BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
Professional Nurse Visa
ItalyItaly•Europe
Open

Professional Nurse Visa

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €116

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Italy flag

Living in Italy

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€21,000
Quality of Life
156/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-sponsored work visa for non-EU professional nurses in Italian healthcare, up to 2 years, exempt from annual quotas.

This visa is designed for non-EU professional nurses hired by Italian healthcare facilities (public or private) to address staffing gaps. It bypasses the standard annual Decreto Flussi (flow decree) quotas, provided applicants hold a nursing qualification recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health and secure a valid job offer.

The residence permit is initially granted for up to 2 years and is fully renewable. The visa fee is EUR 116. Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks. Spouses and children under 18 may accompany via the family member procedure. Registration with the professional nursing board (FNOPI) is required to maintain legal status, and a PR pathway is available.

This visa is ideal for qualified nurses seeking to settle in Italy, as it provides a direct route to work authorization in the healthcare sector with the potential for long-term residence.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Hold a nursing qualification recognized by the Italian Ministry of Health

Possess a valid job offer from an Italian healthcare facility

Pass an Italian language test for registration with the professional board (FNOPI)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Recognized nursing qualification

Employment contract

Valid passport

Entry clearance (nulla osta)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Exempt from annual Decreto Flussi (flow decree) quotas
  • Direct pathway to permanent residence after 5 years
  • Initial 2-year renewable residence permit
  • Dual intent allowed — can apply for PR while on work visa
  • Dependent visa available for spouse and children under 18
  • Fast processing — 1–4 weeks for visa approval
  • Low application fee of EUR 116

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly tied to nursing profession — cannot change occupations
  • Requires professional board registration with FNOPI
  • Mandatory Italian language proficiency test for professional registration
  • Work authorization restricted to healthcare employment only
  • Job offer required before application — employer-dependent pathway
  • Lack of nursing qualification recognized by Italian Ministry of Health disqualifies
  • Failure to pass Italian language proficiency test blocks professional registration

Application Process

1

Recognition of qualification by Ministry of Health

2

Employer obtains nulla osta

3

Apply for Type D visa at consulate

4

Enter Italy and apply for residence permit within 8 days

Application Forms

MAECI Visa PortalFill online

Ready to see if the Professional Nurse Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery