January 10th, 2025 at 05:18 am

Italy to Introduce Biometric Requirements for Long-Term Schengen Visas Starting 2025

Italy is tightening its visa application process. Beginning January 11, 2025, all long-term visa applicants must provide biometric data, specifically fingerprints. This change affects those seeking employment, study, family reunification, and investment visas.

New Biometric Requirement

The upcoming biometric requirement applies to all long-term Schengen visa applicants. Individuals must submit their fingerprints at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate. Previously, this requirement was only necessary for short-term Schengen visas.

Extension of Biometric Data Collection

Now, applicants for long-term visas must appear in person to provide their fingerprints. This process aims to enhance security and prevent visa misuse. Fingerprinting takes just a few minutes, but it adds complexity to the application process.

Applicants must schedule in-person appointments, which may lead to travel expenses and potential income loss due to time off work.

Impact on Visa Applicants

The new regulation will significantly impact various groups, especially international students. These students must schedule individual appointments for fingerprinting, creating another hurdle in an already complex visa application process.

Italian consulates in high-demand regions already face significant backlogs. This situation raises concerns about delays in securing appointments. Applicants with strict timelines, such as those beginning new jobs or academic programs, may experience additional stress.

Limited Exemptions

The policy offers limited exemptions for certain individuals, including:

• Children under 12 years old
• Individuals physically unable to provide fingerprints
• Select government officials traveling for official duties

For all other applicants, compliance with the fingerprinting requirement is mandatory. However, those who submit their biometric data for an initial application will not need to repeat the process for subsequent applications within the 59-month validity period.

Background on Biometric Requirements

Since 2015, biometric data—including ten fingerprints and a photograph—has been a standard requirement for Schengen visa applicants. First-time applicants must appear in person to complete this data collection process. This ensures secure linking of their information to their visa applications.

Key Takeaways

While enhancing security, the new rule presents logistical challenges and increased costs for applicants. This regulation significantly impacts individuals seeking long-term visas in Italy. Applicants must now schedule in-person appointments for fingerprinting, complicating the application process.

International students may face delays due to potential increases in waiting times for visa appointments.

Final Thoughts

Though the biometric requirement aims to bolster security, potential applicants should prepare for these additional administrative steps. Planning applications well in advance is crucial. By understanding the new process and scheduling appointments early, applicants can navigate these regulations with minimal disruption.