Can I apply or extend my business visa in Italy? Am I allowed to work in other EU countries with my Italian permit? Is it possible for to bring my spouse and children with me? More questions about living and working in Italy, find out answers in this article.
1. Can I extend my 90-day business stay/visa?
No. Extension is possible only in cases of force majeure (hospitalization)
2. Can I be in Italy while my work permit application is pending?
Yes, however, in such cases, only business activities are allowed
3. Can I apply for my work visa while I am in Italy?
No.Visa application must be filed at Italian Consulate where you are domiciled
4. Do I need to apply in person for my visa?
Yes. Consulate will keep your passport while an application is pending.
5. Will the Consulate interview me?
No. “work” visas do not generally require an interview, except for “self-employment “ visas
6. Do I need to register when I enter Italy with my work visa?
Yes. Within 8 days from entry you must apply for Police registration and request a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno)
7. Shall I extend my 1-year work visa when it expires?
Only your permit of stay (and work permit) must be extended.
8. Can I work in other EU countries with my Italian permit?
Only an ICT permit issued under Directive 66/2014 allows working in other countries.
9. Will past criminal charges impact on my work permit application?
Only if you are listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS) or Interpol Database*
10. Can I travel in other Schengen countries with a postal receipt proving that my renewal application is pending?
No. When renewing your permit of stay, you are allowed to stay in Italy but travelling to other Schengen contries is not possible.
11. Can I travel to my country while I am waiting for my permit of stay extension?
Yes. You need to avoid any transit or layover in other Schengen countries.
12. Can I bring my spouse and children with me?
Yes, if you hold one-year entry visa for subordinate work or for self-employment, or for study or religious purposes or if you hold a two- years investor visa. Note you must follow the accompanying family members procedure i.e. apply for a family clearance and family visa before travelling to Italy with your family.
If you are already in Italy then to have your family members join you it is necessary to be legally residing in Italy since at least 2 years (with the exception of individuals holding residence permits for international protection) (family reunification procedure)
13. Can my spouse work while in Italy?
Yes, the spouse holder of a family visa can start work as soon as the family permit application is filed (further to the accompanying family members/family reunification procedure).
14. Can I rent an apartment before obtaining my work visa?
Yes, but you will need your Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale)
15. Can I obtain the Italian tax Code (codice fiscale) before I have my visa and go to Italy?
Yes. It is possible to obtain an Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale) before arriving in Italy.
16. Do I have to pass a language test?
Yes. Anyone who applies for a 1-year (or longer) permit must pass a basic language test within 2 years
* Entry can be denied to individuals who have been convicted for homicide, robbery, riot, harm against public officers, narcotics trafficking, sex offenses and abuses, aiding and abetting of illegal immigrants, prostitution exploitation, employment of minors in illicit activities, copyright-related offenses.
