The Consulate of Italy in Detroit can process visa applications for applicants legally and permanently resident in its district ONLY: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. If you reside in a State different from the five listed above, please contact the appropriate Italian Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of legal residence. Students studying full-time at a University located in the district of the Consulate of Italy in Detroit will also meet the residence requirement.
Only holders of one of the following documents may apply for a visa:
• U.S. Passport (when visa waiver is not applicable, i.e. for long term stay);
• U.S. Permanent Resident Card (formerly Green Card), foreign students holding valid visas and valid I-20, exchange visitors holding valid visas and I-66;
• Valid long term visas except B1/B2. Holders of B1/B2 visas can only apply for air
transit visas if necessary.
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS
All Visa applications must be made in person at this Consulate. If you wish to apply by mail you have to sign the application form in front of one of our Dependent Consular Offices near your area prior mailing it here in Detroit.
FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS: Before looking to the documentation requested for the visa type you need please make sure you have the following documentation:
VALID PASSPORT (original + copy of the page with the photo)
- the expiration date must exceed that of the visa by at least 90 days. It must have a blank page on which to affix the visa;
VISA APPLICATION FORM (please click here)
- you must sign either in front of a Consular Officer, a Honorary Vice Consul or a Consular Agent;
ONE PHOTOGRAPH
- passport-size, signed on the back;
GREEN CARD (original + copy)
- (for NON U.S. citizens) alien registration card ("green card") or any other valid long term visa for the U.S. (F-1 + endorsed I-20, IAP-66, advance parole document, or any other pertinent document issued by the I.N.S. as proof that you may re-enter the U.S.). U.S. visas B1/B2 are not acceptable for this purpose;
U.S. EXPRESS MAIL ENVELOPE
- in order to return your passport and documents
no FedEx/UPS/DHL/Airborne/etc. (these are NOT accepted) ;
- th envelope has to be self-addressed - to and from- and pre-stamped;
(make sure to put your addess to both sides (Sender and receiver)
- Blank envelope with $0.41, stamp or e-mail address for us to request additional/missing documentation if needed.
PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE must be provided if you are requesting a Schengen Visa ( from 1 day up to 90 days). Please bring either a letter from the health insurance company or a clear copy of the policy coverage at the time of your application. The letter or the policy coverage page must clearly state the effective dates of the policy, that you are covered while overseas, and that you either have unlimited coverage or a minimum of 30.000,00 (thirty thousand) Euros (approximately equivalent to $37,500.00 as of November 1, 2004). If you don’t have this type of coverage, travel medical insurance must be purchased before you can apply for a VISA, the same requirements apply to this type of insurance.
Now you can look at the documents requested for the type of visa you need.
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS".
TOURIST VISA
For a tourist visa, in addition to the documents listed above, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents ):
AIRLINE TICKET
- in original or notarized copy, round-trip or to the country of final destination. No open dates tickets are accepted. Itineraries or bookings are not sufficient;
- e-tickets are accepted if you bring the printout showing that the ticket is confirmed and paid for.
PROOF OF FUNDS AND EMPLOYMENT
- original, most recent bank/investment account statement(s), on official bank letterhead, indicating account balance(s). Please note that this Consulate has the authority to request, if necessary, additional proof of funds such as: travelers' checks. Verification of employment (a notarized letter from your employer verifying your employment status and salary and indicating that the vacation leave (start date - end date) has been approved). If self-employed, valid business license in the U.S. and latest tax return concerning business.
Table for establishing the means of subsistence required for
admission to Italy (click here)
PROOF OF LODGING
- for hotel stays: confirmed hotel reservations;
- for invitations: letter of invitation ("lettera d'invito") from your host, and a legible copy of your host's "Permesso di Soggiorno" if legal resident or Italian I.D. Card or Passport if Italian citizen.
Children under 18 years of age must have notarized consent of both parents.
BUSINESS VISA
For a business visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents) :
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS".
LETTER FROM YOUR U.S. EMPLOYER
- must be notarized, in original, on official company letterhead. It must indicate: your employment status; details of your assignment in Italy; intended dates of stay; that you will in no way be remunerated by the Italian company and that all expenses will be the responsibility of your U.S. company.If you are self-employed, present valid business license in the U.S. and latest tax return concerning business in the U.S.;
LETTER FROM THE ITALIAN COMPANY
- in original, specifying the purpose of your assignment in Italy and your intended dates of stay;
C.O.C. REGISTRATION
- a copy of the Italian company's certificate of registration with the competent Chamber of Commerce in Italy (not over 90 days old). Please note that this document is already on file with the Italian company;
PROOF OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS
Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expences for your stay in Italy (most recent Bank statment);
AIRLINE TICKET
- in original or notarized copy, round-trip or to the country of final destination. No open dates tickets are accepted. Itineraries or bookings are not sufficient;
- e-tickets are accepted if you bring the printout showing that the ticket is confirmed and paid for.
CONFIRMED HOTEL RESERVATION
Table for establishing the means of subsistence required for
admission to Italy (click here)
STUDENT VISA
For a student visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (only a set of originals):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS".
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE/ENROLLMENT INTO ACADEMIC PROGRAM IN ITALY
- it can be issued by either your U.S. or Italian school/university. It must be in original and must also bear the Official Seal of the school/university. It must include the exact dates of study and the address of the academic institution in Italy and that the program related costs have been paid.
AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT (click here for the form)
- must be signed and notarized by the person providing the financial support. In order to prove the availability of funds for the support of the student, the affidavit must be accompanied by either: an original and latest bank saving account statement(s) indicating current balance(s); OR an original bank letter, on official bank letterhead, indicating current balance(s) that bears the affiant's name. Please note that this Consulate does not divulge applicants' financial information to anyone.
AFFIDAVIT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE (click here for the form)
- must provide proof of health insurance coverage in accordance with Italian standards. Please refer to the student health insurance instruction sheet (click here) for details.
For minor students a parental consent form signed before a notary public by both parents or legal guardian must be provided.
AIRLINE TICKET : If the enrollment letter from the US school does not include a garanty for round trip transportation and address of residence in Italy, a round trip airline ticket and proof of lodging must be provided to the Consulate.
ATTENTION : please be advised that obtaining a student visa DOES NOT absolve
the recipient from adherence to the required student admission process, including
the validation of school documents. It is the students' responsibility to ascertain that
all requirements have been met.
FAMILY VISA
For a family visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS"
If you are married to an Italian citizen and wish to establish residency in Italy with your spouse:
- Declaration (click here) issued by the Italian spouse requesting the issuance of a visa to the alien spouse. Please also enclose a copy of the passport of the Italian spouse..
Certificate of "Stato di Famiglia" (proof of relationship such as birth certificates for children or marriage certificate for spouse) or declaration (dichiarazione sostitutiva) according to Italian Law n. 15/1968.
If you are accompanying the principal visa holder (for example: your American spouse is applying for a Religious Activity or Work visa and has yet to establish legal residence in Italy by means of a Residency/Stay Permit ["Permesso di Soggiorno"]):
Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and, if applicable, original or certified copy of your children's birth certificates.
Original authorization for family members to enter Italy ("Nulla osta per familiari al seguito"). This document is issued by the competent local Police Headquarters ("Questura") and must be submitted along with all other application documents. It may be requested on your behalf by the Italian employer or immigration attorney.
If you are reuniting with the principal visa holder (for example: your American spouse has already obtained a Religious Activity or Work visa, has already entered Italy and obtained the required Residency/Stay Permit ["Permesso di Soggiorno"] and is now requesting that family members join him/her in Italy):
Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate and, if applicable, original or certified copy of your children's birth certificates
Original authorization for family members to enter Italy ("Nulla osta per ricongiungimento familiare"). This document is issued by the competent local Police Headquarters ("Questura") to the principal, upon his/her request. Please note that this document must be submitted along with all other application documentation and that it may take up to 3 months to obtain from the competent Questura.
If you are reuniting with your Italian Spouse, please refer to point I
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please be informed that if you do not apply for your "Ricongiungimento Familiare" Visa within six months from the date of issuance
of the "Nulla Osta", the latter will be cancelled.
FAMILY OF US ARMY
For a Family of US Army visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS"
COPY OF MILITARY ORDERS
ORIGINAL COMMAND SPONSORSHIP LETTER (IMPORTANT)
- original letter on Department letterhead (ex. Department of the Air Force) indicating: the names of the family members to be transferred to Italy; the Base to which they will be transferred; the expected length of stay in Italy; expected date and border of entry into Italy (if known).
PLEASE NOTE:
- if you were married BEFORE your military spouse was transferred to Italy and the orders were cut: the above mentioned letter MUST be issued by the competent Command IN OUR AREA OF JURISDICTION (the states of MI, OH, IN, KY and TN). If your command sponsorship letter was issued in any other jurisdiction you will have to apply at the appropriate Italian Consulate (click here).
- if you were married AFTER your military spouse was transferred to Italy and the orders were cut: this Consulate CAN accept original command sponsorship letters (provided they contain the same information as in number 8 above) issued by the appropriate Base Command in Italy.
CONFERENCE
For a conference visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS":
INVITATION DOCUMENTATION
- original letter or fax of invitation (no e-mails) from the Italian organizer(s) including, if applicable, details on expense reimbursement and hotel reservations;
- students must present their enrollment letter from US institution; all others must provide employment verification letter;
AIRLINE TICKET
- in original or notarized copy, round-trip or to the country of final destination. No open dates tickets are accepted. Itineraries or bookings are not sufficient;
- e-tickets are accepted if you bring the printout showing that the ticket is confirmed and paid for.
PROOF OF FUNDS
- original, most recent bank/investment account statement(s), on official bank letterhead, indicating account balance(s). Please note that this Consulate has the authority to request, if necessary, additional proof of funds such as: travelers' checks;
Table for establishing the means of subsistence required for
admission to Italy (click here)
PROOF OF LODGING
- if not included in number 7, confirmed hotel reservations.
ELECTIVE RESIDENCE
For this visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS:
PROOF OF SUPPORT
- Original financial statements from banks, investment/brokerage firms, Social Security, etc., indicating current balances. Please note that said balances cannot be derived from current employment or other work activities; i.e., you cannot finance your residence in Italy through work. In addition, please note that said account balances must be more than substantial and must generate revenues;
PROOF OF HOUSING AVAILABILITY
- For example: rental agreements; proof of ownership of adequate housing; affidavit from your host in Italy with whom you intend to reside;
Certified copy of marriage certificate and birth certificate of spouse/children if it applies.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Processing time for this visa may be up to 90 days. Therefore, it is advisable that you apply at least 90 days before your date of departure.
- EMPLOYMENT IS NOT PERMITTED WITH THIS VISA.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY VISA
For this visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents):
DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS:
YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY;
PROOF OF ORDINATION
- this is the original document that proves that you are an Ordained Minister or Pastor. A Religious Activity visa is granted only if you have "religious person" status (or its equivalent), as recognized by the Italian government.
DECLARATION FROM YOUR U.S. CHURCH
- this declaration must state: your position/qualifications within your religious organization; the name and address of the church in Italy to which you will be posted; the activities you will be engaged in while in Italy; the duration of your stay in Italy; the identity of the religious organization that will be providing you (and, if applicable, your family members) with financial support throughout your stay in Italy.
- (if applicable) Please note that your family members are required to apply for a Family visa (click here).
- For applicants of CATHOLIC RELIGION: declaration must be authenticated by the Vatican Authorities (Segreteria di Stato Vaticana);
PROOF OF CHURCH RECOGNITION
- you should request this declaration from the church in Italy to which you will be posted. This declaration should contain the same information as in number 9 above. In addition, this declaration should prove that your church is legally recognized by the Italian government.
TRANSIT VISA
AIRLINE TICKET
- in original or notarized copy, round-trip or to the country of final destination. No open dates tickets are accepted. Itineraries or bookings are not sufficient.
- e-tickets are accepted if you bring the printout showing that the ticket is confirmed and paid for.
PROOF OF FUNDS
- original, most recent bank/investment account statement(s), on official bank letterhead, indicating account balance(s). Verification of employment (a notarized letter from your employer verifying your employment status and salary and indicating that the vacation leave start date - end date) has been approved. If self-employed, valid business licence in the US and latest tax return concerning business). If you are a student a letter of full time enrollment from the school, college or university;
Table for establishing the means of subsistence required for
admission to Italy (click here)
PROOF OF LODGING
- for hotel stays: confirmed hotel reservations.
- for invitations: letter of invitation from your host, indicating address and dates of stay, and a legible copy of your host's "Permesso di Soggiorno".
Children under 18 years of age must have notarized consent of both parents.
AIRPORT TRANSIT VISA
AIRLINE TICKET
- in original or notarized copy, round-trip or to the country of final destination. No open dates tickets are accepted. Itineraries or bookings are not sufficient.
- e-tickets are accepted if you bring the printout showing that the ticket is confirmed and paid for.
WORK VISA
For this visa, you are asked to submit the following documents (original + 1 copy of all documents). DON'T FORGET that the following documentation is in addition to the one listed under "FOR ALL VISA APPLICATIONS:
IMPORTANT : Please be informed that if you do not apply for your Work Visa within six months from the date of issuance of the "Nulla Osta", the latter will be cancelled.
I. FOR DEPENDENT WORK
Original Italian Work Authorization ("Autorizzazione al Lavoro") issued by the competent Provincial Labor Office ("Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro - Servizio Politiche del Lavoro") (www.minlavoro.it/Circolari/C_impext55_2000.htm) to the Italian employer, upon his request. This document must then be submitted to the competent Police Headquarters ("Questura") for the necessary seal ("nulla osta") and subsequently sent to you in the United States.
Family members residing with you in Italy must obtain a Family visa (click here).
Proof of funds. Original, most recent bank/investment account statements on official letterhead, indicating account balances;
II. FOR INTRACOMPANY TRANSFER
Original Italian Work Authorization ("Autorizzazione al Lavoro") issued by the competent Provincial Labor Office ("Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro - Servizio Politiche del Lavoro") to the Italian employer, upon his request. This document must then be submitted to the competent Police Headquarters ("Questura") for the necessary seal ("nulla osta") and subsequently sent to you in the United States.
Proof of funds. Original, most recent bank/investment account statements on official letterhead, indicating account balances;
III. FOR ACCADEMIC OCCUPATIONS
- Lectors;
- University professors and researchers, destined to perform accademic assignments or remunerated research activities at a University or Research Center in Italy;
- Translators.
Please refer to the instructions under I. (Dependent Work);
IV. FOR INTERNSHIPS
Please refer to the instructions under I. (Dependent Work);
V. FOR AUTONOMOUS (INDEPENDENT) WORK
The number of autonomous work visas that can be issued is depending on the quotas established by decree each year. Therefore applications for this type of visa can only be accepted if there still is an availability of authorized open positions. At this time applications for autonomous work visas will not be accepted since the quotas have been reached.
1) For applicants who wish to practise a profession which requires an authorization or license or the enrollment in the appropriate Register or Board:
a) Declaration from the competent Italian authority (Labor Dept., City Hall, etc.) stating that there are no hindering reasons to the issuance of the authorizing document according to the standards and procedures herefore set. Said declaration can be issued by either one of the following authorities:
- Authority in charge of the issuance of qualifications/authorizations/licenses.
- Authority responsible for the receipt of the notice of business start (applies to certain categories of public services).
- Authority surveilling professional business practices ("Enti per la vigilanza degli ordini professionali").
For certain prositions (professionals and technicians) a verification of their qualification is required. The competent Italian Ministry of Commerce, Business and Craft, or other designated entities will provide the recognition of diplomas, certificates, etc. issued in foreign countries.
b) Statement issued by the competent Chamber of Commerce, Industry or Craft, or by the competent, professional association, confirming the availability of the required financial resources for the operation of the business/practise of the profession.
c) A temporary authorization ("Nulla Osta") issued by the competent Police Headquarters ("Questura") must be obtained by presenting the above mentioned documentation. The "nulla osta provvisorio" will be stamped onto the declaration described under a).
d) Availability of suitable housing such as a rental agreement accompanied by a certificate, confirming the availability of suitable housing ("Certificato di idoneita' di alloggio") issued by the local city hall. In the event that housing is provided through a host (family member or friend), a declaration of resonsibility according to Italian law 15 of January 4, 1968, completed and signed by the host along with copy of ID of the host and a certificate of suitable housing issued by the local city hall must be provided.
2) For applicants who do not fall into the category of those requiring licenses and authorizations, or the recording in professional registers or qualifying lists (consultants with contracts of coordinated and continuous collaboration) or who do not need to be recorded in the Register of Business and for whom it is therefore not possible to identify a competent authority in charge of the issuance of the declaration under 1a) and 1b).
a) In case the enterprise is in Italy: A proper contract accompanied by the certificate of recording in the Register of Businesses.
In case the employment contract was entered with an entity of a foreign country: A proper contract accompanied by a statement similar to the certificate of recording in the Register of Businesses, authenticated by the competent Italian Embassy or Consulate.
b) The formal "Dichiarazione di responsabilita'" (Declaration of responsibility), issued and sent by the Italian enterprise or by its legal representative to the competent "Direzione Provinciale Del Lavoro - Servizio Ispezione Del Lavoro" (Labor Dept.), stating that by virtue of the underwritten contract no subordinate work relationship will be established. Said declaration must bear the arrival date stamp ("timbro d'arrivo") of the competent "Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro" (Labor Dept.).
c) A statement issued by the employer indicating that the autonomous employee is assured a salary amount higher than the national minimum wage standard, according to the law which stipulates the exemption of the employer of contributing to the expenses for health care coverage.
d) A copy of the last balance sheet of the enterprise, deposited with the Register of Businesses.
e) Proof of funds in form of original, most recent bank savings/investment statements indicating the account balance.
f) Airline tickets/confirmed itinerary.
g) Temporary authorization ("Nulla Osta"), issued by the competent Police Headquarters ("Questura").
h) A copy of the last filed profit & loss tax statement to ensure that sufficient funds are available to guarantee payment of the amount specified under 2c).
i) Availability of suitable housing such as a rental agreement accompanied by a certificate confirming the availability of suitable housing ("Certificato di idoneita' di alloggio"), issued by the local city hall. In the event that housing is provided through a host (family member of friend), a declaration of responsibility according to Italian law 15 of January 4, 1968, completed and signed by the host along with copy of ID of the host and a certificate of suitable housing issued by the local city hall must be provided.
3) For applicantions submitted by a partner, and/or CEO of an already established company:
A declaration regarding the financial parameters is not required.
The applicant must submit:
a) The certificate of recording of the company in the Register of Businesses.
b) The formal "Dichiarazione di responsabilita'" (Declaration of responsibility), issued and sent by the Italian enterprise or by its legal representative to the competent "Direzione Provinciale Del Lavoro - Servizio Ispezione Del Lavoro" (Labor Dept.), stating that by virtue of the underwritten contract no subordinate work relationship will be established. Said declaration must bear the arrival date stamp ("timbro d'arrivo") of the competent "Direzione Provinciale del Lavoro" (Labor Dept.).
c) A statement issued by the legal representative of the company indicating that the partner or officer of the company is assured a salary amount higher than the national minimum wage standard according to the law which stipulates the exemption of the employer of contributing to the expenses for health care coverage.
d) Availability of suitable housing such as a rental agreement accompanied by a certificate, confirming the availability of suitable housing ("Certificato di idoneita' di alloggio") issued by the local city hall. In the event that housing is provided through a host (family member or friend), a declaration of resonsibility according to Italian law 15 of January 4, 1968, completed and signed by the host along with copy of ID of the host and a certificate of suitable housing issued by the local city hall must be provided.
e) Temporary authorization ("Nulla Osta"), issued by the competent Police Headquarters ("Questura").
If the company is an investment company in addition to the items listed under 3) a copy of the last balance sheet, deposited with the Register of Businesses must also be provided.
If the company is a corporation or owned by a sole owner, a copy of the last filed income tax return / profit & loss statement to ensure that sufficient funds are available to guarantee payment of the amount specified under 3c) must be provided.
This office may request additional documents that it deems necessary for the acceptance of the visa request.
Workers are also required to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number ("Codice Fiscale"). You may have your employer request this number on your behalf, request it yourself once in Italy, or through this Consulate by clicking here.
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