Italy business visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Italy business visa — used for meetings, conferences, trade fairs and short professional assignments. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Italy consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Italy business visa
Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, or VFS Global centres, booked through the Prenot@Mi portal.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Signed Schengen visa application form
- Recent passport photo
- Invitation letter from the Italian company with dates, purpose and cost coverage
- Letter from your UK employer confirming role and leave
- Proof of commercial relationship (contracts, invoices, correspondence)
- Travel medical insurance min. €30,000
- Flight and accommodation bookings
- Bank statements for the last 3 months
- Proof of UK residence status
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Schengen business visa (standard)€90
- Children 6–11€45
- Children under 6Free
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
- VFS service fee€30
- Courier passport return€15
Fees are collected in GBP at the consular exchange rate and are non-refundable if the application is refused.
Booking an appointment
Prenot@Mi releases business slots periodically; there is no paid priority option, though VFS offers courier return.
Practical tips
Fill in the online form on Vistoperitalia, print it and bring it signed — the consulate matches it to your Prenot@Mi booking.
What is unusual about the Italy process
Slots on Prenot@Mi appear irregularly; check daily rather than assuming a fixed release day.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Italy Visa Application Centre – LondonApplications for Italy from UK residents go through VFS Global; the Consulate General in London takes the decision.
- Manchester — Italy Visa Application Centre – ManchesterCheck the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
- Edinburgh — Italy Visa Application Centre – EdinburghCheck the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Italy consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Italy business visa cost?
- For a Italy business visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Schengen business visa (standard) — €90; Children 6–11 — €45; Children under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30; Courier passport return — €15. Fees are collected in GBP at the consular exchange rate and are non-refundable if the application is refused. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Italy business visa take to process?
- A decision on a Italy business visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Italy business visa?
- Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, or VFS Global centres, booked through the Prenot@Mi portal. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Italy business visa?
- The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; Signed Schengen visa application form; Recent passport photo; Invitation letter from the Italian company with dates, purpose and cost coverage; Letter from your UK employer confirming role and leave; Proof of commercial relationship (contracts, invoices, correspondence); Travel medical insurance min. €30,000; Flight and accommodation bookings; Bank statements for the last 3 months; Proof of UK residence status. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Italy business visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Prenot@Mi releases business slots periodically; there is no paid priority option, though VFS offers courier return.
- Can I apply for a Italy business visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Italy, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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