Stay in Italy and practical information

The research visa allows entry into Italy to foreigners in possession of a higher education qualification who, in the country in which they were obtained, gives access to doctoral programs, called to Italy to carry out research activities by a university registered in the list of the Ministry of University and Research, on the basis of a hosting agreement and subject to authorization from the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Single Desk for Immigration) - SUI.

The University of Florence has been registered in the list of institutions authorized to stipulate reception agreements since 18 January 2012 with the number 170.

The request for a research visa is submitted, at the request of the Department concerned, by the Rector through the Internationalization and European Programs UP, to the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione with an electronic procedure.

Viene rilasciato anche per il conseguimento dei seguenti titoli, indipendentemente dall’eventuale attività di ricerca svolta: dottorato di ricerca, master universitario, diploma di scuola di specializzazione e corso di perfezionamento.

The study visa allows entry into Italy, for the purpose of a long-term but fixed-term stay, to foreigners who intend to follow university courses.

It is also issued for the achievement of the following qualifications, regardless of any research activity carried out: PhD programmes, master courses, specialization school diploma and Advanced training courses.

The study visa, short or long-term, is also granted to foreigners who intend to enter Italy for advanced research or high culture activities, not included among the categories to which the research visa is entitled. 

The visa application is made directly by the interested party at the Italian diplomatic representation in the country of residence.

Requirements and conditions for obtaining a study visa

• documented guarantees about the course of study to be followed or the scientific/cultural activity to be carried out
• adequate guarantees about the means of subsistence
• insurance policy for medical treatment and hospitalization, where the foreigner is not entitled to health care in Italy by virtue of agreements or conventions in force with your country
• availability of accommodation: hotel reservation or declaration of hospitality, provided by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy

Citizens of the European Union

Students enroled in PhD programme, EU citizens, do not have to apply for a residence permit in Italy; it is sufficient to register with the municipality of residence.

Registration is mandatory for stays of more than three months. Documentation to be submitted: identity document; certification proving the availability of sufficient economic resources for the stay (also through self-certification); proof of ownership of a health insurance policy that covers health expenses; certificate of enrolment in the PhD course.

The Municipality shall issue the interested party with a certificate proving the filing of the application for civil registration.

Non-EU citizens

Citizens coming from a country that does not belong to the European Union must apply to the Embassy or the competent Consular authority of their country for an entry visa to Italy for study purposes (type D for postgraduate study) valid for stays of more than three months.

To obtain an entry visa, it is also necessary to pre-register on the Universitaly portal.

How to get an entry visa to Italy

After the publication of the admission rankings to the doctoral courses, candidates who are successful in a place with or without a scholarship or those admitted as supernumerary, in order to be granted an entry visa, must request a letter of admission, sending a request to doctoral (AT)unifi.it.

Detailed information on the competent authority of reference in your country and on the documentation to be submitted for the application for an entry visa are available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

How to obtain a residence permit for study

Non-EU students admitted to PhD programmes, within 8 working days of their arrival in Italy, must apply for a residence permit by submitting the necessary documentation ("kit") to a Post Office; more information and costs on the Poste Italiane website. After the presentation of the kit, the date for the appointment at the Foreigners Office of the Police Headquarters for the issuance of the residence permit for study purposes (which must be renewed annually) will be communicated.

The tax identification number (codice fiscale) is a code to identify citizens in their dealings with the Italian Public Administration. Every Italian citizen is issued with one by default at birth, but also foreigners residing in Italy are required to have one, for example to obtain a residence permit, open a bank account, register for the National Health Service, rent an apartment, request a telephone line, etc.

The tax identification number is issued free of charge by the Italian Revenue Agency by filling out the form AA4/8.

EU/EEA citizens must show a valid passport or equivalent ID.

Non-EU / EEA citizens must have a valid passport with appropriate visa (if required) as well as a photocopy of the passport (of the pages clearly showing personal data and visa) and/or residence permit. Alternatively, the tax identification number can be requested before arrival to Italy from the Italian diplomatic authorities in the country of residence.

Foreign citizens entering Italy with a research visa will receive a certificate of attribution of the tax number at the time of the convocation to the Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione - SUI).

Agenzia delle Entrate

Direzione Provinciale di Firenze
via Santa Caternina d'Alessandria, 23
50129 - Firenze
Telefono: (+39) 055-4787111
E-mail: dp.firenze(AT)agenziaentrate.it

For foreign citizens, health care in Italy varies depending on the country of origin and the length of stay.

To open a bank account you must be eighteen years of age, be in possession of a valid identity document and the tax ID number and have not had any convictions for bankruptcy.

Foreign nationals must declare if they are living in Italy when the account is opened. Foreign nationals are qualified as residents if they have their habitual residence or domicile in Italy or are enrolled in the registry of the Municipality of residence for at least 183 days a year.

The terms and conditions relating to the bank account vary from bank to bank: in most cases a card (debit card) is issued. In some banks a small deposit of money may be required to open the account.

In any case it is advisable to contact the banks directly to acquire the necessary information, considering that each institute can offer different solutions.

During their stay at the University of Florence all foreign academic staff, researchers and students can take advantage of the insurance policies underwritten by the University.