Italy – Volunteer - European Commission

Where and how to apply	If you are between 25 and 35 years old, you may apply for a volunteering period in Italy. An authorisation for volunteering may be issued if your volunteering programme meets the following characteristics: the organisation sponsoring the programme belongs to the categories of recognised as religious bodies, recognised non-governmental organisations, or registered associations of social utility; a convention between the sponsor organisation and yourself is stipulated. The convention must describe your function and the conditions of your volunteering period as well as details regarding board and lodging; the sponsor organisation has contracted an insurance for health assistance and civil liability. Your authorisation for volunteering is requested by the sponsor organisation to the competent Prefecture. In case of positive outcome, the latter will communicate the decision to diplomatic representations in your country in order to issue your visa. The visa shall be issued within 90 days. Upon arrival, your presence will have to be declared at the competent Police Headquarters to retrieve your residence permit. As a general rule, visas to enter 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. 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	A visa form duly completed; a valid travel document; the convention stipulated between the sponsor organisation and yourself (that must describe your function and the conditions of your volunteering period as well as details regarding board and lodging).
Duration of validity of permits/visas	The duration of your residence permit shall cover the duration of the volunteering programme up to one year, only in exceptional cases up to 18 months.
Conditions for renewal	The residence permit for volunteering is not renewable or convertible.
Appeals	Decisions relating to visas and residence permits can be challenged before the Regional Administrative Tribunal within 60 days of notification.