In Italy, the entry of non-EU citizens who intend to conduct scientific research is regulated by article 27-ter of Legislative Decree No. 286 of July 25, 1998 (so-called “Consolidated Immigration Act”). Individuals who enter Italy to pursue the following qualifications are excluded from the possibility of applying for the visa:
- graduate specialization diploma;
- PhD;
- master’s degree;
- training course (regardless of whether scientific research is conducted).
For these categories,it is necessary to apply for a student visa.
Who can apply for scientific research visa?
The scientific research visa is issued to non-EU citizens who hold a PhD or a higher qualification that allows access to doctorate programs in the country where the qualification was obtained.
This visa is granted outside the quotas established by the flows decree. Furthermore, it requires the sponsorship of a research institute registered on the list maintained by the Miur of authorized institutions.
Certain categories of foreigners are not eligible to apply for this visa, particularly those who hold a Blue Card of ICT permit, including:
- family members of UE citizens;
- individuals who hold a long-term residence permit;
- individuals who hold a work permit (self-employment or subordinate work);
Requirements of research institute
As mentioned before, only certain institutions can sponsor the application for the research visa. In order to be listed in the register maitained by the Miur, private institutions must have sufficient economic resources.
Furthermore, institutions sponsoring the research visa must take on any expenses related to the worker’s illegal status in Italy for the six years from the termination of the convention with the researcher, unless he gets a residence permit for pending employment.
The research institute must, therefore, sign a hosting agreement with the researcher, in which the following points are defined:
- The approval of administrative bodies of the institute
- The legal relationship of the Parties;
- The estimated duration of the research;
- Researcher’s qualifications attached with a certified copy;
- Confirmation of institute economic resources;
- Work conditions and monthly resources available to the researcher, which must be equal to twice the social allowance. This amount must be granted by the Institute to the researcher, regardless of any financial supports that may be provided by other European or international research organizations.
- Expenses for the return trip of the researcher;
- The obligation to register with the National Health Service of the researcher and its family members, or any private insurance policy;
- The object of the research.
How to apply for the scientific research visa?
The first step to obtain a research visa involves applying for the nulla osta from the territorially competent Prefettura. It must also be requested if the researcher is already in Italy with another residence permit. In this case, they will be exempt from the visa application at the consular representation.
It will be necessary to attach to the application the certificate of registration on the list of authorized entities for sponsorship, along with a copy of hosting agreement. The Prefettura will provide feedback within 30 days from the receipt of the request. Subsequently the nulla osta will be sent to the diplomatic representation abroad. The nulla osta has a six-moth validity.
After obtaining the visa, the researcher will notify the Prefettura of their entry into Italy within 8 days of arrival. It will be the responsibility of the Prefettura to schedule an appointment to finailized the researcher’s immigration paperwork. Following this appointment, the researcher will be able to submit an application for a residence permit at a post office.
How much is the scientific research visa valid?
The permit is issued by the competent Questura for the duration of the research program, which can be defined as temporary employment (maximum 2 years) or an open-ended contract.
Reseachers can handle their researcher activities in the from of employment or self-employment, other than with a research training scholarship. Furthermore, applicants may also be research fellows or recipients of postdoctoral scholarships. It is possible to request a renewal in case of an extension of the research project, by presenting the renewed hosting agreement.
Can the residence permit for scientific research be converted into other types of permit?
It is possible to convert to resident permit for scientific research only at the end of the research project, by presenting a document which the end of the research object of the convention. Upon expiration of the permit, the researcher can request, via postal kit, a residence permit for pending employment, or a self-employment visa if an activity related to the research will begin.
Can individuals who hold the residence permit teach?
Yes, it is permitted to carry out teaching activities related to the subject of their research. This provision applies to individuals who hold a residence permit issued either by Italy or by another EU member state, in compliance with the regulations of the research institute sponsoring the visa.
Can researcher bring their family members to Italy?
Yes, researchers can present a request for family reunion visa, regardless of the duration of the permit. Researcher must present the possessione of a mininum annual income, equal to the social allowance. However, they will be exempt from the necessity to present a housing complying with the sanitary requirements.
The mobility to European Union of individuals holding the residence permit for scientific research
Foreigners who hold a residence permit for scientific research issued by another European country can stay in Italy for maximum 180 days every 360, along with their family members holders of a valid residence permit of the first European country, in order to complete the research begun.
For stays of this type, there is no need to request a residence permit. Instead, it will be necessary to submit a communication to the research institute which hosts the researcher to the competent Prefettura. Once the communication is submitted, researcher will enter Italy immediately.
Alternatively, communication must be made within 8 days from the worker’s arrival. Then the Prefettura will have 30 days to provide its feedback. In case of negaitve feedback, researcher and his family members must leave the country immediately.
For periods longer than 180 days, individuals who hold a residence permit for scientific research of a European country must request the nulla osta to the competent Prefettura. It will still be possible to start their research activities pending the release of the nulla osta in case they haven’t already spent 180 days in Italy, during 360 days, and hold a valid residence permit of the first member state.
Such foreigners are exempt from visa application. However, they will request an italian residence permit, with the following lettering: mobilità-ricercatore.
In case the initial stay will extend for a period over 180 days, it will be necessary to sent a request for the nulla osta at least 30 days before the termination of the 180 days.