ItalyStudy and training
Italy researcher visa
Visa for scientific research (ricerca)
In short
Researchers invited by an accredited Italian university or research institute apply for a research visa. For stays of up to 90 days the hosting agreement (convenzione di accoglienza) is enough; for longer stays the institute first obtains a personal nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk.
checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Fee
- €116National (D) visa fee under Italy's consular fee table; the mission states the currency and method of payment, and an external service provider, where used, charges its own fee.
- Work
- Research at the host institution.
- Where to apply
- Italian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, directly or through its external service provider.
Hosting agreement or nulla osta
The host must be an accredited Italian university or research institute. Up to 90 days, it signs a hosting agreement with you; beyond 90 days, the Single Immigration Desk issues a personal entry clearance (nulla osta) on its request. If no healthcare or medical activity is involved, the healthcare facility where research takes place adds a declaration to that effect.
Documents
Besides identity and civil status documents, bring proof of your current employment or business activity, health insurance for short stays, accommodation (for long stays a booking or invitation for the first two weeks is enough) and travel bookings.
Required documents
Identity
- National (type D) application form, completed, dated and signed at item 37 and on the last page
- One ICAO photo 35 × 40 mm and a passport valid at least three months beyond the visa, with copies of current and previous passports
- Copy of your national ID card; non-nationals: residence permit in the country where you apply; civil status certificate where the checklist asks for it
Travel
- Accommodation proof and travel bookings
Work
- Hosting agreement (up to 90 days) or SUI nulla osta (over 90 days)
- Proof of current employment or business activity
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Other
- Declaration from the healthcare facility if no medical activity is involved
Passport and timing
The research checklist requires a passport issued in the last 10 years and valid at least 15 months beyond the visa. Type D applications have a statutory processing time of 90 days.
After arrival: permesso di soggiorno
Within 8 working days of first entry you must apply to the Questura of the province where you will live, in many cases through authorised post offices. The fee is EUR 40 for permits of more than three months up to one year and EUR 50 for up to two years; applicants for permits of at least one year sign an integration agreement with the State. The card is usually issued within about 60 days.
How to apply, step by step
- Your Italian host institute signs the hosting agreement or, for stays over 90 days, obtains a nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk.
- Download the official "Research" checklist from the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence and complete the national (type D) application form.
- Book an appointment with the mission or its external service provider and lodge the file in person with originals, apostilled and translated documents where required.
- Pay the visa fee as the mission indicates; the statutory processing time for a type D visa is 90 days.
- Within 8 working days of entering Italy, apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) through the post office kit or the Questura.
- Attend the Questura appointment for fingerprints and, for permits of a year or more, sign the integration agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a nulla osta for a two-month project?
No, for up to 90 days a hosting agreement is enough.
Who requests the nulla osta?
The accredited Italian university or research institute.
How long must my passport be valid?
At least 15 months beyond the visa, according to the research checklist.
Official sources
- Italian missions in Türkiye – checklist: research
- Embassy of Italy in Ankara – choose the right visa and check the documents
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Il visto per l'Italia (visa types and rules)
- Polizia di Stato – issuing the residence permit (8 working days, fees)
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Italy
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
Work
- Work visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
- EU Blue Card Validity: Two years for an open-ended contract; for fixed-term contracts, the contract length plus three months.
- Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
Family
- Family reunification visa
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: Residence card for family of EU citizens and family permit for family of Italian citizens: five years.
Residence
- Retirement visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
- Permanent residence Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors; the status is permanent.
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Validity: Asylum-seeker permit: until the decision; refugee and subsidiary protection: five years, renewable; special protection: two years, renewable.