Residence permit in Italy 2025-2026: 7 proven ways to obtain a residence permit
In 2025-2026, Italy remains one of the most accessible routes into the EU for citizens of many countries. Despite the tightening of some rules, a residence permit in Italy is still a real possibility — even without a job and without knowledge of the language.
But it is important to understand:
– Not all types of residence permits are equally reliable — some open the way to citizenship, while others risk ending in rejection.
– Deadlines and documents change — what worked in 2023–2024 may not work in 2025–2026.
– The “do-it-yourself” approach often leads to a loss of 6–12 months and €2,000+ in rework.
We have analyzed all the current options and identified seven viable scenarios for 2025–2026, from the simplest to the most reliable. Contact the Italiatut team for comprehensive support in obtaining a residence permit in Italy!
Top 5 reliable ways to obtain a residence permit in Italy in 2025-2026
1. Student residence permit — the most accessible option
– Requirements: enrollment in an Italian university (bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, language courses from 6 months), proof of income (€6,000/year).
– Validity: 1 year (renewable annually).
Advantages:
— You can work up to 20 hours per week.
— After 3 years, you can convert it to a work residence permit or a residence permit for freelancers.
— Italian language skills are not required at the time of application (A2 level within 1 year is sufficient).
→ Assistance with admission and residence permits
2. Digital Nomad Residence Permit — for remote workers
– Requirements (2025): income of €2,700/month (€32,400/year), contract with a foreign company (not Italian!), medical insurance.
– Term: 1 year, renewal possible.
– Features:
— quotas are limited — it is better to apply in January–February,
— does not give the right to long-term registration at an address without additional conditions.
Ideal for: freelancers, IT specialists, online business owners.
3. Residence permit through real estate purchase
– Important: the purchase itself does not grant a residence permit — but it does give grounds for:
— an annual tourist residence permit (residenza elettiva), if you have passive income (€31,000/year for one person, +€8,000 for each family member).
— a work residence permit, if you register as a sole proprietor and rent out the property (business registration required).
– Advantage: the property is your asset, you can rent it out and earn income.
→ Buy real estate in Italy with the support of Italiatut!
4. Family reunification (art. 30)
– Who is eligible: spouse, minor children — to the holder of a legal residence permit (not a tourist one!).
– Requirements: standard housing (14 m² per person), income from €27,000/year (for a family of 2).
– Processing time: 6–10 months.
– Plus: no need to know Italian when applying.
5. Residence permit for internship or volunteer work
– For young people under 35 years of age.
– Requires an invitation from an Italian organization (e.g., in the field of culture or ecology).
– Duration: up to 1 year.
– A good “stepping stone” to a student or work residence permit.
→ Get a full consultation from Italiatut!
Step-by-step plan for obtaining a residence permit in 2026
1. January–March:
– Determine the type of residence permit,
– Collect documents (certificate, references, proof of income),
– Get notarized + apostille.
2. April–June:
– Submit documents to the Italian consulate,
– Obtain a national D visa.
3. July–August:
– Arrive in Italy,
– Obtain a codice fiscale, sign a rental agreement,
– Apply for a residence permit at the Questura.
4. September+:
– Obtain a permesso di soggiorno,
– Register at your address (anagrafe),
– Obtain a tessera sanitaria.
→ Support in submitting documents for a residence permit in Italy from Italiatut
Want to learn about life in Italy before moving?
Check out the GIDtut website — it offers author-led tours to help you get to know new cities!
Ready for a stress-free residence permit in Italy?
Don’t risk years of trying on your own.
Write to us on Telegram and get detailed advice!
A residence permit in Italy is not a matter of luck. It’s a strategy.
And we know how to build it — without mistakes, the first time around.
