‘Nulla Osta’ for an Italian Visa

A Guide for Non-EU Citizens

Q: I am a non-EU citizen and I was told I need a Nulla Osta to move to Italy. What does that mean?

A: Non-EU citizens wanting to move to Italy often need a visa to be issued by the Italian consulate in the country where they live. However, in some cases, in order to apply for a visa, they first must obtain a “Nulla Osta” certificate which is issued in Italy. Some translate “Nulla Osta” as “No Objection” and it is a certificate issued by an Italian government authority called the Prefettura. Prefettura offices are peripheral government branches which have several functions, including in the areas of public safety and immigration. There is a Prefettura office in most Italian cities (here is the official list of Italian Prefettura locations and contact information).

“Nulla Osta” is a generic expression that can be used in different legal contexts with different meanings. In the context of Italian immigration the “Nulla Osta” represents the confirmation that the Prefettura has screened the individual’s immigration eligibility for a visa and that the individual has successfully passed this vetting process to live or work in Italy. The “Nulla Osta” must be obtained before proceeding with the visa application at the consular authority.

Which Visa Categories Require the Nulla Osta?

Below are the visa categories that require a Nulla Osta application before you apply for the visa itself:

1. Family Reunification Visa: Allows family members of non-EU citizens legally residing in Italy to join their relatives.
2. EU Blue Card: A visa for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries, in line with European Union directives.
3. Intra Company Transfer (ICT): For transfers of employees within the same company or international group, promoting labor mobility.
4. Visa for Corporate Executives or Entrepreneurs: This visa is for entrepreneurs or company executives who intend to establish business activities or take on high-level roles in Italy.
5. Investor Visa: for non-EU citizens who plan to make investments in Italy.

Process to Request a Nulla Osta certificate

The process to obtain the Nulla Osta is done entirely online but it must be submitted by an Italian “sponsor”. Practically, the sponsor must be an individual in possession of a certified Italian Digital Identity (SPID). For example, for a visa to work for an Italian based company, the Nulla Osta application must be handled by the authorized representative of that company. For a family reunification visa, the Italian family sponsoring the Nulla Osta must have a SPID too.

However, it is also possible to appoint a representative. For example, the lawyers of our immigration team file Nulla Osta applications based on a power of attorney signed by the sponsor. In that way, we can also monitor the entire process directly, ask for updates, and promptly react to follow up from the Prefettura as needed. In our experience, Nulla Osta applications dealt with directly by an experienced professional result in a quicker progression to the next steps.

The application must be submitted via the Ministry of the Interior’s online portal, and all necessary documentation must be uploaded when submitting the request. The documents required for the Nulla Osta application depend on the type of visa. This is a list of some of the most commonly required documents:

1. Applicant’s passport;
2. Proof of accommodation in Italy (e.g., a rental contract or a letter of hospitality) along with a certificate confirming that the accommodation meets certain minimum specific Italian housing standards (essentially, to be up to code for residential purposes);
3. Proof of sufficient financial resources needed to support the applicant during the stay in Italy;
4. Affidavit by a certified accountant or lawyer (in both cases to be a member of Labor Consultants Association) certifying the financial sustainability of the business to afford the new hire;
5. Evidence that the employer has filed the job offer with the local Unemployment Office (“Centro per l’Impiego”) and an affidavit through which the employer’s authorized representative certifies that the Unemployment Office did not provide any suitable reply with the prescribed term;
6. Whatever other documents are necessary with respect to the specific type of visa for which the Nulla Osta is pursued.

Waiting Times and Important Requirements

Once the application is submitted, the online portal will dispatch the application to the local Prefettura that has jurisdiction based on the the address where the visa applicant intends to live once in Italy. Then the Prefettura has up to 90 days to review the application and complete the process. Therefore, a Nulla Osta is expected to be released within that timeframe. However, the processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the Prefettura. The good news is that, in our experience of processing hundreds of immigration cases, when a person files a visa application after having obtained the Nulla Osta, the consulate takes much less time to issue the visa, compared to visa applications where the Nulla Osta is not required. Basically, the Italian consulate in your country will be expected to rely on the vetting process done in Italy by the Prefettura and to release the visa more quickly.

One requirement that is particularly important is about the financial resources, item #3 above. Applicants are expected to prove they have sufficient means to support themselves during their stay in Italy. Depending on the type of visa an applicant might need to provide proof of existing income, employment contract, or investments.

In conclusion, the application for a Nulla Osta is a crucial step for many non-EU citizens who wish to move to Italy. Proper preparation, compliance an submission of all legal requirements are essential to avoid delays or even a rejection. If you are planning to move to Italy for work, family, or business reasons, it is advisable to prepare in advance and ensure that all the necessary documentation is in order to efficiently and successfully complete this process.