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International Academics

The University of Florence fosters the cooperation with academic and research institutions all over the world and promotes the hospitality of foreign professors and researchers, with the aim of increasing the international dimension of its research and education curricula.

Scholars with high scientific qualifications and belonging to foreign institutions can be awarded the title of Visiting Professor.

Consult the Visiting Professors webpage

Information for international guests

Entry into Italy of foreign citizens

Entry procedures vary according to the applicant's nationality, country of residence, purpose of travel and length of stay. Below you can find information to help you navigate the different procedures. For complete, official and updated information please refer to the respective public authorities websites or offices.

Entry visa

The entry visa, which can be short or long-term, consists of a special "sticker" applied to the applicant's passport or equivalent document. It is an authorization granted to the foreigner for entry into Italian territory, to be evaluated in the light of needs related to the good performance of international relations and the protection of national security and public order. It is issued by the Italian Representations abroad. The types of visas vary according to the reason for the trip and are a total of 21; The requirements and conditions for obtaining each type of visa are governed by specific legislation.

For visits to universities, a research visa or a study visa is generally granted. Visa procedures can take a long time and it is therefore necessary to take action well in advance (at least 3 months).

 

Further information on the Public Administration and Foreign Immigrants (PAeSI) website

The research visa allows entry into Italy, for the purpose of a short or long-term stay, to foreigners, in possession of a higher education qualification that in the country in which it was obtained gives access to doctoral programs, called to Italy to carry out research activities by a university or research institute registered in the appropriate list kept by the Ministry of Education,  of the University and Research, on the basis of a reception agreement and subject to clearance from the Single Desk for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione - SUI).
The University of Florence has been registered in the list of institutions authorized to stipulate reception agreements since 18 January 2012 with the number 170.

The request for a research visa is submitted, at the request of the relevant Unifi Department, by the Rector through the Internationalization - Internationalization and European Programs UP, to the Immigration Desk with an electronic procedure.

In the case of foreign citizens who have been awarded a research grant at the University of Florence, it is necessary to activate the procedure for issuing a research visa.
Regulatory reference: Consolidated Law no. 286/1998, art. 27-ter and subsequent amendments and additions.

Further information on the Public Administration and Foreign Immigrants (PAeSI) website

The study visa allows entry into Italy, for the purpose of a long-term but fixed-term stay, to foreigners who intend to follow university programmes. It is also issued for the achievement of the following qualifications, regardless of any research activity carried out: PhD, Master courses, Advanced Study Programmes, Specialization School.

The study visa, short or long term, is also granted to foreigners who intend to enter Italy for advanced research or high culture activities, not included among the categories to which the research visa is entitled. The visa application is made directly by the interested party at the Italian diplomatic representation in the country of residence.

Requirements and conditions for obtaining a study visa

  • documented guarantees about the course of study to be followed or the scientific/cultural activity to be carried out
  • adequate guarantees about the means of subsistence
  • insurance policy for medical treatment and hospitalization, where the foreigner is not entitled to health care in Italy by virtue of agreements or conventions in force with his country
  • availability of accommodation: hotel reservation or declaration of hospitality, provided by an Italian or foreign citizen legally residing in Italy

Residence permit

The residence permit is a document issued by the Police Headquarters that authorizes the regular presence of the foreigner on Italian territory until the expiration of the permit itself. It is also the title for the attribution of residence and allows you to carry out the work activity indicated in the document. The residence permit is issued for the same purpose for which the visa was granted.

More information

Health care Stay in Italy and practical information Euraxess portal by the European Commission