Who is this service for?
This service is designed for non-EU athletes, coaches and sports professionals who intend to move to Italy to carry out sports activity with an Italian sports club or organization.
It is particularly relevant for applicants planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days. However, it is also suitable for sports clubs that need to verify which procedure applies in case of short-term competitions or sports events.
What does the service consist of?
The service includes a preliminary assessment of the athlete’s profile and of the entry procedure applicable to the specific case. Studio A&P supports clients in checking the requirements, reviewing the documentation and coordinating the steps with the Italian sports organization.
We also provide assistance during the consular phase and with the post-arrival steps in Italy, including the residence permit procedure.
When is the sports activity visa required?
The sports activity visa may be required when a non-EU citizen intends to stay in Italy for more than 90 days and carry out continuous sports activity with an Italian sports club.
For long-stay applications, the visa is not only a travel document. It is part of a broader immigration procedure involving the sports club, the competent Federation, CONI and the Italian authorities.
Which visa types may be relevant?
National visa for sports activity – This is generally intended for stays exceeding 90 days and up to 365 days. The procedure is based on a nominative declaration of assent issued by CONI, within the available quotas.
Schengen visa for sports competitions – This may apply to short-term official or friendly competitions, usually for the duration of the event and in any case within the 90-day limit.
How to proceed?
As a first step, our team will identify the purpose of the stay, the expected duration and the correct procedure. Accordingly, we will advise on the documentation and on the steps to be coordinated with the sports club and the competent Consulate.
For the long-term visa, the procedure is normally started in Italy by the sports club through the competent Federation. After the declaration of assent is issued, the athlete may apply for the visa and complete the residence permit procedure after arrival.
Why choose Studio A&P
Our team can support applicants at 360°, assessing whether the chosen procedure is coherent with the athlete’s profile, the length of stay, Federation rules and the requirements of the competent Consulate.
This approach helps reduce uncertainty, prevent avoidable issues at filing stage and integrate the immigration requirement into a broader entry and post-arrival strategy.