The Business Entry Visa

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The Business Entry Visa represents an entry title to the national territory for strictly economic-commercial purposes. It allows the foreign national to enter Italy, for contacts or negotiations, related to the operation of goods bought or sold because of commercial agreements.

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What is the Business Visa

The business entry Visa is regulated by the Decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated July 12, 2000, which sets out the various types of Visas regulated by Italian law.

In this case, it is a Uniform Schengen Visa, that is, it is valid for the entire territory of the Schengen area. It is issued exclusively for short duration: its maximum duration is 90 days every six months, counted from the date of the first entry into Italy. Such entries into our country can be single, double, or multiple entries. In some cases, they can also be issued with annual validity.

Business Visa: Requirements for Issuance

In the Decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the requirements for obtaining this type of visa are clearly stated. They are:

  • Valid passport (validity must be at least 3 months longer than the date of return to the country of origin).
  • Availability of own means of locomotion or reservation of a round-trip airline ticket
  • Availability of suitable accommodation (hotel reservations or declarations of hospitality from an Italian citizen or foreigners residing in Italy may be submitted)
  • Applicant must be a recognized business/commercial operator (e.g., chamber of commerce visor or business license must be submitted)
  • The stay in Italy must be for an economic-commercial purpose only
  • Health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, for urgent medical expenses due to accident, illness, and possible hospitalization
  • Demonstration of means of livelihood by submitting one’s financial resources or a bank or insurance guarantee.

Mode of entry into Italy

The Business entry visa applicant may also be invited by a company operating in the territory of Italy. The invitation may be made for various reasons, including economic/commercial negotiations or proof of actual operation of machinery purchased or sold. It can also be made for professional updates, to visit the company, or to participate in trade fairs.

In the case of a direct invitation from a company, the Visa application must also be accompanied by a declaration of invitation signed by the company.

The declaration must state the duration and reason for entry, as well as all the activities that will be carried out by the foreign national.

It must also bear the stamp of the company and be signed by a legal representative.

The visa, if proven business reasons apply, may also be issued to persons accompanying the foreign national applicant.

Timeline for Issuing the Visa

The Business entry visa is usually issued in about 10 to 15 working days but, of course, each Consular Authority has its timelines.

It is important to know that if the applicant’s trip includes a stopover in a Schengen country, upon arrival in Italy he or she will have to submit a declaration of presence.

The declaration must be made by the foreigner within eight days of arrival in our country, at the competent police station of the place of stay.

This declaration is mandatory for foreign nationals who have entered Italy and stopped in a Schengen Area country.

Failure to do so may result in sanctions against the foreign national. Indeed, a fine (from 5 thousand to 10 thousand euros) may be imposed, or, in the most serious cases, expulsion from Italian territory may be ordered.

Visa