How much does a Italy long-stay visa cost?

For a Italy long-stay visa, the consular fee is €116. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National visa (Type D) — €116; Student long-stay — €50; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30; Courier passport return — €15. Fees are charged in GBP at the consular rate. The permesso di soggiorno kit after arrival costs a further €100–€130. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Italy long-stay visa take to process?

A decision on a Italy long-stay visa typically takes around 30 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Italy long-stay visa?

The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; National visa application form, signed; Recent passport photo; Purpose-of-stay evidence: nulla osta (work), Universitaly enrolment (study), passive income proof (elective residence), or nulla osta al ricongiungimento (family); Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental contract or deed); Health insurance valid in Italy for the whole stay; Legalised and translated civil documents where required; Proof of UK residence status; Proof of fee payment. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Italy long-stay 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.

Italy long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Italy long-stay (national d) visa — used for stays longer than 90 days, followed by a national residence permit. 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.

Consular fee

€116

Typical decision

30 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Italy long-stay visa

Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (or VFS Global), booked through the Prenot@Mi portal. Covers elective residence, work, study and family reunification.

Required documents

Valid passport
National visa application form, signed
Recent passport photo
Purpose-of-stay evidence: nulla osta (work), Universitaly enrolment (study), passive income proof (elective residence), or nulla osta al ricongiungimento (family)
Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental contract or deed)
Health insurance valid in Italy for the whole stay
Legalised and translated civil documents where required
Proof of UK residence status
Proof of fee payment

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

National visa (Type D)€116
Student long-stay€50
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 charged in GBP at the consular rate. The permesso di soggiorno kit after arrival costs a further €100–€130.

Booking an appointment

Prenot@Mi releases national visa slots in waves; competition is high and there is no paid priority option.

Practical tips

Elective residence applicants must show stable passive income (pensions, rents, investments) — employment income does not qualify.

What is unusual about the Italy process

Within 8 working days of arrival you must submit the permesso di soggiorno kit at a post office; the visa alone does not authorise long-term residence.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Italy Visa Application Centre – London
Applications for Italy from UK residents go through VFS Global; the Consulate General in London takes the decision.
Manchester — Italy Visa Application Centre – Manchester
Check the VFS site for the current address and opening hours.
Edinburgh — Italy Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
Check 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 long-stay visa cost?: For a Italy long-stay visa, the consular fee is €116. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: National visa (Type D) — €116; Student long-stay — €50; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30; Courier passport return — €15. Fees are charged in GBP at the consular rate. The permesso di soggiorno kit after arrival costs a further €100–€130. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Italy long-stay visa take to process?: A decision on a Italy long-stay visa typically takes around 30 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 long-stay visa?: Italian Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (or VFS Global), booked through the Prenot@Mi portal. Covers elective residence, work, study and family reunification. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Italy long-stay visa?: The Italy consular network lists: Valid passport; National visa application form, signed; Recent passport photo; Purpose-of-stay evidence: nulla osta (work), Universitaly enrolment (study), passive income proof (elective residence), or nulla osta al ricongiungimento (family); Proof of accommodation in Italy (rental contract or deed); Health insurance valid in Italy for the whole stay; Legalised and translated civil documents where required; Proof of UK residence status; Proof of fee payment. 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 long-stay visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Prenot@Mi releases national visa slots in waves; competition is high and there is no paid priority option.
Can I apply for a Italy long-stay 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.

🇮🇹 Italy long-stay visa: requirements, fee and processing time