Italian Residency Requirements

Question: What are the requirements to apply for Italian residency?

Answer: The requirements to apply for Italian residency depend on your citizenship, immigration status, and age.

Here are the main requirements.

Application Formalities for All

You are required to file a residency application with the Comune (local municipality) where you live.

The filing process depends on the policies of the local Comune. In general, you can file the application in person, via email, via “certified” email (PEC), or by filling out an online form on the Comune’s website, for the municipalities that offer such option. So make sure you look for the specifics on your Comune’s website or contact them directly for more information.

As an alternative, you can have a person you trust file the Italian residency application on your behalf. We offer a service to file the Italian residency residency applications remotely nationwide on behalf of our clients.

There are no fees to pay to the Comune to apply for residency or to be registered as a resident.

If you are moving with your family, you can list all family members on one residency application.

For residency applications regarding minors (under 18), the signature of both parents is required for authorization.

Everyone on the residency application is required to have an Italian codice fiscale (tax code).

Medical Insurance

If you are not an Italian citizen you are required to show evidence of private medical insurance.  

Housing

You are required to provide evidence of housing. For example, a 12-month lease agreement, property title, or letter of hospitality. An accepted purchase offer is not suitable, unless it has a sufficiently regulated early possession clause that guarantees your possession for 12 months.

Immigration Status and ID

Depending on your immigration status you might be asked for additional requirements:

• For citizens of Italy, the EU, or a Schengen country, a valid proof of citizenship (e.g., passport).

• For non-EU citizens: immigration card (e.g., Permesso di Soggiorno or Carta di Soggiorno) or, in some limited cases, even just the evidence of having applied for a Permesso di Soggiorno or Carta di Soggiorno.  

Residency Registration Timing Physical Presence Requirement

The entire process takes approximately 45 days. You can find more information about timing and physical presence at this article.

Exceptions

Many exceptions apply. For example, if not all requirements are met, often it is still possible to find applicable contingencies and exceptions in order to complete the residency application lacking some of the requirements above. For example, if the applicant is the spouse of an Italian citizen living in Italy or if the applicant is entitled to claim Italian citizenship by descent. If you feel that you lack some requirements, consult us to check your circumstances and advise you about possible options and/or alternative strategies to achieve your goals.

Related posts:  

• Italian residency registration for EU citizen
• Permit to stay
• Italian elective residency visa
• Italian residency application timing

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