Europe – Italy Visa – Long Stay – Family

1. What type of visa do I need for a long stay in Italy with my family?

You will need a long-stay visa, also known as a national visa or D-type visa. This type of visa is valid for stays longer than 90 days and allows you to enter and stay in Italy for a specific purpose, such as work, study, or family reunification.

2. Can I apply for a long-stay visa for my whole family at once?
Yes, you can apply for a long-stay visa for your whole family at once. Each member of your family will need to submit their own individual application, but you can include all of the applications in one envelope when submitting them to the embassy or consulate.

3. Do all family members need to apply for a separate visa?
Yes, each member of your family will need to apply for their own individual visa. This includes children under 18 years old. However, if you are traveling with minor children (under 18 years old), their visas can be included in your application and they do not need to submit separate individual applications.

4. Is there an age limit for dependent children on a long-stay visa?
There is no specific age limit for dependent children on a long-stay visa to Italy. However, children over 18 years old must provide proof that they are financially dependent on their parents or guardians in order to be eligible as dependents on the visa application.

5. Can I bring my non-dependent adult child on my long-stay visa?
Yes, you may be able to bring your non-dependent adult child on your long-stay visa if they meet certain criteria. They must be unmarried and have a proven economic dependence on you as well as proof of sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Italy.

6. Can my extended family members join me on my long-stay visa?
The eligibility of extended family members (such as grandparents or siblings) joining you on your long-stay visa will depend on your specific situation and the visa requirements. It is best to consult with the Italian embassy or consulate for more information.

7. Can my family members work on a long-stay visa?
Family members who are included in your long-stay visa do not have automatic permission to work in Italy. They will need to apply for a separate work permit if they wish to work during their stay. However, children under 18 years old may be able to attend school without needing a separate permit.

8. How long does the long-stay visa application process take?
The length of the long-stay visa application process can vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances. It is recommended to start the application process at least 3-4 months before your planned departure date.

9. What documents do I need to provide for a long-stay visa application for my family?
The specific document requirements may vary depending on your situation, but in general you will need to provide a filled out visa application form, valid passport, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and any additional documents related to your specific purpose of stay (such as a job offer letter or acceptance letter from an Italian university). Any additional documents required for your family members (such as birth certificates) should also be provided.

10. Can we travel within the Schengen Area with our long-stay visas?
Yes, once you have obtained a long-stay visa for Italy, you will also have the right to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
However, you must first enter Italy and complete all necessary immigration procedures upon arrival before traveling to other Schengen countries. Once your short-term travel period is over, you must return to Italy before being allowed back into other Schengen countries on your visa.

2. How long can I stay in Italy with a long-stay visa?


A long-stay visa allows you to stay in Italy for a period longer than 90 days. The length of your stay will depend on the type of visa you have been granted. For example, if you have a student visa, you may be allowed to stay for the duration of your studies, while a work visa may allow you to stay for the duration of your employment contract. It is important to check your visa and any associated restrictions for specific information about the length of your stay.

3. Can my whole family apply for the same visa or do we need to apply separately?

Generally, each individual must apply for their own visa, but family members can apply for the same type of visa at the same time. For example, a family of four can all apply for tourist visas to travel together. However, each family member’s application will be assessed individually and they may receive different outcomes or requirements. It is recommended to consult with a visa agent or check the specific requirements for your country before applying.

4. What documents do I need to provide for a long-stay visa?


The specific documents required for a long-stay visa vary depending on the country you are applying to. However, in general, you will likely need to provide the following:

1. A completed visa application form: This form can usually be downloaded from the website of the embassy or consulate of your destination country.

2. Passport: You will need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity left and at least two blank pages.

3. Passport photos: Most countries require two recent passport-sized photos with your visa application.

4. Proof of purpose for stay: You will need to provide proof that you have a legitimate reason for wanting to stay in the country for an extended period of time. This could include a letter from an employer, proof of enrollment in a university, or evidence of family ties.

5. Proof of financial means: You may be required to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or an invitation letter from someone who will be hosting you.

6. Health insurance: Some countries may require you to have health insurance coverage during your stay.

7. Police clearance certificate: Some countries may require a police clearance certificate as part of the visa application process.

8. Medical examination: Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, you may need to undergo a medical examination and provide a health certificate.

9. Visa fee payment: Long-stay visas often come with an application fee that must be paid before your application can be processed.

10. Other supporting documents: You may also be required to provide additional documents depending on your specific circumstances, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or letters of recommendation.

5. Is there an age limit for children to be included in my long-stay visa application?


Yes, there is an age limit for children to be included in your long-stay visa application. The age limit varies by country and the type of visa you are applying for. In most cases, children under the age of 18 can be included in their parent’s long-stay visa application, but some countries may have different age limits. It is best to check with the specific embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your visa to confirm the age limit.

6. Do I need to have travel medical insurance for my long stay in Italy?


Yes, it is recommended that you have travel medical insurance for your long stay in Italy. This will ensure that you are protected in case of any unexpected accidents or illness during your trip. It is also a requirement for obtaining a long-stay visa and residence permit in Italy.

7. Will I be able to work or study while on a long-stay visa in Italy?


Yes, it is possible to work or study while on a long-stay visa in Italy, but there are certain restrictions and requirements that must be followed.

If you are planning to work while on a long-stay visa, you will need to obtain a work permit from the local Questura (police office) before starting your employment. This often requires proof of a job offer from an Italian employer and may also require specific qualifications or skills. You will also need to have a valid residence permit for employment purposes.

If you want to study in Italy while on a long-stay visa, you will need to apply for a study permit at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Italy. You may also need to provide proof of enrollment at an accredited Italian institution and proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies.

It is important to note that some long-stay visas may have restrictions on working or studying in Italy. For example, those with an elective residency visa (for retirees) are not allowed to work in Italy. It is important to check the details of your specific visa before making plans for employment or studies in Italy.

8. How much money do I need to show as proof of financial means for a long-stay visa?


The specific amount of money required for a long-stay visa varies depending on the country you are applying to and their specific visa requirements. In general, you will need to show enough funds to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in the country, as well as proof of a stable income or financial support. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for their specific financial requirements.

9. Can my spouse or children accompany me on a business trip on a short-term Schengen visa instead of applying for a long-stay visa?

It is possible for them to accompany you on a business trip on a short-term Schengen visa as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and have all necessary documentation. However, if they plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, they will need to apply for a long-stay visa. Additionally, their purpose of travel should also be related to business or work in some way. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for specific requirements and guidelines.

10. Is it possible to extend my long-stay visa once it expires?

Yes, it is possible to extend your long-stay visa if you need to stay in the country for a longer period of time. However, the specific requirements and process for extending a visa may vary depending on the country you are staying in. It is important to check with the relevant immigration authorities to understand the necessary steps and documentation required for extending your long-stay visa.

11. Are there any specific requirements for minors traveling with only one parent on a long-stay visa?


It is important for minors (children under 18 years of age) traveling with only one parent on a long-stay visa to have a signed and notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. This letter should state the details of the child’s trip, including dates of travel and contact information for both parents. In some cases, the non-traveling parent may also need to provide additional documents such as a copy of their government-issued ID or passport. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate in advance to understand specific requirements for minor travelers on long-stay visas.

12. Can we apply for Italian citizenship after living on a long-stay visa in Italy?

Yes, it is possible to apply for Italian citizenship after living on a long-stay visa in Italy. However, the specific requirements and eligibility criteria may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of visa you hold. It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer or contact the relevant Italian authorities for more information on the process and requirements for applying for citizenship.

13. Do I need to provide biometric data (fingerprint and photo. when applying for a long-stay visa?


It depends on the specific visa you are applying for and the country you are applying to. Some countries may require biometric data for certain types of long-stay visas, while others may not. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to apply for a visa with to determine their specific requirements.

14. Are there any language requirements for obtaining a long-stay visa in Italy?

Yes, applicants for a long-stay visa in Italy are required to have basic knowledge of Italian language in order to integrate into society and communicate with authorities. This is typically assessed during the visa application process through an interview or submission of language proficiency certificates.

15. Can family members who are not married but living together apply for the same long-stay visa?

Yes, family members who are not married but living together may apply for the same long-stay visa as long as they can prove that they meet the requirements for a common law partnership and have been living together for a significant amount of time. This typically includes providing evidence of joint financial resources, shared living arrangements, and a committed relationship. Each country may have specific requirements for common law partnerships, so it is important to check with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying.

16.Can grandparents or other extended family members join us on our extended stay in Italy?


Yes, grandparents and other extended family members can join you on your extended stay in Italy. They may need to apply for a visa if they are not from an EU or Schengen country, but otherwise there should be no restrictions for them to accompany you during your time in Italy. It would be advisable to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country for more specific information and requirements.

17.Can we use our Italian long-stay visas to travel throughout the Schengen area?


Yes, as an Italian long-stay visa gives you the right to travel and stay in any Schengen country for up to 90 days out of every 180-day period, you can use it to travel throughout the Schengen area. However, your travel must remain within the limits of your visa’s validity period.

18.How far in advance should we apply for our Italian long-stay visas?

It is recommended to apply for an Italian long-stay visa at least 3-4 months before your intended departure date. This will allow enough time for the application process and any potential delays.

19.Are there any additional fees or charges when applying for an Italian long-stay visa with family members?

Yes, there may be additional fees or charges when applying for an Italian long-stay visa with family members. These may include fees for each additional family member included in the application, as well as fees for document translation and authentication. Applicants may also need to pay for medical examinations and travel insurance. It is important to check with the Italian embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your application for a full list of applicable fees.

20.What happens if our long-stay visa application is denied?


If your long-stay visa application is denied, you have the option to appeal the decision or reapply with additional documentation that may support your case. You could also explore other alternative visa options if available, or consider applying for a shorter stay visa instead. It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and seek guidance from immigration officials or legal professionals to understand your options and next steps.