How to apply for first issue/renewal?
The request kit 'Richiesta di rilascio/rinnovo del permesso/carta di soggiorno per cittadini stranieri' needs to be filled out. It is available at the post office for free. Documentation about proof of accommodation, means of subsistence (not lower that the Italian social allowance), health coverage for the duration of the permit and any other papers according to the purpose of the stay (i.e. enrollment letter, work contract, research grant, etc.).

To fill out the request kit you can also get assistance at Patronato office.
Please contact us to get a list of Patronati providing assistance in english.

Where to apply?
The request kit has to be sent at the Post office by taking the number at the ticket system. 

1. Application (at the Post Office)

• Fill out Mod 209 Form 1 and Form 2 (when requested) and add the revenue stamp. The kit can be fill out by yourself (you need first to collect it at the Post office) or by a Patronato – Welfare agency  (the kit will be provided by Patronato);
• Enclose the documentation needed according to the type of permit in the open envelope (yellow strip) because you need to hand it in personally. Do NOT submit original documents in the post office application/kit, only copies.
• Bring your passport and visa with you, the revenure stamp and enough money to pay the application.
• Go to a post office to send the kit and to make the payment by postal giro slip envisaging the cost of the electronic permit (€30,46 and the contribution fee according to the duration of the permit requested €40 or €50 or €100 (eg. click here to see a fac simile for one year permit filled out by e.g. Mrs Lucy Hu). For sending the kit you will be asked to pay €30 as postal fee. 
• The post office will give you a communication receipt with date and time for the fingerprinting appointment at the local police headquarter (Questura). 

Attention: Keep the receipt together with your passport, as this replaces your permit of stay until the original arrives.

2. Fingerprinting appointment (at Questura - Ufficio Immigrazione)

The appointment will be automatically taken by the Post office at the submission. On that day you need to have with you:

• 2 passport-size photographs on white background;
• the communication stating the appointment at Questura;
• your passport;
• the original documents that you have enclosed in the application kit
• any other papers you have missed to add with the application (e.g. italian codice fiscale, tenancy agreement).
  In Trieste only, it is possible to send missing papers by email, please contact Welcome Office FVG for more information.

If the documentation submitted was incomplete or wrongly filled out, you have 30 days time to bring the missing documents.

3. Collect the permit (at Questura)

The request will be processed only when the documentation is fully completed.
You may check the status of your permit on Polizia di Stato website by entering the file number (10 characters) or the registered mail code (12 characters) related to your application.

Once you get the permit, it is possible to register at Ufficio Anagrafe (Registry Office) of the city you live in. For more information click here.

When to renew?
When the conditions are still met, the request should be madestarting from 60 days before the expiry date. 
In the application kit remember to add also copy of the expiring permit.

Travelling conditions while waiting the permit
Please be aware of the travelling conditions in and out Italy and Schengen area while waiting for the first issue or the renewal.