Research Visa (Ricerca)
🇮🇹 Italy visas · Study
What it is
Italian long-stay visa for scientific research, granted against a research authorisation (nulla osta per ricerca) issued under the Consolidated Immigration Act (Legislative Decree 286/1998). A type D national visa is valid for stays over 90 days (91-365 days). Within 8 working days of entering Italy the holder must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).
Key facts
- Category
- Study
- Duration
- National (type D) visa valid 91 to 365 days; apply for the residence permit within 8 working days of entry.
- Processing time
- Up to 13 weeks
- Extendable
- Yes
- Dependants
- Conditional
- How to apply
- Mixed
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (National long-stay visa, type D (lunga durata))
- EUR 116
Key requirements
- Passport valid beyond the intended stay
- Completed national visa application form
- Proof of means of subsistence (Ministry of the Interior Directive of 01.03.2000 table)
- Travel medical insurance
- Documentation specific to the visa purpose
- Nulla osta per ricerca (research authorisation)
- Hosting agreement with an approved research institution
Working on this visa
The research permit authorises the activity set out in the convenzione di accoglienza as employment, self-employment or a research training grant; no hours cap is set. Researchers may also teach on the same terms as Italian nationals.
After this visa
Job-search permit after research: on expiry of the research permit, a researcher who has completed the research activity may request a permit of not less than 9 and not more than 12 months to look for work or start a business coherent…
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.