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Italy Visa Processing Time: Everything You Need to Know

Last Update: 28-08-2024

Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Introduction

Understanding Italy visa processing time is crucial if you’re planning a trip to Italy. Whether you're applying for a short-term Schengen visa to visit Italy for tourism, attending business meetings, or spending time with family, knowing the processing time for your visa application helps you plan your journey better. Italy offers different types of visas, and each has its own processing time. A Schengen visa for a short stay in Italy, like for tourism or business, typically takes around 15 working days. On the other hand, long-term visas such as student visas, work visas, or family reunion visas have a longer processing time, usually ranging from 90 to 120 working days.


This blog will walk you through the visa application process and provide insights into the duration of stay for each type of visa. You’ll learn how to manage your stay in Italy, the purpose of your visit, and what documents are necessary. We’ll also cover how to apply to the Italian embassy and tips on how to expedite your application if needed. By understanding these details, you can ensure a smoother experience when applying for a visa to Italy and better plan your travels to the Schengen area.

Table of Contents


  1. Italy Visa Processing Time for Indians
  2. Italy Short Term Schengen Visa Processing Time
  3. Italy Long Term Visas Processing Time
  4. How to Get a Fast Italy Visa?
  5. FAQs

Italy Visa Processing Time for Indians

Italy visa processing time varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For Italy short-term visas like the Italy tourist visa or business visa, the processing time is typically 15 working days. This period applies to visas intended for tourism, business, family visits, or attending events within the Schengen area, allowing a stay in Italy of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.


Italy long-term visas such as work visas, self-employment visas, student visas, and family reunion visas generally require a longer processing time, ranging from 90 to 120 working days. These visas are designed for stays exceeding 90 days for purposes such as employment, self-employment, studying, or reuniting with family in Italy.

Italy Short Term Schengen Visa Processing Time

For an Italy short-term visa, such as an Italy tourist visa or Italy business visa, the processing time is typically 15 working days. This period applies to various visas for tourism, business, visiting family, and attending sports events, allowing a stay in Italy of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on the type of visa.


However, a short study visa may take around 90 days due to additional documentation. Ensure you gather all necessary documents for your visa application. Processing times may vary, so meeting all requirements can help expedite your stay in Italy.

Italy Visit Visa Processing Time

An Italy visit visa, including the Italy tourist visa and other visit visas, you can expect a processing time of 15 working days.


Generally, an Italy tourist visa allows you to visit Italy and other Schengen areas for tourism or non-business purposes, with a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Tourist Visa

This visa is for visiting Ireland and other Schengen areas  for tourism or other non-business related purposes. The duration of stay can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Visiting Family and Friends Visa

This visa is for visiting family and friends in the Schengen area. The duration of stay can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Invitation Short Stay Visa

This visa is for applicants invited by a public body or institution in Italy for official purposes.

15 Working Days

Religious Visa

This visa is for those who wish to undertake religious work in Italy for a temporary period, including activities like providing spiritual leadership, conducting worship, or teaching religion.

15 Working Days

Italy Business Visa Processing Time

For an Italy business visa, the processing time can take around 15 working days.


An Italy business visa is designed for short business visits such as attending conferences, negotiations, or exploratory trips in Italy.The duration of stay under this visa can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Business Visa

This visa is for short business visits like conferences, negotiations, or exploratory trips in Italy or the Schengen area. The duration of stay can be up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

15 Working Days

Italy Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for an Italy student visa usually takes 90 working days.


This visa is for people who want to study or do research in Italy for up to 90 days. To get this visa, you need to fill out the visa application and provide the necessary documents. The longer processing time is because extra checks are needed for students. Make sure you have everything ready to make the application process easier.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Student Visa

This visa is for applicants who wish to study or conduct research in Italy for a duration of up to 90 days.

90 Working Days

Italy Transit Visa Processing Time

For a transit visa to Italy, the processing time is generally 15 working days.


An Italy transit is for travellers who need to pass through Italy while travelling to another country. It allows you to stay in Italy for a short time as you continue to your final destination.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Transit Visa

This visa is for travellers who need to pass through Italy as a transit point while en route to another destination.

15 Working Days

Italy Long Term Visas Processing Time

For an Italy long-term visa, such as a Work Visa, Self-Employment Visa, or Student Visa, processing times generally range from 90 to 120 working days. These visas allow stays longer than 90 days for purposes like working, self-employment, or studying.


However, Family Reunion Visas typically take up to 30 working days, ensure you submit all required documents and meet visa application requirements to help expedite the process.

Italy Work Visa Processing Time

Generally, Italy work visa processing times can take around 3 to 4 months, depending on the type of Italy work visa you’re applying for.


For detailed processing times, check the specific requirements for each visa type:

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Work Visa

This visa lets you stay in Italy for more than 90 days to work.  If you want to work in Italy for a long time, you need this visa to do so legally.

90 Working Days

Self Employment Visa

Italy self-employment visa is for people who want to be self employed and work for themselves in Italy. It gives you the work permit you need if your job is self-employed or freelance.

120 Working Days

Internship Visa

Italy internship visa is for students who want to do an internship in Italy. It allows you to work and gain experience while staying in the country.

90 Working Days

Italy Study Visa Processing Time

The Italy student visa processing time can take up to 90 working days. It is for students who want to study in Italy for more than 90 days.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Student Visa

Italy student visa is for applicants who wish to study or do research in Italy for more than 90 days. This visa allows you to stay and pursue academic activities for an extended period.

90 Working days

Italy Family Visa Processing Time

The Italy family visa takes up to 30 days for processing time. This visa is for spouse, children, or parents who are financially dependent on the sponsor.

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Family Reunion Visa

This visa is for reuniting family members like husbands, wives, children, and parents who are financially dependent on the sponsor.

30 Working days

Italy Re-Entry Processing Time

The Italy re-entry visa is for people who were lawfully residing in Italy but lost their residence permit or left before receiving the renewal. It’s a long-term (Type D) visa that allows a single entry back into Italy if you can prove you left for genuine and important reasons

Visa TypePurpose of VisitProcessing Time

Re-entry Visa

This visa is for  those who lost their residence permit or left Italy before renewal, allowing single entry if you had genuine reasons.

90 Working days

How to Get a Fast Italy Visa?


Italy doesn’t offer a dedicated fast-track service for visa applications, but there are ways to potentially speed up your Italy visa processing time:

  1. Apply Early: Submit your Italy visa application as soon as possible. Processing times can vary based on the type of visa and the time of year. Early applications help you avoid delays and ensure you get your Schengen visa in time.
  2. Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check that all documents are complete and accurate. Mistakes or missing information can cause delays in your visa application. Ensure everything is correct before you apply to Italy.
  3. Contact the Embassy: If you have an urgent need, reach out to the Italian Embassy or Consulate. While there’s no formal fast-track option, explaining your situation might help them expedite your visa application.
  4. Use Visa Facilitation Services: Some agencies assist with the Italy visa process, potentially making it smoother. Note, however, that they cannot officially speed up the processing time.
  5. Choose the Right Visa Type: Different Schengen visa categories might have varying processing times based on the purpose of the visit. Apply for the visa that best fits your needs to avoid unnecessary delays.

Planning ahead and allowing plenty of time for your stay in Italy is the best way to reduce stress and improve your chances of getting your visa on time.

Final thought

In summary, understanding the Italy visa processing time is essential for anyone planning a trip to Italy. Whether you’re applying for a short-term Schengen visa for tourism, business, or visiting family, or a long-term visa for purposes like studying or working, knowing the expected processing time helps you plan your trip more effectively.


For short-term visas, you can expect a processing time of about 15 working days, while long-term visas may take between 90 to 120 working days. Being aware of these timelines and preparing your documents in advance can greatly reduce stress and ensure your stay in Italy is well-organised.


To avoid delays, make sure you gather all required documents, follow the guidelines provided by the Italian embassy, and apply as early as possible. Remember, while there is no official fast-track option, being proactive can help you manage your visa application efficiently. Italy is a beautiful destination with much to offer, and with the right preparation, you can enjoy your visit or stay without unnecessary delays.

FAQs

What is the processing time for an Italy tourist visa for Indians?

The processing time for an Italy tourist visa for Indians is typically 15 working days.

How long does it take to process an Italy student visa?

The processing time for an Italy student visa is usually around 90 working days.

How long does it take to process an Italy work visa?

The Italy work visa processing time can take around 90 working days.

Can I expedite my Italy visa processing time?

While Italy doesn’t offer a dedicated fast-track service, applying early, ensuring document accuracy, and contacting the embassy in urgent cases may help expedite the process.

What is the processing time for an Italy visa?

The processing time for an Italy visa depends on the type. For short-term visas, such as tourist or business visas, it is typically 15 working days. Long-term visas, such as student or work visas, generally take between 90 to 120 working days.

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