Skip to content Non-EU citizens who intend to move to Italy to carry out sports activity may need to apply for a specific visa and residence permit. The applicable immigration procedure depends on the purpose and duration of the stay: moving to Italy to work with an Italian sports club is different from entering the country to participate in a short-term sports competition.
In general, foreign athletes, coaches and other sports professionals who wish to carry out paid sports activity in Italy must follow the procedure for sports activity, which involves the Italian sports organization (i.e. the relevant National Sports Federation and CONI). For short-term competitions, a different Schengen visa for sports competitions may apply.
Entry for sports activity in Italy
How to apply for a sport visa?
The Italian sports visa is for non-EU citizens who need to enter Italy to perform sports activity with an Italian sports organization. This may include athletes and, depending on the case, coaches and other professional figures connected with the sports activity.
The long-term procedure is relevant when the foreign national intends to stay in Italy for more than 90 days and carry out sports activity with an Italian sports club. Italian authorities distinguish this from a short-term visa for sports competitions, which is for single competitions or a series of sports events of limited duration.
The long-term entry for sports activity is subject to a simplified work immigration route. It does not fall within the ordinary annual work quota decree but depends on a specific mechanism for non-EU athletes. Such procedure is based on a maximum annual number of entries established on proposal of CONI and allocated among the National Sports Federations.
Sports activity visa
Can I get a 1 year visa for Italy?
The visa for sports activity allows sports professionals to enter and reside in Italy in order to perform their activity with an Italian sports organization. It is a national type D visa for long stays, exceeding 90 days and up to 365 days.
The procedure normally starts in Italy. The Italian sports organization must request the relevant authorization through the competent National Sports Federation. The Federation then forwards the request to CONI, which verifies the relevant conditions, including the availability of the quota and the necessary clearance from the Police Headquarters. If the outcome is positive, CONI issues the nominative declaration of assent and sends it directly to the competent Italian diplomatic mission and to the relevant immigration office.
The athlete will then contact the competent Italian Consulate or Embassy abroad to apply for the entry visa.
Professional and amateur sports activity
The procedure may apply to professional sports activity and, in specific cases, to amateur or non-professional sports activity. In the case of subordinate work/sport, the Italian sports organization must submit a proposal for a residence contract. It must also request the nominative declaration of assent through the competent Federation.
For amateur sports activity, the athlete does not have to sign a residence contract. However, the Italian sports organization assumes the related obligations. These include accommodation, assistance, and repatriation costs.
Visa application procedure
How to get a sports visa in Italy?
The athlete does not start the application process directly. It is the Italian sports club or organization that carries our the first step, activating the procedure through the relevant National Sports Federation.
The general procedure is as follows:
- The Italian sports organization prepares the request for the foreign athlete or sports professional.
- The request is submitted through the competent National Sports Federation.
- The Federation verifies the requirements and forwards the application to CONI.
- CONI checks the availability of quotas and receives the relevant “nullaosta”.
- CONI issues the nominative declaration of assent and sends it directly to the Italian Consulate and to the immigration office
- The foreign athlete applies for the visa at the competent Italian diplomatic mission.
- After entering Italy, the athlete must complete the residence permit procedure.
Consular requirements may vary depending on the competent Embassy or Consulate. Applicants should always check the local consular checklist before filing the visa application.
Required documents
What documents are needed for the sports visa?
The required documents may vary depending on the Italian Consulate or Embassy in charge of the application. In general, the applicant should expect to submit the national visa application form, passport, photographs, proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction, flight itinerary and visa fee.
Consular checklists also usually require a copy of the letter from the Italian sports organization, specifying the type of sports activity and the duration of the contract.
Depending on the Consulate, additional documents may be required, such as a copy of the applicant’s sports professional card, Italian tax code, letter from the foreign Sports Federation, proof of previous Italian permits if applicable, and additional documents for minors.
Residence permit for sports activity
What happens after entering Italy?
After entering Italy with the sports visa, the foreign athlete must complete the residence permit procedure within the required deadline. The foreign national must usually appear before the competent immigration office within eight days of entry to sign the residence contract, request the Italian tax code and obtain the forms needed to apply for the residence permit.
The residence permit application is then generally submitted through the authorized Post Office by using the postal kit. The Post Office issues a receipt with personal identification codes, which can be used to check the status of the application through the Immigration Portal. The Police Headquarters will later contact the applicant for fingerprinting and, once the process is completed, for delivery of the residence permit.
Short-term visa for sports competitions
What is the visa for sports competitions?
The visa for sports competitions is different from the long-term sports activity visa. It is generally a Schengen type C visa for short stays and allows athletes and certain technical figures, such as coaches, sports technical directors and athletic trainers, to enter Italy to participate in official or friendly sports competitions organized within disciplines recognized by CONI.
This visa is usually issued for the actual duration of the event, or up to a maximum of 90 days when the applicant participates in a series of sports events. The request must include information on the delegation, the accommodation, the person, or entity responsible for travel, stay and healthcare costs, and other details required by CONI and the competent authorities.
It is important not to confuse this visa with the long-term sports activity visa. A person who enters Italy with a tourist visa or a visa for sports competitions cannot carry out continuous sports activity for an Italian sports club.
Renewal and conversion
Can the residence permit for sports activity be renewed?
Applicants may renew the residence permit for sports activity if they continue to meet the conditions. The renewal procedure involves the Italian sports organization, the relevant National Sports Federation and CONI. In general, the sports organization must submit the renewal request before the permit expires.
The renewal must always be assessed considering the athlete’s contract, registration, Federation rules and immigration requirements. Timing is important, as the foreign athlete should avoid remaining in Italy with an expired permit without having filed a renewal application within the legal deadline.
Can the sports permit be converted?
Holders of residence permits issued for sports activity under article 27, paragraph 1, letter p) of the Italian Immigration Act can convert them into a work residence permit, provided that the relevant legal requirements are met.
However, we advise to assess conversion case by case, considering the type of permit, the applicant’s status, the applicable immigration rules and the availability of the legal requirements for the new permit category.
Minors in sports activity
Can a minor apply for a sports visa?
Minors may be eligible for a sports visa, but additional requirements apply. The minimum admission age depends on completion of compulsory education. It cannot be lower than 15 years of age. Visa applications for minors between 15 and 18 years old must include an authorization by the competent Territorial Labour Inspectorate.
The Italian sports organization must also ensure compliance with the rules concerning the minor’s stay in Italy. This applies for the entire period of residence and until the minor returns to the country of origin.