Sports permit (professionals)
Foreign athletes signed by Italian clubs enter through a special route (art. 27(1)(p) of the Immigration Act), outside the Decreto Flussi quotas:
- The club sends the contract proposal to its federation (FIGC, FIP, FIPAV, FIR, etc.).
- CONI issues a nominative declaration of assent, which replaces the work authorisation.
- The athlete applies for a sports visa at the Italian Consulate.
- Within 8 days of arrival, they apply for the residence permit for sports activity.
Each year the Government sets a maximum number of non-EU athletes, which CONI allocates among federations. Coaches and fitness trainers don't count towards that cap.
Amateurs and regional leagues
In amateur football (LND, Serie D and regional divisions) and other non-professional sports, federations require a valid residence permit to register a non-EU player. Many players therefore arrive on another permit (study, family, work) or with an Italian passport.
Since the sports reform (Legislative Decree 36/2021), anyone paid for their sport can be a sports worker even in an amateur league.
Italian passport: the big advantage
A player with Italian or other EU citizenship doesn't take a non-EU slot, needs no visa and can sign in any league.
Minors
FIFA rules ban international transfers of players under 18, with limited exceptions (for example, when the family moves to Italy for non-football reasons). Exceptions need precise documentation.
After your career: converting the permit
Recent case law (TAR Sardinia, 2026) holds that a sports permit can be converted into a work permit only for professional activity. If you want to stay in Italy after your contract ends, plan ahead.
How we help
- Players and agents: we choose the right route and prepare the visa and permit.
- Clubs: we handle paperwork with the federation, Consulate and Questura.
- We check whether the player can obtain Italian citizenship.
- Renewals, club changes, family reunification and appeals.
Documents usually required
- Valid passport
- Club contract proposal or federation letter
- CONI nominative declaration of assent (professionals)
- Sports medical certificate
- International transfer documentation
- For minors: family documents and FIFA exception
The exact list depends on your case, your home country and the office (Questura, Consulate or Comune). We give you the final list in the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can an amateur footballer come to play on a tourist visa?
No: a valid permit is required. With an Italian or EU passport no visa is needed.
Does the sports permit depend on the Decreto Flussi?
No. It has its own annual cap allocated by CONI.
Do Italian grandparents help me get signed?
A lot: as an Italian citizen you don't take a non-EU slot.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.