Bureaucratic terms explained simply
System of centers that host people who have applied for international protection.
A person who depends financially on someone else. For example, a child who doesn't work is "a carico" (dependent) of their parents because they pay for their food, clothes and other expenses.
When a minor (child or young person under 18) is placed in the care of a person, family or institution other than their natural parents.
A type of international protection for those who cannot return to their country because there would be a risk of being persecuted (for example being killed, tortured, seriously discriminated against). See also "Rifugiato" (Refugee).
Azienda Sanitaria Locale (Local Health Authority). Office that manages medical and health services in an area. Here you can register with the National Health Service and choose a general practitioner.
First residence permit that the Police Headquarters (Questura) gives when you apply for asylum, while waiting to give you the yellow paper one. It is delivered together with the C3 form. It has no expiration date: it is valid until the end of the asylum application examination.
Form with which you can apply for asylum at the Police Headquarters (Questura). It contains your personal information.
Certificate that says if there are criminal proceedings against a person that have not yet ended with a final judgment.
Ambiguous term that can indicate two different residence permits: Long-term resident permit or EU citizen family member residence card.
Register containing information about criminal convictions of a person. It is requested from the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Document you make when you rent a house or room to someone for payment. You must submit it to the local police within 48 hours.
Process that allows those already in Italy to obtain a residence permit to stay with a family member who already lives legally in Italy.
Personal code, unique to each person, used to be identified in Italy and to do things like work, go to the doctor or sign official documents.
Italian government organization that decides who can have refugee status, subsidiary protection, special protection or a medical care permit.
Husband or wife. Refers to the person with whom one is married (marriage) or in a civil union.
Changing a residence permit into another (for example, from study permit to work permit), without having to return to your country of origin.
Photocopy of a document with an official stamp certifying that it is identical to the original. It can be done at the Municipality, at the notary or in some cases at the post office.
Decision by the Prefecture saying you must leave Italy. Along with expulsion, a re-entry ban may also be issued.
Document signed by the person declaring that they are hosting you free of charge in their home in Italy. It must be taken to the police within 48 hours.
Negative decision. When your request is refused by the authorities.
Address where you live, even temporarily.
Certificate proving that a house is suitable for habitation (has enough space, is safe, has necessary services). It must be requested from the Municipality where the house is located.
Package of forms that you get at the post office to apply for or renew certain types of residence permits.
Tax stamp bought at a tobacco shop and attached to official documents like requests to the Police Headquarters (Questura). It costs 16 euros (most common value) and is used to pay a tax to the State.
Person under 18 years old.
Person under 18 who is in Italy without parents or other legally responsible adults.
Official permission needed to do something. For example, the "nulla osta al ricongiungimento familiare" (family reunification clearance) is the green light from the Prefettura to bring your family members to Italy.
Document that gives you the right to live in Italy legally for a certain period of time.
Italian State office present in every province. It deals with public order, security and some procedures for foreigners such as citizenship and family reunification.
Protection given by Italy to people who cannot return to their country because they would be in danger. Includes Asylum and Subsidiary protection.
Possibility for a foreign young person who arrived in Italy as a minor to remain with support even after turning 18.
State Police office present in every provincial capital. It is the place where you apply for, collect and renew the residence permit. It has a counter called "Ufficio Immigrazione" (Immigration Office).
Address where you live permanently and are registered in the Municipality's registry.
Document proving you made a request or payment. The Police Headquarters (Questura) receipt (cedolino) proves you applied for a residence permit and allows you to stay in Italy while you wait.
Procedure that allows a foreign person who already lives in Italy with a valid residence permit to bring some family members to Italy.
Person who flees their country because of persecution and can therefore have refugee status in Italy.
Process to extend the validity of your residence permit before it expires.
Municipal offices that help people in difficulty (families, elderly, disabled, minors).
Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (SUI - Single Immigration Desk). Prefecture office that handles work procedures for foreigners (clearance, residence contract) and family reunification.
Decision by the Commission or Court recognizing a person as a refugee. With refugee status you can apply for an asylum residence permit.
Place where judges make decisions on legal matters.
Special court dealing with legal matters concerning persons under 18.
Plastic card that allows you to use the National Health Service (general practitioner, emergency room, medicines). It is requested at the ASL after obtaining the residence permit and residence.
Person chosen by the judge who helps and takes care of a young person under 18 when the parents cannot do so.
Appointment in Court with a judge. In 99% of cases your lawyer must attend.
Marriage between same-sex people in Italy.
Authorization to enter Italy that is requested at the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country before departure. There are different types: visa for tourism, study, work, family reunification.
Family relationship between two people (parents-children, siblings, grandparents-grandchildren, uncles/aunts-nieces/nephews).