The Re-entry Visa allows entry into national territory for the purpose of continuing a long-term stay, either temporary or indefinite, for foreigners holding an expired residence permit or permit, or for holders of a valid residence permit who are incidentally without such documents and intend to return to Italian territory.

The Italian Embassy will decide whether to grant the new visa or not, also examining and respecting the reasons given by the relevant Police Headquarters.

The requirements and conditions for obtaining the visa are established by Article 8 of Presidential Decree No. 394/1999, and subsequent amendments and additions.

In particular, the re-entry visa is granted in favor of foreign citizens whose residence document:

a) has expired not more than 60 days ago – to be extended up to six months in case of proven serious health reasons of the foreign citizen, his first-degree relatives, or the spouse – and for which renewal has been requested within the deadlines. In such cases, no authorization from the police headquarters is required;

b) has expired more than 60 days ago – with no time limit – and for which renewal has been requested within the deadlines, if the person has left the national territory to fulfill military obligations. Only if the document has expired for more than 6 months, the entry visa is issued subject to authorization from the police headquarters;

c) has been lost or stolen;

d) has expired not more than 60 days ago and for which renewal has not been requested within the deadlines, subject to authorization from the competent police headquarters.

Usually, a valid reason (medical or family-related or force majeure, such as theft of documents) is required for not having complied with the renewal within the legal deadlines.

In the event the visa is issued upon arrival in Italy, it will be necessary to promptly apply for renewal or duplicate of the residence permit.