How Expats Can Live in Italy Permanently

Dreaming of the Italian sun, but not just for a summer?

For expats looking to make Italy their forever home, understanding permanent residency is a must.

Let’s dive in.

What Is A Italian Permanent Residence Permit?

When do you need a residence permit, and what does it entail?

What should come first?

You require an Italian residence visa if you want to stay in Italy for a period of time longer than three months.

Under Italian immigration law, there are two types of resident permits: temporary and permanent.

Each of them has several benefits.

Temporary Vs. Permanent Residence Permit italy

Benefits of the temporary residence permit

Although you won’t have the same rights as an Italian citizen if you have a temporary residence visa, you will nevertheless have the following advantages:

  • Traveling freely to other EU nations
  • The right to have a job in Italy
  • A straightforward procedure for acquiring a permanent residency permit

Benefits of the permanent residence permit

One of the most significant advantages of migrating to Italy as a foreigner is a permanent residency, which is the first step to Italian citizenship. There are several advantages involved with acquiring an Italian residency card.

Along with establishing permanent residency in Italy, the following benefits are also possible:

  1. Permanent residents who possess permits enjoy privileges comparable to Italian citizens;
  2. Foreigners requesting long-term resident permits in Europe will automatically be given permanent residency;
  3. One of the few European nations, Italy, allows for permanent residency after five years;
  4. Another benefit of a permanent residency permit is the freedom to visit any nation inside the EU and the Schengen region;
  5. Access to a market where an outsider can work or launch a business.

In Italy, obtaining a permanent residency permit is simple. Additionally, applying for this kind of residency permit is an easy process.

Can You Travel With Your Italian Permanent Residence Permit?

Your Italian settlement license does allow you to travel freely inside the EU, but you should also always carry your passport. When you have an Italian permanent resident card, you could have fewer visa requirements for several nations outside the EU.

After five straight years of residency in Italy, you can apply for permanent residency there regardless of your country of origin.

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit is another name for permanent residency authorization.

Who can submit a permanent residence application in Italy?

It is simple for EU nationals to apply for a permanent residency permit in Italy because all they need to enter the country is a valid ID or passport. In their situation, filing a straightforward declaration of presence with the local police station is sufficient.

Within eight days of entering Italy, this declaration must be submitted.

EU nationals are eligible to apply for permanent residency permits after being in Italy for more than three months.

Getting Italian permanent residence may take up to 3 months.

When submitting an application for permanent residence in Italy, non-EU nationals must adhere to specified rules. People who wish to immigrate to Italy may inquire with the Italian embassy or consulate in their home nations about the necessary paperwork.

Before submitting an application for an Italian permanent residence visa, non-EU nationals must first submit an application for a temporary residence permit valid for five years.

To put it another way, a non-EU national must dwell in Italy for five years before submitting a request for permanent residency.

Restrictions for some immigrants seeking Italian permanent residency

There are some individuals who are not eligible to apply for Italian permanent residency visas. These are primarily students on student visas that only allow them to stay in Italy for a short time.

People who travel to Italy for scientific research or professional development fall under the same category. Only when their status is established can asylum seekers working to be recognized as refugees apply for permanent residency.

It is not possible to apply for permanent residency in Italy if you enter the country for humanitarian reasons and need temporary protection.

It is also prohibited for those with legitimate temporary residency cards to apply for permanent residency once they have satisfied the 5-year living requirement.

For non-EU nationals requesting a permit for permanent residency in Italy

When submitting an application for permanent residence in Italy, non-EU nationals must adhere to specified rules. People who wish to immigrate to Italy may inquire with the Italian embassy or consulate in their home nations about the necessary paperwork.

Before submitting an application for an Italian permanent residence permit, non-EU nationals must first submit an application for a temporary residence permit valid for five years.

To put it another way, a non-EU national must dwell in Italy for five years before submitting a request for permanent residency.

The necessary paperwork for an Italian permanent residency permit

Citizens from outside the EU who are requesting an Italian residency permit permanently must provide the following paperwork:

  • The temporary residency permit, which serves as evidence of the foreign national’s five years of stay in Italy;
  • The registration document provided by the local police upon entry into Italy;
  • Evidence of a valid Italian address (a rental agreement or a current energy bill);
  • Evidence of one’s ability to support oneself (bank statements, tax returns, employer-issued paystubs.
  • The Italian authorities application form and criminal history report.

Renewal of the Italian residence permit

Foreign nationals must regularly renew their residence permits, depending on the type they have. Foreign nationals residing in Italy must submit the following documents when applying for renewal:

  • 90 days before the expiration date, if the residency permit has a twoyear validity period
  • 60 days before the expiration of a residence permit with a one-year validity period,
  • In all other circumstances, 30 days before expiration.

The duration of temporary residency permits varies according to the objective of the Italian visa. Depending on their industry, foreign nationals in Italy must submit a renewal application on a temporary work permit.

While student visas may be valid for one year, the Italian job permit may only be valid for six to nine months.

The applicant’s nationality determines the terms and restrictions of the Italian permanent residency permit. It’s also helpful to know that although EU citizens are not needed to apply for a visa to live in Italy temporarily, they can do so.

DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ENCLOSE IN THE KIT FOR THE APPLICATION FOR THE RESIDENCE PERMIT RENEWAL

1) Two duplicates of the expired or expiring residence permit.

2) 2 copies of the passport page with your personal information, one copy of the Italy visa page, and copies of the passport pages with additional visas and stamps;

3) A self-declaration called an “autocertificazione” that certifies enrollment in Politecnico di Torino and that you have completed at least one exam for the initial renewal of your residence visa (and at least two exams for the following renewals). From your page on “Portale della Didattica”, you may print it.

4) A duty stamp costing €16 that must be purchased from the tobacconist (Tabacchi store);

5) A copy of a document demonstrating you have the funds on hand to cover your travel costs in Italy. If you have a scholarship, you must attach a copy of the letter describing the terms of your grant issued by the organization that awarded you the scholarship. The alternative is to submit a self-declaration.

6) A copy of the invoice for health insurance (it must cover you for the whole period of the residence permit renewal).

Residence Permit for Family Members

In general, family members are welcome to join any foreigner or EU citizen who is legally resident in Italy.

Who is Eligible for Family Permits?

Members of a non-EU national’s family who live in Italy

Family members may accompany a foreign person who is lawfully resident in Italy or has a visa valid for at least a year.

The principal criteria for qualifying are:

  1. Suitable housing is available, and there is evidence that the necessary funds are available for upkeep.
  2. Give a person having a normal immigration status in Italy documentary proof of your link to them.

For the following family members, a family permit (permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari) is necessary:

  1. The spouse who is legally married and at least 18 years old.
  2. Children under the age of 18 (including children of the spouse with the agreement of the other parent).
  3. Only if they are financially dependent due to a significant handicap, children over 18.
  4. Parents who are financially dependent, provided they do not have any other children in their place of origin, or parents over 65 if they are financially dependent on their native nation but have no additional children due to significant health issues.

Members of an EU national’s family who live in Italy

EU citizens have the right to enter and remain freely in Italy under the EU principle of freedom of movement and establishment, subject to various processes based on the desired duration of stay (less or more than three months).

Families joining or traveling with an EU citizen are subject to the same rules. An Italian long-term Residence Permit may be obtained by family members of an EU national residing in Italy (Carta di Soggiorno per familiare di cittadino comunitario).

The following family members may submit an application:

  1. Partener
  2. A partner who has engaged in a legally recognized registered union with an EU/EEA citizen
  3. Minors under the age of 21 or dependents in need of financial support, including those of a partner or spouse;
  4. Parents, including those of the partner or husband, if they are financially dependent.

Rights of residence derived from a durable relationship with an EU citizen

It is also possible to apply to any other family members (under specified conditions) and the legally recognized partner of an EU citizen.

Conclusion

With its art, culture, and divine cuisine, it’s no wonder Italy beckons many to stay. As you embark on this journey, arm yourself with knowledge and embrace la dolce vita forever!

Happy Settling!

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