who could be an Italian citizen or a resident. The letter should confirm your relationship and the dates of your visit. If your host is a resident, they must include a copy of their residence permit.
Proof of family relationship, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or partnership registration, if your host is a family member.
Financial evidence, which can be your bank statements from the past six months if you are funding the trip yourself, or a sponsorship letter from your host along with their bank statements if they are funding your trip.
Proof of accommodation, which could be your host’s address or a booking for a hotel/hostel or rental agreement. If you are not staying with your host, you may need to provide evidence of your planned visits to them.
2. Transit Visa
This visa is for people who will pass through Italy while traveling to a different country.
Requirements
To get an Italy Airport Transit Visa, you’ll need to provide these documents:
Fill out and sign the Italy Schengen Visa Application Form.
Have a valid passport with at least two empty pages.
Include two recent, identical photos that meet Italy’s photo guidelines.
If required, a visa for the country you’re heading to after Italy.
A confirmed flight ticket to your next destination from Italy.
Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and valid throughout the Schengen Area.
Proof of payment for the Italian visa fee.
Remember, if you’re switching planes in Italy to travel to another Schengen country, you’ll need a regular C-type Schengen visa, even if your end destination is outside the Schengen Area. Plane changes in Italy are allowed only if you’re flying to a non-Schengen country.
3. Study Visa
This visa is for students who got admission in educational institutes in Italy.
Requirements
When you’re applying for a student visa to Italy, you need several important documents and must meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled in an Italian educational institution.
Here’s what you need for an Italy student visa:
Visa Application Form: Fill out the Italy Student Visa Application Form.
Photos: Provide recent passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm) with a light background and a neutral expression. Your face should cover 70% – 80% of the photo.
Passport: Ensure your travel document is valid for at least three months after your visa expires and has at least two blank pages.
Previous Visas: Submit photocopies of any previous visas.
Civil Documents: Include documents like birth or marriage certificates.
Enrollment Proof: Show proof of enrollment or pre-enrollment in an Italian university.
Police Clearance: Provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.
Accommodation Proof: Show evidence of where you’ll be staying in Italy, such as an apartment rental or student housing.
Financial Proof: Prove you have enough money to support yourself.
Health Insurance: Have adequate health insurance that covers medical treatment and hospitalization in Italy.
Education Certificates: Submit certificates of your previous education.
Language Proficiency: Depending on your course’s language, you might need to prove your knowledge of English or Italian.
Visa Fee Receipt: Include the receipt showing you’ve paid the visa fee.
Parental Consent: If you’re a minor, include a signed consent from both parents or legal guardians.
Translations: Any documents not in Italian or English must be translated by an authorized translator.
Note that this list isn’t comprehensive. Requirements can vary based on your country or the specific Italian embassy, so always check with them before applying. Incomplete applications will be rejected, and you’ll need to reapply, which can delay the process.
4. Work Visa
Non-EU citizens with a job offer in Italy can apply for this visa. It covers certain fields like entertainment, maritime, and sports.
Requirements
To get an Italy work visa, you need several documents. Here are some key items you’ll need:
A signed copy of your work contract.
The original and a copy of your Nulla Osta.
A filled-out Italian Long-Stay Visa Application form.
A passport with at least two blank pages, valid for at least three months beyond your visa’s end date.
Passport-sized photos that meet Italy’s photo requirements.
Proof of accommodation in Italy.
Evidence of sufficient financial means.
Proof of paid visa fee.
Diplomas or other certificates.
Remember, this list isn’t complete. The requirements for an Italy work visa vary based on your country and specific situation. Always check with the relevant authority for the latest information. Italian officials may ask for additional documents if needed.
Also, you need to provide your Italian employer with documents they need to apply for your work permit. Since each province’s Immigration office has different requirements, check with your employer about what they need from you.
5. Working Holiday Visa
This visa is designed for young adults (18-30 years old, up to 35 for Canadians) from certain countries, letting them work and travel in Italy for up to a year.
Requirements
To get an Italian Working Holiday Visa, you must:
Live in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea.
Be between 18 and 30 years old (or up to 35 for Canadians).
Not include any minor dependents in your application.
Never have had a Working Holiday Visa for any participating country before.
Hold a valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond the visa’s end date.
Include a photocopy of your passport’s bio-data page.
Include photocopies of any previous visas.
Have a return ticket or show you have enough money to buy one later.
Provide evidence of enough funds to support yourself (at least €200 per month, totaling at least €2,400). This can be shown with bank statements from the past three months and a credit card in your name.
Get health insurance covering at least €30,000 for emergencies, hospitalization, or repatriation for the duration of your stay.
Be in good health.
Show proof of accommodation for at least the beginning part of your stay.
Pay the Italy visa fee and show proof of payment.
6. Self-Employment Visa
This visa is for people who want to start a business or work as freelancers in Italy.
Requirements
The required documents vary based on the type of work you will do and your country of residence. Here are the general requirements:
Visa Application: Fill out the Italian long-stay visa application form.
Photos: Provide two passport-sized photos meeting Italy’s visa photo criteria.
Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages. It must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Nulla Osta: The original and a copy of the Nulla Osta authorization.
Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds.
Accommodation: Proof of suitable living arrangements, such as a rental or purchase agreement.
Income Proof: Proof of income from the previous year, exceeding the minimum required for health care contribution exemption (€8,400).
Chamber of Commerce Certificate: A certificate from the local Chamber of Commerce confirming you have the necessary resources for your self-employed activity. This must be above the minimum annual income (€4,962.36).
Civic Status Documents: Documents proving your civil status.
Additional Requirements for Corporate Roles
If you will be taking on a corporate role in an existing company (e.g., as a partner or CEO), you will also need:
Company Registration: Proof that the company is registered in the Chamber of Commerce Business Registry.
Registration Number: The company’s registration number.
Position Details: Documentation of your role within the company.
Responsibility Declaration: An official declaration from the local County Labor Office stating that you will not be employed in a subordinate position.
Salary Proof: Evidence that your salary exceeds the minimum required for health care contribution exemption (€8,400).
7. Family Reunification Visa
The Italy Family Visa is designed for those wishing to join relatives who are either Italian citizens or residents. Eligible family members encompass spouses, children under 18, and dependent parents.
Requirements
To apply for this visa, you and your family members must submit various supporting documents. Additionally, you must fulfill specific criteria regarding housing and financial resources if you intend to bring them to Italy.
When applying for an Italy family visa, your family members must provide:
Original and copy of the Nulla Osta
Copy of your residence permit (or ID card, if you are an Italian citizen) and passport
Completed and signed Italy Long-Stay Visa Application Form
Passport-size photos with a white background, ensuring the face occupies 70% – 80% of the image
Passports valid for at least three months after the visa expiry, with two blank pages
Your declaration confirming your desire to reunite with your family under Italian law
Proof of family relationship (birth certificates for children, marriage certificate for spouse)
Evidence of adequate financial means and suitable accommodation
Receipt of paid Italy visa fee
Proof of booked flights
Written consent from the child’s other parent if a minor is traveling alone
For bringing parents to Italy: Original copies of your birth certificate, proof of their dependence on you, and their written statement confirming dependency
8. Elective Residence Visa
The Italy Elective Residency Visa is designed for financially independent individuals, often retirees, seeking to live in Italy without employment. Applicants must demonstrate substantial income and financial independence to qualify.
Requirements
When applying for an Italy Elective Residency Visa, you need to provide specific documents to prove your eligibility:
Evidence of adequate financial resources to support yourself without working, with a minimum of €31,000 annually for individuals and €38,000 for couples. This amount increases by 20% per dependent.
Proof of accommodation arrangements in Italy, either through a rental agreement or proof of property ownership.
International health insurance covering €30,000 annually and medical expenses across all EU member states.
A valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the visa expiry date and containing two blank visa pages.
Completed and signed Italy Long-Stay Visa Application Form.
Civil status documents like birth or marriage certificates as applicable.
Police clearances from your home country.
How to Apply for an Italian Visa?
To get an Italy Schengen visa in the UAE, follow these steps:
Go to the VFS Global website and fill the application form.
Complete the Schengen visa form for Italy.
Pay the fees and print the form.
Schedule an appointment at the Italian Consulate General in Dubai.
Attend the visa interview with all the required documents.
Wait for the visa decision.
You can check your visa application status online. Use the reference number from the consulate’s receipt and your last name to track it. Visit this website to track your application.
Submit your application form in person after scheduling an appointment online. For faster processing, you can use their premium services, which are detailed on their official website.
Requirements
General Requirements
When applying for an Italy visa, foreigners must present various documents, which differ based on their travel purpose. For instance, business visa applicants need certain documents that differ from those required for tourist visas.
Additionally, requirements can vary by country, and Italian officials may request extra documents as necessary. Nevertheless, there is a standard set of documents everyone must submit:
Completed Italian visa application form
Valid passport or travel document
Photographs
Civil status documents
Copies of previous visas
Travel insurance
Proof of travel plans
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient financial resources
Cover letter
Employment status documents
Visa fees
Any extra documents for minors
Any additional documents specific to the purpose of the visit
1. Application Form
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and date it.
Download and print the form for free online.
2. Valid Passport/Travel Document
Your passport must be less than 10 years old.
Ensure it has at least two blank pages for the visa.
It should be valid for at least three months beyond your stay in Italy and the Schengen area.
3. Photos
Provide two identical passport-sized photos that meet Schengen requirements:
Taken within the last six months
Sized 35x45mm
In color
Clear with your face occupying 70-80% of the photo
4. Civil Status Documents
Include any relevant documents such as a marriage certificate, death certificate, or birth certificate of children.
5. Previous Visas
Submit photocopies of any past visas attached to your passport.
6. Travel Health Insurance
Obtain travel insurance valid throughout the Schengen area.
The insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses, emergencies, and hospital stays.
7. Proof of Travel
Provide a booked flight itinerary or reservation showing entry and exit dates, flight numbers, and other details.
In some cases, an actual flight ticket may be required.
8. Proof of Accommodation
Include evidence of where you’ll stay in Italy, such as:
Hotel bookings
Home rental agreements
A letter from your host if staying with friends or family
9. Financial Proof
Demonstrate you can support yourself financially during your stay. This can be shown through:
Bank statements from the past month, stamped and signed by a bank official
Savings account statements (original and photocopy)
Copies of credit cards along with recent ATM receipts showing the balance
A bank guarantee from your host if you have a sponsor
10. Cover Letter
Write a personal letter explaining:
Why you want to visit Italy
How you will fund your trip
Your relationship with your sponsor
Your reasons for returning to your home country.
Required Documents Based on Employment Status
Your employment status determines the documents you need to provide. Here’s what you’ll need based on your situation:
1. For Employees
Employment contract
Bank statements from the past six months
A No Objection Letter from your employer including:
Employer’s name and letter date
Approval of your work absence
Dates you’ll be away
Confirmation of your employment and return after visa expiry
Proof of your financial stability with annual income details
Income Tax Return (ITR) form
2. For Self-Employed Individuals
Business license copy
Company’s bank statements for the past six months
Income Tax Return (ITR) form
3. For Students
Proof of enrollment
A No Objection Letter from your school including:
Academic personnel’s name and letter date
Confirmation of your student status and enrollment date
Approval of your absence
Duration of your absence
Proof of financial capability through personal funds or scholarship/grant
4. For Retirees
Bank statements from the past six months
Required Documents for Children (Minors)
Children traveling to Italy, whether alone or with a parent, need to have these documents:
Birth certificate.
Italy visa application form signed by both parents.
Certified copies of both parents’ IDs or passports.
Additionally, if relevant:
Court statement if only one parent has custody due to divorce or the other parent’s death.
Notarized permission if the child is traveling alone.
If accompanied by another adult, the adult’s original passport and a copy.
Required Documents Based on Travel Purpose
While standard documents are needed for all types of entry, you must also submit specific documents based on your travel reason. Requirements also differ if you’re applying for an Italian long-stay visa.
1. For Business Travel
If you’re traveling for business and need an Italy Business visa, you’ll need:
An invitation letter from your host, the Italian partner company you’ll visit, or the event organizer.
The Registration Certificate of the inviting company in Italy.
Proof of previous trade relations between your company and the Italian company (if applicable).
2. For Cultural, Sports, or Filmmaking Events
If attending a cultural, sports, or filmmaking event, you’ll need:
An invitation letter from the event organizer detailing the activities.
Entry tickets.
Enrollment conditions for the event.
A detailed program of the event.
Proof of participation in similar past events or any certificates/awards won.
3. For Medical Treatment
If seeking medical care in Italy, the following are required:
A letter from your home country doctor stating your need for treatment in Italy, your medical history, and the treatment details.
An official acceptance document from the Italian medical institution confirming they can provide the required treatment.
Proof of communication between your home country doctor and the Italian doctor.
Evidence of accommodation at the Italian medical institution.
Proof of payment for at least 30% of the treatment cost in Italy.
If your home country’s health ministry covers the treatment costs, an official letter stating this.
Proof that you can cover any additional medical costs that may arise.
Required Documents When Applying for an Italy Schengen Visa from the UAE
When you’re applying for an Italy Schengen visa in the UAE, you’ll need the following documents:
1. Application Form
Fill out the form completely and sign it.
2. Passport Photo
Provide a recent passport-size color photo with a white background, taken within the last six months.
3. Passport
Submit your valid passport along with a copy that:
Is valid for at least three months after your planned return date.
Has at least two blank pages.
Was issued within the last ten years.
Includes a valid UAE visa.
4. UAE Residence Visa
Include a copy of your UAE residence visa, valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended return date.
5. Trade License
Provide a copy of your current trade license.
6. No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Get an NOC from your sponsor or employer, stating:
Your name and job title.
Start date of your employment.
Your monthly salary.
No objection to your travel to Italy.
Duration of your leave.
The name, job title, direct phone number, and email of the person signing the certificate, plus a copy of their passport and UAE visa.
7. Employment Contract
Provide a copy of your employment contract or agreement.
8. Proof of Financial Means
Show proof of sufficient funds for your stay, including:
Pay slips for the last three months.
Bank statements for the last three months (only local bank accounts).
A valid international credit card and its statements for the last three months.
Any other documents that demonstrate your financial stability, like additional bank accounts, properties, or investments. Make sure bank statements are on official bank letterhead and stamped if they are photocopies or online printouts.
9. International Medical Insurance
You should have insurance covering your entire stay with at least €30,000 coverage, including full hospitalization, emergency repatriation, and repatriation of mortal remains. Provide a detailed benefits table.
10. Hotel Booking
Provide a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation if staying in private accommodation.
11. Flight Booking
Include a confirmed direct flight booking. During the pandemic, booking a direct flight is recommended to avoid issues with transit restrictions.
Following these steps will help ensure that you have everything needed for your Italy Schengen visa application from the UAE.
If the applicant is a child, you need to provide these extra documents:
Copies of both parents’ or guardians’ passports.
A consent letter signed by both parents or guardians that explains the trip’s purpose, destination, and exact dates. This letter must be signed at our Visa Application Center.
If one parent is abroad, they must sign the consent letter at the nearest Italian Consulate or Embassy in front of an officer.
A birth certificate: If the applicant’s passport does not list both parents’ or guardians’ full names in English, provide an original or certified copy of the birth certificate translated into Italian or English, and legalized by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country where it was issued.
For divorced parents, provide an original or legalized copy of the divorce decree, clearly stating full custody, translated into Italian or English.
Originals and/or certified copies will be returned if copies are provided. Ensure all these documents are prepared for a smooth visa application process.
Cost
Here are the costs for Italian Schengen visas for residents of the UAE:
For adults: AED 357
For children aged 6-12: AED 178
For children under 6: Free
For diplomatic and service passport holders: Free
For family members of an EU/EEA national: Free
A service fee of AED 38.30 applies per application, payable by cash or card, including all taxes.
Processing Time
You need to send in your application at least 15 days before you plan to travel. If you don’t, it will be sent back. It can take up to 15 calendar days to process your application, starting from the next business day after you submit it.
Validity
The validity period for an Italian visa varies depending on the type of visa. Here are the main categories:
1. Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Schengen Visa – Type C)
This is valid for the entire Schengen Area for short stays. It allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. These visas can be issued for one, two, or multiple entries and can have a validity of one year, two years, three years, or five years in some cases.
2. Long-Stay Visa (National Visa – Type D)
This visa is for stays exceeding 90 days in Italy. It is typically valid for the duration of the intended stay and allows for multiple entries. After entering Italy, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit.
3. Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
This is for travelers transiting through the international zones of airports in the Schengen Area and does not allow entry into the Schengen Area.
4. Visa with Limited Territorial Validity (LTV)
This visa is valid only for the specific Schengen State that issued it or other Schengen States specifically indicated on the visa. It is issued in exceptional cases for humanitarian reasons, national interest, or international obligations.
The validity period (the timeframe within which the visa can be used) is generally longer than the duration of the stay permitted by the visa. For example, a visa might be valid for 90 days, allowing entry at any time within those 90 days for a stay not exceeding 30 days.For further details, you can refer to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s guidelines on visas by visiting their website at: https://www.esteri.it/en
Visa with Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi Passports
For UAE residents with Pakistani, Indian, or Bangladeshi passports, the visa requirements to travel to Italy involve several standard documents and steps. Here’s a summary:
Required Documents
Application Form: Complete, sign, and date the Italian visa application form.
Passport: Must be no older than 10 years, have at least two blank pages, and be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure from Italy.
Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos adhering to Schengen requirements.
UAE Residence Permit: Must be valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Travel Itinerary: Proof of flight bookings to and from Italy.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host in Italy.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other evidence of sufficient funds to cover the trip.
Travel Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 valid in the entire Schengen Area.
Cover Letter: Explaining the purpose of the visit and travel details.
Previous Visas: Photocopies of any previous Schengen visas.
Additional Documents Based on Employment Status
Employed: Employment contract, bank statements, a No Objection Letter from the employer, and income tax returns.
Self-Employed: Business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns.
Students: Proof of enrollment and a No Objection Letter from the educational institution.
Application Process
Identify the correct Italian embassy, consulate, or visa center for submission.
Schedule an appointment.
Attend the visa interview with all required documents.
Wait for the visa processing, which can take up to 15 days.
Visa Fees
Adults: Approximately $92.56
Children (6-12 years): Approximately $46.28
Children under 6 years: Free
Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals: Free
For more detailed information and updates, it’s recommended to consult the official websites or the consulates directly.
FAQ’s
It usually takes about 14 working days (or more) once you send your documents to process your visa.
No, once paid, the visa application fee cannot be refunded.
Italy being part of the Schengen area allows travel with a visa from any Schengen country. However, for extended stays in Italy, a specific Italy visa is required.
The cost varies by visa type. On average, adults should budget around AED 297 for a short trip, and AED 149 for children under 12.
Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have a valid Italy visa.
Yes, it’s mandatory to submit documents detailing your visit reason, along with your travel itinerary, flight tickets, and hotel bookings.
Visa types depend on your visit’s purpose and duration, including tourist, visiting, or transit visas.
A return flight ticket is required as part of the Italy visa process to confirm your stay duration and exit plans.
Complete the visa application form, gather required documents, and submit them with the fee for processing upon verification.
For tourist visas, passports should be valid for at least three months upon arrival; for employment visas, it should be six months.
For urgent inquiries, contact VFS Global at +971-4-205-5777 for specific details.
If your application is denied, your passport and a refusal letter will be returned, outlining appeal options.
UAE citizens do not need an Italy Schengen visa for stays under 90 days, but UAE residents require one.
Conclusion
If you want more information about the Italian Visa for UAE residents, you can follow up with the Italian embassy in the UAE and get in touch with them.
