Minors: permits and schooling
Residence permits for minors in Italy: how to apply, required documents, school enrolment, the right to education and what happens at 18.
Quick answer
Foreign minors in Italy can hold their own residence permit, issued on the application of whoever holds parental responsibility. Minors have the right to education: school enrolment cannot be conditional on holding a permit.
Procedures for minors follow specific rules designed to protect education and welfare: school enrolment and access to services are rights recognised regardless of the parents’ immigration status.
When a minor turns 18, their permit can be converted into a study or work permit under the applicable rules — a key step to plan ahead.
Who this guide is for
Parents and guardians of foreign minors, and young people approaching 18.
What you need
- Child’s birth certificate, translated and legalised
- Parents’ documents and their residence title
- Accommodation and residence documents
- Recent photographs of the minor, where required
What happens next
- Prepare conversion documents in good time before the 18th birthday.
- Update the minor’s registry residence within the household.
- For complex cases, contact the competent offices or a qualified professional.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Delaying school enrolment while waiting for documents.
Better approach: Enrol the child: education does not depend on holding a permit.
Mistake: Not planning the transition to adulthood.
Better approach: Find out about available conversion routes in advance.
School and services
- School enrolment: schools accept minors even without a residence permit.
- Health service: access to care is guaranteed under current rules, including for unregistered minors.
- At 18: check the options for converting the permit and prepare documents early.
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Official sources
This page is based on the official sources listed below. Open them to check the most recent information directly with the competent authority.
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Questure — Immigration Office: procedures and documents (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale di sintesi sulle procedure dell’Ufficio Immigrazione: documenti per tipologia di permesso, contributi e conversioni.
Link last verified:
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Ministry of Education and Merit (opens in a new tab)
MIM · in italiano
Ministero competente su iscrizioni scolastiche, istruzione degli adulti e permessi di soggiorno per studio.
Link last verified:
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Immigration Consolidation Act — Legislative Decree 286/1998 (in force) (opens in a new tab)
Normattiva — Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri · in italiano
Testo unico delle disposizioni concernenti la disciplina dell’immigrazione e norme sulla condizione dello straniero.
Link last verified:
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Integration of Migrants Portal (opens in a new tab)
Ministero del Lavoro e delle Politiche Sociali — Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Portale interistituzionale con guide multilingue su permessi, ricongiungimento familiare, cittadinanza e integrazione.
Link last verified:
Important notice
The information published on ItalyDocsHub is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and requirements may change. For current information and advice regarding your specific situation, always consult the relevant official authority or a qualified professional.
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- Content owner
- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team