Sojourn

Foreigners entering Italy for periods not to exceed 90 days, pursuant to Law no. 68/2007, whether or not subject to visa requirements, do not need to apply for a residence permit.

The residence permit has been replaced by a declaration of presence on Italian soil.

Aliens coming from countries that do not apply the Schengen Convention the obligation to make a declaration of presence is satisfied through application of the USV sticker on the travel document at the moment of border control.

Aliens from countries that apply the Schengen Convention are required, on the other hand, to file a declaration of presence within 8 days of arrival with the police headquarters (Questura) of the province in which he/she is staying, using the proper form.

For those staying in hotels and other reception facilities, the declaration of presence is handled by the reception facility upon check-in, a copy of which is supplied to the guest to be displayed to authorities upon eventual request.

Non-EU citizens in possession of a National Visa (NV) for sojourns longer than 90 days are required, within eight (8) days from entry into Italy to request a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) from the Italian authorities, and will be subject to photo/fingerprint registration.

Only this residence permit, which is issued for the reason and for the period indicated on the visa, authorises an alien to sojourn in Italy.

Under Schengen rules, the residence permit issued by the Police (Questura) or the diplomatic or service identity card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to holders of a long-sojourn visa allows aliens, unless express limitations are imposed, entry to and exit from the Schengen area and to travel without restraint for a period not to exceed 90 days in any 6-month period within territories of the other Contracting States, provided that they hold a valid national passport or equivalent travel document. Nevertheless, all aliens are required to report their presence to the police on the soil of any other Schengen State within 3 working days of entry.