Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva)
Professional athletes, coaches and sports staff joining an Italian club or federation.
The Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) is a Italian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs) and processing time (~1-2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) is for
Professional athletes, coaches and sports staff joining an Italian club or federation.
Renewable; can count toward the EU long-term residence permit after 5 years.
Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) - eligibility criteria
- Contract with an Italian sports club or federation
- Declaration/authorisation from the relevant federation (e.g. CONI)
- Salary in line with the sector
- Health insurance and accommodation
- Outside the standard Flussi quota
Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) (Italy) is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs, with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Italy Visa Portal.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | CONI/federation declaration in Italy; visa at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Duration of the contract/season, renewable |
| Work rights | Sporting activity with the named club/federation |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside the activity |
| Government fee | ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs |
| Processing time | ~1-2 months |
| Route to PR | Renewable; can count toward the EU long-term residence permit after 5 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Renewable; can count toward the EU long-term residence permit after 5 years.
Many applicants also compare Lavoro Subordinato · Subordinate Work Visa (Decreto Flussi quota), Blue Card · EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE), ICT · Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT). 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 Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) pitfalls we fix
Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) cost?
The Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) government fee is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Italy Visa Portal before applying.
How long does the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva) lead to permanent residence?
Renewable; can count toward the EU long-term residence permit after 5 years.
Can I work on the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva)?
Work rights: Sporting activity with the named club/federation.
Who can apply for the Sporting Activity Visa (Attività Sportiva)?
Professional athletes, coaches and sports staff joining an Italian club or federation.
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