The research visa, set up for carrying out research activities, has been formulated to facilitate the entry, residence and intra-EU mobility of non-EU/EEA citizens holding a higher education qualification which, in the country where it was obtained, allows access to doctoral programmes.
Research visas and residence permits are issued following the release of a research clearance (nulla osta) from the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (S.U.I.).
The core of the procedure is the drafting of a Hosting Agreement (Convenzione d’accoglienza) between the host institution (University Department or Unit) and the researcher. This Agreement is essential for obtaining the research clearance (nulla osta) from the Prefecture, the research visa from the Italian Embassy (if the researcher is still abroad), and the issuing of a research residence permit.
The main steps to obtain a research entry visa and/or residence permit are:
- the draft of the Hosting Agreement by the host department
- application for the clearance on the website of the Ministry of the Interior, handled by the host department
- issuance of the research clearance from the S.U.I. – Prefecture – and possible electronic transmission to the Italian Consulate/Embassy of the researcher’s country of origin, if the latter is not regularly residing in Italy
- issuance of the visa to the researcher by the competent Diplomatic Mission.
- application for a research residence permit within 8 days from the researcher’s arrival in Italy
The procedure for requesting research clearance also applies to legally resident non-EU citizens holding a residence permit for “study” who have been awarded a research grant or fellowship (assegno o borsa di ricerca) from the University.
Before starting the research activity envisaged in the call for proposals, and especially before receiving the grant, the relevant Department must follow the instructions for obtaining the research clearance issued by the SUI (Servizio Unico Immigrazione c/o the Prefecture).
Instructions and Procedures
Information reserved for the Administration
Non-EU researcher with other Institutions funds
Researcher benefiting from the financial support of an international organisation or other foreign research institute
Research residence permit
Instructions how to apply
