Venice Visas & Permits

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?
Depends on whether you are an EU citizen or not. If you are not an EU citizen you cannot work in Italy unless you obtain a working permit, but may stay in Italy as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. You can only work in Italy if your employer has obtained a work visa for you prior to your arrival to Italy.
After getting a work visa, you may obtain a Permit of Stay, which is a document for non-EU foreign residents specifying the length of time you may stay in Italy. If you are an EU citizen, in order to work you need to register with the Town Hall on your arrival in Italy. To register with the Town Hall, EU citizens need written proof of employment from their Italian employer.
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What kinds of visas are available?
The following are the different types of visas available in Venice:
1. Short-stay visas for tourism (valid for eight to 90 days) - this is only necessary for non-EU citizens.
2. Visas for study/research - this is only necessary for non-EU citizens.
3. Work visas for non-EU citizens - there are two main types of these visas:

  • distacco visa, which is a short-term, non-renewable visa, valid for two to three years. This visa is applicable if you are paid by a non-Italian company;
  • quota visa, which is applicable if you are directly employed by your Italian company. The amount of visas awarded is limited and controlled by the Italian Government. A limited number are given to each nationality and job category.

4. Spouse and accompanying family visa (Visto per familiare al seguito ) for non-EU citizens - this is a non-working visa.
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What is required to obtain these visas?
All information and documentation related to a work visa and Permit of Stay must be obtained from the Central Police Station (Questura Central). For non-EU citizens, the hiring company should first go to the Sportello Unico dell'Immigrazione to obtain all necessary documents. The process for securing a work visa for a non-EU citizen is generally quite lengthy, as the various government offices may request additional documents at any time. If you plan to come to Italy with your family, bring a marriage certificate not older than six months old, preferably translated into Italian by an Italian Consulate, and birth certificates for your children.
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Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?
If the spouse is an EU citizen, he or she will have a Permit of Stay which allows the spouse to work. If the spouse is not an EU citizen he or she will probably have a non-working visa (Visto per familiari al seguito) and will not be able to work. If eligible, a spouse's ability to find a job will depend on his or her Italian language skills, level of education and degree -- if it is even recognized in Italy. Related work experience of three to five years is preferred for most positions.
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What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

  • Codice Fiscale - a unique identification number, necessary for clearing your shipment through Customs, renting a house, opening a bank account and buying a car. You should apply for it at the local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate ).
  • Permit of Stay - a document stating your status in Italy. You will need it in order to obtain residence document (Certificato di residenza ) which is a document that registers you with the Town Hall (Comune ) and may be requested when opening a bank account. You can obtain it at the Central Police Station (Questura Centrale ) in the town you intend to live in.
  • Identity Card (Carta d'identita ) - you can obtain it at the Town Hall (Comune ) in the town where you are living. To obtain the Identity Card you need to have the Permit of Stay.

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Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?
Once you have decided where you will be living you will have to register at the Town Hall (Ufficio Anagrafe).
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What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

  • Shotguns and rifles
  • Flammable goods
  • Ivory
  • Hides of protected species
  • Live plants (from outside EU)
  • Food and alcohol

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Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?
Always carry an identification document (e.g., Permit of Stay, Identity Card) with you and remember to renew all documents on time (i.e., at least 30 days before expiry date).
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.