Entry of foreign nationals into Italy

Generic Surety Bonds: Entry of Foreign Nationals into Italy

Legislation Overview
Legge 6/3/1998 n. 40 (Delegated Law)
Decreto Legislativo 25/7/1998 n. 286 (Consolidated Law on Immigration)
DPR 31/8/1999 n. 394 (Regulations)
Ministerial Directive 1/3/2000
Legge 30/7/2002 n. 189

General Information
The Legge delega 40/98 establishes regulations regarding immigration, specifically for citizens of non-EU states.

According to Article 3, paragraph 4 of Law 40/98:

Each year, one or more decrees issued by the President of the Council of Ministers define the maximum quotas of foreign nationals allowed to enter Italy for subordinate (including seasonal) and self-employment.
The residence permit may be issued for varying durations based on the purpose of the foreign national’s entry (as per Article 5 of Law 40/98):

Seasonal Work: up to 9 months
Study: up to 1 year
Self-Employment and Subordinate Work (Indefinite): up to 2 years
Tourism: up to 3 months
Foreign nationals entering Italy for any of the above reasons must demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence for the entire duration of their stay, and, except for work-related stays, also for their return to their home country. For stays related to tourism and study, the requirement can be fulfilled by presenting a surety bond from the “sponsor” (the individual hosting the foreign national) in the following amounts:

€5,422 for university study
Up to €10,386 for non-university study or tourism
Content and Scope of Guarantees
The surety bonds are valid for 14 months for tourist stays and 20 months for study stays.
They cover any defaults occurring during the validity period of the residence permit (which may be shorter than the bond’s duration).
Payment of the guaranteed amount is contingent upon the prior enforcement of the obligations of the principal debtor.
Technical Documents Required
Residence Permit: This document is required to validate the surety bond and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.