Residence Permits

A Permesso di Soggiorno or Residence Permit is required for all non-EU foreigners wanting to stay in Italy for more than 90 days (such as immigrants, workers on long-term contracts, exchange students and suchlike).

Since January 2007 EU citizens need to have a Residence Certificate (Certificato di residenza) instead.

If you are planning to come to Italy for short visits, business, tourism or study for a period not exceeding 3 months you are not required to apply for a residence permit. However, if you are a non-EU national and plan to come to Italy for a period exceeding three months, you must apply for a residence permit. If it is a first trip then the application must be made within 8 days.

Requirements:

• an application form which can be picked up from the Questura (police station)
• valid passport or any other equivalent travel document bearing an entry visa, if required
• a photocopy of your passport or another valid travel document bearing an entry visa, if required
• 4 recent and identical passport-size photographs
• a marca da bolla - special tax stamp (available for approximately €14.62 from tobacconists)

You may also need:

• documents supporting your request for the type of residence permit you are applying for
• a rental contract or other proof of accomodation
• proof of financial security; this can be a letter from your bank, a photocopy of your credit card, etc
• a contract of work or confirmation letter from university confirming a place

If you are already in Italy and your residence permit is close to its expiry date, you must apply for renewal at least:

• 90 days before expiry date if your residence permit is valid for 2 years
• 60 days before expiry date if your residence permit is valid for 1 year
• 30 days before expiry date in all other cases

The validity of your residence permit is the same as that indicated on your visa, i.e.:

• up to 6 months for seasonal work or up to 9 months for seasonal work in the specific sectors requiring this extension
• up to 1 year if you are attending a duly documented course of study or a vocational training course
• up to 2 years for self-employment, open-ended employment and family reunification

This page contains legal information which is provided 'as is' and does not constitute legal advice. For full details, see our Legal Disclaimer.

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