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Scientific Research Visa

Study 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

1–2 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €116

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration of the hosting agreement; no statutory maximum. Renewable when the research programme is extended.

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,000

Quality of Life

156/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Researchers invited by accredited Italian institutions under hosting agreements, renewable for the agreement's duration.

This visa is for researchers invited by accredited Italian institutions under the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) to conduct scientific research. Applicants must hold a higher education degree and secure a Hosting Agreement (Convenzione di Accoglienza) from a MUR-accredited institution.

The visa duration matches the research project with no statutory maximum and is renewable when extended. Processing takes 7–15 days after appointment; EUR 116 national visa fee applies. Work authorization is limited to the specified research project; remote work is not permitted. Dependents are qualifying for family reunification, and PR pathways are available.

This visa is ideal for international researchers with advanced degrees seeking to conduct scientific research at Italian academic institutions on fixed-term research projects.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Higher education degree (allowing access to doctoral programs)

Signed 'Hosting Agreement' (Convenzione di Accoglienza) with an accredited MIUR institution

Proof of financial means (at least double the social allowance)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Hosting Agreement

Proof of degree

Proof of financial means

Valid passport

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to permanent residency available with extended research programme
Family reunification permitted for dependents during stay
Acts as a work permit automatically for the research project itself
Renewable when research programme is extended, no statutory duration cap
Fast processing: 7-15 days after consulate appointment
Affordable visa fee at EUR 116.00
Dual intent allowed: can pursue residence pathways while researching

Worth Knowing

Requires hosting agreement with MIUR-accredited Italian research institution
Work authorization limited strictly to the specified research project only
Remote work not permitted; must conduct research in-person in Italy
Institution must be accredited by Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR)

Application Process

Secure hosting agreement from MIUR institution

Apply for Nulla Osta

Submit visa application at consulate

Apply for residence permit upon arrival

Application Forms

Visti per l'Italia Portal

Fill online

Verified Claims (1)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026

Max Stay

Duration of the hosting agreement; no statutory maximum. Renewable when the research programme is ex…

home-affairs.ec.europa.eu

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,000

Quality of Life

156/200

Full Country Guide

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At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 weeks

Estimated Cost

EUR €116

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration of the hosting agreement; no statutory maximum. Renewable when the research programme is extended.

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Researchers invited by accredited Italian institutions under hosting agreements, renewable for the agreement's duration.

This visa is ideal for international researchers with advanced degrees seeking to conduct scientific research at Italian academic institutions on fixed-term research projects.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Higher education degree (allowing access to doctoral programs)

Signed 'Hosting Agreement' (Convenzione di Accoglienza) with an accredited MIUR institution

Proof of financial means (at least double the social allowance)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Hosting Agreement

Proof of degree

Proof of financial means

Valid passport

Health insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Pathway to permanent residency available with extended research programme
Family reunification permitted for dependents during stay
Acts as a work permit automatically for the research project itself
Renewable when research programme is extended, no statutory duration cap
Fast processing: 7-15 days after consulate appointment
Affordable visa fee at EUR 116.00
Dual intent allowed: can pursue residence pathways while researching

Worth Knowing

Requires hosting agreement with MIUR-accredited Italian research institution
Work authorization limited strictly to the specified research project only
Remote work not permitted; must conduct research in-person in Italy
Institution must be accredited by Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR)