Migration questions Italy

Temporary Residence Permit

A residence permit in Italy is necessary for legally residing in the country for more than 90 days.

Types of Residence Permits

Work: Issued for the duration of the employment contract, but not more than two years. Requires an employment contract from an Italian employer confirming employment, and a company registration document in Italy.

Study: Issued for the duration of studies with the possibility of extension. Students can work up to 20 hours a week. Requires confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution, health insurance, and proof of financial means.

Family Reunification: For reunification with relatives residing in Italy. Issued for a period of up to two years. Requires proof of relationship and financial support, as well as health insurance.

Seasonal Work: For seasonal workers, issued for up to 9 months. Requires a job offer from an employer registered in Italy.

Required Documents

- Passport: Copy of all passport pages.

- Health Insurance: A policy valid in Italy.

- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, income certificates.

- Proof of Residence: Rental agreement or proof of ownership.

- Marca da Bollo: Costing 16 euros, required for application submission.

 

Processing Time for Residence Permit Application

The application review takes about 60 days, but the process may extend up to 90 days. During the review period, you may legally stay in Italy based on the receipt of application submission.

Important Details:

Validity of Residence Permit: The validity depends on the type of visa and can range from a few months to two years. It's important to remember timely renewal.

Resident Rights: The residence permit grants the right to stay, work (if allowed by your type of visa), and access to the healthcare and educational system.

Other Obligations: Residents are required to register with tax authorities, obtain a tax code, and comply with local laws.

Permanent Residence Permit 

 

Conditions for obtaining:

- Continuous residence in Italy for 5 years based on a temporary residence permit.

- Proof of stable income and housing availability.

- Knowledge of the Italian language at level A2 or higher.

 

Documents:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport and a copy of all pages.

- Documents proving legal residence for 5 years.

- Proof of income and housing.

- Certificate of Italian language proficiency (level A2 or higher).

 

Advantages:

- The right to permanent residence and work in Italy.

- Access to social services on par with Italian citizens.

- Opportunity to move and work in other EU countries.

The process for submitting documents for a residence permit in Italy involves several steps:

1. Preparing to submit the application

Obtaining a visa: Before entering Italy, you must obtain a visa at the Italian consulate in your country. The visa should correspond to the purpose of your stay (work, study, family reunification, etc.).

Arrival in Italy: After arriving in Italy, you have 8 business days to submit your residence permit application.

2. Obtaining the document package

Visiting a post office: Obtain a document package for the residence permit application. It includes a form and instructions for filling it out.

Completing the forms: The form must be completed in Italian. If you do not speak the language, it is recommended to use a translator's services.

3. Gathering necessary documents and submitting

Visiting a post office: Submit the completed forms and necessary documents at Sportello Amico. Do not seal the envelope, as postal staff will check your passport and documents.

Payment of fees: Pay the application submission fee (approximately 30-46 euros) and additional fees depending on the type and duration of the residence permit.

4. Waiting for the invitation

Receiving a receipt: After submitting the application, you will receive a receipt confirming the submission and the date to appear at Questura for fingerprinting.

5. Appearing in Questura:

On the appointed day, visit Questura, where your fingerprints will be taken and the original documents checked. You will then receive information about the current status of your application and the date for receiving the residence permit card.

6. Obtaining a Residence Permit

Obtaining the Card: After the approval of your application, you will be issued a residence permit, which must be collected at the Questura. The collection times may vary, but it usually takes a few weeks.

 

Be sure to check the current requirements and instructions on official websites to avoid mistakes and delays.

Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) have the right to free movement and residence in Italy without the need for a visa or residence permit. However, for long-term stay and work in Italy, certain formalities must be observed.

Entry and Short-Term Stay (up to 90 days): EU and EEA citizens may enter Italy with a valid passport or national ID card. No visa is required for entry. 

Long-Term Stay (more than 90 days): EU and EEA citizens planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must register at the local Anagrafe office in the municipality of residence.

For registration, proof of residence (rental agreement or ownership documents), financial stability, and health insurance must be provided.

Work: EU and EEA citizens have the right to work in Italy without the need for a work permit. The employer must arrange a standard employment contract, register you in the social security system, and pay all relevant taxes and contributions.

Long-Term Residence Permit

Permanent Residence: After continuous residence in Italy for 5 years, EU and EEA citizens may apply for a permanent residence permit. This document provides the right to long-term residence and work in Italy under the same conditions as Italian citizens.

For citizens of non-EU countries, the rules for staying and working in Italy are more complex compared to EU and EEA citizens. 

Entry and Short-Term Stay (up to 90 days): For citizens of non-EU countries, a visa is required to enter Italy. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the stay (tourism, work, study, business trip, etc.). Upon entering Italy, you must have a valid passport and visa, as well as proof of the purpose of the trip (such as an invitation, hotel booking).

Long-term stay (more than 90 days): a residence permit is required.

Benefits of a residence permit: A residence permit grants the right to reside and work in Italy, access to public services including healthcare and education. It is also possible to obtain the right to permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence.

Renewing a residence permit in Italy requires following certain deadlines and submitting the appropriate documents. This process should be started in advance to avoid violating legal residency.

When to apply

Application deadline: The application for renewal of the residence permit must be submitted 60 days before the expiration of the current document. If your residence permit is issued for two years, the application is submitted 90 days before expiration, and if for one year – 60 days.

Where to apply

Local Police Department (Questura): The application is submitted to the Questura according to your place of residence. It is also possible to apply through postal offices.

Required documents:

- Completed application form: Available at the Questura or at the postal office.

- Valid passport and copies of all pages.

- Copy of the current residence permit.

- 4 passport-sized photographs.

- Copy of the tax code.

- Marca da Bollo worth 16 euros (purchased at a tobacco kiosk).

- Receipt of payment for the issuance fee of the new residence permit (payment is made at the post office).

Additional documents

For students: Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution and passing exams.

For workers: Employment contract and proof of sufficient financial means.

Application process: Fill out the application form and gather all necessary documents. Submit the application at the postal office, where your documents will be checked and an appointment at the Questura will be scheduled. The receipt obtained will serve as a temporary residence permit until the new document is received.

Attendance at the Questura: On the appointed day, visit the Questura for fingerprinting and submission of original documents. The review of the application for renewal usually takes about 60 days. During this time, the receipt of the application serves as temporary confirmation of your legal stay in Italy.

Renewing a residence permit is a mandatory step for those who plan to continue living in Italy after the expiration of the current document.

Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for anyone planning to reside in Italy. Depending on your status (EU or non-EU citizen, tourist, student, worker) and the duration of your stay, the process for obtaining it may vary.

1. For EU and EEA citizens

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): Allows you to receive emergency medical care in Italy under the same conditions as Italian citizens. The EHIC covers emergencies like injuries or sudden illnesses.

Registration with the Italian National Health Service (SSN): For long-term stays (over 90 days), it is recommended to register with the SSN. Registration provides access to a broader range of medical services, including specialist consultations, hospitalization, and vaccinations.

2. For non-EU citizens

Students and long-stay visa holders:

Documents for registration: Passport, long-stay visa, proof of financial means, proof of residence (rental agreement or other document).

Registration process: Visit the local office of the National Health Service and provide the necessary documents. After registration, you will receive an SSN card, granting access to medical services under the same conditions as Italian citizens.

Workers and individuals with family visas:

Mandatory registration with the SSN: Individuals working in Italy or holding a residence permit for family reasons are required to register with the SSN.

Documents: Residence permit, proof of employment (contract) or family ties, tax code.

Private health insurance: If you plan a short-term stay, such as a tourist trip, or are not eligible for registration with the SSN, it is recommended to have private health insurance. The minimum coverage amount should be 30,000 euros and include emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Popular insurance companies: Allianz, Generali, UnipolSai, and others offer policies tailored to the visa requirements for entering Italy.

STP System: This system is designed for individuals temporarily staying in Italy who are unable to obtain regular insurance. The STP system provides access to emergency medical care and basic medical services for up to 6 months.

Obtaining Italian citizenship is possible through several methods, each with its own requirements and procedures. Depending on your status and origin, you may be eligible for citizenship based on the following grounds:

Citizenship by descent

Main requirements: If you have Italian ancestors, you may be eligible for citizenship. You need to prove your relation to the Italian ancestor and confirm that they did not renounce Italian citizenship.

Procedure: The application is submitted through the Italian consulate abroad or through local authorities in Italy. Documents proving ancestry and the ancestor's citizenship are required.

Citizenship through naturalization

Period of residence: Non-EU citizens can apply for naturalization after 10 years of continuous legal residence in Italy. For EU citizens, this period is reduced to 4 years.

Required documents: A valid residence permit, proof of income and residence, a certificate of Italian language proficiency at level B1.

Language requirements: The certificate must be issued by one of the accredited organizations, such as the Dante Alighieri Society or the University for Foreigners in Siena.

Citizenship through marriage

Application timing: Foreign nationals married to an Italian citizen can apply for citizenship 2 years after the wedding if residing in Italy, and 3 years if residing abroad. These times are halved if there are common children.

Procedure: Registration on the Ministry of Interior portal and submission of the application with the necessary documents, including the marriage certificate and residence permit.

Citizenship through investment

Main Requirements: Italy provides the opportunity to obtain citizenship through investment. This process begins with obtaining resident status based on significant financial investments in the country's economy.

Possible Investments: Purchase of real estate, investments in Italian companies, support for cultural or research projects.

Procedure: Applying for citizenship through investment includes verifying the legality of the origin of funds and confirming the fulfillment of all necessary conditions.

Citizens with a temporary residence permit in Italy can leave and return to the country, but must comply with certain rules and conditions:

Travel within the Schengen Zone: If you are awaiting the issuance of your first Italian residence permit and you have a valid national visa (type D), you can travel within the Schengen Zone. When crossing the border, you must present: a valid passport; a visa (type D); a receipt for the residence permit application (received at the post office).

Returning to Italy: You can return to Italy from any point in the Schengen Zone with the above-mentioned documents.

Residence permit renewal

Travel within the Schengen Zone: If you are awaiting the renewal of your residence permit and have an expired residence permit, you cannot travel within the Schengen Zone.

Returning to Italy: If necessary, leaving Italy and returning is possible only with a direct flight from your country to Italy. When crossing the border, you must present: a valid passport; an expired residence permit; a receipt for the residence permit renewal application.

A refusal of a residence permit can be disappointing, but there are clear procedures for filing an appeal.

Analyzing the reasons for refusal

Refusal letter: First of all, carefully study the refusal letter to understand the reasons why your application was rejected.

Common reasons for rejection: Lack of documents, non-compliance with requirements, lack of evidence of financial solvency, issues with previous immigration statuses.

Submitting an appeal

Submission deadline: The appeal must be submitted to the administrative court within 60 days from the date of receiving the rejection notice. In the case of a family-related rejection, the appeal is submitted to a regular court.

Contacting a lawyer: You will need an Italian lawyer to submit the appeal, as it must be filed through legal representation. This is an important step, as the lawyer will help you properly file all documents and present your case in court.

Preparing documents

Required documents: A copy of the rejection letter, documents supporting your grounds for obtaining a residence permit, additional evidence rectifying the indicated reasons for rejection.

Preparing the appeal: The lawyer will help gather necessary evidence and prepare arguments to defend your case in court.

Waiting for the court's decision

Review timelines: The appeal review process may take several months. During this period, it is important to follow all instructions from your lawyer and provide additional documents as required by the court.

Results: In the event of a positive outcome, your application will be approved, and you will receive a residence permit. In the case of a rejection, it may be possible to file another appeal or use other legal means.

Translators may be necessary at every stage of immigration procedures in Italy, especially if you do not have sufficient proficiency in the Italian language.

Translation of official documents

Translation of certificates and diplomas: Italian immigration authorities require translation of documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, diplomas, and other official papers into Italian. Translations must be completed by certified translators, and in some cases, legalization or apostille may be required.

Legalization of translations: For some documents, it is necessary to carry out the translation legalization procedure so that it is recognized as valid in Italy.

Legal Consultations:

Submitting Applications: When submitting applications for residence permits, citizenship, or other legal procedures, it's especially important to fully understand all requirements and conditions. A translator can help you fill out forms and explain all legal nuances to avoid errors.

Legal Assistance: In case of filing an appeal or participating in legal proceedings, a translator will help you correctly interpret legal terms and ensure the protection of your rights.

Court Proceedings

Court Hearings: If you need to participate in legal proceedings (for example, in the case of a residence permit denial), a translator will ensure the correct translation of legal documents and your statements in court.

How to Find a Translator

Translation Agencies: In Italy, there are many agencies offering translation services for immigration purposes. These agencies often work with certified translators who can provide translations meeting the requirements of immigration authorities.

Consulates and Embassies: Many Italian consulates and embassies have lists of recommended translators with the necessary qualifications for official translations.

Law Firms: Law firms specializing in immigration law often collaborate with professional translators and can offer comprehensive services, including document translation and legalization.

Online Platforms: There are online platforms, such as TranslatorsCafe and ProZ, where you can find qualified translators for your tasks. These platforms allow you to select a translator based on specialization and work experience.

Using the services of a professional translator will help you avoid misunderstandings and delays in the document submission and immigration status attainment process in Italy.