Key Takeaways:
1. Effective January 11, 2025, applicants for Italian national visas will need to visit the nearest consular office to have their biometric data collected.
2. This regulation will apply to all candidates seeking long-term visas, including those for work, study, and family reunification.
3. The new procedures are designed to enhance security while potentially increasing travel costs and processing times.
Beginning January 11, 2025, all applicants for long-term Schengen visas to Italy, including those related to employment and education, will be required to visit their nearest Italian embassy to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints.
This requirement is already in place for short-term visa applicants. Additionally, foreign students intending to study in Italy will need to schedule individual appointments at the Italian embassy for biometric collection, as reported by Schengen News.
As stipulated in Decree-Law 145/2024, effective January 11, 2025, the collection of fingerprints will become a standard procedure for both Schengen visas (Type C) and national entrance visas (Type D). Consequently, applicants will be expected to present themselves in person when submitting their visa applications.
These new measures reflect the Italian government's commitment to reinforcing security protocols in light of past concerns regarding illegal activities. Thus, all long-term visa applications, including those for employment, self-employment, study, family reunification, retirement, and investment, will adhere to these guidelines.
It is important to acknowledge that these new procedures may introduce additional administrative requirements and expenses for visa applicants. While these measures aim to enhance safety for all, they will necessitate careful navigation of the application process and additional travel expenditures for individuals seeking visas.
Aside from scheduling an appointment for biometric data collection—an efficient process that generally takes only a few minutes—applicants may incur travel costs associated with visiting the nearest Italian consulate. Furthermore, there may be financial implications due to time taken off work to attend their appointments.
The fingerprinting process itself is designed to be straightforward and quick. Biometric data will be retained for 59 months, allowing applicants to avoid repeated fingerprinting for subsequent visa requests and eliminating the need for in-person visits for future applications.
However, it is worth noting that this initiative may lead to longer wait times in processing visa applications. Reports of extended appointment waiting periods at Italian consulates are already emerging, particularly in countries with a high volume of applicants.
A preliminary set of security measures was approved in early October, with further legislative enhancements anticipated in 2025.
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