This type of visa requires the prior issuance of a Clearance from the S.U.I. (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione), and is designed to facilitate the admission, stay and mobility of third-country nationals (non-EU/SEE) holding a higher education qualification that allows access to PhD programmes in the country of attainment. This visa is intended for those who plan to carry out a research project for a period exceeding three months.
The core of the procedure is the conclusion of a Hosting Agreement, drawn up according to a standard form, between the host institution (University Department or Unit) and the researcher. This agreement must then be submitted to the competent authorities to obtain the research clearance (at the Sportelli Unici per l’Immigrazione) and the relevant visa (at the Italian Diplomatic Missions abroad).
The reference legislation is Article 27-ter of Legislative Decree 286/98, as amended by Legislative Decree 71/2018, to which reference is made for all aspects not expressly governed by this procedure.
The main steps to obtain a research entry visa are:
- preparation of the Hosting Agreement by the host department
- online 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
- electronic transmission of the clearance to the Italian Consulate/Embassy of the researcher’s country of origin, handled by the S.U.I.
- issuance of the visa to the researcher by the competent Diplomatic Mission.
- within 8 days from the researcher’s arrival in Italy: application for a residence permit for the duration of the activity specified in the Hosting Agreement
Instructions and Procedures
Information reserved for the Administration
Non-EU researcher using personal funds
Researcher benefiting from the financial support of an international organisation or other foreign research institute
Research grants and fellowships
Non-EU/SEE researcher already legally residing in Italy
