PAPERS
REGULAR ENTRY AND RESIDENCE:
This section contains information on the main documents you need to reside legally in Italy, exercise all your rights and benefit from the main services provided in your area.
- To enter Italy legally, you need an entry visa, which can be obtained from the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of origin. Info: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
- To stay in Italy for up to 3 months (for visiting, business, tourism, or study), all you need is your entry visa, issued by the Italian embassy or consulate in your country, and a “Dichiarazione di presenza” (declaration of presence). https://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/dichiarazione-di-presenza-per-cittadini-stranieri (in Italian)
- For long-term stays: within 8 days of your arrival, you need to apply for a residence permit authorising you to stay in Italy legally and to apply for other documents and services.
tps://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/125a93e344e6c73863395263
Asylum seekers
If you do not have a visa but are applying for international protection (asylum), you are authorised to stay in Italy until the final decision on your application for protection has been made.
For information see “applying for international protection”
PLEASE NOTE:
Anyone who accommodates or lodges you, or transfers property to you is required to notify the local public security authority (Police Headquarters - Questura) within 48 hours of your arrival.
https://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo/125a93e344e6c73863395263 (in Italian)
APPLYING FOR INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION (ASYLUM)
What does it mean?
This is the application for recognition of refugee status (1951 Geneva Convention) or subsidiary protection.
You can apply for international protection (asylum) if:
You are a non-EU citizen or a stateless person and cannot return to your country of origin because you are in danger of being persecuted (for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a social group) or risk serious harm1.
Expressing your wish to apply for international protection will make you an
‘asylum seeker’.
Where do you apply for it?
At the Border Police when you enter Italy, or at the Immigration Office of the local Police Headquarters (Questura) competent for the area where you live.
Phases in the recognition of International Protection and request for other documents
Here is an outline of the main steps in the procedure for obtaining international protection and of the main documents you can request step by step
| Phases | Important documents issued by the Police Headquarters (Questura) | Documents and files you can request |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application for international protection/asylum (Border/Immigration Office at Police Headquarters – Ufficio Immigrazione, Questura) As soon as you arrive, state your intention to apply for international protection to the Border Police or to the Immigration Office of the local Police Headquarters (Questura). If you have no livelihood, you and your family can be accommodated in a reception centre at the Prefecture’s request. | - | - |
| 2. Photo and fingerprints taking / identification (Police Headquarters Immigration Office - Ufficio Immigrazione, Questura) The police will record your data on the EURODAC platform, and take photographs and fingerprints if you are aged 14 or over, according to the Dublin III Regulation. This procedure is used to establish whether Italy is the first European country you have entered and been identified in. If this is the case, you can apply for international protection in Italy, otherwise you will have to be transferred to the competent country. | - | - |
| 3. Fomalising the application - Form C3 (Police Headquarters Immigration Office - Ufficio Immigrazione, Questura) The police will ask you some questions about your identity, your journey to get to Italy, the reasons why you are seeking protection, and why you cannot return to your country. Form C3 will be filled in with this information and you will sign it. You will be assisted by a linguistic and cultural mediator. You can attach a written statement or choose to explain your reasons directly to the Territorial Commission, which will interview you to find out whether you are entitled to protection. | 1. Copy of Form C3 with photo and Codice fiscal (tax code); documentation submitted in support of the application. 2. Paper residence permit for asylum application | - Civil registration (residence) - Registration with the Health System (SSN), choice of general practitioner, “Tessera Sanitaria” (health card) - “Carta di identità” (ID document) |
| 4. Hearing at the Territorial Commission You will explain to the Commission the reasons why you applied for asylum, describe your journey to Italy, and explain the reasons why you cannot return to your country. You will be assisted by a linguistic and cultural mediator. Minors: Your guardian will attend. | - | - |
| 5. Granting of protection The Commission will evaluate your hearing and decide whether to grant you a form of protection or reject your application (denial). You will be sent a notification of the outcome. Once you have been granted protection (refugee/asylum status, subsidiary protection, or permit for special protection in particular cases), you can apply for an electronic residence permit. | 1. Receipt you will need to withdraw your electronic residence permit; it demonstrates that the permit has been applied for. 2. Electronic residence permit | - Once you have your electronic residence permit, you will have torenew your registration with the SSN - You can apply for a “Documento / Titolo di viaggio” (valid document allowing you to travel) |
| OR Denial and possible appeal against the denial If your application was rejected, you can appeal against the Commission’s denial with the assistance of a lawyer. You have the right to stay at the reception centre for the whole duration of the appeal. | Paper residence permit for international protection application pending appeal | - Renewal of SSN registration |
PLEASE NOTE
The paper residence permit for asylum application is valid for 6 months and can be renewed until Territorial Commission makes its decision.
To find out how to apply for the electronic residence permit, once you have been granted a form of protection, see the “Residence permit” section
For details and further specific information, contact the legal operator of your reception centre, a lawyer, the Police Headquarters (Questura), or the information services for immigrants.
See Useful Contacts section
RIGHTS OF THE ASYLUM SEEKER
Staying in Italy: You are issued with a paper residence permit for asylum application which is also valid as an identification document in Italy until the final decision of the Territorial Commission. You are entitled to move freely within Italy, but you cannot go abroad (as you have requested protection in Italy).
PLEASE NOTE: The paper residence permit for asylum application is valid for 6 months and can be renewed until the Territorial Commission takes its decision.
Reception in a centre for asylum seekers if you you have no livelihood.
Application for legal aid: free assistance from a lawyer.
Registration at the Register Office of the municipality where you live.
Free health care, National Health Service registration for you and your dependants
Schooling: you are entitled to enrol in school, Italian language classes, and other courses.
Work: 2 months after submitting your application for international protection, you can work until the procedure is completed. You can be registered at the Job Centre of the town where you are domiciled/resident.
PLEASE NOTE: A residence permit for asylum application cannot be converted into a residence permit for employment reasons and does not entitle the holder to family reunification.
FURTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
> If you have minor children, your application will also be valid for them. Children under the age of 14 will be included in your residence permit.
> Even if you are in a prison or detained in a Centre of Permanence for Repatriation (C.P.R.), you can apply for international protection.
>If you have a passport, you must hand it in to the police. It may also be useful to hand over any documents you have on arrival. You will be given a copy of them..
>You must provide definite contact details (address and telephone number) for communication with the Police Headquarters (Questura) and Prefecture. If you change your contact details, you must inform the Questura immediately.
> If you have family members in another country under the Dublin Regulation and you want to reunite with them and continue your procedure in that country, please contact the staff of the reception centre where you are staying, a legal adviser, or the police. If you do not agree with the decision to move to another country for examination of the application, you have the right to appeal to the court. If you do not have sufficient financial resources, you are entitled to free legal aid (“gratuito patrocinio”).
> The outcome of your application for international protection is contained in a written and motivated decision by the Territorial Commission, which will be notified to you by an operator at the centre where you are staying or sent to the address you have given to the Police at Questura.
>Serious violation of the reception centre’s regulations could lead to the revocation of the admission. For further information, ask the legal staff of the reception centre.
For details and further specific information, contact the legal operator of your centre, a lawyer, the Police Headquarters (Questura), or the information services for immigrants.
See Useful Contacts section
| Type of protection | Residence permit |
|---|---|
| Refugee status / Political asylum It is granted to a person who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, and is unable, or unwilling, to benefit of the protection of their country because of that fear. | Permit for political asylum 5 years, renewable |
| Subsidiary protection It is granted to a person who do not qualify as refugee, but in respect of whom substantial grounds have been shown for believing that the person concerned, if returned to their country of origin or to the country of former habitual residence, would face a risk of suffering serious harm, and is unable, or, owing to such risk, unwilling to avail himself or herself of the protection of that country. | Residence permit for subsidiary protection 5 years, renewable |
| As an alternative to the recognition of refugee or subsidiary protection status , the police may issue - following the evaluation of the Territorial Commission - a residence permit for special protection. | |
| Special protection Returning to one’s own country would entail serious risks, such as the risk of inhuman and degrading treatment or violation of the right to private and family life. | 2 years, renewable |
In some cases, even if you do not meet the requirements to apply for international protection, you can ask the Questura to issue other types of residence permits:
| Special cases on grounds of social protection, victims of domestic abuse, labour exploitation | The duration varies depending on the reasons for the permit and the individual case. |
| Healthcare treatment
(Art. 19, par. 2 d-bis of Immigration Consolidated Act – T.U.I.) | The duration varies depending on the reasons for the permit and the individual case. |
| Natural disaster | The duration varies depending on the reasons for the permitand the individual case. |
| Acts of particular civic value | The duration varies depending on the reasons for the and the individual case. |
For further information, contact a lawyer, the Questura or the immigration information services.
See Useful Contacts section
UNACCOMPANIED FOREIGN MINORS (MSNA)
PLEASE NOTE
You may not be turned back at the border under any circumstances or expelled from Italian territory (except for reasons of public order and State security provided that the expulsion does not entail the risk of serious harm).
You will be able to obtain a residence permit mainly through three paths:
1. Apply for international protection, following the same procedures and outcomes as other asylum seekers; you will always be assisted by your guardian, also during the Commission hearing.
2. Application for a residence permit for minors.
Upon reaching the age of majority, unaccompanied minors may be issued with a residence permit for study, work, or pending employment.
3. Application for a residence permit for family or foster care reasons.
Other types of residence permits may be issued to the unaccompanied minor in certain cases: for example, a residence permit for medical treatment, for special cases (social protection, domestic abuse, or serious labour exploitation).
YOUR RIGHTS
> You will be hosted in a reception centre for minors, and you will be assigned a guardian, that is a person responsible for you, who will cooperate with the community and the social services to ensure the best possible path for you. Pending the appointment of a guardian, the head of the reception centre will temporarily carry out any task relating to the application for international protection and for a residence permit.
> If you have applied for international protection, you are entitled to apply for family reunification in another Member State where one of your family members regularly resides..
> Mandatory schooling and the right and duty to education and training, in the same form and conditions provided for Italian citizens.
> Right to health care, social welfare, and civil registration.
RESIDENCE PERMIT (PdS)
What is it?
For stays longer than 3 months, you will have to apply for a residence permit. It is the document with which you can legally stay in Italy and that allows you to access to other documents and services.
It may be a paper permit (e.g., asylum application) or an electronic one.
The electronic residence permit (PSE) is a chip-equipped card that digitally contains the permit holder’s personal data, photograph, and fingerprints.
PLEASE NOTE: for free information and support when applying for or renewing your residence permit, you can ask a welfare center (Patronato) for help.
See Useful Contacts section
Search for municipalities and welfare centres (Patronato)
https://www.portaleimmigrazione.it/default.aspx (in Italian)
When do you need to request it?
FIRST ISSUE: Within 8 days of your arrival.
RENEWAL: At least 60 days before your permit expires.
Where and how do you apply for/renew or convert your residence permit?
1. APPLICATION FOR PERMITS: Some permits must be applied for at post offices using the “Kit giallo” (yellow kit) and others must be applied for at the Police Headquarters (Questura).
| Italian Post Offices “Sportello amico”
https://www.portaleimmigrazione.it/ PDS_Stranieri.aspx(in Italian) |
Police Headquarters Immigration office
(Ufficio Immigrazione – Questura ) Territorial office competent for your area of residence |
|---|---|
| How:
Get your “kit giallo” from the Post Office or a Welfare Centre (Patronato) Fill in the form contained in the kit and hand it in to the post office together with the documents required in the kit’s instructions. | How: Fill in the form and hand over the documentation required for your permit. Pay the fees at the post office. |
| Types of permits:
- Foster care - Update of residence permit (change of domicile, marital status, insertion of children, change of passport) - Pending employment - Pending acquisition of citizenship - Renewal of asylum permit - Long-term resident’s EU residence permit - Long-term resident’s EU residence permit applied for by a cohabiting family member - Residence permit conversion - Duplicate Residence Permit - Family - Family - minors - Self-employed work - Employment - Work in particular cases provided for in Article 27 of T.U.I. (Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Employed-seasonal work - Mission - Religious reasons - Elective residence - Renewal of statelessness status - Study reasons (Art. 39 of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Vocational training traineeship - Researcher (Art. 27-ter of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) Researcher - Employment seeking (Art. 27-ter of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Researcher Mobility (Art. 27-ter of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Student Employment seeking (art. 39-bis1 of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Student (art. 39-bis of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Pupil (art. 39 bis of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) - Apprentice/trainee (art. 39 bis of the Consolidated Act on Immigration) | Types of permits:
For all other cases including asylum (first issue), subsidiary protection and special protection permits. The paper asylum permit requires only a €16 revenue stamp. |
| PLEASE NOTE: For some types of permits, such as
residence permits for work or family reunification, or for the conversion of a permityou will first have to go to the Sportello Unico Immigrazione (Central Immigration Office) at the Prefecture and then to the post office to submit your application using the “kit giallo” Information:https://www.interno.gov.it/it/temi/immigrazione-e-asilo/ odalita-dingresso/sportello-unico-limmigrazione (in Italian) See Conversion section | |
|
For further information visit the Migrant Integration Website: https://www.portaleimmigrazione.it/Nuova_Procedura.aspx# (in Italian) Check the guide to issuing and renewing residence permits on the Poste Italiane website https://www.poste.it/prodotti/guida-rilascio-e-rinnovo- permesso-di-soggiorno.html (in Italian) | - |
2. PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION:
after submitting your application, you will have to go to the police station on the date you will be notified: on that day, they will take your photo and fingerprints
In the postal receipt/slip certifying the application for or renewal of the residence permit, you will find a code that you can use to check the status of your application online* and know when your permit is ready.
for applications submitted to the Police Headquarters (Questura)
for applications submitted to the Post Office (in Italian)
3. WITHDRAWAL of the residence permit from the Immigration Office of the Police Headquarters (Ufficio Immigrazione, Questura)
Pick up your residence permit on the date communicated to you by the Questura. This is usually within 60 days of applying for the permit.
https://www.regione.sardegna.it/index.php?xsl=2425&s=353678&v=2&c=15097&t=1&tb=15026 (in Italian)
PLEASE NOTE: the receipt of your application for a residence permit is an eligible document certifying that you are legally residing in Italy, and it is valid until you get your final permit.
How much does it cost?
The cost may vary depending on the type of permit and its duration.
In general: €16 revenue stamp + €30.00 for sending the postal kit, if used; + €30.46 as fee for the electronic permit; + a variable fee depending on the duration of the residence permit, but which is not required in some cases
https://www.altalex.com/documents/news/2019/09/17/permesso-soggiorno-cittadini-stranieri (in Italian)
No fee is due: for minors under the age of 18, asylum seekers, holders of international protection, those requesting a conversion, updating or duplication of their residence permit, foreigners entering Italy for health treatment.
Asylum seekers are only required to pay a €16 revenue stamp.
Fees
€40.00 for residence permits valid for more than three months and up to one year
€50.00 for residence permits valid for more than one year and up to two years
€100.00 for EU long-term residence permits (formerly residence cards) and for residence permits for managers and specialised workers.
What documents do you need to apply for a residence permit?
The documents required may vary depending on the permit applied for.
In addition to the form to be filled in, the following are always required: 4 photographs and a photocopy of your passport if you have one (copy of pages containing your personal details and of each page containing visas); a €16 revenue stamp and the receipt for payment of the fees for your residence permit.
How long is it valid? The validity of the permit varies according to the reason for issue and the type of permit.
For details and specific information, ask a welfare centre (Patronato), the Police Headquarters (Questura) or the immigration information services. See Useful Contacts section
CONVERSION OF RESIDENCE PERMIT
Some residence permits can be converted into other types, for example work permits or family permits.
HOW?
1. You must apply for online conversion on the website of the Ministry of the Interior after registering> https://nullaostalavoro.dlci.interno.it/Ministero/Index2 (in Italian)
2. You will be summoned to the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Central immigration office) of the local Prefecture in order to collect the documentation issued with the “yellow kit”. You must fill in the forms in the kit and hand them in to the Post Office to apply for the conversion of your residence permit, according to the procedures indicated on the page Where and how do you apply for/renew or convert my residence permit.
For details and specific information on types of permits and the related rights, ask a welfare centre (Patronato), the Police Headquarters (Questura) or the immigration information service. See Useful Contacts section
2.CODICE FISCALE
What is it?
It is a 16-digit identification code that is essential for many practices and services, including registration with the national health service (SSN) and the issuing of a health card (Tessera Sanitaria). This is why your tax code appears on your residence permit, your electronic identity card and your Tessera Sanitaria (Health Card) .
How and where do you apply for it? It is usually obtained when you apply for your first residence permit. If not, you will have to request it from the Internal Revenue Service (Agenzia delle Entrate).
Asylum seekers and other cases: the Police Headquarters, via telematic connection with the Tax Registry, assigns a tax code to foreign citizens who do not have one when they apply for the issue/renewal of their residence permit.
Entry for employment and family reunification: you will be given your tax code certificate at the Prefecture immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’immigrazione).
And if you still don’t have a tax code: you will have to apply for one at the Internal Revenue Service (Agenzia delle Entrate) by filling in the form and producing your passport or other identification documents. You will be issued with the certificate of tax code assignment.
You can also obtain a PLASTIC CARD which will be sent to the address you have provided.
For specific information and details:
https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/web/guest/schede/istanze/richiesta-ts_cf/come-si-chiede-il-codice-fiscale (in Italian)
3. Enrolment in the Register Office (Residence)
Enrolment the municipal Register Office (Anagrafe) is a right and a duty of every Italian citizen and foreigner legally residing in the national territory, including asylum seekers.
By registering you declare your stable place of residence.
If you are enrolled in the Register Office and have your residence, you can:
> obtain an identity card
> register with the National Health Service and choose a general practitioner
> access to Social Services and the granting of benefits or subsidies
> obtain a long-term EU residence permit and recognition of Italian citizenship
> obtain an Italian driving licence or request the conversion of a foreign driving licence
In the case of minors, enrolment is requested by their parents or guardian (for unaccompanied minors: guardian or person in charge of the reception center where they are hosted).
Where do you enrol? Register Office (Anagrafe) of the municipality (Comune) where you reside permanently. Check whether your Comune allows enrolment by email.
What do you need for registration?
- copy of your valid passport or equivalent document (if you have one)
- a copy of your valid residence permit; if it has expired, a copy of your permit and the receipt for its renewal
- Permits for family reunification or employment: if you are waiting for your first residence permit to be issued, you must also provide a copy of the application for a residence permit and the authorisation/contract of residence (contratto di soggiorno) issued by the Prefecture immigration office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
- Copy of the declaration of hospitality (dichiarazione di ospitalità) or the rental contract or lease agreement.
Asylum seekers and holders of international protection:
when applying for asylum, you are not required to show a passport (a valid identification document is enough): a C3 form is accepted pending the paper residence permit for asylum.
If you are hosted in a reception centre, a declaration of hospitality (Dichiarazione di ospitalità) signed by the person in charge of the centre is required.
PROCEDURE: You will have to fill in and sign the registration form and submit the required documents. A Municipal Police officer will be sent by the municipality within 45 days to check that you are living at the address you declared on the application form to register you as a resident.
PLEASE NOTE: It is always important to register with the Civil Registry and request a change of residence if you move to another town permanently/for a long period.
Contact the Municipal Offices for specific information on other practices, documents, and certificates you may need
4. Registration with the National Health System (SSN)
After civil registration, you can register with the National Health Service (SSN – Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) and apply for a health card, if applicable. See Health section
5.CARTA DI IDENTITA' ELETTRONICA (CIE)
Once you have registered with the registry office, you can apply for an identity card (carta d’identità). It is the personal identification document issued by the municipal authorities to Italian or foreign citizens residing or staying legally in the municipal area.
https://www.cartaidentita.interno.gov.it/presentazione-della-richiesta/
https://servizi.comune.cagliari.it/portale/page/it/carta_didentita?contentId=SRV6148 (in Italian)
Where do you apply for it? Register Office of the municipality (Anagrafe del Comune) where you are resident.
What do you need?
>a passport photo in paper or electronic format (on USB stick)
>passport (if you have one)
>valid residence permit/residence card or proof of application for a permit renewal
>Codice fiscale (Tax Code) or Tessera Sanitaria (Health Card)
Procedure: you will have to fill in the application form, submit the documents together with your photo, pay the fee, and have your fingerprints taken. You can have the card sent to your home address or you can pick it up from the Municipal Office when it is ready.
Cost: €16.79 plus any administrative fee (maximum €22.21)
Renewal: It can be renewed starting 6 months before the expiry date; at renewal you must hand in your old one, even if it is damaged. In the event of theft or loss of your ID card, you must submit a report to the Police or Carabinieri to apply for a new one.
6. Travel document (documento / titolo di viaggio)
It is a document equal to a passport that is issued to those who cannot obtain a passport from the authorities in their own country, e.g., refugees. In the case of refugees, it is referred to as a “documento di viaggio,” whereas a “titolo di viaggio” is issued to those who have other forms of protection, such as subsidiary protection.
Validity: it has the same validity as the residence permit and is renewable.
Where do you apply?
Immigration Office of the competent Police Headquarters (Ufficio Immigrazione, Questura).
See Useful Contacts section
Cost: €42.22, to be paid by postal payment slip
How? Pay the fee by postal payment slip at the post office, fill in the form for requesting the travel document issued by the Questura, then hand it in together with:
>2 passport photos
>a copy of a valid residence permit (or your expired residence permit and the receipt of renewal application)
>receipt for payment of €42.22
https://portaleimmigrazione.eu/titolo-di-viaggio-per-stranieri/
> (In the case of an application for a “Titolo di Viaggio”) documentation attesting to the “grounded reasons” that prevent the passport from being issued by the diplomatic-consular representation of one’s own country in Italy (e.g. for those with subsidiary protection)
For other documents and specific information, please contact the relevant offices and services. See Useful Contacts section
REFERENCE LEGISLATION
Consolidated Act on Immigration 2021
(Updated with the amendments made by the Legislative Decree no. 130 of 21 October 2020, as amended by the Law no. 173 of 18 December 2020)
https://www.altalex.com/documents/codici-altalex/2014/04/09/testo-unico-sull-immigrazione (in Italian)
Geneva Convention of 1951
https://www.unhcr.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Convenzione_Ginevra_1951.pdf
Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees (New York, 1967)
https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/it/strumenti_internazionali/Protocollo-relativo-alla-status-di-rifugiato-1967/149
Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 (Dublin III Regulation)
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32013R0604
SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale - Public Digital Identity System): a digital identity (username and password) that you can use to access numerous online services of public administrations (INPS, Post Office, Internal Revenue Service). You will be able to use it to access online services of the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione - Sui) of the Ministry of the Interior, including applications for work authorisation for non-EU citizens; applications for family reunification; applications for conversion of residence permits; applications for admission to the Italian language knowledge test for the purpose of issuing the EC long-term residence permit.
For details and SPID application:
https://www.spid.gov.it/
https://www.spid.gov.it/richiedi-spid
