Renewal of your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) must be requested at least 60 days before it expires, almost always using the kit postale (postal application kit), and costs between 116.46 and 176.46 euros depending on the length of the permit. You can still apply within 60 days after expiry, but beyond that deadline you risk expulsion, unless there are reasons of force majeure.
Guide updated in October 2026 in line with the Testo Unico Immigrazione (Consolidated Immigration Act) and Decree-Law no. 20 of 2023.
When do you need to apply for renewal?
- Ordinary deadline: at least 60 days before expiry, as provided for by Article 5(4) of the Testo Unico Immigrazione.
- After expiry: you can still apply within 60 days of the expiry date.
- More than 60 days after expiry: you may be expelled, unless the delay is due to documented reasons of force majeure.
If your permit has already expired, read our guide on what to do with an expired residence permit.
How do you submit the renewal application?
With the kit postale
This is the most common method, for example for employment and self-employment, family reasons, study and the EU long-term residence permit.
- Collect the kit from an authorised post office and fill in form 1, with your personal details and the reason for the permit, and form 2 if the permit is for work.
- Put copies of the required documents in the envelope, without sealing it.
- Hand it in at a Sportello Amico counter at the post office together with your passport, paying the payment slip and the postage.
- Keep the receipt and the date of your appointment at the Questura (police immigration office) for photos and fingerprints.
Minors over 14 submit their own kit. Minors under 14 are included in their parent’s application.
Directly at the Questura
Some permits are renewed by going to the Ufficio Immigrazione (Immigration Office) of the Questura, by appointment: international protection and special protection, medical treatment, minors, assistance to minors (Article 31) and family members of Italian or EU citizens. Each Questura has its own booking system: in Bologna, for example, you book online on the Polizia di Stato (State Police) portal.
How much does renewal cost?
- payment slip of 70.46 euros for permits of up to one year, 80.46 euros for one to two years, 130.46 euros for the EU long-term residence permit;
- a 16-euro marca da bollo (revenue stamp);
- postage for the kit: 30 euros.
In total, about 116.46 euros for a permit of up to one year, 126.46 euros for up to two years and 176.46 euros for the long-term permit. For children under 14 and for updates or duplicates, you only pay the cost of the electronic document, 30.46 euros.
Which documents do you need?
For everyone
- a copy of every page of your valid passport;
- a copy of the expiring residence permit;
- a 16-euro marca da bollo;
- documents on your residence or accommodation.
Depending on the reason for the permit
- Employment: employment contract or employer’s declaration, latest payslips, latest tax return or Certificazione Unica (annual income statement).
- Self-employment: partita IVA (VAT number) or registration with the Chamber of Commerce, and tax return.
- Family reasons: documents on the income of the family member who applied for reunification and on the accommodation.
- Study: enrolment for the new academic year and exams passed; see our guide to the residence permit for study.
If a document is missing, the Questura usually asks for it to be provided and sets a new appointment.
How long is the renewed permit valid?
As a rule, the renewed permit has the same duration as the first one issued. Since 2023, under Decree-Law no. 20, permits for self-employment, permanent employment and family reunification can be renewed for up to three years.
What can you do while waiting for renewal?
With the receipt of an application submitted on time, you keep the rights attached to the permit: you can continue to work and access services. Travelling abroad with only the receipt is subject to specific rules, explained in our guide on travelling with the residence permit receipt.
How long does renewal take?
The law gives the Questura a time limit of 60 days, but it is not binding and in practice it often takes longer, depending on the Questura. You can check the status of your application on the Polizia di Stato website using the code on your receipt.
What happens if renewal is refused?
Before deciding, the Questura usually sends a preavviso di rigetto (notice of intended refusal), which allows you to submit observations within ten days: see our guide to the notice of intended refusal. A final refusal can be challenged, usually before the TAR (Regional Administrative Court) within 60 days; for permits for family reasons, the ordinary court decides instead. You need the assistance of a lawyer.
What are the most frequently asked questions?
Can I renew my permit after it has expired?
Yes, within 60 days of expiry. Beyond that deadline you risk expulsion, unless there are documented reasons of force majeure.
How much does it cost to renew a residence permit?
About 116.46 euros for a permit of up to one year, 126.46 euros for up to two years, and 176.46 euros for the EU long-term residence permit.
Can I work with the renewal receipt?
Yes, if the application was submitted on time, you can continue to work while waiting for the new permit.
If I have lost my job, can I renew my permit?
Yes. People who lose their job can obtain a permit for attesa occupazione (job seeking), valid for no less than one year, by registering with the Centro per l’impiego (Job Centre).
What are the official sources?
- Testo Unico Immigrazione, Legislative Decree no. 286 of 1998.
- Portale Immigrazione, information on the kit postale.
How can SH Immigration Specialists help?
SH Immigration Specialists fills in and checks the renewal kit, reviews the documents before they are sent and follows the application through to collection of the permit. If there is a notice of intended refusal or an appeal, the team’s qualified lawyers step in. Timescales depend on the Questura. Contact us at least two months before your permit expires.
This content provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
