Key Points
- Italy will require biometric fingerprint data for Schengen (type C) and national (type D) visa applicants beginning January 11, 2025.
- Applicants must appear in person for submission; data will be stored for 59 months.
- Exemptions apply to children under 12, individuals with physical limitations, and certain government officials.
Overview
Effective January 11, 2025, Italy has implemented a new policy requiring collecting fingerprint data for most visa applicants. This applies to both Schengen short-stay visas (type C) and national long-stay visas (type D). The biometric data must be provided in person at the time of application and will be stored for 59 months, meaning that most applicants will not need to submit fingerprints again for subsequent visa applications within that period.
The fingerprinting requirement is part of broader European Union efforts to enhance border security and identity verification, which is in line with the EU Visa Information System (VIS) regulations. The stored data helps prevent identity fraud, accelerates future visa processing, and ensures accurate identity tracking for travelers entering the Schengen Area.
Not all applicants are required to provide fingerprints. Exemptions include children under the age of 12, individuals who are physically unable to submit fingerprints, and dignitaries such as Heads of State, government ministers, and their spouses when traveling for official purposes. These categories are consistent with current EU-wide biometric standards for visa processing.
This new requirement is significant for companies managing international employee mobility, as all affected foreign nationals will now need to schedule in-person appointments for visa submission. Employers should factor in additional lead time when coordinating travel or relocation to Italy.
Looking Ahead
Employers and individuals planning travel or relocation to Italy should prepare for added logistics related to the fingerprinting process. While repeat visa applicants may benefit from the 59-month fingerprint validity window, first-time applicants and those with expired data must attend an in-person appointment. Immigration counsel should be consulted to determine exemption eligibility or clarify questions regarding biometric data submission. Updates from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or consular posts may provide additional guidance as the policy takes full effect in 2025.
