Italy has introduced a new work visa for seafarers to its Italian Immigration Law. This type of new Italian visa does not require the applicants (seafarers) to apply for a work permit beforehand. In this article, you can find the Most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new Italian work visa for seafarers.
Generally speaking, to apply for an Italian Work Visa, applicants are required to obtain a work permit beforehand. However, with this new work visa for seafarers, this step has been eliminated, so that applicants can directly apply for the work visa.
1. What type of visa is the new visa for seafarers?
It is a work visa with multiple entries for 365 days.
2. Can I apply for the Italian Visa for seafarers even though the ship is not registered in Italy?
Yes, this visa can be applied for even in the case of NON-EU flagged vessels, provided that they are docked in Italy.
3. I work for a non-Italian company, can I apply for this visa?
Yes, seamen working either for an Italian or a non-EU company can apply for this type of visa.
4. Do I need to apply for a permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno) while working on the ship?
No, a permit of stay is not required. Yet, only if disembarking in Italy, one must apply for a permit of stay within 8 days.
5. Can I obtain the visa without leaving Italy?
No, the visa must be applied for and issued by an Italian Consulate.
6. Do I need to travel to my home country in order to apply for the visa?
No, you can apply at any Italian Consulate, irrespective of the country of residence.
7. What documents do I need to apply?
Documents must include:
- A formal request from the shipping company
- Job contract
- if the seaman is not an employee of the shipping company, a service agreement shall be submitted
- Ship registry certificate
- An official letter signed by Italian Port Captain (Capitaneria di Porto)
Please note the Consulate can request additional documents at its discretion.
