Il permesso di soggiorno – The Stay Permit
The permesso di soggiorno is essential for stays of longer than 90 days.
If you decide to move to Italy, or if you plan a long-term sabbatical, you will need to have a permesso di soggiorno, a stay permit. I just received my third renewal, and I am working towards having a carta di soggiorno, a permit for a longer stay. My understanding is the carta is only available after five years of residency, so I still have some time before I can make that application.
If you’ve done your research about living in Italy, hopefully you will have learned that it’s all doable. However, I hope your research has taught you that you will need to have an ample helping of patience in the process. Many Americans, in my experience, are used to things happening at the snap of their fingers, and with greater predictability. If you are married to this way of thinking or to those expectations, I recommend you stay in the U.S. and only plan for short stays.
It’s complicated…or it can be complicated. Let me explain.
The most daunting part of the process is FIRST getting your visa from the Italian consulate. The hurdles can be significant, depending on your individual scenario. For instance, if you communicate to the Italian consulate of your jurisdiction that you are planning to move to Italy for the rest of your life, be prepared for much greater scrutiny, and be prepared to demonstrate that you have either a). A solid job with a company in Italy (and the documentation attesting to this) or b). Sufficient means of income, or money in the bank, to cover you for the rest of your life. Regardless of your plan, you will receive (at most) a visa of a year’s duration. Yes, whether you plan to move here for the rest of your life, or whether you plan to take a two-year sabbatical, you will receive a visa of the same duration. My advice? Unless you are certain you plan to live here for the rest of your life, set this up as a “test drive” and communicate in kind with the Italian consulate. Otherwise, be prepared to clear a higher set of hurdles.
Once you have your Italian visa in your U.S. passport, it becomes a different story. By that, I mean the visa gets you into Italy with some “runway” to work things out with the questura, or the local immigration police. Here’s the process as I understand it*:
Once you have “landed” you must make sure your passport is stamped adjacent to your visa to indicate your entry into the country. Otherwise, you will need to visit the local questura to announce your presence/arrival into Italy.
Within a couple of weeks (be sure to ascertain the timing, but err on the side of shorter, not longer) submit your application for a permesso di soggiorno. Here in Umbria, I was directed to utilize the service of a local union, where they fill out your application, without charge, and they deliver a computer printout with instructions on paying your bollo (tax stamp) and submitting your application at the post office, where you will pay additional fees. All in, I think I paid around $150 for the application.
There are several designations regarding the type of application for a permesso di soggiorno. Many people apply for a work permit, and that is a specific “animal” with specific requirements. You can apply for a permesso di soggiorno per residenza elettiva, which is a residency permit saying you will reside here without working – or without working here for a company in the traditional sense. Basically, it means you are retiring here, and not working in a way that takes work/opportunity away from an Italian citizen. Regardless, it is incumbent upon you to research and determine the type of stay permit you wish to receive, and the rules and regulations pertaining to each type of permit. Then, you proceed accordingly.
For me, I completed my application, which meant supplying:
– Copies of all pages of my passport which have a). Basic information. b). Pages that have been stamped.
– A document proving I have health insurance coverage.
– Financial proof of viability (bank statements, pension statements or social security statements if that applies to you)
– Proof of residence or ownership of a house. Either a lease agreement or document showing ownership of a house along with a certificato di agibilità, which certifies you are living in a house that passes the housing codes/standards.
I understand, from other people, that also you can complete the application online, but I prefer to work with the union, so that I have assurance from another set of eyes looking at my application.
At the post office, once you submit the application and the bollo, you will be assigned an appointment with the questura (immigration police). Be sure to make this date, where you will be finger-printed, and asked questions regarding any missing or questionable information.
Then, be prepared to wait. The first time I submitted my application, it took 3 1/2 months to receive my actual permesso. This was difficult, because for other things (like purchasing a car), the post office receipt was not deemed sufficient. In subsequent years, the receipt for renewal was said to be sufficient.
I’ve heard varying stories about applying for the national healthcare plan. I wasn’t able to do it until I had my first permesso, and after I also had my residency card from the commune.
The second year, my permesso took almost 4 months. This year it was over 4 months, which speaks to the backlog and workload of the questura.
Now, to complicate matters further, there is an “integration agreement” you sign when you first apply for a permesso di soggiorno. This details a point system you must follow and meet upon your third year of residency. You are required to have at least 30 points, which includes points for ascertaining/certification you can speak at an A2 level of the Italian language, and ascertaining you have passed a sufficient civic knowledge of life in Italy.
I was told, not only by other people who have lived here for several years, but also by the questura, that this additional criteria would not be tested unless I was applying for a longer stay permit. Wrong. This week I received a letter from the immigration office in Perugia to begin supplying documentation to begin tallying to point requirement. Yesterday, I visited the office, and submitted the documents. The biggie is the language certification. I took an official A2 certification test in Rome in early June, yet my results will not be registered until September. I’m sure all will be well, but it’s just a pain to be following all of the steps to make sure I am following protocol.
Don’t be discouraged. Just understand the different possible scenarios. Italy can be unpredictable. My strategy is planning for all the all possibilities.
At this point, I feel compelled to point out that there are many people living here in Italy while “skating” under the radar for certain requirements (like driver’s license, medical insurance, etc.). I admire them for their courage, but I’m a person who likes to be more “precise”, and I’m also a person who doesn’t want to be jettisoned from the country for not following certain protocol – and then being barred from re-entry – not only to Italy but to the EU. We all make our own choices. I prefer to sleep well at night, knowing I am doing my best to follow the guidelines.
Hi!!! 🙂 When you write “Here in Umbria, I was directed to utilize the service of a local union, where they fill out your application, without charge”. I don’t understand where di you go and what’s the name of this service in italian o who provides this service. Could you give more information please. I fill by myself my first application for the permesso di soggiorno but I will have to do it again so I don’t want to do it wrong. Thank you so much.
Hi, Abdi. When I was a resident in Umbria, and went for my yearly permesso renewal, I went to the CISL office in Citta di Castello (located behind the Eurospin on the south side of town). If memory serves me correctly, Wednesday morning was the designated day when a very nice fellow name Abdul, was available to do the permesso application on his computer. I’d arrive at 9 a.m.or earlier to be front of the queue. He’d then ensure all necessary documents were in order, and then he’d put them all in a folder affixed to the application. The big thing for me, in preparation, was making sure I’d made copies of all my stamped passport pages. Usually, after 20-30 minutes, Abdul would hand me my application, and give me instructions for the bollo that needed to be paid as well as the form used for paying the permesso fee at the post office. Pretty tidy process, and a free service.
I don’t know where you are located in Umbria, but I’d see if there is a local CILS union office, and stop by to see if they have this service and on which day it’s offered.
Also, the last couple of years I made my application there I was required to have a certificato di residenza in order for the application to be complete. And, my permesso processing times were progressively longer, so I kept backing up my renewal date by several weeks each year.
Hope all this helps! Jed
Hello Jed,
I have been a resident in Sicily since 2010. I have a Permesso Di Soggiorno Elettiva. I have a Casa Vacanza and have been renting my house and paying taxes since 2015.
I am of Italian decent. My mother’s parents were born in Italy, but she was born before 1948. I assume my grandfather renounced as he joined the US military when he was quite young.
Can I legally rent my house (Which is fully regulated) with a PDS Elective? or do I need a different type of Permesso i.e. Permesso di Lavoro?
Or should I instead apply for the 5 year Permesso?
Or should I just go for Citizenship?
I am 54 and pay about 8,000 a year in taxes on my house rental?
I wish I had found your site 10 years ago!
Thank you!
Paul
Salve Paul, Lucky you to be in Sicily. I’ve only been once, but I loved it. My understanding is that the permesso di soggiorno elettiva says you won’t work, but it doesn’t say you can’t rent. Since you’re already paying significant taxes, I’m assuming that you set up a partita IVA through your commercialista. According to a couple of people I’ve talked to, if the property is designated as a B&B, and the annual income is under a certain amount (a few thousand euros, I don’t remember exactly), you’re not obliged to pay taxes But, you’re well above that. The only legality might be registering the house as a rental (I’m not familiar with those requirements in your area).
As for citizenship, my understanding is that your first have to apply for the carta di soggiorno (permanent residency) which is good for five years (renewable permanently at the end of that time). You might be able to apply for citizenship after you’ve been in Italy for ten full years. I just converted to the carta di soggiorno for family reasons (my spouse is Italian), and the path is easier for me. I can apply for citizenship in two years. I’m leaning towards getting the citizenship. I think, having the Italian passport will make some of my travel easier (I’m dying to go to Cuba). I’m also a bit nervous as to what, if any restrictions, may end up being applied to those traveling on a US passport. Time will tell.
If your grandmother didn’t renounce her Italian citizenship before 1948, then that is certainly a path towards citizenship, sooner than later. But, from hearing people’s experiences, that route can be tedious (at least people trying to do it while living in the U.S., maybe it’s easier here in Italy).
So, I hope this is helpful in some small way. I’m not the expert on all this, but I’ve certainly come across these issues – either directly or indirectly.
Don’t hesitate to write if you have further questions. And, please keep me posted. Best, Jed
Wow Jed! You are a wild man!
Thank you so much for your quick response.
I have been getting conflicting information. My commercialista has recommended I do not go for partita IVA. Partita IVA would save me money at the moment, but I have heard it is much more complicated and the tax rate would likely change to a higher rate in the future. I believe there are many more regulations/complications, as you are well aware in Italy, sometimes it is worth paying extra for a process less bureaucratic! I am paying a flat 21% on a “location rental” I forget the Italian name for it (unfortunately it is without the possibility of deductions).
I heard years ago that if you have Italian grandparents (even if they renounced their Italian citizenship) you are entitled to “APPLY” for citizenship after 3 years of residency. (Applying does not guarantee getting citizenship). People without Italian blood have to wait 10 years.
I will have my friend call the Questura to see if he can get a definitive answer (Which I will share with you). Somehow I think the word “definitive” should never be used in describing anything Italian!
Grazie per la assistenza
A presto! Paul
Grazie Paul! You’re helping me build my education in these matters. Sounds as though you’ve already navigated the best, and least angst-producing path on the rental. I look forward to hearing back from you about what you hear from the questura. In bocca al lupo! Jed
I reside in Italy, please Can I travel to africa by flight, with my 6 months permesso di soggiorno, carta didentita and my passport? Please help me I want to know, thanks
Dear Kobina, Are you a US citizen? If so, outside of Italy your permesso di soggiorno and carta di residenza won’t help you. You may be asked for your permesso when you are re-entering Italy, along with your US passport. Otherwise, depending on your destination in Africa, you may need an tourist visa (many countries require them of US citizens). This link to an article on USA Today maybe be of use to determine the particulars of your journey. You might have to contact the consulate of the country you intend to visit to get the tourist visa. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/countries-require-travel-visas-us-61477.html
I hope all works out!
Jed
Hi Jed, I am hoping to have grande vacanza in Rome and am thinking about applying for ‘retirement visa’.
I understand I have to supply bank statements and etc.. to Italian consulate but when I send ‘kit’ from a post office in Italy, apart from application form, what else do I have to send ? And what documents do I have to take when I go to immigration police ? Also, do you know any organisation I can go to get any help/ assistance for filling the form etc in Rome like you were assisted by ‘Union’ ?
Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
Salve Angela, Many of the same documents (from your visa application) will be required to accompany your “kit” that you send from the post office. However, you won’t need six months of statements as is required when applying for your visa at the consulate. The most recent account summaries (including pension or social security) should suffice (I printed them out from my online statements – and usually just the page showing the big picture). You’ll need a copy of your insurance card docs showing coverage overall coverage details in line with your visa dates, copies of your main passport page, and copies of every page that has an immigration stamp (don’t copy blank pages). A copy of your lease and/or a letter from your landlord (a copy of a certificato di agibilita may also be necessary – provided by your landlord – not certain about this since you’ll be leasing vs. owning). Copy (front and back) or your codice fiscale (if you have gotten one). I’m pretty sure that covers things. When and if you go to renew the permesso for subsequent years, you’ll be asked for a certificato di residenza, which you’ll be able to get from the comune in your first year after you’ve received your first permesso. If you skip the step of registering as a resident, you may not be able to get a renewal.
When you have your appointment at the questura, you’ll again be asked for copies of your passport pages as described above. I think it’s also a good idea to have additional copies of the other documents (just in case). But, the passport pages are the biggie. Other things that will happen at the questura is finger-printing, and possibly signing an integration agreement. For the latter, I’ve heard this is implemented inconsistently, but “supposedly” this is a nationwide requirement – and by signing this agreement you are saying you will take a Italian civics class (usually they schedule it for you right then and there) which you cannot miss, otherwise the initial points they award you (towards the completion of the agreement) will be significantly reduced. I was given a copy of the agreement in English as well, and it explains all the ways you can earn the necessary points to complete fully the agreement (you’re given three years). The non-negotiable will be getting certification in speaking and comprehending Italian.
Things always seem to be in flux here in Italy, and as I often try to point out, bureaucracy can vary from region to region. That’s why I disclaim that my advice comes from experience that might ultimately be different from yours. But, I think you’ll find most, if not all of this, is pretty much still the case.
I hope this helps!!! Jed
Jed….thank you so much for your in depth information.
Your generosity is deeply appreciated. Thank you so much.
You have mentioned ‘certificato di residenza’. Is it carta d’identità you are talking about ?
And I have never heard of certificato di agibilità before..
I am going to rent an apartment in Rome…does my landlord have to provide this for me ? What is it ?
Please let me know..
Thank you again Jed.
Angela…The certificato di residenza is a document separate from you carta d’identita. When I went for my permesso renewal in my second year I had to go first to the comune office and request this one page document with the official stamp of the comune. For me it cost 1.5 euro (in Umbria). When I went for the same document in Treviso it was 18 euro. Your carta d’identita will not suffice to prove your residency.
The certificato d’agibilita is a certification that the place where you are living is up to code and legally habitable. You’ll have to check with your particular region as to whether you’ll need this since you’re renting, but usually the police want to know that you are living in a place that is legal – something that you’d want to know as well. If there is a way you can ask the local questura whether this is necessary since you are renting, that would be best. But, I always over plan, and having a copy of the certificato (I can’t imagine that your landlord would have a problem giving you a copy, to go with any lease agreement – but perhaps, by listing his property on the lease he is guaranteeing that the property is up to code) will put your mind at ease and assure authorities if they have any questions about where you’re living.
After you have your first permesso, and after you take that and your passport to the comune to get your carta d’identita, the police will be sent to your residence to confirm you live at the address listed. They won’t tell you exactly when they’ll show up, but in most places it’s within a few days.
The certificato d’agibilita has been something the authorities have been cracking down on in the last few years – due to people listing addresses to get their permesso that weren’t really legal residences.
Hope all this provides further clarity.
Jed
I live in sweden and i throw some where my permesso di soggiorno plz telll me how can i applay again.
Hi Sana, Are you a citizen in Sweden? If so, you’re already a member of the EU and don’t need a permesso di soggiorno to live in Italy (just a certificato di residenza). I’m more familiar with people coming from non-EU countries – so you’ll need to clarify this. My understanding is, if you are already and EU citizen, you go to the comune with your documentation (including proof of property ownership, lease) for your certificato di residenza.
If you’re not an EU citizen and you’re living as a resident in Sweden, you may have to go to the local Italian consulate and apply for a visa before coming to Italy, and starting the permesso di soggiorno process again.
Best to check with the questura and comune in the area in which you plan to reside to be certain.
While I can share what I’ve learned from experience, and from other people, I’m not an expert, so, you’ll have to confirm with the proper authorities!
Hope this helps,
Jed
Hi!
I understand this past summer that civil unions are now legal in Italy. Yay.
If I move to Italy from the US (I am a US citizen) and immediately register for a heterosexual civil union with my boyfriend does that allow me most of the same rights as someone marrying an Italian citizen? Do I still need a visa for longer than the three month tourist visa from the US? Would I still need to apply for a permesso di soggiorno?
Ciao Joey,
You ask a very timely question. I am currently in this very process. My partner is Italian, and we are one of the first civil unions in our area. I am assuming that your boyfriend is an Italian citizen, is that correct? If so once you have a gotten your civil union you should be able to get, at the very least, a permanent stay permit (you still have to submit an application but because you are “married” to an Italian I do believe it cannot be denied (best to confirm this. It should be the same as marrying an Italian citizen. We’re still working our way through the process – which is all very doable, but a bit involved. So, it’s not so easy as just showing up and visiting the comune where your boyfriend is a resident. It’s a process that takes time. First you will have to have a declaration from an American consulate that certifies you are not encumbered by another marriage. It’s easy to fill out. Once the US consulate stamps and signs it, the document is good for only six months. The comune office in Italy will need this to begin the process. From here on the process might be different for you since you’re not already an Italian resident (I am). We are required to go to the tribunale (court) with two witnesses (Italian) who testify they know me and basically that I’m legit. A notaio can do this more expeditiously since many courts have a backlog of requests for civil union and marriages between an Italian and a foreigner – but it’s expensive. For us, once we’ve completed this step we can schedule our civil union ceremony and be done.
This is ALL very new here in Italy, so I’d advise you to ask your boyfriend to go to his local comune office and explain your particular situation, and ask what the process is since you’re not a resident.
He might also be able to inquire also about your getting a permanent stay permit or Italian passport. A trip to the questura (immigration police) might also be good to be certain.
Good luck with all this. If I learn more I’ll be sure to let you know. I think I’ll be writing a lengthy blog post about this! Jed
Hi Jed,
Thank you so much for your reply! Someone mentioned that the civil union only applies to homosexual couples, is that true? We are a heterosexual couple. Does the same apply? I hope so. This was super helpful information either way!!!
It’s my understanding that a civil union is available in Italy to both straight and same sex couples. The big news, of course was that such a law was historical in giving legal recognition to same sex couples!
Hi. My commercialista, who is also an attorney, said that because I have regular monthly pension income, and pay Italian taxes, I should qualify for the permanent permesso in my 6th year. He disagrees with the Prefettura that a retiree does not qualify. We’ll see!
Hi. What a great read! Thanks for all of the information. I have a question regarding the actual permesso di soggiorno and can’t seem to find an “official” answer. I’ve been advised by some to only carry a photocopy of the PdiS and keep the actual PdiS in a safe place. However, recently I’ve been told that Italian law requires that one must always carry the original PdiS since it contains biometric data. Do you know which is the case? I’d prefer to carry a copy of my PdiS in case I fall prey to pick-pockets and I cringe at the idea of trying to get a new one issued (who needs an extra visit to the Questura), but if I’m in a situation in which authorities ask for my PdiS and I don’t have the original with me, I also cringe at what issues that might cause. If you don’t happen to know, I’m in the process of renewing and can ask at the Questura when I go for fingerprinting in late September and can post the answer here, if you’d like. Thanks!
Ciao Jack, I’m glad you found the information useful. A copy of the permesso might help you in you are asked for it, but I’m afraid you are required (legally) to have the real deal on your person, should you be stopped and asked to show it. My strategy has been to keep it in my wallet, and in my front pants pocket at all times. Processing times for the permesso are getting longer and longer (usually held up in Rome). The last two years have taken a minimum of four months for me. The receipt you get at the post office should suffice to show anyone (along with your expired permesso) until you receive your new permesso. One point of clarity, you can do a lot more with your receipt when you are renewing. The receipt for your first permesso will not work for some things (like getting your carta di residenza, and buying a car). Hope this helps!
Hi, Jed. Thanks for your reply; the additional information you gave is also helpful. Where I live, it is now taking almost five months for the entire process to be completed. When I submitted my renewal application earlier this month, the date I was given for fingerprinting was 11 weeks away, and they estimated another 8 weeks after that before the card would be ready for pick up. I am looking forward to the day when I can apply for the permanent permesso, although the Prefettura told me that retired people do not qualify for it; my attorney disagrees. We’ll see what happens in another two years. lol Regards.
I’ve been told by the union rep, who helps me with my yearly renewal, that a carta di soggiorno (permanent) is possible after having the permesso for five full years, and after showing you have been paying income tax (income on renting your property should qualify – according to a friend who is a commercialista). Otherwise you have to be married or in a registered civil union with an Italian to qualify for the carta di soggiorno. This is the best knowledge I have at this moment. Let me know if you learn anything new, and I’ll be sure to share!
I have a question. Do I have to translate all the paperwork from English to Italian? Bank statement and insurance ? Thanks for any advice.
Ciao Sandra, My apologies for such a tardy response. I have never been asked to translate my paperwork for my permesso application. The most recent summary of your bank statements should be sufficient (for the visa application the Italian consulate requires six months of statements). I’ve provided a copy of my insurance card (front and back) – in my case, since I have the tessera sanitaria, I provide that. For private insurance you might need to attach some coverage detail. I hope this helps! Jed
Very useful information Jed. The whole process is daunting, as we know! But living here is worth the bureaucracy, according to me!
Grazie Elizabeth! You have been an invaluable source of advice and encouragement.