Permit for Asylum Application

What is this permit?

The residence permit for asylum application (yellow permit) is a document given to those who have applied for international protection (asylum) in Italy and are still waiting for a final response

How do I apply for the permit?

First, you must go to the immigration office of the Police Headquarters (Questura) and ask for international protection: they will take your fingerprints and afterwards, they will give you a residence permit for asylum application. You don't need a passport. If you say you have a passport, you must hand it over to the Police Headquarters (Questura).

Anyone who applies for asylum has the right to this permit, which allows you to remain legally in Italy until the decision on your application. There are some exceptions (keep reading).

What rights does it give me?

• Work with a regular contract (self-employment or employed work): you can sign a work contract after 60 days from the date of your permit with photograph ("nominative certificate") that the Police Headquarters (Questura) gives you after
• Register with the National Health Service (NHS-SSN) and have a general practitioner
• Get residency in the municipality where you live
• If you don't have enough money to support yourself, go live in a Reception center

You cannot travel outside Italy with this permit.

How long does it last?

It lasts 6 months. But even if it has expired (very common situation), you continue to be legal until the Commission's decision on your international protection application. In many cases you will be able to continue staying in Italy even until the Tribunal's decision, but not always (it also depends on the country you come from, how you entered Italy, and there are new laws coming that will soon further limit this right.

Can I renew it?

The permit for asylum application is automatically renewed until the Territorial Commission decides on your international protection application.

⚠️ In some cases if you have received a negative response from the Commission and for example (a) you come from a country considered "safe"; (b) you have already made other asylum applications in the past; (c) you have been reported to the police for crimes, your residence permit might not be renewed. If you have already received a first negative response and you are wondering if you can be expelled or placed in a Repatriation Detention Center ("CPR"), it is a good idea to immediately seek specialized legal help.

Can I convert it to another permit?

No, this residence permit cannot be changed to other permits, except for the residence permit for family reasons.

If you applied for asylum when you were under 18 years old, if you have had a final negative decision (from the Commission or the Court) you can convert this permit to a permit for study, work or job seeking, even if you are now over 18 years old.

What happens if my international protection application is rejected?

If the Territorial Commission says no to your application, you can appeal with the help of a lawyer. If in 2025 you earned less than 13,500 Euro, your lawyer can file the appeal for free.

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