In short. Since 12 June 2026, asylum applications in Italy follow the new rules of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, introduced by Decree-Law no. 100 of 2026 and confirmed with amendments by Law no. 145 of 7 August 2026. The main changes: the old residence permit for asylum seekers is replaced by a personal document with a unique identity code, applicants can work 90 days after the application is formalised, appeal deadlines are shorter and, until 30 April 2027, applications are always lodged with the Questura or the Border Police.
Published on 16 October 2026. Source: current text of Decree-Law no. 100 of 12 June 2026 on Normattiva.
What changes for asylum seekers?
| Topic | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant’s document | Residence permit for asylum seekers | Personal document with a unique identity code at registration; then a document validated by the Prefecture at formalisation |
| When you can work | 60 days after lodging the application | 90 days after formalisation of the application |
| Where to apply | Questura or Border Police | Questura or Border Police, for all applicants, until 30 April 2027 |
| Appeal, general rule | 30 days | 30 days (60 if the applicant is in a third country) |
| Appeal, accelerated cases under the EU regulation | — | 7 days |
| Appeal in the border procedure | — | 5 days, with no automatic suspension except for unaccompanied minors |
What is the new personal document?
When the application is registered, the Questura or the Border Police office issues the applicant a personal document showing the unique identity code assigned after fingerprinting, a photo and the personal details declared. It proves that the application has been registered and on which date, and it is valid as an identity document.
During the transitional phase the document is valid for one year from registration, subject to renewal, and allows the holder to work under the conditions set by law. When the application is formalised, the applicant receives a document validated by the Prefecture. People in detention receive a personal certificate from the Questura instead.
When can an asylum seeker work?
Applicants can work 90 days after their application is formalised, if the procedure has not ended and the delay is not the applicant’s fault. Before the reform the deadline was 60 days after the application was lodged.
What about applications lodged before 12 June 2026?
Procedures started with an application lodged before 12 June 2026 continue under the previous rules until they end, but the court now decides with a single judge.
What are the new appeal deadlines?
- 30 days from notification as the general rule (60 days if the applicant is in a third country). The appeal suspends the decision, except in the cases of Art. 68(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348.
- 7 days in the cases of Art. 67(7)(a) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1348.
- 5 days in the border procedure. The appeal does not suspend the decision, except for unaccompanied minors, but you can ask to be allowed to remain with a request filed together with the appeal.
With such short deadlines, anyone who receives a refusal must act at once. For legal matters such as appeals and legal advice, SH Immigration Specialists works with qualified lawyers.
What should asylum seekers do now?
- Keep the personal document safe and check its expiry date.
- Note the date your application was formalised: the 90 days for work start from there.
- Read every notice from the Territorial Commission carefully and check the appeal deadline straight away.
- If you applied before 12 June 2026, your procedure still follows the old rules.
See also our page on asylum and international protection assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Does the residence permit for asylum seekers still exist?
Not for new applications: since 12 June 2026, at registration you receive a personal document with a unique identity code, valid for one year during the transitional phase, subject to renewal. Applications lodged before that date still follow the previous rules.
Until when do you apply at the Questura?
Until 30 April 2027, Questure and Border Police offices are competent for all applicants to receive the expression of intent, register and formalise the application. The original deadline of 31 October 2026 was moved by the conversion law.
How long before an asylum seeker can work?
90 days after the application is formalised, if the procedure has not ended for reasons not attributable to the applicant.
Official sources
- Decree-Law no. 100 of 12 June 2026, converted by Law no. 145 of 7 August 2026 – Normattiva
- Art. 4 of Legislative Decree 142/2015, documents issued to applicants – Normattiva
- Art. 35-bis of Legislative Decree 25/2008, appeals – Normattiva
- Art. 35-ter of Legislative Decree 25/2008, border procedure – Normattiva
Sources consulted on 16 October 2026. The new rules are in their first phase of application: always check the latest instructions of the competent Questura.
How can SH Immigration Specialists help?
SH Immigration Specialists helps asylum seekers understand where their case stands, prepare documents and meet deadlines, at our offices or online. For legal matters such as appeals and legal advice, SH Immigration Specialists works with qualified lawyers. The outcome depends on the competent authorities. For an assessment, contact us.
This content provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
