The Permesso di Soggiorno (Residence Permit) Guide

Turkish students who go to Italy on a student visa must obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) to stay in the country legally. In this post we explain the residence-permit process step by step.

What is the permesso di soggiorno?

The permesso di soggiorno is the residence permit that foreigners staying in Italy longer than 90 days must obtain. While the student visa provides entry to Italy, the residence permit regulates your legally staying, working and accessing basic services in the country. You must apply within a certain period after arriving in Italy (usually eight working days). This document is the official basis of your student status. Without a residence permit a long-term legal stay in Italy is not possible. So it is critical to start the process in your first days after arrival.

How do you apply?

The residence-permit application is usually started by filling in an application kit (the kit giallo) obtained from the post office; your documents are then sent to the relevant police headquarters (the questura) and a fingerprint appointment is given. The process involves filling in the application kit, paying the fees and attending the appointment. The universities’ international student offices help with this process. Completing the steps in the right order and on time is important. For the process, see our guide library. Not delaying the first application protects your legal status.

The required documents

The residence-permit application typically wants a passport and visa, the acceptance/enrolment document, proof of funds, health insurance, accommodation details and the required fee receipts. Some documents may need an Italian translation or to be current. Complete documents let the process move without delay. Having the birth certificate or similar documents you bring from Turkey apostilled and sworn-translated eases matters. For the translation of such documents, see our document-type translations section. Preparing documents in advance speeds up the transactions in Italy.

Period and timing

Making the residence-permit application within the set period after arrival in Italy is a legal requirement; it is important not to miss this window. After the application, preparing the document can take weeks, sometimes months; during this time your application receipt (the ricevuta) temporarily evidences your status. So you can stay legally while waiting for the document. The length of the process varies by region and questura workload. Applying early and keeping your receipt secures your status. Timing is the most critical aspect of the residence process.

The advantages of a student permit

The student residence permit provides many rights alongside a legal stay in Italy: part-time work within a certain hourly limit, being able to register with the national health system, opening a bank account and using student rights. These rights ease your student life in Italy. The residence permit also offers the possibility of travel within the Schengen area. To use these advantages you must obtain your permit on time and keep it valid. The student permit forms the basis of all your official and social life in Italy. Knowing your rights lets you make the most of your status.

Its link to the codice fiscale

Along with the residence procedures, the codice fiscale tax identification number, needed for many transactions in Italy, is obtained too. The codice fiscale is needed for a bank account, a rental contract, a health registration and many official transactions. Getting this number early eases the transactions of your first weeks in Italy. The residence permit and the codice fiscale are two basic pillars of a settled student life in Italy. Obtaining these documents in order and on time opens the way to all later transactions. For detail on the codice fiscale, see our related post.

Renewal

The student residence permit is issued for a certain period and must be renewed while your study continues. It is important to make the renewal application before the permit’s validity ends; academic progress (credits) and current documents are usually wanted. Starting the renewal process early prevents a gap in your status. The renewal conditions and process need similar documents to the first application. For detail on residence renewal, see our guide library. Timely renewal ensures the continuity of your legal status in Italy.

Common mistakes

The commonest mistakes with the residence permit are: applying late by missing the post-arrival period, preparing documents incompletely, not keeping the application receipt (the ricevuta), and leaving renewal to the last minute. Also, some students overlook gaps in the health insurance or accommodation document. These mistakes can put your status at risk. Staying in touch with your university’s international student office and preparing documents early prevents these problems. For the translation of the documents you bring from Turkey you can take a free quote. Careful follow-up is the key to the residence process.

Frequently asked questions