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Visa guide · Indian passport holders

Italy visa for Indian citizens

Applies via: VFS Global + embassySchengen short-stay visaSources checked on

Indian citizens apply for a Italy visa through VFS Global and the embassy. The published fee for Visa Fee (Categories A, B or C) is € 90 / INR 9,630. Processing time (Other Schengen Visas (short term)): 15 Working Days (extendable up to 45); Embassy: decisions on C visas are generally reached within 15 calendar days. Application locations listed include New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Ahmedabad (6 more listed below). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.

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Italy visa for Indians — key facts

Visa fee
€ 90 / INR 9,630Visa Fee (Categories A, B or C)
Processing time
15 Working Days (extendable up to 45)Other Schengen Visas (short term)
Where to apply
11 locations listedNew Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh…
Insurance required
Yes

Overview

How do Indian citizens apply for a Italy visa?

Applies via: VFS Global + embassy

Who handles applications in India

Italy issues short-term Schengen C visas (tourism, business, family visits) and long-term national D visas (study, work, family reunion etc.). Applications are submitted by appointment at VFS Global Visa Application Centres and decided by the Italian mission competent for your state of residence: the Embassy in New Delhi (Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chandigarh), or the Consulates General in Mumbai, Kolkata or Bangalore. You must apply where you have continuously lived for the last 6 months; applications can be lodged up to six months before travel. Refusal letters state the reasons; refused applicants may reapply or appeal through a lawyer to the T.A.R. of Lazio within 60 days (family-reunion refusals: the immigration section of the Ordinary Court of Rome), and national (D) visa holders must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the Questura within 8 working days of arrival.

Visa on arrival, eVisa or visa-free for Indians?

Visa on arrival
Not available: Indian passport holders must obtain an Italian visa (Schengen C or national D) before travelling. India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals need a visa to cross the Schengen external borders, and the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi's visa page states that a visa is required to enter Italy, applied for through the Embassy or the Consulates General in India (via VFS centres).
eVisa / online visa
Not available: Italy has no eVisa for Indian citizens. Applications are lodged on a signed application form by appointment at a VFS centre (first-time applicants in person for fingerprints; applicants whose biometrics were given after 2 November 2015 may also use VFS postal drop boxes); only appointment booking and application tracking are done online on the VFS website.
Visa-free entry
Not available: Indian passport holders need a visa for any stay in Italy, a Schengen C visa for up to 90 days in any 180 or a national D visa for longer stays; India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals must hold a visa to cross the Schengen external borders (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806). Airport transit: Indian ordinary-passport holders are not on the EU common list or on Italy's national list of nationalities needing an airport transit visa (Visa Code Handbook Annexes 7A/7B, June 2026), so no visa is needed to stay inside the international transit area of an Italian airport; leaving it means entering Italy and needs a Schengen visa.

How to apply from India — step by step

  1. 1

    Complete the application form

    Fill in the Italy visa application form linked from the official pages below.

  2. 2

    Prepare your documents

    Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.

  3. 3

    Book an appointment

    Book an appointment as described on the VFS Global / embassy pages linked below.

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune and others listed below.

  5. 5

    Pay the fees

    Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.

Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.

Before you apply

Visa fees

How much is the Italy visa fee for Indian citizens?

  • Visa Fee (Categories A, B or C)

    € 90 / INR 9,630

    Payable by demand draft favouring 'VFS Global Services Private Limited' or in cash at VFS; EUR-INR rate periodically adjusted; not refunded if refused

  • Visa fee for applicants aged between 6 - 12 (Categories A, B or C)

    € 45 / INR 4,820

  • Visa fee for applicants aged under 6

    € 0 / INR 0

  • Visa Fee (Categories D)

    € 116 / INR 12410

  • Research C

    Gratis

  • Study visa, short stay (Schengen C)

    Exempted from visa fees (free)

    Embassy of Italy New Delhi: 'Schengen study visa: free'; the VFS New Delhi and Mumbai pages list short-term Study applicants as exempt from visa fees. VFS service charge INR 631 still payable.

  • Student visa, long stay (national D study visa)

    EUR 50 / INR 5,350

    Embassy of Italy New Delhi: 'National study visas: 50 euro'. INR as published by VFS India (New Delhi and Mumbai one-pagers), October 2026; Mumbai one-pager: rupee fees apply at Ahmedabad, Cochin and Pune from 27 March 2026 and at Mumbai from 30 March 2026; changes with the exchange rate. Plus VFS service charge INR 631.

  • Work visa: Employment (lavoro subordinato), long stay (national D, with Nulla Osta)

    EUR 116 / INR 12,410

    INR as published by VFS India (New Delhi and Mumbai one-pagers), October 2026; changes with the exchange rate. Short-stay employment (C, work Nulla Osta up to 90 days): EUR 90 / INR 9,630. Plus VFS service charge INR 631 (VFS New Delhi: pre-paid at the time of booking for employment appointments).

  • Family members of EU/Italian citizens (Visiting Family EU C visa; Family EU Reunion D visa)

    Free of charge

    Spouse, registered partner, children under 21 or dependent, dependent parents/in-laws (Directive 2004/38/EC; art. 5 Legislative Decree 30/2007), per the Embassy and VFS New Delhi pages. VFS service charge INR 631 still payable.

  • Internship (Tirocinio Formazione): C visa exempt; D visa

    C: exempt / D: EUR 50 / INR 5,350

    VFS New Delhi one-pager, October 2026; VFS service charge INR 631 extra

Service fee: VFS Service Charge (inclusive of all taxes) of INR 631 per application. Optional: Courier INR 795, Courier Assurance INR 631, Premium Lounge INR 4669 (New Delhi). Postal drop-box applications: VFS service charge INR 1975 by separate demand draft.

Checklist

What documents are required for a Italy visa from India?

All applicants

14 items
  • Application form fully completed and signed by applicant (printed back-to-back; applicant's own working phone number, not an agent's)
  • One recent passport-size photograph (white background)
  • Passport issued within the previous 10 years, valid at least 3 months after intended stay (VFS: at least 6 months valid from date of travel for short-term visas), with at least 2 blank pages; machine-readable only, handwritten passports not accepted
  • Cover letter
  • Overseas medical insurance with minimum coverage of Euro 30,000 for emergency hospital and repatriation expenses, from the approved list of Indian insurers
  • Travel itinerary with travel dates, including a return flight reservation or ticket
  • Copy of applicant's passport and previous Schengen visas
  • Evidence of employment: employee - company letter, latest 3 months pay slips and latest 3 years Income Tax Return; self-employed - Certificate of Incorporation, last 3 months business bank statement, latest 3 years ITR; students - original letter from the school
  • Financial means: salary slips of last three months, ITR with barcode (last 3 years), Income Tax Challan receipt (last 3 years), personal bank statement for the last six months stamped by the bank
  • Proof of accommodation: confirmed hotel bookings
  • Minors: application signed by both parents, birth certificate, legalised parental consent letters as applicable
  • Processing time declaration (waiver declaration) and declaration on travel health insurance (VFS formats)
  • Proof of residence in the jurisdiction for the last 6 months
  • The Embassy reserves the right to call any applicant for a personal interview or ask for additional documents (Embassy checklists); Mumbai-jurisdiction student applicants complete a video-conference interview with a Consulate officer at the VFS centre after submission

Tourist

4 items
  • Hotel bookings are mandatory for the Tourist category
  • Apply under 'Tourism - first issuance' or 'Tourism - Holding previous Schengen visa'; holders of an invitation from an EU/non-EU national must apply under Visiting Family and Friends / EU Citizen relative
  • Alternative to own funds (Embassy tourist checklist): original and one photocopy of a bank guarantee ('fidejussione bancaria') from a sponsor in Italy covering expenses for the stay, accompanied by personal bank statements; the original guarantee is returned with the passport. Suggested: credit card copy with statement of credit limit
  • Minimum means of support for tourism (Italian Interior Ministry directive of 1 March 2000, Table A, as notified to the European Commission, June 2026), per person: 1-5 days EUR 269.60 overall if travelling alone (EUR 212.81 each for two or more travellers); 6-10 days EUR 44.93 per day (EUR 26.33 in a group); 11-20 days EUR 51.64 fixed plus EUR 36.67 per day (group: EUR 25.82 plus EUR 22.21 per day); over 20 days EUR 206.58 fixed plus EUR 27.89 per day (group: EUR 118.79 plus EUR 17.04 per day). Means may be shown by currency, bank guarantees, insurance policies or prepaid services; the traveller must also show accommodation and the sum needed for return

Business

2 items
  • Letter of Invitation (business) - VFS format
  • Apply under 'Business - first issuance' or 'Business - Holding previous Schengen visa'

Student visa, long stay (D) - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist (June 2025)

11 items
  • Application form (D) filled and signed (minors: signed by both parents); one recent passport photo (white background); passport issued within 10 years, valid at least 3 months after the visa, 2 blank pages; one photocopy of the passport; personal cover letter
  • Original study certificates attested by HRD and apostilled by MEA (SDM attestation not accepted); provisional certificates accepted if attested and apostilled
  • DoV (Declaration of Value) already issued by an Italian mission, or a CIMEA certificate if the Italian university accepts it, if required by the university
  • Receipt of full payment of enrolment fees
  • B2-level English certificate (preferably IELTS or TOEFL) for courses taught in English, or B2-level Italian certificate for courses taught in Italian
  • Enrolment confirmation downloaded from the Universitaly portal and/or original admission letter from the Italian university/institute
  • Proof of means of support in Italy of not less than EUR 534.41 per month or EUR 6,947.33 per year (own income, sponsor, education loan deposited in the account, or Italian government scholarship)
  • Proof of accommodation for the whole stay (hotel booking, rent agreement or university accommodation)
  • Round-trip flight ticket, or sufficient funds if the return is beyond booking limits
  • Medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 for the whole stay, with repatriation clause
  • The application is accepted only if the study certificates, DoV/CIMEA and enrolment-fee receipt (points 6-8) are submitted

Work visa: Employment (subordinate work, D) - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

7 items
  • Application form completed and signed; two recent passport photos (white background)
  • Passport valid at least 3 months from the date of leaving the Schengen area, with at least 2 empty visa pages (Embassy checklist for ANPAL-authorised employment D visas: at least 18 months' validity)
  • Copy of the C-Stag form filled in by the employer and already submitted to the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI) through the ALI portal
  • Copy of the Nulla Osta (work authorisation) issued by the SUI
  • One-way flight reservation (return reservation for Schengen visas based on a work Nulla Osta of up to 90 days)
  • Employer's ID copy (and permit of stay if the employer is not an Italian national)
  • Medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 for at least 90 days, with repatriation clause

Business - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

7 items
  • Application form signed; one photo (white background); Passport issued within 10 years, valid at least 3 months after the intended stay, 2 blank pages; copy of passport and previous Schengen visas
  • Overseas medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000; travel itinerary with return flight reservation; confirmed hotel bookings
  • Economic status of the sending company: registration certificate (or board membership for liberal professionals / letter from medical institution for doctors), company bank statement for the last six months, IEC number if applicable
  • Letter from the Indian company explaining the purpose of the visit, the applicant's professional status and the business relationship with the Italian company, signed by an identified authorised person
  • Applicant's financial means: salary slips (3 months), ITR with barcode (3 years), Income Tax Challan receipts (3 years), personal bank statement (6 months) stamped by the bank
  • Invitation letter from the Italian company in Italian (VFS format), signed by an authorised person, with a copy of that person's ID, plus the Italian company's Visura Camerale
  • Apply at least 15 days before travel

Visiting Family and Friends - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist (2024)

7 items
  • Schengen application form; passport valid 3 months beyond leaving the Schengen area, 2 empty pages, issued within 10 years; passport copy of the inviting person
  • Invitation letter filled in and signed by the host in Italy (signature matching the host's ID); EU host: ID/passport copy; non-EU host: passport copy and Italian residence permit
  • Proof of family relationship: birth certificate with parents' names, marriage certificate, 'Stato civile' and 'Stato di famiglia' (Italian certificates requested online on the ANPR portal with QR code); Indian documents apostilled
  • Overseas health insurance certificate of at least EUR 30,000, stamped and signed by the insurer
  • Applicants with insufficient funds sponsored by the host: original 'fidejussione' (guarantee) issued by an Italian financial institution
  • Employment evidence (employee/self-employed/student as for tourists) and personal bank statement for the last 6 months, updated to within 1 month of submission, own name, no business accounts
  • Round-trip flight ticket and proof of ties to India (employment, studies, children in school, caregiver role)

Invitation - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

4 items
  • Application form, photo, passport and copies of previous Schengen visas; insurance of at least EUR 30,000; return flight reservation; itinerary
  • Covering letter from the applicant and from the Indian public body or institution (the visit has to be a 'public' one)
  • Invitation letter from the Italian public body, institution or reputed organisation for a special political or cultural-scientific event, stating that the inviting party bears all costs of the stay
  • Proof of economic means of support as per the means-of-support table

Visiting Family EU (C) and Family EU Reunion (D) - family members of EU/Italian citizens - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklists (2025)

6 items
  • Eligible: spouse, registered partner, descendants under 21 or dependent, dependent parents/in-laws of an EU or Italian citizen; visa fees are not applicable
  • Visa application form; passport valid 3 months beyond leaving the Schengen area with 2 empty pages (Family EU Reunion D: at least 2 years' residual validity); passport copy of the EU/Italian national
  • Invitation letter from the EU/Italian national, issued no more than 6 months before submission (D visa: stating the intention to reunite)
  • Proof of relationship: birth certificate, marriage certificate, 'Stato civile' and 'Stato di famiglia' requested on the Italian ANPR portal with QR code; Indian documents apostilled
  • Flight reservation or a statement indicating the start date of the visa validity
  • Dependent family members: evidence that over the last 12 months the EU citizen has transferred money or borne expenses showing genuine financial dependence

Family Reunion (D, Nulla Osta) - joining a spouse or child resident in Italy - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklists

7 items
  • Application form filed and signed by the applicant in person (not an agent); photos (white background); passport issued within 10 years with at least 2 years' residual validity and 2 blank pages, issued within the Embassy's jurisdiction
  • Nulla Osta (or its reference number) issued by the competent S.U.I. in Italy, valid for 6 months from issue
  • Attested copy of all pages of the inviting person's passport and of their Italian permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno)
  • Apostilled birth certificate issued in English or bilingual Hindi-English/Punjabi-English (notarised translations not accepted)
  • Joining a spouse: apostilled marriage certificate (with photo, ages and status of the spouses), the spouse's attested 'dichiarazione sostitutiva di atto notorio' on the marriage, spouse's name endorsed in both passports
  • Dependent parents joining a son/daughter: attested and apostilled affidavit on economic conditions and all children, plus proof of economic dependency (continuous remittances and/or no other means of support)
  • The Embassy may suspend processing or issue an advance notice of refusal giving 10 working days to respond

Accompanying Spouse/Parent (Familiare al Seguito, D) - checklist

5 items
  • Applied for at the same time as the principal applicant's work or study visa
  • Application form, two photos, passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after the stay, 2 blank pages
  • Nulla Osta for 'familiare al seguito' issued by the competent Questura in Italy (valid 6 months), obtained through a person in Italy nominated by a 'delega' signed at the consulate; declaration of economic dependence made at the consulate
  • Copy of the principal applicant's passport; airline reservation (confirmed ticket before visa collection)
  • Marriage certificate (spouse) or children's birth certificates (parent), legalised

Research (C and D) - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklists

4 items
  • Application form, two photos, passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after the stay, 2 blank pages; two passport copies; personal covering letter
  • Host agreement ('Convenzione di accoglienza') with the host institution in Italy stating employment conditions, monthly financial support, research activity and duration, mobility and medical insurance
  • Research C: proof of researcher status as an employee of an Indian university or research institute; Research D: copy of the Nulla Osta issued by the S.U.I. (valid 6 months)
  • One-way air ticket; Research C visa fee is gratis

Sports - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

4 items
  • Application form, photo, passport, copies of previous Schengen visas; insurance of at least EUR 30,000; return flight reservation
  • Covering letter from the Indian sports organisation (or the Ministry of Youth and Sport) listing all applicants, purpose, duration and itinerary
  • Invitation letter from the Italian sports organisation organising the competition, listing all applicants, duration and cost coverage, attested by CONI
  • Means of subsistence (supporting letter from the Italian or Indian organisation, or means-of-support table); hotel booking or organiser's letter; minors: notarised consent of both parents

Religious - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

4 items
  • Only for members of established religious bodies; pilgrims and people attending religious events apply for a tourist visa, and novitiate/study/religious training needs a study visa
  • Application form, photo, passport and copies of previous Schengen visas; insurance of at least EUR 30,000; return flight reservation (stays up to 90 days)
  • Letter from the congregation in India and the Bishop of the archdiocese confirming religious status, final vows and purpose of the visit
  • Sponsorship letter from the hosting congregation in Italy attested by the Vatican Secretary of State, or a Note Verbale from the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi; means of support or the religious body's declaration of responsibility

Internship / Training (Tirocinio Formazione) - checklist

5 items
  • Application form, two photos, passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after the stay, 2 blank pages
  • Proof of enrolment or pre-enrolment in the study/technical/professional training course, stating daily hours and duration (can be supported by the host institution's letter)
  • Educational history documents, attested and apostilled by MEA
  • Proof of means of support, accommodation in Italy and funds for repatriation (e.g. return ticket); insurance of at least EUR 30,000
  • Internship C visa: exempt from visa fees; Internship D visa: EUR 50 / INR 5,350

Self-employment (Lavoro Autonomo, D) - existing companies and consultants - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

6 items
  • National D application form; two ICAO photos (4.0 x 3.5 cm, white background); passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months after the visa, 2 blank pages
  • Nulla Osta for self-employed work issued by the relevant Questura in Italy
  • Statement from the Ispettorato territoriale del Lavoro that the contract is not subordinate work
  • Chamber of Commerce statement that the Italian company has been active for at least 3 years, and its business licence
  • Statement by the Italian company's legal representative guaranteeing a wage of at least EUR 8,500, plus the company's last financial balance or income tax return
  • Medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 with repatriation clause; proof of accommodation (purchase/rental contract or accommodation statement)

Declaration of Value (DoV) - Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist

5 items
  • DoV request form and data privacy form; passport copy (first and last page)
  • Final degree/school certificate in original with HRD authentication (SDM stamp not accepted) and Apostille, plus 2 copies; transcripts/marksheets likewise
  • Information on the Indian institution's classification and grading system
  • Study purpose: Universitaly pre-enrolment summary and acceptance letter from the Italian university; work/research purpose: Italian translation of the documents and offer letter or contract
  • DoVs are issued free of charge only for verified study reasons

Other C and D categories

1 item
  • Separate VFS checklists also exist for Study C, Transit, Re-Entry and Seafarers' employment - not itemised here

Photo

What are the Italy visa photo specifications?

Size
Not specified in mm on the VFS India or Embassy tourist pages ('passport-size'); the Embassy's self-employment (D) checklist asks for ICAO-format photos of 4.0 x 3.5 cm
Background
Light background (white or off-white)
  • One recent photograph, not more than 6 months old, in colour
  • Full face (80% zoom), non-smiling, no sunglasses/hat/head covering unless for religious belief or ethnic background
  • Printed on normal photographic paper; stick the photograph on the visa application form
  • Photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre

Insurance

Is travel medical insurance required for a Italy visa?

Required

Travel medical insurance is mandatory: minimum coverage EUR 30,000, valid throughout the Schengen territory for the entire stay, covering repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death. Only insurers on the list approved by the Schengen consular posts in India are accepted (VFS links an April 2026 list).

Processing

How long does Italy visa processing take?

Other Schengen Visas (short term)
15 Working Days (extendable up to 45); Embassy: decisions on C visas are generally reached within 15 calendar days
Study Short Stay
90 Days
Study Long Stay
90 Working Days
Family Reunion Long Stay
30 Working Days
Employment Long Stay
90 Working Days
Employment Long Stay with N.O. SUI
30 Working Days
Self-Employment Long Stay
120 Working Days
Visiting Family EU (family members of EU/Italian citizens)
Can be extended up to 45 days while the Embassy verifies Italian municipal certificates with the authorities in Italy

Visa types

Which Italy visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Short Term Visas - Schengen "C" Type

  • Tourist
  • Business
  • Visiting Family and Friends
  • Research C
  • Religious
  • Study
  • Sports
  • Transit
  • Invitation
  • Visiting Family EU (SPOUSE/CIVIL UNION/CHILDREN BELOW 21/DEPENDENT PARENTS/DEPENDENT IN LAWS)
  • Internship C (Tirocinio Formazione)

Long Term Visas - "D" Type

  • Religious
  • Study
  • Family Reunion Visa
  • Employment Visa
  • Self-Employment (Lavoro Autonomo)
  • Internship (Tirocinio Formazione)
  • Research D
  • Re-Entry
  • Family EU Reunion D Visa
  • Accompanying Spouse/Parents (Al Seguito)

Long stay

Italy study and work visas for Indians

Student visa, long stay (national D study visa)

Study

For Indians admitted to a course in Italy lasting more than 90 days. Students apply at the VFS centre for the Italian mission covering their state, after pre-enrolling via Universitaly and obtaining a DoV or CIMEA certificate where the university requires one; study visa applications without DoV or CIMEA are not accepted unless the university explicitly says they are not required.

  • Admission/pre-enrolment: Universitaly enrolment confirmation and/or original admission letter from the Italian university or institute
  • DoV issued by an Italian mission, or CIMEA certificate if the university accepts it in place of the DoV
  • Original study certificates attested by HRD and apostilled by MEA
  • Receipt of full payment of enrolment fees
  • Language: B2 English (preferably IELTS or TOEFL) for English-taught courses, or B2 Italian for Italian-taught courses
  • Funds: at least EUR 534.41 per month or EUR 6,947.33 per year in Italy (Embassy of Italy New Delhi checklist, June 2025); sponsors may only be the applicant's parents, Italian or foreign nationals legally resident in Italy, or recognised institutions; education loans count only if deposited and visible on the bank statements
  • Accommodation for the whole stay, round-trip ticket (or funds for it) and medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 with repatriation clause
  • Students whose admission depends on an entrance test at the Italian university apply for the D visa; those taking a test before their final certificate is issued apply for a short-stay C study visa
  • Mumbai jurisdiction (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Kerala): book with your own email and phone at the Mumbai or Cochin VFS centre and complete a video-conference interview with a Consulate officer at the centre right after submission; students whose final degree or diploma was issued in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana or Puducherry must first get the DoV from the Consulate General in Bangalore
Official page

Work visa: Employment visa (lavoro subordinato, national D)

Work

For Indians taking up salaried work in Italy. The Italian employer first obtains a work authorisation (Nulla Osta) from the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI); the worker then books a VFS appointment within 6 months of the Nulla Osta's issue and applies to the Italian mission covering their state.

  • Nulla Osta (work authorisation) issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione, requested by the employer (C-Stag form submitted to the SUI through the ALI portal)
  • The appointment must be booked within 6 months of the Nulla Osta's issue date; VFS processes the application only if the Nulla Osta protocol number appears in the records shared by the Embassy
  • Passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure from the Schengen area with 2 empty visa pages
  • Employer's ID copy (and permit of stay if the employer is not Italian), one-way flight reservation and medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000 for at least 90 days
  • Entertainment-sector crew (Mumbai jurisdiction) need a 'Lavoro subordinato - settore spettacolo' visa with prior Nulla Osta from the Ministry of Labour (formerly ANPAL)
  • After arrival, national-visa holders must apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) at the Questura within 8 working days
Official page

Multiple-entry Schengen visa (up to 5 years; EU 'cascade' for Indian nationals)

Other

Frequent travellers can apply to Italy for multiple-entry Schengen visas valid for up to 5 years (Embassy of Italy New Delhi). Since 18 April 2024 specific EU 'cascade' rules apply to Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen short-stay visas in India.

  • Two Schengen visas obtained and lawfully used within the previous three years: a multiple-entry visa valid for two years can be issued
  • The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining
  • Stays remain limited to 90 days in any 180-day period (Embassy of Italy New Delhi)
Official page

Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.

Where to apply

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Italy visa?

  • New Delhi
  • Jalandhar
  • Chandigarh
  • Mumbai
  • Ahmedabad
  • Pune
  • Kochi
  • Kolkata
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad

Which office covers your state

Embassy of Italy, New Delhi (50 E Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel. +91 11 2611 4355; visa queries: visti.newdelhi@esteri.it)
Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh (VFS centres: New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh)
Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai (Kanchanjunga, Ground floor, 72 G. Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai 400026; tel. +91 22 4781 9230; consulgeneralmumbai@esteri.it)
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli (the Embassy's page also lists Lakshadweep) (VFS centres: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi)
Consulate General of Italy, Kolkata (5G Rev. Lalbehari Shah Sarani, Alipore, Kolkata 700027; tel. +91 33 2479 2426; visa queries: kolkata.visti@esteri.it)
West Bengal, Odisha (Orissa), Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (also Nepal) (VFS centre: Kolkata)
Consulate General of Italy, Bangalore (Vaishnavi Icon, 2nd floor, 56 Richmond Road, Bangalore 560025; tel. +91 80 6976 7000; bangalore.segreteria@esteri.it)
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry (VFS centres: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad)

Statistics & changes

Italy visa statistics and recent rule changes

Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Italian consulates in India · 2025
12.7% — 6,810 visas not issued; 53,423 applications lodged
Official data
Schengen visa refusal rate, applications lodged at Italian consulates in India · 2024
11.3% — 6,809 visas not issued; 60,365 applications lodged
Official data

Recent rule changes

  • The EES became fully operational and replaced manual passport stamping at Schengen external borders, including for Indian short-stay visa holders entering Italy.

    Official notice

  • The current rupee visa fees (Schengen EUR 90 = INR 9,630; children 6-12 EUR 45 = INR 4,820; national D EUR 116 = INR 12,410; national study D EUR 50 = INR 5,350) apply at the Ahmedabad, Cochin and Pune VFS centres with effect from 27 March 2026, and at the Mumbai centre from 30 March 2026.

    Official notice

  • The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) began progressive operations at Schengen external borders, registering non-EU short-stay travellers' passport data, fingerprints and facial image on entry and exit.

    Official notice

  • The European Commission revised the harmonised list of supporting documents for Schengen short-stay applicants in India (Implementing Decision C(2025) 4379, addressed to Italy and the other Schengen states): a cover letter and copies of the passport biodata and last pages are now required, and company owners/self-employed applicants must add GST registration, business bank statements and barcode-verifiable income tax returns.

    Official notice

  • Italy began collecting fingerprints for national (D, long-stay) visa applications as well as Schengen visas.

    Official notice

FAQ

Italy visa for Indians — frequently asked questions

Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.

How much is the Italy visa fee for Indian citizens?

Visa Fee (Categories A, B or C): € 90 / INR 9,630; Visa fee for applicants aged between 6 - 12 (Categories A, B or C): € 45 / INR 4,820; Visa fee for applicants aged under 6: € 0 / INR 0. 7 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: VFS Service Charge (inclusive of all taxes) of INR 631 per application. Optional: Courier INR 795, Courier Assurance INR 631, Premium Lounge INR 4669 (New Delhi). Postal drop-box applications: VFS service charge INR 1975 by separate demand draft..

What documents are required for a Italy visa from India?

Application form fully completed and signed by applicant (printed back-to-back; applicant's own working phone number, not an agent's); One recent passport-size photograph (white background); Passport issued within the previous 10 years, valid at least 3 months after intended stay (VFS: at least 6 months valid from date of travel for short-term visas), with at least 2 blank pages; machine-readable only, handwritten passports not accepted; Cover letter; Overseas medical insurance with minimum coverage of Euro 30,000 for emergency hospital and repatriation expenses, from the approved list of Indian insurers; Travel itinerary with travel dates, including a return flight reservation or ticket. Plus 8 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 17 visa categories.

How long does Italy visa processing take for Indians?

Other Schengen Visas (short term): 15 Working Days (extendable up to 45); Embassy: decisions on C visas are generally reached within 15 calendar days; Study Short Stay: 90 Days; Study Long Stay: 90 Working Days.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a Italy visa?

Applications go via VFS Global + embassy. Locations listed: New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad. Jurisdiction by state: Embassy of Italy, New Delhi (50 E Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel. +91 11 2611 4355; visa queries: visti.newdelhi@esteri.it) — Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu-Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh (VFS centres: New Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh); Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai (Kanchanjunga, Ground floor, 72 G. Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai 400026; tel. +91 22 4781 9230; consulgeneralmumbai@esteri.it) — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli (the Embassy's page also lists Lakshadweep) (VFS centres: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi); Consulate General of Italy, Kolkata (5G Rev. Lalbehari Shah Sarani, Alipore, Kolkata 700027; tel. +91 33 2479 2426; visa queries: kolkata.visti@esteri.it) — West Bengal, Odisha (Orissa), Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (also Nepal) (VFS centre: Kolkata); Consulate General of Italy, Bangalore (Vaishnavi Icon, 2nd floor, 56 Richmond Road, Bangalore 560025; tel. +91 80 6976 7000; bangalore.segreteria@esteri.it) — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry (VFS centres: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad).

Can Indians get a Italy visa on arrival or an eVisa?

Visa on arrival — Not available: Indian passport holders must obtain an Italian visa (Schengen C or national D) before travelling. India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals need a visa to cross the Schengen external borders, and the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi's visa page states that a visa is required to enter Italy, applied for through the Embassy or the Consulates General in India (via VFS centres). eVisa — Not available: Italy has no eVisa for Indian citizens. Applications are lodged on a signed application form by appointment at a VFS centre (first-time applicants in person for fingerprints; applicants whose biometrics were given after 2 November 2015 may also use VFS postal drop boxes); only appointment booking and application tracking are done online on the VFS website. Visa-free entry — Not available: Indian passport holders need a visa for any stay in Italy, a Schengen C visa for up to 90 days in any 180 or a national D visa for longer stays; India is on the EU list of countries whose nationals must hold a visa to cross the Schengen external borders (Annex I, Regulation (EU) 2018/1806). Airport transit: Indian ordinary-passport holders are not on the EU common list or on Italy's national list of nationalities needing an airport transit visa (Visa Code Handbook Annexes 7A/7B, June 2026), so no visa is needed to stay inside the international transit area of an Italian airport; leaving it means entering Italy and needs a Schengen visa.

What photo size is required for a Italy visa?

Size: Not specified in mm on the VFS India or Embassy tourist pages ('passport-size'); the Embassy's self-employment (D) checklist asks for ICAO-format photos of 4.0 x 3.5 cm. Background: Light background (white or off-white).

Is travel medical insurance required for a Italy visa?

Yes. Travel medical insurance is mandatory: minimum coverage EUR 30,000, valid throughout the Schengen territory for the entire stay, covering repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death. Only insurers on the list approved by the Schengen consular posts in India are accepted (VFS links an April 2026 list).

Which Italy visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Short Term Visas - Schengen "C" Type and Long Term Visas - "D" Type. 21 visa types are listed on this page.

Sources

Sources

Machine-readable version: /visa/india/italy/markdown

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