The government has set the maximum number of NON-EU sportsmen who can be registered by Italian Sports Clubs for the sports season 2018/2019.
The maximum number is 1090, to be shared among the various National Sports Federations. This number includes both NON-EU sportsmen entering in Italy for the first time (as employees or as self-employed workers) and NON-EU nationals regularly residing in Italy on a work or family permit.
In Italy, the maximum number of NON-EU citizens that can be engaged in competitive sports activities is set by means of a decree issued by the government each year. The decree is issued on the basis of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) proposal.
Italian Sports Clubs willing to hire a foreign national must file an application and a obtain a special permit from the CONI. Upon receiving the approval, the NON-EU national athlete must apply for the sports visa at the Italian Consulate in the country of residence.
Within 8 days of arrival in Italy with the sports visa, the foreigner must apply for the Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) which is issued by the local Police.
