shqiptarëtThe residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy
The residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) lets you stay in Italy for the purpose of your visa or entry. Some permit types are requested by post (with the yellow-striped "kit"), others only at the Questura. Below are the general rules from the Italian State Police (Polizia di Stato) and the Immigration Portal.
This is general information from the official Italian Police and Immigration Portal pages below, not legal advice. For your case, ask the Questura, the Sportello Unico or a patronato.
- Deadline
- 8 working days from entering Italy, if you are arriving for the first time.
- Where to apply
- At the Questura of the province where you will live, or, for some permit types, at post offices with a Sportello Amico.
- Costs
- Stamp duty €16; postal fee €30; electronic card €30.46; contribution €40 (3 months to 1 year), €50 (1 to 2 years) or €100 (EU long-term permit).
- How long it takes
- 60 days on average from the application, according to the Police.
- Short stays
- For visits, business, tourism or study of up to 3 months you do not need a permit, but you make a declaration of presence.
Steps
- Get the kit or help
The kit (an envelope with a yellow stripe, two forms and instructions) is available at any post office. You can also fill in the form free of charge at town halls (Comuni) or patronati. If you entered on a work or family reunion visa, the Sportello Unico at the Prefecture fills it in. - Fill in the forms
The first form is required; the second only if you have income or are applying for a work permit. Each family member needs their own envelope and form (except children under 14). - Prepare the documents
Your valid passport with visa (if required) and a photocopy, 4 identical recent photos, the documents for your permit type, and the payments. - Hand it in at the post office
Hand in the open envelope at a post office with a Sportello Amico. Keep the receipt: it is proof that you applied. - Go to the Questura
At the post office you are given a date to go to the Questura with photos, for fingerprinting.
Who does not pay the contribution
- Under-18s.
- Asylum and international protection.
- People entering for medical treatment, and their companions.
- A duplicate, update or conversion of a valid permit.
While you wait
- With the receipt for a first application for employment, self-employment or family reunion, you have the same rights as with the permit.
- With the receipt and your visa (for a first permit) you can travel to your home country.
Permits of 1 year or more
- You sign an integration agreement (accordo di integrazione) with the Italian state, with some exceptions.
Renewing the permit
- Ask for renewal at the Questura of the province where you live, or for some permit types at an authorised post office, at least 60 days before it expires.
- With the receipt showing you applied for renewal, you have the same rights as with the permit. If your permit lets you work, you can keep working while you wait, unless the authorities tell you there are reasons that stop the renewal.
Visas for short stays
- Albanian and Kosovo passport holders can travel to the EU, including Italy, without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Kosovo since 1 January 2024).
The residence permit rules are the same for Albanian and Kosovo citizens. For embassies, see the Italy essentials page. Italy: the essentials
Sources
- Polizia di Stato: issuing the residence permit (8 working days, documents, contribution)
- Polizia di Stato: how, where and how much (post office kit, costs)
- Polizia di Stato: entering Italy (short stays, declaration of presence)
- Portale Immigrazione: cost tables for permits
- Polizia di Stato: renewal (at least 60 days before expiry)
- European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs): visa-free travel for Kosovo citizens and the Western Balkans