How many types of residence permit are there?

The main types are: employed work, self-employment, study, family reunification, asylum/international protection, sporting activity, medical care. Each type has different requirements and duration.

When can I apply for the long-term resident EC permit?

After 5 years of continuous legal residence in Italy you can apply for the EC long-term residence permit, which has no expiry and grants rights almost equivalent to Italian citizens.

Can I work with the postal receipt while waiting for the permit?

Yes, if the postal receipt relates to a work permit (first application or renewal), you can work legally while waiting. The receipt serves as a provisional permit.

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Residence permit

Non-EU citizens intending to stay in Italy for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit within 8 days of entering the country. The application is submitted at Sportelli Amici (authorised Post Offices). The permit must be renewed before it expires and processing times vary by police headquarters.

Authority

Questura di competenza

Time

1-2 ore (+ attesa appuntamento in questura)

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓Valid passport with valid entry visa
✓Postal kit (purchased at an authorised Post Office, ~€30)
✓Passport-sized photos (2 copies)
✓Identity document
✓Proof of reason for stay: employment contract, university enrolment, family reunification certificate, etc.
✓€16 stamp duty (for the residence permit)

Step-by-step procedure

Purchase the postal kit and complete the application

Go to an authorised Post Office (Sportello Amico) and purchase the residence permit kit (~€30). The kit contains the pre-paid envelope and forms to complete. Fill in the form with: personal details, type of permit requested, reason for stay.

You can find the nearest Sportello Amico at poste.it. Not all post offices are authorised.

Hand in the envelope at the post office

Hand in the completed envelope at the counter. You will receive a receipt with a case number and the appointment date at the police headquarters. The receipt is valid as a temporary permit while waiting.

Keep the receipt: you will need it to work, enrol in the NHS and access services while waiting.

Attend the appointment at the police headquarters

Attend the police headquarters on the stated date with all original documents. Fingerprints will be taken. If documents are missing, you may be asked to provide additional ones. The physical permit is issued subsequently (from a few weeks to several months).

You can track your application status at portaleimmigrazione.it using your case number.

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Portale Immigrazione, Ministero dell'Interno

Questura / Ministero dell'Interno

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Questura di competenza

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.