Residency permits
All the news, information and practical advice about residency in Italy, including temporary and permanent residency status. Plus all you need to know about getting or renewing an Italian residency permit.
What Americans should know about getting permanent residency in Italy
After five years of residence, Americans in Italy are able to enjoy expanded rights as long-term permanent residents of the EU. Here's what you need to know about qualifying for the long-term permit – and why it's worth the paperwork.
The vocabulary you need when applying for an Italian residency permit
If you've had your visa approved and you've newly arrived in Italy, you'll need to apply for your residence permit. If you’re still learning Italian, here are some terms you might want to know.
A step-by-step guide to renewing your pre-Brexit Italian residency card
With confusion surrounding the process of renewing Italy's residency card for UK nationals who've been living in the country since before Brexit, The Local takes you through the steps involved.
Four articles to read before applying for an Italian residency permit
If you're moving to Italy, one of your first tasks is registering as a legal resident. Here's what to know about the process in 2026.
How EES could now make Italy's pre-Brexit residency card essential
Italy's carta di soggiorno is officially "not obligatory" for pre-Brexit UK residents. But without one, you may not be able to avoid the EU's new border checks.
EES: Do Italy’s pre-Brexit UK residents now need a Carta di Soggiorno?
New rules make Italy's residency card all but essential for pre-Brexit UK residents who want to travel in and out of the EU.
Q&A: How do I renew my pre-Brexit Italian residency card?
With ongoing confusion about how, where and when pre-Brexit UK residents of Italy should apply to renew their cards, here’s what the British Embassy said in answer to readers’ questions.
'A nightmare': Lives of foreigners across Europe hit by residency card delays
Bureaucratic backlogs and rule changes on residency rights are having an increasing impact on the lives of foreigners living around Europe. Many say they have been left in legal limbo with their lives effectively on hold.
Brits in Italy: What do you need to know about renewing Brexit residency cards?
The deadline is approaching for many British residents of Italy to renew their 'carta di soggiorno elettronica'. You can share your questions about the process with us, and we'll put them to the British Embassy.
'No information': How one researcher got stuck in Italy’s residency permit limbo
A Singaporean researcher at the University of Perugia has spent nearly 1,000 days without a valid residency permit since moving to Italy, despite estimating that she spends five days every year dealing with application paperwork
Which countries in Europe impose language tests for residency permits?
Certain countries across Europe demand foreign citizens pass a language test to qualify for certain residency permits. But how does each country compare and what level of language do they require?
Americans in Italy: What readers say about getting Italy's residency permit
In our latest Americans in Italy newsletter, we ask how Italy’s digital nomad income requirement compares globally and why it can it be tricky for US citizens to open an Italian bank account.
'Super smooth process': Readers reveal the key to getting Italy's residency permit
Like many things in Italy, having the right help - and knowing where to find it - can make all the difference in this notoriously difficult task.
‘Horrific’: What it’s like applying for Italy’s residency permit
Italy’s foreign residents describe waiting years to receive their ‘permesso di soggiorno’ residency permits as the country’s administrative backlog worsens.
Is Italy making it easier to revoke residency rights?
Cases in which residency rights are revoked in Italy are extremely rare, but there are concerns this may change as Italy's government plans to expand the list of crimes that could cost foreign residents their permits.
Which nationalities get the most EU Blue Cards and where do they go?
The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most?
What Americans need to know about registering as a resident in Italy
Registering as an official resident is one of the first steps you'll need to take after moving to Italy – and it’s a different process for US citizens than it is for EU citizens.
TELL US: What's your experience of getting Italy's residency permit?
The permesso di soggiorno, or residency permit, is one of the most important documents you'll need when moving to Italy. It's also frequently a source of complaint as new residents report long waits and problems with their applications.
'Don't miss out': Why Brits in Europe should upgrade their post-Brexit residence permits
It’s been five years since the end of the post-Brexit transition period and for many British citizens living in the EU this means 2026 will be the time to upgrade to a permanent residence card. But what happens if you forget or leave it late to apply?
What's the difference between Italian residency and citizenship?
As a foreigner in Italy you enter a complicated world of bureaucracy, but one question we’re asked a lot is the difference in status between residency and citizenship. Here's an overview.
COMPARE: Which country in Europe is the easiest to retire to?
Finishing work and heading off to a glorious new life as a retiree in Europe is the dream for many, but just how easy is it to do in reality? We compare the rules in 9 countries in Europe.
Italy’s Salvini under fire for proposing points-based residency permits
Italian deputy premier Matteo Salvini was criticised after proposing a driving-licence-style residency permit system under which foreigners would lose or gain points depending on their behaviour.
In Numbers: Who do Europe's 3.57 million residency permits go to?
European countries countries issued some 3.57 million first time residency permits to non-EU nationals in 2024, 315,000 fewer than in 2023. How can the drop be explained?