First residence permit application
How to apply for your first permesso di soggiorno in Italy: deadlines after entry, the postal kit, documents per reason for stay, costs and the Questura appointment.
Quick answer
After entering Italy with a visa for stays longer than 90 days, you must file the first permit application within 8 working days, normally using the postal kit at an enabled post office (Sportello Amico). The Questura then summons you for fingerprints and issues the permit.
The first application is when your residence permit is created: the Questura checks that the conditions for your reason of stay (work, study, family, mission, etc.) are met.
The documents vary a lot depending on that reason. Here you will find the overall procedure and the logic behind the documents, with the more detailed lists in the specific guides.
Who this guide is for
People who have just arrived in Italy with a long-stay visa and need to apply for their first permit.
What you need
- Valid passport with entry visa (where required)
- Copy of the passport pages with your details, visa and stamps
- Completed postal kit (forms 1 and 2)
- €16 revenue stamp and payment receipts
- The specific documents for your reason of stay
Step-by-step process
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1. Check the deadline for filing
For stays over 90 days, the application must be filed within 8 working days of entry. If you were delayed by force majeure, keep documentary evidence.
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2. Get the postal kit
The kit is available free of charge at enabled post offices (Sportello Amico). It contains the envelope, the forms and instructions; patronati and some Comuni can help you complete it.
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3. Complete the forms carefully
Form 1 is mandatory for everyone; form 2 concerns income and employment. Enter your tax code, choose your reason for stay and attach the required photocopies.
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4. Pay the revenue stamp, postal fees and contributions
Apply the revenue stamp to the form, pay the insured-mail fee and the electronic permit cost. Keep every receipt — they are essential documents.
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5. Send the kit from the post office
The envelope is sent as insured mail. You receive a receipt with a user code and password to check the status of your file and to manage the appointment.
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6. Attend your Questura appointment
Bring original documents, photographs and payment receipts on the date indicated: your photograph and fingerprints will be taken.
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7. Collect the permit
You are notified when the permit is ready; collect it at the Questura with your receipt and an identity document.
Documents
- — Valid passport or equivalent travel document
- — Copy of the passport pages with personal details, visa and stamps
- — Entry visa, if required for your type of stay
- — Completed and signed form 1 from the postal kit
- — Form 2 (income/employment), where applicable
- — €16 revenue stamp affixed to the form
- — Payment receipts for the electronic permit and the contribution
- — 4 recent passport-style photographs (ICAO standard) where required
- — Documents for your reason of stay: employment contract, school enrolment, family records, hosting declaration or tenancy agreement
Indicative costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue stamp | €16.00 | Affixed to form 1 of the postal kit. |
| Postal shipping fee | €30.00 | Paid at the enabled post office. |
| Electronic permit cost | €30.46 | For permits valid longer than 90 days. |
| Issue contribution | €40 / €50 / €100 | Varies with the duration and type of permit. |
Amounts are those published by official sources on the review date and may change: always check the current amount before paying.
Timelines
| Stage | Typical timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application filed | Within 8 working days of entry | Deadline for stays longer than 90 days. |
| Questura appointment | Weeks to months | Depends on the local Immigration Office workload. |
| Permit issued | A few weeks to several months | Time between fingerprinting and issuance. |
Timelines shown are typical ranges reported by official sources or observed in practice: they are not guaranteed.
What happens next
- Keep your postal receipt: it is needed for checks and while you wait.
- Attend the fingerprinting appointment at the Questura.
- Apply for your tax code and consider registering with the National Health Service if entitled.
- Check your application status online if you hear nothing for a long time.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Sending the kit without the revenue stamp or payment receipts.
Better approach: Check the document list before sealing the envelope — an integration request costs you time.
Mistake: Completing form 2 with incorrect employer details.
Better approach: Use the exact details from the hiring communication (UNILAV) and the contract.
Mistake: Not keeping the insured-mail receipt.
Better approach: That receipt proves you filed the application: keep it with your passport.
Related guides
How to fill in the postal kit
The postal kit is the envelope distributed by enabled post offices (Sportello Amico) containing the forms for a permit or renewal …
What is a permesso di soggiorno?
A permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) is the document that allows a non-EU citizen to stay in Italy for more than 90 days. It…
The Questura appointment
After sending the postal kit you receive a summons to the Immigration Office: at the appointment you bring original documents, pho…
Your passport in residence procedures
A valid passport (or equivalent travel document) is the core document for a residence permit application and renewal. You generall…
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 — 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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Portale Immigrazione (Immigration Portal) (opens in a new tab)
Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Il portale telematico del Ministero dell’Interno per la gestione delle istanze di soggiorno (kit postale, nulla osta, sportello unico).
Link last verified:
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Questure — Documents to include in the postal kit (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Polizia di Stato — Questure · in italiano
Documento ufficiale con l’elenco dei documenti da inserire nel kit postale per le principali tipologie di permesso di soggiorno.
Link last verified:
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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:
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.
- Last reviewed
- Content owner
- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team