Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C)
Non-EU travellers visiting Italy for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) is a Italian visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11; free under 6)) and processing time (~15 days (up to 45 in complex cases)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) is for
Non-EU travellers visiting Italy for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
Does not lead to residence or PR; it is a temporary travel visa only.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport issued within last 10 years, 3 months beyond return
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
- Travel medical insurance ≥ €30,000 cover
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Evidence of intent to return (ties to home country)
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) (Italy) is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11; free under 6), with an indicative processing time of ~15 days (up to 45 in complex cases). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Italy Visa Portal.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At an Italian consulate or visa centre abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Short courses only (no enrolment in degree study) |
| Government fee | ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11; free under 6) |
| Processing time | ~15 days (up to 45 in complex cases) |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to residence or PR; it is a temporary travel visa only. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to residence or PR; it is a temporary travel visa only.
Many applicants also compare Working Holiday · Working Holiday Visa, Elective Residence · Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva), Family Cohesion · Family Cohesion / Accompanying Family Visa (Coesione Familiare). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Italian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) pitfalls we fix
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) cost?
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) government fee is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11; free under 6). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Italy Visa Portal before applying.
How long does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~15 days (up to 45 in complex cases). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C) lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to residence or PR; it is a temporary travel visa only.
Can I work on the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C)?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Uniform Visa, Type C)?
Non-EU travellers visiting Italy for tourism, family visits, business meetings or events for up to 90 days.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Italy government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Italy Visa Portal - official Italy immigration authority