How a non-EU citizen can get a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) in Italy

This guide explains how a non-EU citizen can legally relocate to and live in Italy by obtaining a Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit).

Italy is known for its complex bureaucracy—don’t be discouraged by the many steps involved, the lack of digital forms, or the frequent requirement for your physical presence. This is simply how things work in Italy.

That said, the process is absolutely manageable and becomes much easier if you have the support of a good translator—or better yet, a local consultant.

1. Entry via Long‑Stay Visa (Type D)

Before you can apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno, you must first enter Italy with a long‑stay/Type D visa (e.g., for study, work, elective residence). Tourist visas or visa-free entries do not qualify you to apply for Permesso di Soggiorno and residency.

2. Apply Within 8 Businesses Days of Arrival

Once in Italy, you must apply for your Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days of entering the country in the Comune where you can have your residence. The relevant deadline is set by Italian immigration law.

3. Get the “Codice Fiscale”

Codice Fiscale is the Italian tax identification number (like a Social Security Number in the U.S. or a National Insurance Number in the UK). It’s used for all bureaucratic processes: renting a home, opening a bank account, access the Local Health Authority (ASL), getting a SIM card, and especially applying for your Permesso di Soggiorno.

The Codice Fiscale does not expire.

Option 1: Before arriving in Italy You can get your Codice Fiscale before arrival through the Italian Consulate in your home country. It is indeed a good practice to apply for the Codice Fiscale at the Italian consulate when applying for your long-stay visa.

Option 2: After Arrival - At the Agenzia delle Entrate (Tax Office/Revenue Agency) or Police Headquarters (Questura), State Police office.

If you’re already in Italy, go in person to the local Agenzia delle Entrate or a Questura to apply. It's free. The Immigration Desk will assign a provisional numerical tax code. When the residence permit is issued, the foreign national is then assigned the permanent one.

You’ll need to bring:

·        Your passport (with visa if required)

·        A copy of your passport (ID and visa page)

·        Your address in Italy (can be temporary)

·        A completed application form (they give it to you at the office or you can fill it there)

You will be issued:

·        A printed Codice Fiscale certificate (usually same-day)

·        Optionally, you can request a plastic card, but it’s no longer standard practice

4. Get and Prepare the Post Office “Kit”

a. Collect the Application Kit (Kit Giallo)

Visit a Poste Italiane with a Sportello Amico counter to pick up the free “Kit for the Request” — a yellowish envelope containing application forms:

·        Modulo 1,

·        possibly Modulo 2 for family/work scenarios,

·        Instructions and supporting tables, including:

o   Province codes (e.g., “Roma RM”)

o   Permit type codes

o   Country codes, issuing authority codes, etc.

These materials guide how to fill out the forms correctly—writing in block letters in black pen, inside the designated boxes, with a space between words

b. Fill the Kit & gather Documents

·        Complete the forms (or seek help from a Patronato for free assistance)

·        Prepare photocopies only (not originals) of required documents, including:

o   Passport (with visa),

o   Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code),

o   proof of health insurance,

o   proof of financial means (documentation specific to your visa type (e.g., enrollment letter, work contract).

o   proof of housing (e.g. signed rental contract, registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate; Declaration of Hospitality (Dichiarazione di Ospitalità)

·        Affix a €16 “marca da bollo” (revenue stamp from a tobacco shop) to the first page.

c. Pay Fees & Submit

At the post office, you’ll pay:

·        €30.46 (electronic permit fee)

·        €30 (postal service)

·        Additional administrative contribution based on duration:

o   €40 (≤1 year)

o   €50 (1–2 years)

o   €100 (long‑term or certain categories)

You'll be given a “ricevuta” (receipt), which serves as legal proof of your application and residence while waiting. You’ll also get the date of your Questura fingerprint appointment.

5. Attend the Questura (Police Headquarters) Appointment - Immigration desk.

On your scheduled date, visit the Questura’s Ufficio Immigrazione. Bring:

·        The receipt

·        Passport (original) + copies

·        Two passport‑size photos

·        All original documents and backup copies from your kit

·        Any missing documents you couldn’t submit earlier

Here, authorities will verify your paperwork, take your fingerprints, and may conduct a brief interview.

6. Processing Time & Permit Collection

Processing Delays

Legally, the permit should be issued within 60 days, but in reality, it often takes 3–6 months or more, depending on the city’s workload.

·        For example, Reddit users mention:“Getting it in 2‑3 months would be considered fast lol.” Reddit

·        “2–6 months for fingerprint appointment, then another 2–6 months for card.” Reddit

·        “In Florence renewing can take 16 months for an appointment.” Reddit

Track & Collect

You’ll either receive an SMS or check your status online (e.g., on Portale Immigrazione or Polizia di Stato portal) using your receipt’s file or tracking codes.

Once notified, collect your physical Permesso di Soggiorno at the Questura or authorized location.

7. After You'll Have the Permit

You may need to register at your Comune’s Ufficio Anagrafe (Registry Office) once you have your permit.

For renewals, apply starting 60 days before expiration. Keep in mind the same procedure applies, and backlogs may worsen timelines further.

At-a-Glance Summary

Step	When/Where	What to Do
1	Before arrival	Obtain relevant Type D visa from Italian consulate (study, work, etc.)
2	≤ 8 working days after arrival	Collect kit from Post office; prepare documentation
3	Italian Consulate	Italian tax identification number Codice Fiscale (like a Social Security Number in the U.S. or a National Insurance Number in the UK)
3	At Post office	Fill forms, attach €16 stamp, pay €30.46 + contribution fee
4	Same day	Get receipt (proof of legal stay) and Questura appointment
5	At Questura appointment	Fingerprinting, document verification, possible interview
6	Following weeks–months	Wait for permit; track status online; receive SMS
7	After ready	Collect physical permit; register at Comune if needed
8	Pre-expiry (~60 days)	Start renewal process to maintain legal status

Practical Tips

• Translation help: Questura staff and Post Office staff often speak only Italian. Bring someone who can translate to ease communication.

• Use a Patronato: They provide free assistance with form filling and navigating the process.

• Consider seeking support from a local consultant for both translation and practical assistance.

• Keep your ricevuta safe: It’s your only legal proof during processing and acceptable when you travel within the Schengen.

• Be patient: Processing backlogs are common, especially in major cities like Rome or Milan. If your case is delayed excessively (e.g., over 180 days), you may consider a formal sollecito via PEC email.

TL;DR

1. Enter Italy with a proper long‑stay visa.

2. Get the Codice Fiscale

3. Apply for Permesso di Soggiorno within 8 working days.

4. Get the application kit from the post office, fill it, submit it, and get a receipt.

5. Attend Questura appointment for fingerprints and document check.

6. Wait (possibly months), track online, then collect your permit.

7. Renew timely before it expires.