What is a Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)?

The “residence permit” is an official document that authorizes foreign citizens not belonging to the European Union to legally reside in Italy. This document is issued following an administrative procedure, and allows foreign citizens to reside in Italy for the duration indicated in the permit, carrying out the activities for which it was issued.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Residence Permit in Italy?

By law (Article 5, paragraph 9 of the Italian Immigration Law – Testo Unico Immigrazione), residence permits must be issued or renewed within 60 days of application, provided all requirements are met.
In practice, processing times vary by Police Headquarters (Questura) and can range from 3 to 4 month

Where to Apply for a Residence Permit.

The residence permit is issued by the local Police Headquarters (Questura) responsible for the applicant’s place of residence.

Since recent reforms, most applications start at the Post Office, where applicants submit their forms and documents in a sealed envelope (called a “kit”) which is then forwarded to the Questura for processing

The application must be made in person, except in limited cases such as minors in humanitarian reception projects or residents in care facilities.

Residence Permit:  When to Apply – Deadline

Under Italian Immigration Law (Article 9, Law 268/1998), non-EU citizens must apply for their residence permit within 8 working days of entering Italy to the Questura of the province where you reside.

For family reunification or work permits, an additional step involves the Sportello Unico Immigrazione (Immigration Desk) (Prefecture).After completing its duties, this office prints the residence permit application form that the foreigner will send to the Police Headquarters .In this case, the 8-day deadline is met if, within that date, the foreigner goes to or makes an appointment with the Sportello Unico

Application Requirements and Documentation

The application form must be:

• Completed on the official Ministry of Interior model

• Signed by the applicant

• Accompanied by four recent passport-size photos

Documents vary depending on the type of permit but generally include:

• Valid passport

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of sufficient financial means

• Specific documents related to work, family, or study reasons

As mentioned, in case of family reunification or entry for work, the foreigner  must, within eight days, go to the Sportello Unico Immigrazione: but the Police Headquarters remains competent for issuing the residence permit. In this case, the Sportello Unico Immigrazione is limited to:

• Verifying the visa issued by the consular authority and the foreigner’s personal data
• Delivering the tax code attribution certificate
• Signing the pre-filled residence permit application form (which will be mailed by the applicant to the competent Police Headquarters)
• Forwarding data for residence permit issuance to the competent Police Headquarters through electronic procedures

What documents are needed to apply for the residence permit in Italy.

While the passport is always required, the other documents needed for the application vary according to the type of residence permit

For example, proof of sufficient means of subsistence proportionate to the reasons and duration of stay, or availability of other resources or accommodation may be required.

How much does a permesso di soggiorno – residence permit cost in Italy

Since January 30, 2012, a contribution fee is required for residence permit applications or issuance

a) €40.00 for residence permits lasting more than three months and up to one year b) €50.00 for residence permits lasting more than one year and up to two years c) €100.00 for issuing certain residence permits, such as EU residence permits for long-term residents, and for executives and workers

It must be added the electronic residence permit cost (€30.46) and stamp duty acceptance fee remain unchanged.

Residence Permit Fee Exemptions

The contribution fee (not the electronic permit fee or stamp duty) does not need to be paid by foreign citizens who are:

• • Minors (under 18 years old)

  • Medical treatment patients and their companions

  • Asylum seekers and holders of international protection

  • Victims of domestic violence or labor exploitation

  • Holders of special protection permits

  • Applicants for duplicates or updates of valid permits

    According to Ministry of Interior circular of April 2, 2012, n. 2665, these exemption cases are exhaustive and not subject to extensive interpretation.

Additional costs to be considered.

• Revenue stamp = € 16
• Postal Kit= € 30