 How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Italy? In some European countries, including Italy, it can be notoriously difficult for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Language schools can be reluctant to undertake the often laborious task of obtaining a work permit when they can simply hire a teacher from within the EU who requires no documentation. One option open to non-EU teachers is to apply for a student visa that allows you to legally work in a language school for up to 20 hours per week. To supplement this income, many teachers also take on private students in their free time which should enable you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while living and working in Italy. How to apply The process of applying for a student visa can take up to a month to be processed. You will need to visit your nearest Italian consulate in person to submit the required documents. Before applying, you should ensure that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after you're staying in Italy is completed. You also need to enroll on a study program such as an Italian language course that is recognized by the Italian government. The required documentation may vary but the typical requirements are Completed application form Valid passport Additional passport photo Photocopies of passport ID pages Documentation regarding the study course in Italy Proof of finances Either a bank statement showing access to US$1,000 per month during your stay Or an authorized document from a parent or similar declaring responsibility for providing the funds Health insurance documentation Proof of round trip flights Proof of accommodation during your stay To ensure you have everything in place, it is recommended that you visit the website of your nearest consulate to check the exact details of any documentation required. On arrival Once you have received your student visa and are on the ground in Italy, you then need to apply for a residence permit. Your application should be made at a local post office within 8 days of your arrival in the country. Processing time can be up to 3 months and requires the following documents Completed application form Obtained from post office Valid passport plus copies of ID and visa page Four passport photos Text stamp Obtained from post office Acceptance letter from study program Public health insurance 49 euros for 6 months 98 euros for 12 months Obtained from post office Once your application is sent, you also need to apply for a tax number through the government tax department. If you supply all the necessary documentation throughout the application process, things should run smoothly. However, it is by no means certain that every application will be approved, so it is important that you follow the instructions supplied by the Italian consulate to the letter.