I've had a few emails from new clients lately asking whether they need a permesso di soggiorno or a visa to move to Italy. I realized this would be a great topic to write about!
The short answer is: you need both. Many expats assume that obtaining a visa is all they need, but in fact, upon arrival, you'll need to get your Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit).
Thoroughly confused? Not to worry! Let's dive into this together.
What is a Visa?
A visa is an official document issued by an Italian consulate or embassy in your home country that allows you to enter Italy for a specific purpose and duration. Common types of visas include:
Tourist Visa – Allows short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Student Visa – Issued to those enrolling in an academic program in Italy.
Work Visa – Required for those who have secured employment with an Italian company.
Digital Nomad Visa - For people working online. Usually good for a year and is renewable.
Elective Residency Visa – For retirees or individuals with sufficient passive income who want to reside in Italy without working.
A visa grants entry into Italy, usually for up to a year, but it does not automatically allow long-term residence. This is where the Permesso di Soggiorno comes in.
What is a Permesso di Soggiorno?
A Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit) is a legal document that allows non-EU citizens to stay in Italy beyond the validity of their visa.
You must apply for it within 8 days of arriving in Italy at the local post office. It serves as proof of your legal residence and must be renewed periodically, depending on your visa type.
Key Differences Between a Visa and a Permesso di Soggiorno
Feature | Visa | Permesso di Soggiorno |
Issued By | Italian consulate/embassy abroad | Italian government (Questura) |
Purpose | Grants entry into Italy | Grants legal stay beyond visa duration |
Validity | Short-term (up to 1 year) | Renewable, depending on permit type |
Where to Apply | Before arriving in Italy | After arriving in Italy (within 8 days) |
Renewal Required? | No, must apply for a new visa if needed | Yes, must be renewed before expiry |
Why Do Expats Need Both?
Many expats mistakenly think that once they have a visa, they are legally allowed to stay indefinitely. However, a visa is only an entry permit. I say it gets your foot in the door.
If you plan to live in Italy for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno to avoid overstaying and facing legal consequences.
How to Apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno
So, there's more to applying for a Permesso di Soggiorno (and I've written a book about it to help you).
Obtain a Kit – Pick up the application kit at a local post office.
Complete the Forms – Fill out the required documents based on your visa type.
Submit the Application – Return the completed kit to the post office and receive a receipt (ricevuta), which serves as temporary proof of stay.
Attend the Questura Appointment – You will be given a date to submit fingerprints and additional documents at the police station.
Wait for Processing – Processing times vary but can take from 1 to 6 months.
Collect Your Permesso di Soggiorno – Once approved, retrieve your permit from the Questura.
Understanding the difference between a Permesso di Soggiorno vs. visa is crucial for expats moving to Italy. While a visa grants entry, only a Permesso di Soggiorno allows you to reside legally in the country long-term. Ensuring you follow both steps will help you avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy your new life in Italy with peace of mind.
PSSST. I wrote an in-depth guide on How to Apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno just for you! It will help you decide which type of permesso you need, walk you through applying, and help you if you have delays or issues.
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