Move as a Sportsperson to Italy

About the service

Moving to Italy as a sportsperson requires careful planning from a migration, tax, and administrative perspective. Anyone who intends to move to Italy as a sportsperson must consider several key aspects, including the correct residence permit, compliance with sports federation requirements, and proper management of their tax position in Italy.

The process to move as a sportsperson varies depending on the length of stay, nationality, sporting discipline, and the contractual relationship with Italian clubs or sports organizations. For this reason, it is essential to carefully assess requirements, timelines, and documentation before entering Italy.

Who the service is for?

This service is designed for professional athletes, sportspersons, coaches, and other individuals involved in the sports sector who intend to relocate to Italy for competitive activity, contracts with Italian clubs, participation in sporting events, or medium to long term training programs.

The support is relevant both for non-EU citizens who require visas and residence permits, and for EU citizens who may need assistance in managing administrative and tax-related aspects of their stay in Italy.

Requirements

Before relocating, it is essential to ensure proper handling of the immigration procedure and compliance with Italian sports regulations.

Key aspects to consider include:

• type of visa or residence permit required;
• sports and contractual documentation;
• any federation authorisations;
• healthcare coverage and insurance obligations;
• athlete’s tax position and income taxation;
• administrative timelines aligned with sports schedules.

Each relocation is case specific and requires a careful preliminary assessment to avoid issues upon entry or during the stay in Italy.

Procedure

The service is structured into clear operational phases to ensure a smooth and coordinated relocation process. It starts with an initial case assessment, including the athlete’s profile, nationality, length of stay, and sporting and professional objectives.

This is followed by the collection and review of all required documentation, such as sports contracts, personal documents, and any authorizations required by the Italian authorities.

The next step involves the preparation and submission of the visa or residence permit application, including coordination with the competent authorities and any other involved stakeholders.

Throughout the process, coordination and follow-up are ensured to track the application status and handle any additional requests.

After arrival in Italy, post-entry compliance activities are also supported, which may include tax obligations and other administrative requirements related to the stay.

How A&P supports clients

Arletti & Partners supports athletes in international relocations through coordinated assistance across immigration, tax, and administrative matters. The objective is to ensure efficient management of procedures and reduce documentation errors, in line with sports schedules and Italian regulations. The support includes case analysis, document coordination, and management of communications with competent authorities.

A&P aims to provide a reply within 24 hours from receiving each request
and provides assistance also in English.

Is there a special visa for athletes?

Yes. In Italy, athletes coming from non-EU countries may apply for specific entry visas linked to sporting activity, depending on the nature of their contract, the duration of stay, and the type of sports engagement. The applicable procedure varies based on individual circumstances and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Moving to Italy as a sportsperson requires careful planning and proper management of immigration procedures under Italian law. Relying on specialized support helps coordinate documentation, timelines, and compliance obligations more efficiently, reducing the risk of delays or issues during the relocation process.

Arletti & Partners is available to assess your case and support you through every stage of your move to Italy as a sportsperson.