What is the Postal Kit for Italian residence permit
The Postal Kit is the official paper application used in Italy to apply for, renew, or update some types of residence permits (permesso di soggiorno).
It is a package of standardized forms issued by Poste Italiane and submitted through authorized post offices.
Important: not all residence permits are requested through the postal kit. Certain applications must be filed directly at the Immigration Office (Questura).
The kit contains two main forms:
- Form 1: for personal data and general information
- Form 2: specific to work-related permits and income details. This form must be completed if applicable.
Where to get the Postal Kit-residence permit
Kits are available exclusively at Italian Post Office “Sportello Amico” (Friend Counter) locations. Not all post offices have them – you’ll usually find them at the main and larger offices in each city.
How to Complete the Kit Correctly
Completion requires particular attention:
- Always write in block letters using black pen
- Respect the indicated spaces on the forms
- Attach necessary documentation:
- Valid passport- all pages with stamps, including your Visa page, if applicable
- Copy of documents supporting the request (work contract, university enrollment certificate, elective residence etc.), including proof of health insurance when applicable
Useful tip: consulting a specialized immigration lawyer can significantly reduce the risk of errors, ehcih can delay the application approval.
Submission Procedure
Bring the completed kit to the Post Office — Sportello Amico, keeping it open, along with a copy of the documents to submit.. Do not seal the envelope: postal operators must verify your identity and may briefly review the form to ensure it has been correctly filled out before sealing it. Please note that the operator at the counter will not assess the content of the kit.
Upon completion of the procedure, you will receive a receipt — it is the legal proof of submission and authorizes you to remain legally in Italy until the permit is issued.
On the receipt from the postal kit, the date of your fingerpint appointment at the Questura will also be set. Don’t forget to bring the original documents with you on the day of your appointment.
You might also be interested in reading our related articles: Can you travel with a permesso di soggiorno receipt? Rules and Risks — with summary table — and alo Permesso di Soggiorno Processing Time: How Long Does it Take?
Types of Italian residency permits requested through yellow postal kit
The kit must be used to apply for the following Italian permesso di soggiorno:
- Guardianship (Affidamento)
- Residence card updates (address change, civil status, adding children, passport change, photo update)
- Residence permit updates (address change, civil status, adding children, passport change)
- Awaiting citizenship (Attesa cittadinanza)
- Residence permit conversion (Conversione del permesso di soggiorno)
- Asylum renewal (Rinnovo dell’asilo)
- EU residence permit for long-term residents
- EU residence permit for long-term residents requested by cohabiting family member
- Residence card duplicate
- Residence permit duplicate
- Self-employed work (Lavoro autonomo)
- Family (Famiglia)
- Employed work (Lavoro subordinato)
- Work in special cases (Lavoro in casi particolari)
- Seasonal employed work (Lavoro subordinato stagionale)
- Mission, religious reasons (Missione, motivi religiosi)
- Elective residence (Residenza elettiva)
- Stateless status and renewal (Status di apolidia e rinnovo)
- Study permit, internship/professional training (Permesso per studio, tirocinio/formazione professionale)
- Researcher (art. 27-ter TUI)
- Conversion from study to research/work (art. 39-bis.1 TUI)
For other types of residence permit applications, you must go directly to the Immigration Office (Questura)
Each permit type has a specific code to indicate on the form. These codes are listed on the instructions of the the kit itself.
If you are applying jointly with someone, for example your spouse, there will be a part of the form in which you must specify this. The other applicant is still required to complete and file their own kit.
Cost of the postal kit Italian permesso di soggiorno
Costs vary according to permit type:
- Revenue stamp: €16
- Registered mail: €30
- Electronic permit issuance: €27.50
- Permit cost: €80 to €200
All payments must be made through postal payment slips at authorized offices (“Sportello Amico”). You will finf the slip in the postal kit.
FAQ- Postal Kit residence permit permesso di soggiorno
Where to find the postal kit permesso di soggiorno
At post offices Sportello Amico or some specialized CAF and Patronati.
How does shipping of the postal kit work?
Shipping is handled directly by the Sportello Amico – you just need to deliver the open envelope with a a copy of the attached documents.
Is professional assistance possible?
Certainly. Many CAF and lawyers specialized in immigration law offer assistance services for correct completion and submission, considerably reducing the risks of errors or delays in procedure
Can I track the status of my postal kit submission?
Yes. You can connect to the website portaleimmigrazione.it. The username and password wil
What should I do if I make a mistake in the postal kit form?
When filling out the form, scribbling is not allowed. If the mistake is minor, you can correct it with correction fluid (white-out). However, if the error is more significant, we recommend filling out the postal kit form from scratch.
Can I submit one postal kit for my whole family?
No, each family member must submit their own postal kit. However, each form has a dedicated section where you can indicate the other family members who are applying at the same time
