Italian residence permit - how to apply and whether it can be extended

Your desire to move to sunny Italy may be close to realization, but before you pack your bags, it's important to thoroughly understand the process of obtaining a residence permit (LPR). This document will not only open the doors to the world of Italian culture, cuisine and history, but will also allow you to legally reside and work in the country. In this article we will consider in detail how you can get a residence permit in Italy, highlight the main requirements and stages of this process, as well as discuss what are the possibilities for its extension. Regardless of whether you are planning to move for work, study or to reunite with your family, knowing these nuances will help you avoid common mistakes and speed up the path to your dream.

Gathering the necessary documents

To start the procedure of applying for a residence permit in Italy, you will need to prepare the following package of documents:

• A completed application for a residence permit;
• Original and copies of your passport, including the page with the visa that authorizes entry;
• Necessary documents that prove the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, such as a D visa;
• Proof of payment of the state fee;
• Four current passport-size photographs;
• Certificate of no criminal record;
• A valid medical policy;
• Documentation proving the availability of accommodation in Italy, whether it is your own property or a long-term lease;
• Stamp stamp for official paperwork.

Make sure that all documents are up to date and meet the requirements of the Italian authorities to avoid delays in the process of obtaining a residence permit.

Stages of obtaining a residence permit in Italy

One of the key stages is obtaining the Nulla Osta certificate, which is a confirmation that there are no obstacles to the issuance of an investor visa. The investor's documents are reviewed by a specialized committee within 30 days. After approval, the notification of Nulla Osta issuance is sent to the personal cabinet on the official website of the program. The certificate has a validity period of six months and allows you to apply for an investor visa.

To apply for a visa, the following documents must be submitted to the Italian Consulate:

• A copy of the foreign passport;
• Nulla Osta certificate;
• Documents proving the right to own or rent a home in Italy;
• Proof of income that must exceed the minimum living and healthcare expenses of at least €8,500;
• A recent photograph.

After obtaining the investor visa, a trip to Italy to apply for a residence permit follows. This last step involves registering in the country and obtaining the final residence permit.

Main advantages of residence permit in Italy

Obtaining a residence permit in Italy offers you many opportunities and unique advantages:

1. A reliable "backup" in the European Union: Italian residence permit allows you at any time to come to the country where you have the right to live, work and study.
2. High standard of living: Italy is recognized by the International Monetary Fund as a country with a developed economy. Beautiful architecture, pleasant climate, friendly people and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine await you here. You can choose to live by the sea or in the mountains.
3. Prospect of obtaining citizenship: After ten years of living in Italy you have the opportunity to apply for Italian citizenship and become a full-fledged citizen of the European Union.
4. Visa-free travel in Schengen: A residence permit entitles you to travel freely within the Schengen countries with the possibility of staying in each country for up to 90 days for every 180 days.
5. Access to free education and health care: All residents of Italy can use the services of public educational and medical institutions on an equal basis with citizens of the country. The Italian health care system is a mixed model with extensive coverage of services.
6. Business Opportunities: A residence permit gives you a unique opportunity to register a business in Italy, which is rarely available in other European countries. You can invest in both startups and established companies.
7. Tax optimization: Becoming a tax resident of Italy, you can take advantage of a special tax regime that allows you to significantly reduce the tax burden on income from abroad.

How you can extend your residence permit in Italy

By employment

To extend your residence permit in Italy on the basis of labor activity, you need to provide the following documents:

• Photocopies of passport pages, including personal data, stamps and visas;
• A copy of the current residence permit that is about to expire;
• Copy of the taxpayer identification number (codice fiscale);
• Copy of proof of residence registration, marital status, hospitality declaration or rental agreement;
• Copy of the Mod Unificato lav form that the employer sends to the National Institute of Social Security (INPS), or Modello Q for home-based workers;
• Documents proving the existence of income from employment or other legal source, such as Cud, Unico, last tax return or last pay slips.

For home-based workers, you must additionally submit copies of documentation of social security contributions paid to INPS. These measures provide proof of your labor activity and compliance with the requirements of Italian law for the renewal of your residence permit.

On reunification with family members

To renew your Italian residence permit issued on the basis of family circumstances, you need to apply through the postal whale. Here are the steps and documents that will be required for this process:

• Fill out the application form for the renewal of the residence permit (Modello 209 for the main applicant; form 2 if the foreigner has his/her own income). These documents are submitted through a special ELI 2 envelope.

The actual documents to be submitted include:

1. Photocopies of the applicant's passport pages, including personal data, stamps and visas;
2. A copy of the applicant's current expiring residence permit;
3. A copy of the passport pages of the family member with whom the reunification was realized, containing personal data;
4. A copy of the residence permit of the family member with whom the reunification was carried out;
5. Copies of the taxpayer identification number (codice fiscale) of both the applicant and the reunited family member.

You must also attach a declaration from the family member stating that you have sufficient means of subsistence.

These documents provide proof of your eligibility to renew your family residence permit, demonstrating the support and stability of family ties in Italy.

Student residence permit

In order to renew your student residence permit in Italy, you must submit certain documents and meet specific requirements:

• Financial Support: A copy of documents proving that you have sufficient funds to live on for the duration of the residence permit must be submitted. Students who have an income can demonstrate their financial stability by completing Form 2.
• Health Insurance: A copy of an insurance policy that covers medical expenses and accidents during the term of the residence permit is required.
• Academic Success: Provide a copy of a certificate of passing at least one exam for the first renewal and at least two exams for subsequent renewals, unless a force majeure event has occurred.

A student residence permit cannot be extended for more than three years after the completion of a multi-year course of study. Extension is also possible only if the course of study corresponds to the topic or direction for which the visa was obtained. The exception is in cases of transfer to another faculty, subject to the approval of the highest academic body.

If the student continues the same course of study in the same subject at the same or another higher education institution, it is necessary to obtain a certificate from the university that the new course is a logical continuation of the previous study. This certificate must be submitted to the immigration section of the police department for the renewal of the residence permit.

Extension of the residence permit "Selected residence" in Italy

To renew a residence permit in Italy issued under the "Chosen Residence" category, a certain set of documents must be collected and submitted:

• Application for renewal of the residence permit: Fill in and sign the relevant forms 1 and 2.
• Identity Documents: Submit photocopies of all pages of your passport or other identity document.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Submit copies of documents that prove you have sufficient funds to live on. This can be income from rental properties, pensions or annuities recognized by the Italian authorities. The minimum amount is €32,000 for the applicant, to which is added 20% for the spouse and 5% for each child.
• Documentation of housing: If no home is owned, a rental contract is required.

A residence permit issued under the VIP Immigration "Chosen Residence" program is initially issued for the period specified in the visa, usually one year. Renewal of the residence permit is possible if the conditions that were the basis for its initial issuance are maintained. A request for renewal should be submitted at least thirty days before the expiration date. Renewal of the residence permit shall be for a period not exceeding the one established at the time of its initial issuance.

Renewal of residence permit for business activities in Italy

In order to renew a residence permit issued to entrepreneurs, a number of documents must be submitted to prove the legal conduct of the business:

• Business Permit: A copy of the license or other permit required by Italian law to carry out business activities, or proof of registration in the company registry.
• Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Copy of the certificate of registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
• Tax return: Copy of the last tax return. For foreign entrepreneurs operating in Italy as members of business companies, the documents for the renewal of the residence permit must also include:
• Statement from the President of the Company: A declaration from the president of the company to act as a current shareholder, including a copy of the declarant's identity document.
• Shareholder Register: A copy of the shareholder register showing the registration of the foreign shareholder, including the cover page and the page with the corresponding entry.

These documents confirm your active role in the Italian business community and are necessary to prove the grounds for renewing your residence permit.

Why a residence permit may be refused

Grounds for refusal to renew a residence permit in Italy may include the following factors:

• Threat to public order and security: A foreigner may be considered a danger to public order or security not only in Italy but also in other Schengen states.
• Criminal record: The existence of a criminal record, even without a final court decision, especially if it is related to drug offenses, aiding illegal immigration, prostitution or exploitation of children, as specified in Article 380 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Italian Penal Code.
• Violations of copyright law: A criminal record for violations in this area may also be a reason for denial.

Where you can see the current programs and check the possibility of obtaining an Italian residence permit

To view current programs and check the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Italy, you can contact One World. We provide up-to-date information on all available options for immigration, including the details and requirements of each program. Visit our website to learn more about the opportunities Italy offers for foreign nationals.