How to get a residence permit in Italy step by step: how to get from visa to permesso — without mistakes and delays
You have already chosen the type of residence permit — student, digital nomad, through real estate or family reunification. Now the most difficult thing is not to get confused about the deadlines, not to skip the document and not get rejected. Currently, 8 out of 10 people who want to know how to get a residence permit in Italy on their own face delays. You often have to wait 2-3 months due to an incorrect transfer, or you can even be refused due to an 8-day delay after entry.
We’ve put together real step—by-step instructions, tested on hundreds of cases, with up-to-date deadlines, document lists, and working 2025 life hacks.
Stage 1. Preparation in the country of residence
– Term: 2-4 months
What documents are needed (universal list, current for 2025-2026):
1. Passport – Valid for at least 3 months after the end of the residence permit.
2. The invitation / Confirmation of the foundation is valid for at least 3 months after the end of the residence permit.
3. Certificate of non-criminal record – Apostille + notarized translation into Italian.
4. Medical insurance – Minimum €30,000 coverage, valid in Italy.
5. Proof of income – For residenza elettiva: €31,000/year (one), +€8,000 for each family member.
6. Notarization + apostille is mandatory for all foreign documents.
Mistake No. 1 of 2025: Translations made by a non-sworn translator (traduttore giurato) are not accepted at the consulate.
→ Assistance with legalizing and translating documents
Stage 2. Obtaining a national D visa
– Duration: 30-60 days.
– Submission is by appointment only.
– Interview is in Italian or English.
– Decision is made within 30-60 business days.
– The D visa is issued for 1 year, but allows you to stay in Italy for up to 90 days before applying for a residence permit.
Life hack: apply in January–February to be in time for the fall enrollment in universities or for the rental season.
Stage 3. Arrival in Italy and the first 8 days are a critical period!
– Deadline: strictly 8 working days from the moment of entry!
What needs to be done in 8 days:
1. Get codice fiscale.
2. Conclude a lease agreement (at least 1 year for a residence permit).
3. Buy a postage stamp (marca da bollo) — €16.
4. Send the kit postale to Questura via mail (or submit it online via Sportello Amico).
5. Get a receipt for filing (ricevuta) — it = temporary residence permit.
Tip: The Italiatut team provides support all the way!
→ Contact Italiatut and we will help you apply for a residence permit in Italy
Stage 4. Waiting for and obtaining a residence permit
– Duration: from 2 to 8 months — depends on the region and the type of residence permit.
– Student period – 2-4 months.
– Digital Nomad – 4-6 months.
– Residenza Elettiva – 5-8 months.
– Family reunification – 6-10 months.
During the waiting period, you can:
– live and work (if the type of residence permit allows it).
– open a bank account.
– get a medical card (tessera sanitaria).
3 main reasons for refusal and how to avoid them
Those who want to apply for a residence permit in Italy in 2025-2026 may face a refusal. Here are the most common reasons:
1. 8-day delay → Sign a rental agreement before moving in, get codice fiscale online or with Italiatut support.
2. False income data → Use bank statements + tax returns, avoid “gray” schemes.
3. No proof of housing → The contract must be registered with the Agenzia delle Entrate(registrazione contratto di locazione).
Do you want to see Italy before moving?
Take a look at the GIDtut website, where all the author’s tours of Italian cities from our team are collected!
Are you ready to get a residence permit in Italy without stress?
Don’t risk years because of one mistake.
Write to us on Telegram! Getting a residence permit in Italy is not a lottery. This is a clear algorithm.
And we know how to pass it — the first time!
