Italy•Europe

Open

Invito — Invitation Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €45–€90

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Italy

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€21,000

Quality of Life

156/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Short-stay Schengen visa for individuals invited by Italian institutions to participate in non-commercial cultural, scientific, or political events.

The Invitation Visa is a Type C Schengen visa issued to individuals invited by well-known Italian public or private institutions for non-commercial purposes such as scientific, cultural, or political events. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means and secure an official invitation from a recognized Italian entity.

The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and is not renewable. Processing typically takes 15–45 days. The consular fee is €90 for adults and minors 12 and older, €45 for children 6–12, and free for younger children. The visa strictly prohibits any paid employment or commercial activity in Italy.

This visa is ideal for academics, artists, scientists, and cultural professionals invited to participate in Italian institutional events or exchanges.

Cost Breakdown

Consular Visa Fee (Adult)EUR €90

Consular Visa Fee (Child 6-11)EUR €45

TotalEUR €45–€90

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 months

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be invited by well-known Italian public or private institutions, organizations, or entities.

Purpose of stay must be non-commercial (political, scientific, cultural, or institutional).

Inviting entity must be of proven notoriety.

Must demonstrate sufficient financial means if not covered by the host.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed and signed Schengen Visa Application Form

Valid passport

One recent passport-size photo

Official letter of invitation from Italian institution

Documentation of professional situation

Proof of financial means

Proof of accommodation

Round-trip flight ticket

Travel medical insurance (min. €30,000)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Streamlined process for institutional visitors with clear €90 (adult) / €45 (child 6-11) fee structure
Designed for non-commercial cultural, scientific, and political events—no work authorization or job offer required
Processing within 15-45 calendar days on Prenot@Mi portal for advance planning
90-day maximum stay within 180-day period allows focused event participation
Covers Schengen Area travel across 27 countries during visa validity
Single-entry visa for defined event period—no mid-visit renewals needed
Requires hospitality/invitation from recognized Italian institution rather than complex independent financial proof
Type C Schengen visa framework provides established protocol for institutional participation

Worth Knowing

Financial means required if not fully covered by host institution—separate documentation needed
Strictly non-commercial; general tourism or work-related activities face scrutiny
Non-renewable—separate application required for subsequent Italian or Schengen visits
No recognized inviting Italian institution available—visa cannot be issued without institutional backing