What is the difference between refugee status and subsidiary protection?

Refugee status (1951 Geneva Convention) is granted if there is individual persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, membership of a social group or political opinion. Subsidiary protection is granted if one is not a refugee but faces serious harm (death penalty, torture, indiscriminate violence in armed conflict). Both entitle the holder to a residence permit (5 years for refugee, 3 years for subsidiary), work, healthcare and education.

Can I work while waiting for the decision on my application?

You cannot work during the first 60 days from submitting the application. After 60 days, if the Commission has not yet decided, you receive a residence permit for asylum seekers that allows you to work.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You have the right to appeal to the specialised Tribunal within 30 days of the rejection notice. During the appeal you may remain in Italy (automatic suspensive effect in most cases). It is strongly advised to contact a lawyer or a specialised association (UNHCR, ASGI, Save the Children, CARITAS).

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Political asylum and international protection in Italy

Anyone who enters Italy and has a well-founded fear of persecution in their country for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion has the right to apply for international protection. The application is submitted to the Border Police on entry or to the nearest Questura if already on Italian territory. The procedure is free and the applicant is entitled to accommodation, legal and medical assistance during the process.

Authority

Questura / Commissione Territoriale per la Protezione Internazionale

Time

30 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Identity document or passport (if available — it is not mandatory to have one)
✓Statement of reasons for protection application
✓Any evidence or documentation of risks in the country of origin

Step-by-step procedure

Express your intention to seek protection

As soon as you are on Italian territory (even before border control), you can express to the Border Police or Questura your intention to apply for asylum or international protection. You cannot be turned away or expelled while your application is being processed. Even if you entered irregularly, you have the right to submit the application: irregular entry does not preclude international protection.

If you are in immediate danger, call 112. Operators can assist vulnerable people (unaccompanied women, minors, LGBTQ+, torture victims) with dedicated procedures.

Complete the application at the Questura (form C3)

At the Questura you are helped to complete form C3 (international protection application) with an interpreter. Your fingerprints are taken and registered in the EURODAC system. You receive a named certificate confirming your status as an asylum seeker: this document allows you to stay legally in Italy during the process. You cannot work for the first 60 days (then you receive a work permit).

If you are an unaccompanied minor, the guardianship judge appoints a legal guardian who assists you throughout the procedure.

Await the summons from the Territorial Commission

The Territorial Commission for International Protection Recognition is the body that decides on your application. The interview takes place with an interpreter: it is essential to describe in detail the reasons why you cannot return to your country. The Commission can grant: refugee status (individual persecution); subsidiary protection (risk of serious harm); special protection (humanitarian grounds). The decision can arrive within 6 months but often takes 1-2 years. You can appeal to the Tribunal in case of rejection.

During the process you are entitled to accommodation in the SAI (Reception and Integration System) or in CAS (Extraordinary Reception Centres).

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Ministero dell'Interno — Asilo

Ministero dell'Interno — Commissioni Territoriali

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Questura / Commissione Territoriale per la Protezione Internazionale

Phone

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.