In brief: Residence Permit 2026
- Things: document that authorizes the foreigner to stay in Italy
- How to apply: Kit Postale at the post office with Sportello Amico
- Cost: from €100 (€30.46 postal orders + €70.46 + stamp duty)
- Times: 60-120 days (varies by city: Milan 90 days, Rome 120 days)
- 15 types: work, family, study, asylum, long-term EU residents and others
What is a Residence Permit?
The residence permit is the official document that allows non-EU citizens (not belonging to the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland) to legally reside in Italy for a specific period and for specific reasons. It is governed by the Legislative Decree 286/1998 (Consolidated Law on Immigration, known as TUI) and the related implementing regulation DPR 394/1999.
After regular entry into Italy with a valid entry visa, every non-EU citizen who wishes to stay for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. within 8 working days from his arrival. The document is issued by the Questura competent for the territory in which the foreigner resides.
Who must apply for a residence permit?
All non-EU citizens intending to stay in Italy for a period longer than 90 days are required to apply for a residence permit. excluded Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland, who have the right to free movement, are exempt from this obligation.
Difference between an entry visa and a residence permit
The entry visa It is issued by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin and authorizes entry into Italy. residence permit, instead, is issued by the Italian Questura and authorizes permanence on the national territory. The visa is the prerequisite for obtaining the permit: without a valid visa, in most cases, it is not possible to apply for a residence permit (except exceptions for international protection and other special cases).
How do you apply for a residence permit?
The process for obtaining a residence permit involves two main steps. It's essential to follow each step carefully to avoid delays or rejection of your application.
1. Presentation of Kit Postale
Go to an authorized post office ("Amico" counter) and collect the Kit Postale Free. The kit contains the forms to complete for the application (Form 1 for the first application, Form 2 for renewal). Once completed, submit it to the same counter. Government costs are: payment slip for PdS production (€30.46) + fee based on the duration of the permit (from €40 to €100), shipping (€30.00), and revenue stamp (€16.00, exempt for minors, updates, conversions, and duplicates). You must show up in person with the passport for identification and deliver the envelope open. The forms must be signed.
With ImmigraFacile you can fill out the Kit Postale online: the system automatically pre-fills the forms with your data, reducing transcription errors to zero.
2. Appointment in Questura
After sending the kit, you will receive an SMS or a registered letter with the appointment date in Questura for the photo-signaling (fingerprint and photo identification). Bring all original documents with you. If your Questura It is particularly crowded, the waiting times can be long: consult our guides for Questura Milan, Questura Turin, Questura Naples, Questura Bologna And Questura Florence.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or equivalent document with entry visa
- 4 color passport photos (45x35 mm, white background)
- Tax ID code
- Documentation relating to the reason for your stay (employment contract, university enrollment, etc.)
- Certificate of suitability for housing or rental agreement
- Receipt of payment of the postal order
- €16.00 stamp duty
You can also check the status of your application at any time via our guide on How to check your residence permit online.
What are the types of residence permits?
There are different types of permits, each linked to a specific reason for staying. The type determines the duration, associated rights, and the possibility of renewal or conversion.
For those with an employment contract. Requires the nulla osta from the Prefecture via Decreto Flussi. validity: up to 2 years.
For entrepreneurs and freelancers who meet income requirements. Duration: up to 2 years.
For reunion with family members residing in Italy. Duration: up to 2 years.
For students enrolled in training courses or universities. Duration: 1 year, renewable.
For those who have lost their jobs. Duration: at least 1 year or until the remaining duration of the NASPI benefit.
For those who have resided in Italy for at least 5 years. Requires an A2 Italian language test and adequate income. Duration: unlimited.
For those unable to return to their country of origin due to the risk of persecution or violation of fundamental rights. Duration: 2 years.
For those requiring essential medical care in Italy that isn't available in their home country. Duration varies.
How much does a residence permit cost in 2026?
The cost of a residence permit in 2026 is made up of several mandatory items. Here's a complete summary:
| Cost item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Postal bulletin (electronic PdS) | €30,46 | Mandatory for everyone |
| residence permit contribution | €40 - €100 | €40 (up to 1 year), €50 (1-2 years), €100 (EU long-term) |
| Shipping Kit Postale | €30,00 | Payment at the post office counter |
| Revenue stamp | €16,00 | Exempt for minors, update, conversion, duplicate |
| Indicative total | €116,46 - €176,46 | Depending on the type and duration |
issuance times by city
I issuance times They vary greatly depending on the competent Questura. Here are the indicative average times in 2026:
| City | Average times | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 30 - 60 days | Among the fastest Questure in Italy |
| Turin | 45 - 90 days | Times in line with the national average |
| Florence | 45 - 90 days | Times in line with the national average |
| Milan | 60 - 120 days | High turnout, longer waiting times |
| Naples | 60 - 150 days | Strong variability by typology |
| Rome | 90 - 180 days | Questura most crowded in Italy |
While waiting, the postal receipt It serves as a temporary document that allows you to reside and work legally in Italy. You can monitor the status of your application through the guide. check your residence permit online.
Electronic Residence Permit (PSE)
Since 2006, the residence permit has been issued in electronic format (PSE), a polycarbonate paper Similar to an electronic ID card, the document contains a microchip with the holder's biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and information about their stay.
What does PSE contain?
- Personal data: name, surname, date and place of birth, citizenship
- Photograph And digital signature
- Permit Type: Reason for stay (work, study, family, etc.)
- Validity: release date and expiration date
- Questura that issued the document
- Microchip: encrypted fingerprints and biometric data
How to collect the electronic permit
Once Questura has completed processing your application, you will receive a SMS to the number indicated in the application with an invitation to present yourself for collection. You must go in person to Questura with a valid ID. In some Questure it is possible book your appointment online via the Prenota Facile system.
How do you renew your residence permit?
The renewal of residence permit must be requested at least 60 days before the deadline and in any case no later than 60 days after the deadline. The procedure is similar to the first request and takes place through the Kit Postale at authorized post offices.
When to renew
- Permit for employee work: at least 60 days before the expiry date, presenting the current employment contract
- Study permit: before the deadline, with enrollment in the new academic year and proof of means of support
- Permission for family reasons: before the deadline, demonstrating the permanence of the family bond
What happens if the permit expires?
If you submit the renewal application within the required timeframe (within 60 days of the expiry date), the postal receipt It allows you to continue to reside and work regularly in Italy while waiting for a new permit. However, if you exceed 60 days from the expiration date without submitting an application, you risk finding yourself in a situation of irregularity.
How do I convert my residence permit?
Under certain circumstances, it is possible to convert a residence permit from one type to another without having to return to your country of origin. The most common conversions are:
From study to work
Holders of a study permit who have obtained a qualification in Italy (bachelor's, master's, doctorate) or who have found employment can request conversion to a permit for subordinate or self-employed work. Conversion falls under the following conditions: annual fees of the Decreto Flussi, with exceptions for graduates of Italian universities.
From seasonal to employee work
The holder of a seasonal work permit who, after at least one year of regular seasonal work, finds non-seasonal employment can request a conversion. This operation is also subject to the Decreto Flussi quotas.
From family to work
The permit for family reasons It already allows you to work. However, it can be converted into a work permit to make you independent from your dependent family member. Conversion does not require meeting quotas.
Documents for conversion
The application is submitted in Questura and requires: a valid residence permit, employment contract or documentation relating to the new type, Tax ID code, housing eligibility and proof of adequate income.
What happens if the residence permit expires?
If your residence permit has expired, it is essential to act quickly. Italian law provides for a 60-day grace period from the deadline for submitting an application for renewal.
Consequences of an expired permit
- Within 60 days of expiration: You can still apply for renewal without any consequences. The receipt serves as a provisional document.
- More than 60 days after expiration: you are in a position to irregularityYou can't work legally, you risk a deportation order, and you lose access to many services.
- Expulsion: The Prefect can issue an expulsion decree requiring the individual to leave Italy within 7-15 days, or in more serious cases, requiring them to be escorted to the border.
How to regularize your situation
If you find yourself in an irregular situation, the options are limited but they exist. In case of amnesty, you can apply for regularization. In other cases, you may be entitled to a permit for humanitarian reasons, medical treatment or social protection. One specialized legal advice It is essential to evaluate your financial situation.
The renewal application receipt is a very important document: it allows you to keep working, access healthcare services, and reside legally while awaiting a new permit. Employers can check its validity on the Immigration Portal.
What is the minimum income for a 2026 residence permit?
For some types of permits, the law requires proof of a minimum income Adequate to support the applicant and their dependents. The reference parameter is the annual amount of the INPS social security benefit.
Reference amounts 2026
| Core composition | Minimum annual income | Monthly income |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant only | €6.947,33 | €534.41/month |
| Applicant + 1 family member | €9.259,77 | €712.29/month |
| Applicant + 2 family members | €11.572,21 | €890.17/month |
| Applicant + 3 family members | €13.884,66 | €1,068.05/month |
| Applicant + 4 or more family members | €13,884.66 + €2,312.44 per family member | Proportional calculation |
The minimum income is calculated by multiplying the social security benefit (€6,947.33 in 2026) by the number of family members, with increasing coefficients: 1x for the applicant, 1.33x with 1 family member, 1.67x with 2 family members, 2x with 3 family members.
When is minimum income needed?
- EU residence permit for residents of long term: income at least equal to the social security benefit
- Family reunification: income proportional to the number of family members to be reunited
- Renewal for work: proof of income from work
- Conversion from study to work: employment contract with adequate remuneration
Integration Agreement
The Integration Agreement, introduced by Presidential Decree 179/2011, is an agreement between the Italian government and foreign citizens applying for a residence permit for the first time for a period of one year or more. It is mandatory for all non-EU citizens over the age of 16 entering Italy for the first time.
How the points system works
At the time of signing, the foreigner receives 16 creditsThe goal is to achieve at least 30 credits within 2 years. Credits are obtained with:
- Knowledge of the Italian language: up to 10 credits (level A1 = 4, A2 = 10)
- Knowledge of civic culture: up to 12 credits for participation in courses
- Children's educational background: up to 4 credits for each child enrolled in school
- Volunteer activities: up to 4 credits
- Qualification obtained in Italy: up to 10 credits
- Registration at system SPID: facilitates access to PA digital services
Consequences of credit loss
If at the final exam (after 2 years) the score is less than 30 credits A one-year extension is possible. If the score remains insufficient even after the extension, the Agreement is declared void. defaulter The foreigner loses the right to renew their residence permit, potentially resulting in expulsion. Criminal convictions result in automatic credit deductions (up to 25 for serious crimes).
Warning: The most common mistakes cost months
Even a single incorrectly filled-in field, a missing document or a missed deadline can make reject your application — with months of delay and additional costs to resubmit it.
With ImmigraFacile this does not happen:
Frequently Asked Questions
You can check the status of your residence permit online by connecting to the Polizia di Stato website (Questure.poliziadistato.it) or the Immigration Portal. Enter your application number and the insurance code found on your postal receipt. Alternatively, you can call the toll-free number 800.309.309.
The residence permit must be applied for within 8 working days of entering Italy. For renewal, the application must be submitted at least 60 days before the permit expires and no later than 60 days after its expiration.
A residence permit is a document issued by the Questura that authorizes a non-EU citizen to legally reside in Italy. It contains personal information, the type, duration, and conditions of stay.
The EU residence permit for long-term residents (formerly "residence permit") is valid indefinitely. It can be applied for after at least five years of legal and continuous residence in Italy, demonstrating adequate income, and passing an Italian language test at level A2.
After photo-registration in Questura (fingerprinting), the issuance of the electronic permit varies from 30 to 90 days on average, depending on the workload of the competent Questura. In some cities, such as Milan and Rome, the waiting time may be longer.
The SMS notifying you that your permit is ready for collection is sent by Questura once the application has been processed. There is no standard timeframe: it can arrive anywhere from a few weeks to several months after the application. You can check the status online in the meantime.
The total cost of the residence permit in 2026 includes: postal payment for the electronic permit (€30.46), a fee ranging from €40 to €100 depending on the duration, postage (€30.00), and a revenue stamp (€16.00). The total varies from approximately €116 to €176. Minors and certain categories of persons are exempt from the revenue stamp.
Yes, the postal receipt for the application for the issuance or renewal of a residence permit allows you to work in Italy. Employers can check its validity on the Immigration Portal. This also applies during the permit conversion process.
With an EU long-term residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days. With an ordinary permit, however, you may need a Schengen visa to travel to other countries in the area. Always check with the consulate of the destination country.
If the permit expires, you have 60 days to apply for a new one. renewalBeyond this deadline, you risk finding yourself in an irregular situation that could lead to deportation. If you submitted your renewal application within the deadline, the postal receipt allows you to stay and work regularly while waiting for your new permit.
The residence permit has a limited duration (1 to 2 years) and must be renewed periodically. The "residence card," now called the "EU long-term residence permit," has an unlimited duration and is obtained after at least 5 years of continuous legal residence, adequate income, and passing the A2 Italian language test.
To convert a permit from study to employment, you need: an employment contract or job offer, an adequate annual income, and the submission of an application to the competent Questura. The conversion is included in the quotas of the Decreto Flussi annually, with exceptions for graduates in Italy.
The Italian language test (A2 level) is mandatory only for obtaining an EU long-term residence permit (formerly the residence card). It is not required for the issuance or renewal of an ordinary residence permit. The test is administered at the CPIA (Provincial Centers for Adult Education).
Foreign minors up to the age of 14 are registered on the residence permit of their parent or guardian. From age 14 onwards, minors can obtain their own residence permit for family reasons. Unaccompanied minors receive a permit for minors, which can be converted upon reaching the age of 18.
Times vary significantly by city: Milan 60-120 days, Rome 90-180 days, Turin 45-90 days, Naples 60-150 days, Bologna 30-60 days, Florence 45-90 days. These are indicative average times that may vary based on the Questura workload and the type of permit requested.
In special cases, it is possible to request a permit without an entry visa: birth in Italy to legal foreign parents, application for international or scial protection, regularization during a regularization program, and serious health reasons that prevent repatriation. In all other cases, an entry visa is a mandatory requirement.