Complete Guide to Italian Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno): Requirements, Costs, and Processing Times 2025

June 9, 2025

Introduction

If you’re planning to stay in Italy for work, study, or family reasons in 2025, you’ll need a permesso di soggiorno(residence permit).

In this guide, you’ll find updated costs, documents required.

What is an Italian 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.

You can also read our article

You can also read our article How to Stay Legally in Italy, where we explain what a residence document is—known as a titolo di soggiorno—including the residence permit, the most frequent one.

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

Article 5, par 9 of the Italian Immigration Law – Testo Unico Immigrazione provides that 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 months.

Where and How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Italy.

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

Non-EU citizens must apply for their residence permit within 8 working days of entering Italy to the Questura of the province of residence

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:

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.

Italian Residence permit: Cost and Fees

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 not subject to extensive interpretation.

Additional costs to be considered.

Revenue stamp = € 16
Postal Kit= € 30

How Long Is a Residence Permit Valid in Italy?

The duration of an Italian residence permit depends on the type of entry visa and cannot exceed the following limits:

Up to 3 months → for visits, business, or tourism.
Up to 9 months → for seasonal work.
Up to 1 year → for attending a certified study program or vocational training course. Annual renewal is possible for multi-year programs.
Up to 2 years → for self-employment, permanent employment contracts, or family reunification.
Variable duration → based on specific documented needs or other cases provided by Italian Immigration Law.

FAQ- About the Italian Residence Permit (Permesso di Soggiorno)

How do I know if my permesso di soggiorno is ready?

You can check the status of your permit using:

The Polizia di Stato tracking portal
The receipt number (postal code and password provided on the receipt)
SMS/email notifications if you provided contact details

If you applied through the post office, you will need to wait until you are summoned for fingerprinting (fotosegnalamento). After that appointment, the average waiting time is usually between one and three months.

Can I travel with just the receipt of my residence permit?

Yes, but with some limitations.

Within Italy: the receipt is valid proof of your legal stay.
Outside Italy: you can only travel directly between Italy and your home country. You cannot transit through other Schengen countries unless you hold a valid visa or permit.

Keep in mind that some airlines may refuse boarding without a physical visa or residence permit, even if Italian law allows travel in theory. It is always advisable to check with your airline before traveling.

How long does a residence permit take in Italy?

Officially, the process should take 60 days. In reality, the waiting time may vary considerably based on the region and the workload of the local Questura.

How long does it take to get the permesso di soggiorno after fingerprinting?

After your fingerprinting appointment, it may take a few weeks or several months before you receive your residence permit card. Until the card is issued, your receipt remains valid proof of your stay in Italy.

Can I speed up the issuance of my residence permit?

Yes. You can submit a formal request (sollecito) to the Questura through an immigration lawyer. If the Questura does not release your permit within 60 days, you may file an appeal before the Administrative Court (TAR), assistend by an immigrationl lawyer.