Residence permit in Italy in 2026: a complete guide to types, requirements, and procedures

Obtaining a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy is a key step for foreigners who wish to live, work, study, or invest in the country. In 2026, Italy offers a wide range of legal pathways to residence — from employment and business to investment, remote work, and family reunification.
This guide covers all current residence permit options, required documents, processing timelines, and the main advantages of living in Italy.

A residence permit is issued after entering Italy on a national Type D visa. The visa category determines the type of residence permit you can apply for. The main categories include:
1. Employment (lavoro subordinato)

• Requires an employment contract with an Italian employer
• Issued within annual quotas under the Decreto Flussi
• A Nulla Osta must be obtained from the Sportello Unico

2. Self-Employment and Business (lavoro autonomo)

• Registration as a sole trader or company in Italy
• Business plan, licenses (if applicable), and registration with the Camera di Commercio are required
• Financial sustainability and economic viability of the project must be demonstrated

3. Digital Nomad Visa

• In force since April 2024
• Designed for highly qualified professionals working remotely
• Requires stable income above the legal threshold, a contract or portfolio, health insurance, accommodation, and tax compliance

4. Investment (Investor Visa / Golden Visa)
Minimum investment amounts:

• €250,000 — innovative startup
• €500,000 — Italian company
• €1,000,000 — public interest project
• €2,000,000 — Italian government bonds

5. Elective Residence

• For individuals with passive income only (rent, investments, pensions)
• Employment in Italy is not permitted
• High and stable income, accommodation, and health insurance must be proven

6. Study

• For students admitted to Italian universities
• Requires an admission letter, proof of financial means, accommodation, and insurance
• Possibility to convert the permit into a work permit after graduation if a job offer is obtained

7. Family Reunification, Medical Treatment, Humanitarian Grounds

• Applies to reunification with a spouse, children, or parents
• The sponsoring party must demonstrate sufficient income and suitable housing

1. Choose the Legal Basis and Prepare Document

• Define your purpose: work, freelancing, investment, study, etc.
• Prepare documents required for the Type D visa

2. Apply for a Type D Visa at the Italian Consulate
Standard documents include:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form and photos
• Proof of legal grounds (employment contract, university admission, investment documents, etc.)
• Financial evidence
• Rental contract or proof of accommodation
• Health insurance

3. Enter Italy and Apply for the Residence Permit

• After entering Italy, you have 8 days to apply for permesso di soggiorno
• Application is submitted via post (kit postale) or directly at the Questura, depending on the permit type
• You receive a ricevuta confirming legal stay

4. Appointment at the Questura

• Biometric data collection and submission of original documents
• Upon approval, a plastic residence permit card is issued

5. Renewal

• Must be submitted at least 60 days before expiration
• Requires confirmation that the original grounds still apply (income, accommodation, taxes, insurance)

• Processing time: 1–6 months depending on region
• Fees:

Government fee: €70–130
Postal fee and tax stamp: approx. €40

• Permanent Residence (EU Long-Term Residence Permit)

Available after 5 years of continuous legal residence
Requirements: sufficient income, accommodation, Italian language knowledge, tax compliance, clean record

• Citizenship

Available after 10 years of legal residence (including temporary and permanent permits)

Italy offers a flexible and transparent residence system for foreigners. However, success depends on choosing the correct legal basis, preparing documents accurately, and meeting all deadlines.
Visa Dan provides full support — from visa application to obtaining your residence permit card — minimizing risks and avoiding refusals.

Contact Visa Dan for a personalized consultation.
We help clients legalize their stay in Italy lawfully, efficiently, and with proven results.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!