Invitation Visa
Plain English
It's a short-stay Schengen visa issued for the purpose of visiting on invitation: from a family member, friend, or professional contact in Italy. The Italian host signs a dichiarazione di invito to support the application.
Why it matters
It\'s commonly used by people visiting relatives who don\'t qualify for free-movement family visas. The host\'s income and housing are usually checked alongside the visitor\'s ties to their home country.
Common confusion
The host\'s invitation doesn\'t guarantee the visa. The consulate still assesses the visitor\'s overall risk profile and reason to return home.
Official source
Ministero degli Affari Esteri