{"id":9419,"date":"2026-11-09T17:47:35","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T16:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/?p=9419"},"modified":"2026-11-10T09:48:57","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T08:48:57","slug":"a2-italian-test-eu-long-term-residence-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shimmigrations.com\/en\/a2-italian-test-eu-long-term-residence-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"A2 Italian test for EU long-term residence: rules and exemptions"},"content":{"rendered":"

In short.<\/strong> An EU long-term residence permit generally requires Italian at A2 level, unless an exemption applies. The Ministry\u2019s test is free and requested online through the competent Prefecture. Recognised certificates, certain educational pathways and specified personal circumstances can remove the need to sit it. A pass is sent electronically to the Questura, the police immigration office, which also checks the other permit requirements.<\/p>\n

Here you will find who needs the A2 Italian test for an EU long-term residence permit, how to apply, which exemptions apply and what happens afterwards.<\/p>\n

Reviewed 8 November 2026.<\/strong> These are general rules, not personalised advice: online services, Prefecture instructions and certification-body accreditation can change.<\/p>\n

Leggi questa guida in italiano<\/a><\/p>\n

Who needs the A2 Italian test for an EU long-term residence permit?<\/h2>\n

The test checks whether an applicant can understand frequent phrases and expressions in everyday settings at A2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The language requirement for the EU long-term residence permit is in Article 9(2-bis) of Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998. Normattiva provides the current version of Article 9<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A2 is a basic language level, not advanced proficiency or a citizenship qualification. Attending a course does not by itself prove that an applicant has passed the test or holds an accepted certificate.<\/p>\n

The current reference is the decree of 7 December 2021: Article 7 repeals and replaces the decree of 4 June 2010. Some information pages still cite the older text; check their account of requirements and exemptions against the updated rules.<\/p>\n

Does the requirement also cover family members?<\/h3>\n

As a general rule, an applicant who needs to prove Italian for their own EU long-term residence permit must do so unless an exemption applies. The rules also cover family members for whom the permit is requested. The procedure is set out in the Ministry of the Interior Decree of 7 December 2021, published in the Official Gazette on 12 February 2022. Read the official decree on the Italian language test<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In the ordinary case, Article 9 requires at least five years with a valid residence permit, sufficient income and suitable accommodation where required. Those conditions are covered in EU Long-Term Residence Permit in Italy: Validity, Renewal and Time Abroad<\/a>; for an overview of other routes, use Italian residence permit types<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Official further reading:<\/strong> Legislative Decree No. 286 of 25 July 1998, Article 9 \u2013 Normattiva (Italian text)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Practical checklist before proceeding<\/h3>\n
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  1. Check whether you need the test or can document an exemption.<\/li>\n
  2. Check the application portal and instructions of the competent prefecture.<\/li>\n
  3. Keep the appointment notice and result: passing the test does not replace the other EU long-term permit requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    Which exemptions and certificates replace the test?<\/h2>\n

    Some applicants are excluded from the requirement; others can prove their language level through a qualification instead of sitting the test. Any exemption must match a condition provided by law.<\/p>\n