Italy permanent residence (EU long-term permit)

You need a residence permit held for at least five years; absences under six consecutive months and no more than ten months in total do not break continuity. Time on short-term permits does not count, and students, researchers and holders of temporary protection cannot apply. You must not be a danger to public order.

An A2 Italian test, booked through the Prefecture, is required. Exempt are children under 14, holders of an A2 certificate from recognised bodies such as Società Dante Alighieri or the Università per Stranieri of Perugia or Siena, holders of Italian school or university qualifications, and people with a medical certificate of serious learning limits.

Income must reach at least the annual assegno sociale set by INPS, shown by tax return and payslips. If family members are included it must cover the household, doubling with two or more children under 14.

The contribution is EUR 100, plus EUR 30.46 for the electronic permit, a EUR 16 revenue stamp and EUR 30 registered post.

Apply to the Questura of your place of residence through the post office kit, or at participating Comuni or Patronati. You are then called for fingerprints; the Polizia di Stato gives about 60 days on average for issuing a permit.

The permit is revoked after twelve consecutive months outside the EU, more than six years outside Italy, fraud, expulsion or long-term status in another EU state.

The permit can also be requested for a spouse aged 18 or over, minor children, disabled adult children and dependent parents; they need housing proof and, from age 14, the Italian test. Refugees count the five years from their asylum application.

Holders enter Italy visa-free, travel in Schengen for up to 90 days, work freely except in jobs reserved for Italians, and can apply to live in another EU state under its rules.