how to apply

Step #1

Go to a Post Office (ugh) with a special window called a Sportello Amico. A list of these Post Office's is available on the Poste Italia website. When you arrive take the 'T' ticket from the machine at the entrance and wait... When you reach the kiosk, ask for 'The Residence Kit' or simply 'The Kit' - they’ll know what you mean.

Step #2

Go home, get out a dictionary, and fill out the forms within the Residency Kit envelope you have received (DO NOT sign the form yet or reseal the envelope - you'll do this back at the Post Office).

Step #3

Time to copy your documents! You'll need printed scans of;

• Passport & entry visa (scan EVERY passport page)

• Codice fiscale certificate

• Proof of study / university enrolment

• Full copy of your health insurance policy

• Registered rental contract in Milan

• Copy of bank statement (for 2021 the benchmarks are: minimum €459,83 per month / € 5.977,79 per year). You can submit the same documents you provided for the visa application or, if you have been assigned a scholarship, an official letter detailing its amount, duration and issuing body; we're almost there!

Step #4

Next up, go to any tobacco shop / newsagents and buy a 'Marca da Bollo' stamp worth €16.00. These stamps are used to pay taxes on state documents, the Post Office will attach this to your application for you when you return later.

STEP #5

Take all of your scanned documents, your completed residency kit and your tax stamp back to the Post Office (It's the last time - we promise!).

When delivering the application to the post office, you must pay:

• the Electronic Residence Permit (PSE) production cost (€30,46);

• the Residence Permit fee (€40);

• the service charge for submitting the application via registered mail (€30).

IVE SUBMITTED EVERYTHING, NOW WHAT...

1. After you have successfully submitted your application you will receive a paper receipt that looks like its from the 1980's - this is your proof of residency application. It is SUPER important that you keep this document safe (this will become clear in a moment!)

2. Now wait...

3. Wait some more...

4. You will eventually receive an appointment at the Questura (immigration office) after a few month however there are regularly cases where students will wait 6+ months for this appointment. Our current record is 9 months! (Don't panic! This is why you have the Post Office receipt!)

5. When you eventually receive your Questura appointment, take along your receipt from the Post Office along with all of the documents provided in your Permesso Kit, as well as FOUR Italian passport sized photos (you can find machines that take photos like these for about €5 in the main metro stations around the city).

6. Go home and wait between 30-45 days for your card to be ready for collection at your local police station.

7. Revel in the glory before you start the whole process again for your renewal!

some things to remember…

• The residence permit is issued for the same reasons and for the same duration indicated by your original visa. If the health insurance policy has a duration shorter than that of the visa, the duration of the residence permit will be that of the insurance policy NOT your visa.

• To track the status of your application after the appointment at the Police station (Questura), you can enter your reference code on the State Police website.

Appointment anxiety? apply with the support centre

While it’s possible to obtain a Permesso di Soggiorno on your own, many international students and expats find it helpful to have someone with experience and knowledge of the Italian system handle the application process for them. Our Support Services are designed to make your life in Italy easier and more convenient. Contact us today to learn more about our Support Services and how we can help you get your Permesso di Soggiorno quickly and hassle-free.

Content and support is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as independent legal, taxation, or other investment advices.