Residence and formalities for students in Europe

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don't need a visa – you enter with an ID card or passport. If you stay longer than 3 months, you register your residence at the town hall's registry office (anagrafe). You will also need an Italian tax code – the codice fiscale – for example to enrol at university, rent a flat or sign a work contract.

Students from outside the EU/EEA need a national (type D) study visa for university enrolment, which you apply for at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country after completing pre-enrolment on Universitaly (see: Admission). You will need, among other things, a valid passport, the pre-enrolment summary validated by your university, your school leaving certificate with a dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement, proof of accommodation, health insurance and proof of funds – for 2026/27 at least €10,179.85 a year (€783.06 a month). Within 8 working days of arrival you must apply for a residence permit for study (permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio), which is issued by the police headquarters (Questura).

Health insurance: as an EU citizen, you use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Students from outside the EU need health insurance valid in Italy – a private policy or voluntary registration with the Italian National Health Service (SSN), which is subject to a fee.