Permit for EU permit for long-term residents ("Residence card")

What is this permit?

It is a residence permit that does not expire. It is also known as "residence card" but be careful not to confuse it with the Card for family members of EU citizens.

Who can apply for this permit?

You can apply if:

• You have been living legally in Italy for at least 5 years
• You have another residence permit that is still valid
• You have an income of at least 7,000 euros in the last three years
• You have a certificate of Italian language knowledge of at least A2 level

Attention! ⚠️ Not all residence permits can be converted into a Card!

For example, you CANNOT apply for the Card if you have

• A permit for study or professional training
• A permit for medical treatment, special protection or temporary protection
• A permit for asylum application (while waiting for the decision from the Territorial Commission or the Court)

If you have doubts, take our test.

Must the 5 years of residence in Italy be without interruptions?

Yes. The 5 years are counted from the date of your first residence permit and there must be no "gaps" in your residence permits.

How are the 5 years of regular residence calculated?

In calculating the 5 years, periods when you had a short-term or "diplomatic" permit are not counted. However, periods with a permit for study, training, temporary or humanitarian protection are counted.

What level of Italian do I need to know to apply for this permit?

You must demonstrate knowledge of Italian at A2 level. This means being able to understand and speak in everyday situations. If you obtained a middle school diploma or higher in Italy, this is sufficient.

Can I also apply for the Card for my family members who are with me in Italy?

Yes. You can apply for this permit for

• Dependent spouse
• Minor children (including stepchildren, children born out of wedlock, adopted children, or children under your guardianship)
• Dependent adult children with total disability (100%) who cannot support themselves
• Dependent parents

To extend the EU long-term resident permit to family members you must:

• Prove you have suitable housing that meets Italian health standards and is large enough for everyone: you must bring to the Police Headquarters (Questura) the "housing suitability certificate" issued by your Municipality
• Have sufficient income. The income of family members living with you is also counted. The minimum income is calculated by taking the social allowance amount plus half for each family member. With 2 or more children under 14, you need double the social allowance.

How long does the EU residence permit for long-term residents last?

in theory it has no expiration date (lasts forever), but it must be updated every 10 years. The renewal is not always automatic: the Police Headquarters (Questura) usually verifies if all the requirements to have it are still met. For minors the renewal is done every 5 years

What rights does it give me?

With this permit you can:

• Enter and exit Italy without a visa
• Work with a regular contract (self-employment or employed work)
• Stay in another EU country even for more than 90 days, but if you want to go work permanently in another EU country, you must inform yourself about that country's rules to understand if this permit is sufficient.
• Use Public Administration services, including procedures for public housing
• Receive social assistance, social security, health and educational assistance: for example, the INPS allowance for civil disability and the social allowance

While I wait for the permit, does the postal receipt authorize me to work?

Yes, the postal receipt authorizes you to work with a regular contract (self-employment or employed work).

What happens if the documentation I sent with the Kit or brought to the Police Headquarters (Questura) is not complete?

The Police Headquarters (Questura) gives you an integration request with a list of missing documents. You must bring the requested documents as soon as possible; in the meantime your application remains on hold.

In which cases can the EU long-term resident permit be revoked?

If you stay outside the European Union for 12 consecutive months; or if you stay outside Italy for more than 6 years.

With an EU long-term residence permit, can I go live in another European country?

Yes, you can stay in another Schengen area country, for study or work, even for more than 90 days, respecting the laws of the other country. Your family members have the same right. If another European state gives you an EU long-term residence permit, your Italian permit will be revoked.

📋 Required documents

Check off the documents you've already prepared. Your progress is saved automatically.