If you are in Italy and have applied to request or renew your residence permit , you might be wondering whether you can travel with the permesso di soggionro receipt while waiting for the permit to be issued. The answer varies, depending on your destination and the type of travel.
This guide outlines the rules and practical tips to help you avoid complications at the border.
What Is the permesso di soggionro receipt?
When you submit your application to renew or obtain a residence permit—either through the postal kit or directly at the police headquarters (Questura)—you receive a receipt, which confirms that your application is being processed and is temporary proof of your legal stay in Italy.
However, this receipt is not a travel document. It doesn’t replace your expired residence permit or your passport.
Traveling within Italy
While awaiting your new residence permit, you are allowed to travel freely within Italy. You should carry: a)The receipt of your application; b) Your expired residence permit c) A valid passport
These documents demonstrate your legal stay in Italy during the processing period.
Traveling to your home country
If you need to return to your home country while your residence permit is being processed, you can do so under specific conditions.
– Travel must be direct between Italy and your home country.
– No layovers or transits through other Schengen Area countries are allowed.
– You must carry:
– The receipt of your application
– Your expired residence permit
– A valid passport
These requirements are in place because the receipt is not recognized by other Schengen countries, and transiting through them could lead to complications.
Traveling to other Schengen countries
In general, you cannot travel to other Schengen countries with just the receipt. This because the receipt is not recognized as a valid travel document.
If you have an urgent reason (e.g. medical, family, or work-related), you may request a temporary travel permit from the Questura. This is rarely granted and requires documented proof of your emergency.
First-time residence permit applicants.
If you’re applying for your first residence permit, the rules are even stricter. Traveling outside Italy is generally discouraged until your permit is issued. If you must return to your home country, ensure you:
– Travel directly without transiting through other Schengen countries.
– Carry:
– The receipt of your application
– Your visa used to enter Italy
– A valid passport
Re-entry into Italy without the actual residence permit can be challenging and is not guaranteed.
What can I do with residence permit receipt?
While waiting for your residence permit, the receipt allows you to:
– Continue working in Italy
– Access healthcare services
– Enroll in educational courses
– Apply for family reunification
– Renew your driver’s license
These rights are protected under Italian law, but it’s important to carry the receipt and your expired permit as proof of your legal status.
FAQ Italian permesso di soggiorno receipt
I lost my Italian residence permit receipt: what should I do?
f your receipt is stolen or lost, file a report with the local police, as valid proof to show the Questura. You can then request a new copy at the Post Office.
I hold a ricevuta for renewal of permesso di soggiorno, but the airline did not consider it valid? What should I do?
In this case we recommend contacting an immigration lawyer to get tailored advice.
Can I leave Italy while waiting for my residence permit?
The answer varies according to to your destination. Remember that In general, you cannot travel to other Schengen countries with just the receipt. It is always advisable to avoid trvaelling with just the receipt
How long does it take to get the permesso di soggiorno after fingerprinting?
After your fingerprinting appointment, it could take a few weeks or a few months, depending on where you are bases
Until you receive the card, the receipt is your legal proof of stay.
How to check if your permesso is available for collection?
Connect to the nationl website of the poliziadistato click on the link “Permesso di soggiorno”
Enter the password you will find on your post office receipt (enter all password numbers including the last one, except the dash), or else enter the handwritten file number you will find on the application receipt issued by the Questura (10 alphanumeric characters).
