Starting a new research position at the University of Camerino (UNICAM)? The Researchers' Welcome Pack is a practical guide for researchers, post-docs and Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellows arriving in Italy. This guide brings together the information and contacts you need in your first weeks at UNICAM and throughout your stay.

We will be by your side to make your UNICAM experience truly fulfilling, and we look forward to meeting you soon.

What you will find in the guide

The UNICAM research environment. An overview of UNICAM's five Schools and their campuses in Camerino, Matelica, Ascoli Piceno and San Benedetto del Tronto, its research priorities, research infrastructures and the support offered by the Research and Technology Transfer Office for funding opportunities, grant writing and Open Science.

University services. Language courses (including Italian for foreigners), the University Library System, your UNICAM email account, the YoUNICAM app and workplace well-being services, including free psychological counselling.

Practicalities: first steps at UNICAM. What to do when you take up your position: signing your contract, completing tax and social security forms, activating your UNICAM IT account and receiving your ID badge.

Daily life. Accommodation and canteens managed by ERDIS, getting to Camerino by train, plane, bus or car, sports facilities, cultural events and life in the four campus towns.

Main UNICAM regulations. The key regulations for research staff, from the Code of Ethics and Conduct to rules on research grants, intellectual property and the use of university IT services.

Moving to Italy as a researcher: visa and residence permit

Non-EU citizens need an entry visa for scientific research. The procedure starts with a nulla osta (no-impediment certificate) issued by the Single Desk for Immigration, which UNICAM requests on your behalf. Processing usually takes at least three weeks. Once in Italy, you must apply for a residence permit for research within eight days of arrival. The guide explains each step, the documents required and the role of the university.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa, but must register with the local Registry Office (Ufficio Anagrafe) for stays longer than 90 days.

Tax code, health insurance and bank account

All researchers need an Italian tax identification number (codice fiscale), which UNICAM's Human Resources Division can request for you. The guide also explains how to obtain valid health insurance, including the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and registration with the Italian National Health Service, and how to open a bank or post office account.

Accommodation in Camerino and the other campus towns

ERDIS, the regional agency for the right to higher education, manages residences and canteens in Camerino, Matelica, Ascoli Piceno and San Benedetto del Tronto. In Camerino, the ERDIS guest house is available for short stays of up to one month. We recommend booking a room for your first few days before looking for long-term accommodation. More information is available on the ERDIS website.

EURAXESS Service Centre: free support for researchers

UNICAM is a EURAXESS Service Centre, part of the EURAXESS Italy national network within the European EURAXESS – Researchers in Motion initiative. We offer free, personalised assistance by email and in person (by appointment) on visas, residence permits, social and cultural matters, and funding opportunities for research projects.

UNICAM has also held the HR Excellence in Research award from the European Commission since 2010, confirming its commitment to the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.