Residence permit in Italy: Guide for UK citizens

Italy is a popular choice for people looking to live, work or study abroad. Its rich culture, strong economy and high quality of life make it one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.

However, all non-EU nationals, including British passport holders, need a residence permit for any stay longer than a short visit. That’s why we’ve put together a guide explaining how to get a resident permit in Italy, the different types available and how much the process costs.

We'll also introduce the Wise account from the money services provider Wise that allows you to send and receive international payments for low, transparent fees* and mid-market exchange rates.

🔎 Learn more about the Wise account

What is a resident permit in Italy?

A resident permit in Italy is a document that allows you to live in the country legally. If you’re staying for less than three months, whether for tourism, business or studying, you won’t need a permit. However, if you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a permit within eight days of arriving in the country.¹

Who needs a residence permit?

All non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, who plan to stay in Italy for more than 90 days need a residence permit, or permesso di soggiorno. Short-term stays, such as tourism, don’t require a permit, though a valid passport is always necessary.¹

Types of resident permits in Italy

Italian residence permits vary depending on the reason for your stay and can be either temporary or permanent. The exact duration of your permit will be stated on your visa and depends on the purpose of your stay.¹

Below, we’ll cover some of the main types of resident permits in Italy.

Temporary residence permits

These are the most common types of resident permits in Italy:

• Subordinate employment residence permit
• Seasonal work residence permit
• Self-employment residence permit
• Study residence permit
• Family reunification residence permit
• Family cohesion residence permit
• FAMIT residence permit
• Elective residence permit²

Each residence permit has its own validity period, which is also listed on your entry visa. For example, seasonal work residence permits usually last six months, but are extended to nine months for work in certain sectors.³

The study resident permit in Italy is valid for up to one year. Resident permits issued for self-employment, permanent dependent work and family reunification can be valid for up to three years.³

Permanent residence permit

After five years of uninterrupted legal residence, UK citizens may apply for a permanent resident permit in Italy. Permanent residents must maintain compliance with Italian laws and demonstrate sufficient financial stability to retain their status, but get many benefits in return.⁴

For example, as a permanent resident of Italy, you get indefinite residence, access to social benefits and the right to study under the same conditions as local students.⁴

How to apply for a resident permit in Italy

You should apply for a resident permit in Italy at the local police headquarters, known as the Questura. In some cases, you may be able to submit your application by post.³

The process begins as soon as you arrive in Italy, as you have only eight days to apply for a permit. You’ll need the following documents:

• Application form

• Valid passport with the entry visa

• A copy of your passport

• Four recent and identical passport-size photos

• Revenue stamp

• Documents necessary for the specific type of residence permit you’re applying for³

Additional documents vary depending on the type of permit. For example, for a family reunification permit, you’ll need a certificate of residence and proof of the family status of your relative already living in Italy. If you’re applying for an employment or seasonal work permit, you’ll be asked to provide a contract of stay or an employment contract.²

After submitting your application, you’ll be scheduled to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This step is mandatory for all applicants.³

Processing times vary, but it typically takes around 60 days to receive your permit, depending on the workload of your local Questura. If you’re applying for an employment residence permit, you can start working while waiting for a decision.³

If you want to apply for permanent residence in Italy, you should first get an application kit from the Post Office, which will later be forwarded to the competent Questura. Your application should include the following:

• A copy of your passport
• A copy of your income tax statement, proving you earn more than the annual social allowance (€538.68 in 2025)
• Copies of your payslips for the current year
• A criminal record check
• Proof of accommodation in Italy
• Evidence of paid fees⁴

You’ll also need to show that your knowledge of Italian is at least at level A2. You can prove this in several ways, such as providing an exam certificate or a university or school diploma.⁴

How to renew a resident permit in Italy?

When your residence permit starts approaching its expiry date, you can renew it. If your permit is valid for less than a year, you must apply 30 days before it expires. However, you need to apply 60 days in advance for a one-year permit and 90 days in advance if you hold a two-year resident permit in Italy.¹

How much does it cost to get a resident permit in Italy?

The fees for a resident permit in Italy consist of several parts. First, you’ll need to pay €30 at the Post Office when applying, €16 for the revenue stamp and €30.46 for the production of the residence card.⁵

You’ll also pay contributions based on the validity of your permit. For permits lasting up to a year, the fee is €40, while those lasting up to two years require a €50 contribution. The EU residence permit for long-term residents has a €100 fee.³

Some categories of applicants are exempt from paying contributions, including:

• Minors under 18
• Refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons
• People granted subsidiary protection or humanitarian protection
• Those receiving medical treatment and their caretakers.³

Save on your relocation costs to Italy with Wise

Moving abroad and applying for a resident permit in Italy involves a range of expenses, including contribution fees, language courses and rent. To save money on these costs, you can use Wise.

Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and Italy for low, transparent fees* at the mid-market exchange rate. You can hold money in 8+ currencies in one place, including euros and British pounds, making it easier to manage your finances between the UK and Italy.

You can also get a linked debit card to use in 160+ countries, including Italy. The card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee*, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

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Sources used:

1. Polizia di Stato - residence permit validity
2. Polizia di Stato - documents for each type of residence permit
3. Polizia di Stato - the issuance of a residence permit
4. Immigrant Invest - permanent residence and additional documents
5. Poste Italiane - residence permit costs

Sources last checked on date: 17-Dec-2025