If you wish to come to Italy as a scientific researcher you must:
- prove that you have been selected by either a private or public research institution, acknowledged in an official list set up by the Ministry of Education, University and Research;
- be in possession of educational qualifications which, in the country where these qualifications were obtained, give access to a doctorate.
- obtain a scientific research visa before you come to Italy, only within the framework of a hosting agreement with a selected research body;
- apply for a residence permit for reason of scientific research, once you have entered Italy.
Where and how to apply | Visa Once you have signed a hosting agreement with a selected research body, you must apply for an entry visa at the Italian embassy in your country of origin. Residence permit Within eight days of arriving in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit for scientific purposes at the Local Immigration Police Headquarters (Questura) of the competent province where you will work as a researcher. The application will be processed through the Italian Post Office (see the Italian Immigration Portal - Portale Immigrazione - in Italian). As a general rule, visas to enter the Italian territory (excluding Uniform Schengen Visas) cost €116. As for residence permits, their cost is €40 for stays between 3 and 12 months; €50 for stays between 12 and 24 months; and €100 for long-term residence permits, highly-qualified workers and intra-corporate transferees. In addition, administrative costs amount to €30 for the sending of the postal kit; €16 for the tax stamp; and €30.46 for issuance costs. |
Documents required | You will need to show:
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Duration of validity of permits | The permit of stay covers the whole research period stated in the hosting agreement. In case the research project is extended, the permit of stay can be renewed to cover the extended period of the research project by submitting the renewed hosting agreement. |
Conditions for renewal | The residence permit may be renewed should the research programme duration be prolonged. |
Appeals | Decisions related to visas and residence permits can be challenged before the Regional Administrative Tribunal within 60 days of notification. |
| Further information |
Change of employment | Not allowed. |
Unemployment | Unemployment benefits are granted to workers who have involuntarily lost their job, provided they meet the criteria set by law. |
Change of status | As a researcher, you may convert your status to long-term residence (see section on long-term residence). Upon expiration of your residence permit, you may declare your availability for work and apply for a residence permit of 9 to 12 months to look for a job or set up a company. You may request the conversion of your permit to a residence permit for work purposes. |
Family members | Family reunification is allowed irrespective of the residence permit duration. |
Long-term residence | An EC long-term residence status is granted after five years of continuous and legal residence. You must prove sufficient financial resources, accommodation and you must not constitute a threat to public order and security. You must present:
More on long-term residence (in Italian). |
If you have a permit/visa for research in an EU country, you may conduct research and teach in Italy if you fulfil certain requirements. If the duration of your stay in Italy is shorter than 180 days in a 360-day period, you are subject to short-term mobility rules. If the duration of your stay in Italy is longer than 180 days, you are subject to the rules governing long-term mobility.
| Short-term mobility | Procedure If you hold a residence permit for research purposes obtained in another EU member state and in course of validity, you may reside in Italy for up to 180 days in a 360-day period. The procedure provides for the research institute hosting you to communicate details about your stay to the local authorities. Upon arrival, you will need to declare your presence and that of your family members at the Police headquarters (Questura) within eight days. Documents required In its communication to the local authorities, the research institute shall provide data relating to:
Applicable fee As a general rule, visas to enter the Italian territory (excluding Uniform Schengen Visas) cost €116. As for residence permits, their cost is: €40 for stays between 3 and 12 months; €50 for stays between 12 to 24 months; and €100 for long-term residence permits, highly-qualified workers and intra-corporate transferees. In addition, administrative costs amount to: €30 for the sending of the postal kit; €16 for the tax stamp; and €30.46 for issuance costs. Allowed number of teaching hours/days You may teach under the same conditions as Italian citizens. Family members Family reunification is allowed irrespective of the residence permit duration. Upon arrival, you will need to declare your presence and that of your family members at the Police headquarters (Questura) within eight days. |
| Long-term mobility | Procedure For a period longer than 180 days, the research institute hosting you must file an application for an authorisation for scientific research with the Prefecture. Such an application may be rejected further to case-by-case assessment of the applications or in cases in which the authorisation issued by the first Member State expires during the procedure. Documents required Documents and information to be presented are those necessary for the authorisation for scientific research as well as an authenticated copy of the research convention passed with the research institute in Italy. This information is gathered and submitted by the research institute in question. Applicable fee In the event you need to obtain a residence permit, as a general rule, their cost is: €40 for stays between 3 and 12 months; €50 for stays between 12 to 24 months; and €100 for long-term residence permits, highly-qualified workers and intra-corporate transferees. In addition, administrative costs amount to: €30 for the sending of the postal kit; €16 for the tax stamp; and €30.46 for issuance costs. Allowed number of teaching hours/days You may teach under the same conditions as Italian citizens. Family members Family reunification is allowed irrespective of the residence permit duration. Upon arrival, you will need to declare your presence and that of your family members at the Police headquarters (Questura) within eight days.
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