Sport Visa in Italy

Italian Visa for short-term sport events: up to 90 days

Foreign athletes participating in sports competitions in Italy for a period not exceeding 90 days must apply for a Short-Term Sports Visa at the Italian Consulate in their country of residence.

This visa allows athletes to enter and stay in Italy for up to 90 days, specifically for taking part in sports events, without engaging in ongoing or professional sports activity.

Required documentation includes an invitation letter issued by CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee) or the relevant Italian Sports Federation, confirming participation in the scheduled event.

Visa-exempt nationals (for stays up to 90 days):

Nationals of the countries listed below do not require a visa to enter Italy for short-term sports events (maximum 90 days):

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominica, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, North Macedonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Grenada, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Macau, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, East Timor, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

Italian Long-term Sport visa:

Foreign athletes relocating to Italy for long-term sports engagements must apply for a Long-Term Sports Visa, which allows professional activity for an Italian Sports Association.

These visas are subject to annual quotas allocated by the Italian government to CONI, which then distributes them among recognized Italian Sports Federations.

Example:

For the 2019/2020 season, the Italian government released 1,090 quota positions covering:

• New entries of foreign sports professionals
• Registration of foreign athletes already in Italy with valid residence permits

Application Process: Long-Term Sports Visa

• The Italian Sports Association must submit a work authorization request to CONI.
• Once the quota is granted and the work authorization is issued, the foreign athlete can apply for a visa at the Italian Consulate in their home country.
• Upon arrival in Italy, the athlete must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days.
• The permit is typically valid for one year and it is renewable. If eligibility criteria are met, it may be converted into a general work permit, allowing employment in other sectors.

Our Services for Sport Visa

We offer full legal and procedural assistance throughout every stage of the sports visa process, from initial authorization to the final issuance of the residence permit.

Get in Touch for an Initial Consultation

If you’re seeking expert support with your immigration process in Italy, fill out our online form to request an initial consultation. One of our immigration consultants will contact you shortly via email.

Please note that for complex cases, a consultation fee may apply for the initial assessment and to schedule a call with one of our specialists.

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