Avoid delays or rejection. We’ll help you fill in the postal application kit, check the income requirements and track your appointment at the police immigration office.
Residence permits: renewals, applications and full support from Etnopoint
Residence permit
- Immigration
- First residence permit application:
Help with your first application, based on your reason for staying in Italy.
- Renewing your residence permit:
We help you prepare your documents and submit your renewal application correctly.
- Updating your permit:
Help with reporting a change of address, personal details, passport or other relevant information.
- Changing permit type:
We can help you check whether you can switch to a different type of residence permit.
- Residence permit for family reasons:
Help with family reunification and staying with family in Italy.
- Work permit Self-employed:
Help with applications, renewals and paperwork for residence permits for self-employment.
- EU long-term resident permit:
We help you check whether you qualify and prepare your application for a long-term permit.
The permits we handle
Residence permit FAQs
It’s important to start the renewal process before your permit expires.
Processing times depend on the type of permit and your circumstances.
Etnopoint can help you check when to apply and which documents to prepare.
The documents you need depend on your type of residence permit and personal circumstances. You may generally need:
- Passport or equivalent document
- Current residence permit
- Tax code
- Employment and income documents
- Family documents, if required
- Proof of residence or accommodation, if required
- Any other documents required for your type of permit
EtnoPoint helps you check which documents you need before you apply.
Yes. You can continue living and working legally in Italy while your residence permit renewal is pending, provided you have submitted your application correctly and have the receipt to prove it.
You can continue working unless the public security authority notifies you of grounds for refusing to renew your permit.
Legal basis:
Article 5(9-bis) of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998, the Immigration Act, as amended by Article 3 of Decree-Law No. 146 of 3 October 2025, converted into law with amendments by Law No. 179 of 1 December 2025
Yes, but with some restrictions.
If you have applied to renew your permit and have the receipt, you can travel to your country of origin and return to Italy.
You must not travel through another Schengen country on either your outbound or return journey.
You’ll need to carry the following when you travel:
- Valid passport
- Original receipt for your renewal application
- Expired residence permit
You must therefore return directly through an Italian border crossing, without stopping in or transiting through another Schengen country. Milan police headquarters also states that border officials stamp the application receipt.
Before you leave, EtnoPoint can check whether you can travel and which documents you need to take.
Sources: Ministry of the Interior Directive of 5 August 2006 and Public Security Department Circular No. 400/C/2006/779/P/12.214.3.2/II of 21 June 2006, which allow travel with a passport, renewal receipt and expired permit, without transiting through other Schengen countries. General reference: Article 5(9-bis) of Legislative Decree 286/1998.
Yes, in some cases. Whether you can convert your permit depends on the type you hold and the legal requirements.
For example, you can convert a study or training permit into a permit for employment or self-employment. If you meet the requirements, you can also apply to convert it into a permit for family reasons.
EtnoPoint can check whether you can convert your permit and explain the steps to take.
Sources: Article 6, paragraph 1, Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act), as amended by Decree-Law No. 20 of 10 March 2023, converted into Law No. 50 of 5 May 2023; for conversion on family grounds, Article 30 of Legislative Decree No. 286/1998.
If your permit has expired and you have not applied to renew it, submit your application as soon as possible.
Generally, you can still apply up to 60 days after your permit expires. While you wait, your renewal application receipt allows you to remain legally, subject to the conditions set by law.
If more than 60 days have passed since your permit expired and you have not applied to renew it, you may be staying in Italy unlawfully and could face removal under the Immigration Act.
EtnoPoint can review your situation and explain what to do, even if your permit has already expired.
Sources: Art. 13(2)(b), Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998; Art. 5(4), Legislative Decree No. 286/1998, as amended by Art. 1, Legislative Decree No. 83 of 16 April 2026
Yes, if you meet the legal requirements.
Generally, you need at least 5 years of legal residence in Italy, an income of at least the annual social allowance amount and A2-level Italian, unless you qualify for an exemption under the law.
An EU long-term residence permit grants permanent status. The physical card is renewed every 10 years for adults and every 5 years for children.
EtnoPoint can help you check whether you already meet the requirements and what documents you need to apply.
Sources: Article 9, paragraphs 1 and 2-bis, Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act); for the language requirement, Article 2 of the Ministerial Decree of 4 June 2010, which sets the minimum level at A2. The same Ministerial Decree governs exemptions from the test..
Yes. Losing your job, even if you resign, does not automatically mean losing your residence permit.
If you lose your job while holding an employee residence permit, you can register as available for work at an employment centre. If you meet the requirements, you can then apply for a residence permit while seeking work.
Except for seasonal work, this protection lasts at least one year, or for as long as any income support payments continue if that is longer.
EtnoPoint can check whether you qualify and help you apply for a residence permit while seeking work.
Sources: Article 22, paragraph 11, Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998 (Consolidated Immigration Act); Article 37, paragraph 5, Presidential Decree No. 394 of 31 August 1999; duration amended by Article 4, paragraph 30, Law No. 92 of 28 June 2012.
Processing times vary depending on the type of permit, the relevant police immigration office and the checks required.
In some cases, you may have to wait several months.
Etnopoint can help you track your application and deal with any requests or missing documents.
If your permit is lost or stolen, report it to the authorities straight away.
You can then apply for a replacement residence permit by submitting the required documents.
Etnopoint can help you find out which documents you need and how to apply for a replacement.
- Document review: we check the requirements and paperwork needed for your type of residence permit.
- Application pack: we prepare and fill in the forms for you, reducing the risk of mistakes that could delay your application.
- Payment slips and fees: we help you prepare payment slips and complete any other requirements, including health insurance where needed.
- Submitting your application: we help you complete the process correctly and keep all the necessary paperwork.
- Police headquarters tracking: we help you check your permit status and prepare for your police headquarters appointment and fingerprinting.
How we work
- Fewer mistakes: we check your documents and forms carefully to reduce the risk of delays or problems with your application.
- Support throughout: we help you prepare your documents and get ready for your appointment at the police immigration office.
- Experience with immigration paperwork: we know the common pitfalls and help you avoid mistakes.
- Online or in person: get help in whichever way suits you best.
- Direct support: you can also contact us on WhatsApp about documents, questions and updates.
- Clear guidance: we walk you through each step, without the jargon.
Why choose Etnopoint?
💡 Quick tip: Check the expiry date!
Did you know? Italian law says you should apply to renew your permit at least 60 days before it expires. If yours expires in less than two months, contact us now to prepare your application kit!
