The electronic residence permit
The electronic permesso di soggiorno is a microchip card: differences from the old paper format, updating paper residence cards and the production cost.
Quick answer
In recent years the Questura has issued residence permits in electronic format: a microchip card with a digital photograph that is more secure and harder to counterfeit. The production cost indicated by official sources is €30.46, in addition to the revenue stamp, postal fees and any contribution.
The move to electronic format affects most residence titles, including residence cards for family members of EU citizens and the EU long-term residence permit.
Paper residence cards issued to family members of EU citizens have not been valid since 3 August 2023: holders must request an update to the electronic format.
Who this guide is for
Holders of a residence permit or residence card, and anyone renewing or updating a paper document.
What you need
- Your expiring permit or card, or the card to be updated
- Valid passport
- Recent photographs, where required
- The postal kit and the required payments
What happens next
- If you hold a paper residence card for EU family members, request the electronic update.
- If your permit is expiring, follow the renewal procedure.
- If it is lost, apply for a duplicate.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Continuing to use a paper residence card for EU citizen family members.
Better approach: Since 3 August 2023 the paper format is no longer valid: request the electronic update.
Mistake: Treating a technically expired document as fine because the right is permanent.
Better approach: The right may be permanent, but the document must be updated when its technical validity expires.
What changes compared with the paper format
The electronic format does not change the rights attached to your permit: what changes is the physical format and the security level of the document.
- A card format with a microchip and biometric data
- Digital photograph and security-printed data
- Faster checks at the Questura, at banks and at public counters
- Technical validity linked to updating the photograph and biometric data
Related guides
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Permit type finder
Suggests the permit category that may be relevant to your situation.
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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Polizia di Stato — How, where and how much it costs (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato · in italiano
Scheda ufficiale su dove presentare la domanda e sui costi: marca da bollo, spese postali, costo del permesso elettronico e contributo di rilascio.
Link last verified:
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Polizia di Stato — Immigration Office (police headquarters online) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato · in italiano
Pagina delle Questure con le informazioni sui titoli di soggiorno, i moduli e la verifica dello stato delle pratiche.
Link last verified:
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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:
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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