What is a permesso di soggiorno?
A permesso di soggiorno lets non-EU citizens stay in Italy beyond 90 days: what it contains, how long it lasts, who issues it and what to do when it expires.
Quick answer
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 states the reason for your stay (work, study, family…), it is issued by the Questura of the province where you live, and its duration depends on the permit type.
If you are finding your way through Italian paperwork, the permesso di soggiorno is the first thing to understand: your right to work, your registration with the National Health Service, your residency registration and many other procedures all depend on it.
This page explains what it is for, who issues it, how long it lasts and how the most common types differ. It does not assess your personal situation — only the competent authority can do that.
Who this guide is for
Non-EU citizens living in Italy or planning to move there, and anyone supporting them: employers, organisations and family members.
What you need
- Valid travel document (passport or equivalent)
- Entry visa, where required
- Italian tax code (codice fiscale), useful from the very first procedure
- The specific documents linked to your reason for staying
What happens next
- Applying for the first time? Start with the first application guide.
- Permit expiring soon? Check when to renew and prepare your document checklist.
- Lost or stolen? The procedure is a duplicate application.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Confusing the residence permit with the entry visa.
Better approach: The visa is requested at the consulate before you travel; the permit is requested in Italy after you arrive.
Mistake: Assuming any permit allows any activity.
Better approach: Rights depend on the reason for your stay: check what your permit type actually allows.
Mistake: Waiting until the last day before expiry to look into it.
Better approach: Renewal applications should be filed well in advance — organise your documents at least two months ahead.
What the document tells you
The permit shows the holder’s details, the permit type and how long it is valid. The reason for your stay determines the rights attached to it: a permit for subordinate work allows employment, while a study permit allows work only within the limits set by law.
- Personal details and photograph of the holder
- Permit type and reason for the stay
- Issue date and expiry date
- The permit number, used in procedures and to check application status
Paper permits and electronic permits
In recent years the Questura has issued residence permits in electronic format: a microchip card that is much harder to counterfeit. Paper residence cards for family members of EU citizens have not been valid since 3 August 2023 and must be updated to the electronic format.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use the residence permit as an identity document?
- It proves that your stay is regular, but to identify yourself abroad you need your passport. In Italy it is widely accepted alongside a recognised identification document.
- Who issues the residence permit?
- The Questore of the province where you live. The application is filed using the postal kit (kit postale) or directly at the Questura for some permit types.
- How long is a residence permit valid?
- It depends on the type: generally up to one year for fixed-term work and study, two years for permanent employment, and specific durations for family reasons and the EU long-term residence permit.
Related guides
First residence permit application
After entering Italy with a visa for stays longer than 90 days, you must file the first permit application within 8 working days, …
The electronic residence permit
In recent years the Questura has issued residence permits in electronic format: a microchip card with a digital photograph that is…
Checking your application status
You check your file status online using the user code and password printed on the receipt you received at the post office when sen…
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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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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Ministry of the Interior — Immigration and asylum (opens in a new tab)
Ministero dell’Interno · in italiano
Sezione istituzionale del Ministero dell’Interno dedicata a immigrazione, asilo, cittadinanza e titoli di soggiorno.
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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- ItalyDocsHub Editorial Team