Information and services for students
If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union, do not live in Italy and therefore do not hold a valid residence permit in Italy, it is mandatory to have an Entry Visa and, on arrival in Italy, apply for a Residence Permit.
Entry Visa application
Information about the Entry Visa is available at the following link: Visa Application.
Stay Permit application
Information about the Stay Permit application for study reasons is available at the following link: Stay Permit Application
Stay Permit renewal
Information about the Stay Permit renewal application for study reasons is available at the following link: Stay Permit Renewal.
The IMT School offers courses in Italian language and culture, aimed at foreign students and researchers to promote integration and facilitate inclusion in the city of Lucca.
The IMT School has set up some agreements with other universities/language centres in Tuscany that offer numerous language courses, to allow students of the IMT School to also learn other languages. Students can take advantage of this service at discounted rates. For more information on the various Universities/language centres in Tuscany and their offers, please visit the following section Special Deals.
If you are a citizen of the European Union, as of April 11, 2007 you are allowed to move without restrictions in Italy, without applying for a residence permit.
During the first 3 months of your stay, you have no requirements to meet if you are in possession of a valid identity document.
After 90 days of uninterrupted stay in Italy, you must register with the Municipal Offices of the city where your accommodation is located (in IMT’s case Comune di Lucca - "Ufficio Anagrafe"). This will automatically result in a change of residence from your country of origin to Italy, with the corresponding tax implications.
Please note that as far as Italian law is concerned, "Domicilio" or domicile is the place where the person has established his/her principal place of business and interests and "Residenza" or residence is identified as the place of fixed living, with all the corresponding fiscal and tax implications.
NON-EU Students
All information on health insurance and registration with the National Healthcare Service can be found at the following link: FAQs
EU Students
For stays of less than 3 months, EU citizens can benefit from health care in Italy thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TEAM) issued by the healthcare institution of the country of origin. The EHIC/TEAM card allows direct access to the National Healthcare Service for "urgent and/or necessary care" (e.g. free visit to all primary care doctors, access to hospital facilities or affiliated health centres for specialist visits, laboratory tests, instrumental diagnostics by paying the applicable “ticket” or fee for the medical service).
For stays of more than 3 months, EU citizens must have a private health insurance or register with the National Healthcare Service by requesting from the healthcare institution in their country the issue of the S1 Form, which entitles the Italian resident to health care on an equal footing. With the S1 Form, the EU citizen will then have to go to the CUP (central appointments office) located in the Cittadella della Salute - Campo di Marte to apply for free registration to the Italian National Healthcare Service.
What is INPS?
INPS is the main social security institution in Italy, which all employees of public/private bodies and most self-employed workers must be registered and insured with. Doctoral students with a scholarship (both Italian and foreign) are no exception.
What is the "Gestione separata"?
"Gestione Separata" is the specific sector with which all PhD students with scholarships must be registered. In this case, the student is responsible for 1/3 of the amount of the INPS social security contributions to be paid.
How do I register myself with INPS and "Gestione Separata"?
- Before registering, you must be in possession of an Italian Tax ID Code.
- Go to the INPS office in Lucca (located in Piazza Martiri delle Libertà, 65), with your Tax Id Code and ID Card, and fill out the "Richiesta per Assegnazione PIN al cittadino" form.
- Once you have received your PIN, do one of the following:
- ONLINE REGISTRATION: - Access the INPS website:
- Access the online services section.
- Go to the "Registration of Subordinated Workers" section and start the procedure at the following link, which will also require you to provide your Tax ID Code (or SPID credentials).
PHONE REGISTRATION:
- Call the toll-free number 803.164 to speak with an INPS operator.
- Provide the operator with your PIN and the following information: Employer: IMT Alti Studi Lucca, Piazza San Ponziano 6 - 55100 Lucca | Tax ID Code and VAT Number | Registration to "Separate Management" ("Gestione Separata") as a: PhD student/Collaborator cc. Doctoral student/Research associate | Start date of the course: day/month/year.
What types of services do Banks offer in Italy?
The Italian banks offer current accounts, savings accounts, as well as joint accounts for couples (co-registered current account). Each bank may offer special conditions for students. In general, there are no fees for cash withdrawals from your bank’s ATM and payments at shops within the country. These services are also provided by online accounts, such as prepaid cards or IBAN account cards (prepaid cards usually have lower monthly fees than traditional current accounts).
How do you open a Bank Account in Italy?
Bank accounts can be opened in Italy by both residents and non-residents over the age of 18. We advise you to ask the bank for possible options and, before making a decision, always check the specific conditions (e.g. transaction fees, etc.). On the IMT School Special Deals website, you can find some banks that offer special deals to students.
What documents do you need to open a Bank Account?
To open a bank account, you will be asked to provide one or more of the following documents: Passport, Tax ID Code, a recent bill (as proof of residence), your residence permit or proof that you work in Italy (employment contract or payslip). To be sure of which specific documents are required, we recommend that you check with the bank of your choice.
How much does it cost to have a Bank Account in Italy?
The fees for opening a bank account depend on the type of account opened and the bank chosen. Before opening a bank account, we recommend that you ask the bank of your choice for detailed information.
What about opening a Postal Bank Account with Poste Italiane?
To open a postal current account with Poste Italiane (the Italian postal service provider), you can do so online via the Poste Italiane website or the Poste Italiane App, or by going to one of Poste Italiane’s post offices. For opening the account online, you will need an identification document or SPID credentials, while at the post office you will have to present an identity document and your Tax ID Code.
The IMT School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students by taking out dedicated insurance policies. This coverage is designed to provide protection in the event of unforeseen events and ensure greater peace of mind for each student during their school experience.
Currently, the following policies are available through the School:
1) Accident Policy: provides coverage in the event of accidents that may occur during the course of study/research and sports activities authorised by the School both in Italy and abroad;
2) Third Party Liability Policy: provides coverage for any accidental damage that the student may cause to third parties during study/research activities;
3) Health Insurance Policy: offers health coverage for off-site missions and research stays authorised by the School.
In accordance with Italian law, all non-EU citizens who have completed a PhD in Italy may legally remain in Italy for the purpose of employment. Two options are available:
- Obtaining a Stay Permit for work reasons: When the Stay Permit for study reasons expires, foreigners who have obtained a PhD in Italy can enrol on the "placement list" at the nearest "Employment Centre" and in the meantime fill out an application (obtained from a Poste Italiane post office location) for a new P.S. waiting to find employment. This will allow you to stay in Italy for another 12 months. However, if after 12 months you have not been able to find a job, you must return to your country of permanent residence. PLEAE NOTE: This type of P.S. cannot be renewed.
- Conversion of a valid Residence Permit for study into a Work Permit. If you have already found a job, you can apply to the "Single Immigration Desk" at the Prefecture of your city of residence through the online procedure made available by the Ministry of the Interior. You must complete form V2 (for work) or form Z2 (for self-employment).
- Once you have sent the form, you will receive a letter from the "One-stop shop" requesting the additional documents required to complete the procedure. These documents must be sent within 10 days or the procedure will be closed. Once the documents have been received, verified and deemed complete, the "One Stop Shop" will ask the applicant to finalise the procedure and at what time the documentation necessary to apply for a P.S. for employment will be provided. After this, the applicant can apply for a P.S. by filling out the relative forms at a Poste Italiane post office location.