Step-by-Step Points for Apply Italian Schengen Visa from Tajikistan

In recent months, the Italian diplomatic missions have noted an appreciable increase in visa inquiries originating from applicants residing in the Republic of Tajikistan. As international mobility resumes its pre-pandemic momentum, interest in short-term travel to Italy be it for cultural immersion, academic colloquia, private family visits, or limited commercial activity has surged.

While the bilateral ties between Tajikistan and Italy remain rooted in diplomacy, development, and education, the practical steps required to obtain lawful short-term entry are shaped by the rigorous standards of the Schengen acquis. The result is a visa application system that is highly structured, detail-sensitive, and governed by both supranational and consular regulations.

For applicants based in Tajikistan, the procedural route begins not with the consulate itself, but with VisaMetric, the authorized external provider tasked with managing intake appointments, collecting biometric data, and transferring files to the Embassy of Italy. Although this division of responsibility facilitates efficiency, it also demands precision from the applicant at each stage particularly in light of evolving documentary expectations and increasingly stringent verification protocols.

In recent months, there has been a noticeable rise in inquiries from citizens of Tajikistan seeking to travel to Italy an increase that reflects broader regional trends observed across Central Asia and beyond. Following the development of visa support resources for countries such as Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Russia and others, it has become increasingly clear that Italy remains a destination of significant personal, academic, and professional interest for Tajik nationals. As a result, the need for accurate, up-to-date, and country-specific guidance on the Italian visa process has become more pressing than ever.

This article was developed to assist Tajik applicants in approaching the Italian Schengen visa not merely as a formality, but as a legal process requiring due diligence, accurate documentation, and timely execution. It is not a promotional overview, but a factual orientation a preparation tool for those who intend to meet the standards of the Italian consular system with clarity, confidence, and compliance.

Applicant Statistics of Italian Schengen Visa from Tajikistan

Statistics on applications for Italian Schengen Visa from Tajikistan reveal a significant volume of submissions to the Italian Consulate. In 2024, nearly 4,019 individuals in Tajikistan applied for Italian visas, and over 86% of these applications were approved.

Year	Schengen State	Country	Consulate	No. of Visa Applications	Visas Issued	Visas Denied	Not issued rate for uniform visas
2023	Italy	Tajikistan	Dushanbe
2022	Italy	Tajikistan	Dushanbe
2021	Italy	Tajikistan	Dushanbe

Formal Access to Italy and the Schengen Area: Visa Procedures for Citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan

In light of the increasing number of inquiries emerging from Central Asia, particularly the Republic of Tajikistan, it has become evident that the Italian Republic remains a destination of enduring cultural, educational, and professional significance for Tajik citizens. Italy’s historic position as a gateway to the European continent, coupled with its inclusion within the Schengen framework, renders it a particularly strategic choice for those seeking lawful short-term entry into the European Union.

The issuance of a Type C Schengen visa by the Italian authorities grants holders the right to travel within the Schengen Zone for a period not exceeding 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. This permission, however, is conditional upon a rigorous application process that requires strict adherence to procedural norms established both by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its delegated administrative partner.

All visa-related procedures for residents of Tajikistan are overseen by VisaMetric, the officially appointed external service provider responsible for facilitating the receipt of applications on behalf of the Italian consular authority. From the scheduling of biometric appointments to the formal submission and verification of required documentation, VisaMetric functions as the designated intermediary, although final decisions rest exclusively with the Italian Embassy.

Given the meticulous nature of consular scrutiny, Tajik applicants are strongly advised to ensure full procedural compliance, particularly in relation to financial documentation, translation requirements, and itinerary consistency. The importance of accuracy and completeness cannot be overstated; failure to conform to the prescribed format or to provide current and relevant documentation may result in significant processing delays or refusal of the visa.

This overview seeks not merely to inform but to equip Tajik nationals with the formal understanding required to approach the visa application process with the level of precision it demands.

Italian Visa Categories for Tajikistan Citizens

Citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan intending to travel to Italy must apply for a visa corresponding precisely to the nature and duration of their intended stay. The Italian consular system distinguishes between two principal visa categories: the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) and the national long-stay visa (Type D). Each carries distinct legal implications, procedural requirements, and documentary obligations.

1. Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)

The Schengen visa authorizes entry into Italy and by extension, all other member states of the Schengen Area for a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. It is applicable for individuals whose purpose of travel falls under one of the following classifications:

• Tourism: For those seeking to explore Italy’s cultural landmarks, historical sites, and scenic destinations.
• Business: For participation in professional meetings, short-term contracts, trade events, or negotiations.
• Family or Private Visits: For visiting relatives or close acquaintances legally residing in Italy.
• Short-Term Educational or Cultural Engagements: Including seminars, artistic programs, or non-degree training courses lasting fewer than 90 days.
• Transit: For travelers passing through Italy en route to a non-Schengen destination, under specific conditions.

2. Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

The Type D visa is required for all stays exceeding 90 days and is issued for single-country access namely, the Italian Republic. Holders of this visa are permitted to reside in Italy for durations up to 365 days and may travel within the Schengen Area for short periods under specified conditions. Principal subcategories include:

• Higher Education: Enrollment in university programs, doctoral research, or language studies of extended duration.
• Employment: Engagements under formal labor contracts, seasonal work, or specialized vocational assignments.
• Family Reunification: Issued to spouses, minor children, or dependent relatives of Italian citizens or legal residents.
• Religious or Voluntary Service: For long-term participation in religious institutions, missionary work, or organized volunteer programs.

Applying for an Italian Schengen Visa from Tajikistan — Official Procedure via VisaMetric

The application process is administered exclusively through VisaMetric, the service provider officially mandated by the Italian Embassy in Tajikistan to collect, verify, and forward applications for consular decision.

The following sequence outlines the official, current, and jurisdiction-specific steps for lodging a Schengen visa application from Tajikistan.

Step 1 — Establish the Correct Visa Classification and Verify Eligibility

Before initiating any Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan administrative formalities, applicants must ascertain the precise category of visa corresponding to their travel purpose.

The Type C visa may be sought for:

• Tourism or private visits
• Business-related travel
• Attendance at cultural, academic, or sporting events
• Short-term medical treatment
• Other visits not exceeding 90 days

Applications may be filed no earlier than six months (nine months for seafarers) before the planned entry date, and no later than 15 calendar days before departure. In cases involving multiple Schengen states, the application must be submitted to the state of principal stay, or, if equal, the state of first entry.

Step 2 — Complete the Online Application Form

All applicants are required to fill in the official Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan form through the e-application Schengen visa, integrated with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ system.
Information must be accurate, consistent with supporting documents, and free from discrepancies.
Once completed, the form must be printed, signed, and dated prior to submission.

Step 3 — Secure an Appointment through VisaMetric

Submission is strictly by prior appointment for Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan, booked via the VisaMetric official website. Each applicant, regardless of age, must appear in person unless exempt under the biometric validity provision (previous fingerprints recorded within the past 59 months for a Schengen visa). Appointment availability may be limited during peak travel periods; early booking is strongly advised to prevent disruption to travel plans.

Step 4 — Attend the VisaMetric Centre and Submit the Application

At the scheduled appointment for applying for Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan, the applicant must present:

• The signed application form
• A valid passport meeting Schengen requirement (issued within 10 years, at least two blank pages, valid three months beyond intended departure)
• All supporting documents as stipulated by the consulate’s checklist
• Certified translations of documents not in Italian or English
• Applicable visa and service fees

During the visit:

1. Documents will be examined for completeness and compliance.
2. Biometric data (digital photograph and fingerprints) will be collected in accordance with EU Regulation 810/2009.
3. Fees will be paid either directly at the VisaMetric centre or, if required by current regulations, via designated partner banks prior to submission. Proof of payment must be retained.

For applications lodged in Tajikistan, the standard consular fees are as follows:

• €90 — Adults (aged 12 years and above)
• €45 — Children aged 6 to 11 years
• No fee — Children under 6 years of age, holders of diplomatic/service passports, and categories exempt under the Visa Code (e.g., official delegations, researchers, certain students)

In addition to the consular fee, a mandatory service charge is payable to VisaMetric for administrative handling, biometric collection, and logistical services. This service fee is distinct from the consular charge and is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of the application.

Step 5 — Processing and Decision by the Consular Authority

VisaMetric’s role is administrative; the decision-making authority rests solely with the Italian Embassy in Tajikistan. The standard processing period is 15 calendar days from the date of submission, though additional time may be required in complex or high-volume periods.

Applicants may track their case of Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan via the VisaMetric online tracking tool using the reference number issued at submission.

Step 6 — Collection of Passport

Once a decision has been rendered regarding Italian Schengen visa from Tajikistan:

• Passports may be collected in person from the VisaMetric centre or returned via an authorized courier service, if available.
• If a visa is granted, applicants must verify all details on the visa sticker — including name, passport number, dates of validity, and number of entries — before travel.
• In the event of refusal, a written notice will be provided stating the grounds, along with information on the right to appeal under Italian and EU law.

Comprehensive Documentation Checklist for Italian Schengen Visa Applicants from Tajikistan

The following checklist enumerates the documents required for citizens and legal residents of the Republic of Tajikistan applying for an Italian Schengen Visa (Type C) through VisaMetric, the official external service provider appointed by the Italian Consular authorities.
All documents must be presented in original form together with one complete set of photocopies, unless otherwise specified. Where applicable, documents must be accompanied by certified translations into Italian or English.

1. Consent to the Processing of Personal Data

• Each applicant, including minors, must complete and sign the VisaMetric consent form in Tajik or English.
• For minors, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• Forms may be filled manually in ink or electronically prior to printing.

2. Visa Application Form

• The Schengen visa application form must be completed online.
• Upon completion, the form must be printed, signed, and dated.
• A separate form is required for each applicant, including children.

3. Photographs (Biometric Standard)

• Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm (face occupying 70–80% of image area).
• Must be taken against a plain, light background within the last six months.
• High resolution, in colour, without shadows or digital alterations.
• Headwear is prohibited except for religious or medical purposes.
• Glasses are only permitted if eyes remain fully visible without glare.

4. Travel Document (International Passport)

• Valid for at least three months beyond the visa’s expiry date.
• Issued within the last ten years.
• Contains at least two consecutive blank pages.
• Copies of all used pages (visas, stamps) must be provided.
• Expired passports must be submitted where available.

5. Proof of Professional or Academic Status

Depending on applicant category:

• Employed persons: Employer’s letter (on official letterhead) indicating position, salary, employment start date, and approved travel period; signed and stamped.
• Entrepreneurs: Copy of company registration, recent tax declaration, and business license extract.
• Self-employed (individual entrepreneurs): Certificate of tax registration and evidence of recent income.
• Students: Current enrollment certificate from the academic institution and a copy of student ID.
• Pensioners: Pension certificate or confirmation from the Social Protection Authority.
• Unemployed applicants: Documentation evidencing social/economic ties to Tajikistan (e.g., property deeds, family registration).

6. Financial Means of Subsistence

• Bank account statement for the last three months (with original bank stamp or QR verification).
• Sufficient funds as stipulated by the Italian Ministry of the Interior for the intended period of stay.
• For minors: documents of financial guarantor (parent/guardian) plus proof of relationship, notarized consent for travel, and copies of the guarantor’s ID/passport.

7. Proof of Accommodation in Italy

• Hotel reservation for the entire stay with the applicant’s name.
• Private invitation: Official invitation letter (as per Italian municipal form) from the host, plus copy of the host’s passport/ID or residence permit. Relationship proof if applicable.
• Property ownership: Copy of property deed or rental contract.

8. Confirmed Travel Itinerary

• Return flight ticket booking.

9. Travel Medical Insurance

• Minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Valid for the entire Schengen Area and the full duration of stay.
• Must list applicant’s full name, coverage period, geographical validity, and insured sum.
• Available for purchase directly at VisaMetric centres.

10. Proof of Consular Fee Payment

• Receipt from Banca Intesa or other authorized payment channel for the applicable visa fee.
• Keep original proof of payment for submission with application.

11. National Passport (Tajikistan)

• Original national passport (internal document) with copy of the page showing personal data and residence registration.

Italian Embassy Contact Information

Embassy of Italy in Tashkent
Yusuf Xos Xodjib Str. nr. 40 – 100031 Tashkent.

Phone:

00998712521119|00998712521120
Email:

ambtashkent.esteri.it
visti.tashkent@esteri.it