Do I need a visa to enter Italy?
If you are an EU citizen, you can travel freely to Italy without applying for a visa.
Non-EU citizens, regardless of which exchange program your mobility period is part of (ERASMUS+, Overworld or any other), may need a visa to enter Italy. Also, once in Parma, they will need to apply for a residence permit for their stay in Parma as exchange students. An Italian residence permit is required for stays exceeding a period of 90 days.
To find out if you need a visa, you are encouraged to check the Foreign Ministry portal and fill out the questionnaire to get a quick answer on what you need to enter Italy.
If you are required to apply for a visa, remember that you must also submit your pre-application through the Universitaly portal (joint Ministry of Higher Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs platform for non-EU citizens).
Are there any exceptions?
The following cases are eligible for visa exceptions:
- Non-EU citizens who already hold a long-term residence permit for the Schengen Area issued by an EU country. Please contact the Italian consulate or embassy in your country of residence for more information. If you qualify, you will be required to make a declaration of presence.
- Non-EU citizens who are exempt from visa requirements and who will stay in Italy for less than 90 days.
If you are unsure, it is strongly advised that you check with the relevant Italian embassy or consulate to determine if you need a visa to enter Italy.
Check what you need
Depending on your case, you may need several documents.
In this case you only have to submit the declaration of presence within eight days from the date of arrival in Italy.
In this case it is not necessary to apply for a residence permit.
In this case, in addition to applying for a residence permit within 8 days from the date of arrival in Italy, you also need both the visa and the exchange application to be filled out on Universitaly.
In this case, you are required to submit both visa and exchange applications through Universitaly.
Residence permit
A residence permit is a document issued by the Italian government that allows non-EU foreign nationals to legally reside in Italy for a specified period. Applications must be submitted within eight working days of arrival in Italy.
Once you arrive in Parma, you can receive support in preparing the documentation needed to apply for and renew your residence permit.
Appointments are available through the Student Agenda app under "Appointment with CIAC onlus (for international students)." Appointments are available every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and every Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The attached document lists the documents needed to obtain or renew your residence permit at the Erasmus and International Home desk.
After applying at a post office, upload a copy of all the documents on this page.
Tax Code (CF)
Non-Italian citizens staying (even temporarily) in Italy for purposes other than tourism must obtain a Tax Code (CF). This is a personal identification code that must be used for various tasks and services and is necessary to complete your registration as a student at the University of Parma.
For more information on obtaining a Tax Code, please see the dedicated page.
Information for trainees
Incoming trainees at the University of Parma must submit the same documents as students participating in a study mobility programme. Students must check which documents they need according to their citizenship (EU or non-EU).
Please note that exchange students undertaking an internship or practicum in Medicine or health disciplines must present additional insurance and vaccination documentation. Further information can be found on the Department of Medicine website.
Useful links
Visas for Italy - Farnesina
The Italian Foreign Ministry's webpage dedicated to visa applications. It also contains an entry requirements checker that you can use to check the documents you may be asked to provide.
Universitaly
The Universitaly portal is where foreign students are sometimes required to register.
