Italy is home to the oldest university in the world. Today, Italy has several prestigious universities and continues to be a popular destination for international students seeking quality education. Are you an international student accepted into one of the Italian universities to pursue your studies? Or are you a prospective student at the moment, looking to find out what lies ahead? Read on to find out all that you need to know about the Italian student residence permit, also called Permesso di Soggiorno.
What is a residence permit?
The residence permit is an official document issued by the Italian government to its applicants. The residence permit grants an individual, usually a foreign national, to legally reside in the country for a specific period. The residence permit is not equivalent to the student visa and must be applied for separately on arrival in Italy.
Do I need to apply for a residence permit in Italy?
If you are a Non-EU citizen, enrolled in a study program within Italy, and intending to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. The student residence permit application must be submitted within 8 days of arrival in Italy. If you are an EU citizen or belong to EFTA countries like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, you do not need to apply for an Italian residence permit. Although, if you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you should register at the Anagrafe closest to your residence. If your duration of stay is short, less than 90 days, you do not need an Italian residence permit. However, if you are an EU citizen, you must declare your presence at the nearest Police Station (Questura) within 8 days of arrival in Italy. Check this official website to learn more about short-stay and long-term stay requirements for foreign nationals.
How do I apply for the student residence permit?
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The procedure to obtain the Italian student residence permit begins by submitting a “kit” filled with your details and containing the required documents. The kit is equivalent to a set of application forms and instructions guiding you to fill them. The kit can be obtained from any post office bearing a Sportello Amico sign and is provided free of cost. (Note - Post offices run out of kits sometimes, but fret not, you can find it in the other ones).
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The kit requires you to fill in personal details and send the supporting documents as part of your submission. The documents you should submit with the application are the following,
- Copy of Passport with personal data page and visa
- Copy of health insurance policy
- Copy of university admission letter/enrollment/pre-enrollment certificate
- Copy of documents proving sufficient financial resources for the duration of stay
- Copy of document detailing your accommodation in Italy
- A 16€ duty stamp (Marca do Bollo), can be bought at the Tobacconist’s shop (Tabacchi)
Note - Ensure to include only photocopies when submitting the kit
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The kit along with the documents must be submitted at the post office (bearing the Sportello Amico sign). The kit is sent in the same envelope that was given, so ensure not to seal the envelope as the officer checks them before posting it. Carry your passport as identity proof.
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Pay the following fees at the post office for applying,
- 30€ for kit submission
- 30.46€ for the electronic residence permit
- 40€ administrative tax
Roughly, you need to pay around 116€ for the student residence permit or Permesso di Soggiorno. The total includes 16€ for the stamp and approximately 100€ to be paid at the post office during the submission.
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Collect the receipt attesting to your residence permit application submission. Keep the receipt safe since this is considered an equivalent to the permit until you receive the actual residence permit.
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Collect the document containing the date, time, and address of the appointment at the Police Station (Questura). The appointment time for residence permits usually varies from weeks to months, mainly depending on the volume of applications received.
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Go to the Police Station (Questura) as per the assigned appointment time for verification and collection of fingerprints. Ensure to carry the following documents,
- Passport
- Original of the documents sent in the kit
- 4 passport-size photos
- Receipt of the residence permit application
- Document indicating appointment at the Police Station
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After completion of the appointment at the Police Station (Questura), the status of your residence permit application can be tracked online. Check the State Police website or the Immigration Portal to know the status by entering the user and password details mentioned on the receipt of the application.
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Collect the residence permit, usually from the same Police Station where you had the appointment. The availability of the residence permit is generally notified via SMS, based on the phone number provided in the application form. The student residence permit or Permesso di Soggiorno in Italy is usually issued for 1 year.
Conclusion
Applying for an Italian student residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno) might seem daunting at first. In reality, it is not if you meet the requirements and follow the procedure. To have a smooth process, it is essential to submit a complete application, including all the required documents. In case of incomplete or missing paperwork, the process might take longer with multiple appointments.
Since the Italian residence permit is issued for 1 year, it needs to be renewed on expiry if you intend to continue staying in Italy. Read this guide to find out when and how to apply for Italian residence permit renewal .
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