Visa application can be made at the Italian Diplomatic and Consular Authorities in your country of residence.
The documentation required depends on the reasons and length of your stay. Availability of economic means, travel and accommodation arrangements will be asked.
Duration vs Validity of a visa
There are two timeframes for an entry visa:
- Duration is the actual maximum period of stay permitted
- Validity is the time within which the visa can be used.
Up to 90 days “Uniform Schengen Visa” (VSU) or Visa type C allows to enter Italy for transit or for short term stay and to access for a limited period of time any other Schengen countries. Likewise, a VSU issued by the diplomatic mission of another Schengen country allows access to Italian territory.
Longer than 90 days “National Visa” (NV) or Visa type D allows long-term stay in Italy provided that the request for a permit of stay is performed by 8 days from the arrival.
As long as it is valid, Visa type D allows free circulation for a period of no more than 90 days in any 180 day period in any other Member State.
Pay attention of the duration of visa type D: according to that, the first permit of stay will be issued accordingly.