For anyone travelling to Italy for business, you must apply in person at the relevant Italian Consulate. The Italy Embassy will only accept visa applications by previous appointment.
Business visas are issued to traders and people doing business, or highly skilled professionals such as lawyers and doctors who are planning to go to Italy for work reasons. It is a Schengen visa which allows a maximum stay of 90 days.
Documents you will need for applying for an Italian business visa include:
• Application form signed and dated
• Two recent colour passport size photographs
• Passport valid for at least three months
• Copy of the passport page containing holder’s data and those mentioning an extension of validity
• Copy of any previous and current visa if this is applicable
• Documentation relating to the purpose of the journey
• Letter of invitation from an Italian company along with a photocopy of the signatory’s identity card or passport and copy of the Italian company’s registration
• Proof of previous business with Italian companies for example invoices, sales or distribution agreements
Documentation for trip and accommodation:
• Hotel reservation
• Flight booking
• Overseas medical insurance issued by a local insurance company listed by the Schengen Diplomatic Missions or a European one.
Personal financial documentation including proof of financial means in the country of residence and proof of employment:
• Personal bank statement for last six months
• Proof of financial investments if applicable
• Tax certificate on personal income
• A letter of employment giving duration and financial terms
• Pay slips covering the last six months if applicable
• Proof of real estate property if applicable
Documentation in relation to the applicant’s family situation should include marriage certificate if applicable. Any forged/fake document or passport submitted will not be returned to the applicant who might be prosecuted in both the Italian and the Nigerian Court.