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Scientific Research Visa and residence permit — Italy-hosted researcher

ItalyTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

The route is for foreign researchers holding a higher-education qualification that gives access to doctoral programmes in the country where it was obtained, entering Italy for scientific research for periods longer than three months.

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What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

The required level is a higher-education qualification that, in the country where it was obtained, gives access to doctoral programmes; the nulla osta rests on a hosting agreement under which the researcher undertakes to carry out a research project approved by the Institute. The official source does not state any awards, publications or reputation evidence.

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Limits of the record
  • The source mentions no awards, publications or reputation evidence.

Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

Yes, a host research institute: the University or research institute where the researcher will work must file the nulla osta application (form FR) and must be registered in the MIUR list of institutes authorised to sign hosting agreements; the application must rest on a hosting agreement (convenzione) between the institute and the researcher. The Sportello Unico issues the entry nulla osta after the Questura's opinion that there are no grounds barring entry and a completeness check of the documents.

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Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

The residence permit for scientific research allows the holder to carry out research as an employee, self-employed or under a research training grant. The holder may also, on equal terms with Italian citizens, carry out teaching activities connected with the research programme and compatible with the institute's rules. Family reunification is recognised under ordinary conditions, regardless of the permit's duration, and family members receive a residence permit for family reasons of the same duration. The official source does not state whether the holder may change employer or establish a business.

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Limits of the record
  • The document does not state whether the holder can change employer, establish a business or conduct other professional activity beyond the described research and teaching activities.

What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

The research residence permit (marked 'ricercatore') should be issued by the Questura within thirty days of the application, for the duration of the research programme; if the programme is extended, it is renewed for an equal period on presentation of the renewed hosting agreement. Where the other requirements are met, it can be converted into a work permit. After the research ends, the researcher can declare immediate availability for work (D.I.D.) at the competent Centro per l'Impiego, and the permit is converted into an 'attesa occupazione' permit lasting nine to twelve months to seek a job or start a business consistent with the research.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The source states no accelerated or normal longer-term (permanent / EU long-term) residence pathway for research permit holders.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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