PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO

per motivi di studio / formazione

Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio / formazione

This type of residence permit is issued to students and trainees who arrive in Italy with a type D visa for study or vocational training lasting more than 3 months.

⚖️ 1. Legal framework

  • D.lgs. 286/1998 (Testo Unico Immigrazione), Art. 39, paragraphs 5 and 6
  • D.P.R. 394/1999, Articles 30–34 — application procedure
  • Decreto-legge 154/2007, Law 99/2013

📌 2. Who can apply for a Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio / formazione

This type of permesso is intended for non-EU citizens who:

  • have obtained a national type D visa (long-stay visa) for study or vocational training;
  • entered Italy legally;
  • and must remain in Italy to complete a study or training program lasting more than 90 days (3 months).

Below are the categories eligible to apply:

🎓 1. University students

Foreign citizens enrolled in:

  • state or private Italian universities;
  • bachelor’s or master’s programs (laurea / laurea magistrale);
  • doctoral programs (dottorato di ricerca);
  • exchange programs (e.g., Erasmus);
  • preparatory courses for admission.

🏫 2. Students of accredited language schools

Conditions:

  • The course must last at least 20 hours per week and a minimum of 6 months.
  • The institution must be officially accredited by MIUR (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research).

🧑‍🏭 3. Participants in vocational training programs (formazione professionale)

Including internships, professional qualification courses, and advanced training programs approved by the regional authority and lasting more than 3 months.

👨‍🏫 4. Students of specialized institutions

Art academies, conservatories, architecture schools, and similar institutions within Italy’s higher education system.

🔒 Who cannot apply for this type of Permesso

❌ Holders of a short-term tourist visa (type C) — it cannot be extended or converted for study.

❌ Students attending courses lasting less than 91 days.

❌ Those enrolled in non-accredited or unregistered schools.

❌ Those who did not obtain a type D visa before entering Italy.

🎯 3. Rights

  • Work permitted up to 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 1,040 hours per year.
  • Access to:
    • the public healthcare system (SSN),
    • education and social services,
    • language courses and other integration programs.

📬 4. Application procedure for a Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio / formazione

1. 🕗 Submission deadline

Foreign nationals who enter Italy with a type D student visa must apply for the Permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days of arrival.

2. 📦 Obtaining and filling out the Kit Postale

Applications are submitted through Poste Italiane branches offering the Sportello Amico service.

At the post office:

  • request the kit postale (white envelope containing the forms, including Modulo 1);
  • fill out Modulo 1 (application form) indicating the type of permesso, passport details, and study program information;
  • attach all required documents.

📑 5. Required documents

Include copies of the following in your envelope:

  • Passport and visa (all pages with stamps);
  • Copy of type D visa per studio;
  • Four passport-size photos;
  • Codice Fiscale;
  • Letter of enrollment from the university or language school;
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement, scholarship, or sponsor declaration);
  • Proof of accommodation (rental contract or dichiarazione di ospitalità);
  • Health insurance covering the full validity of the permesso;
  • Marca da bollo (€16);
  • Payment receipts;
  • Completed Modulo 1.

🎓 Additional notes on documents

Foreign students applying for a Permesso di soggiorno for study or training must prove actual enrollment in a recognized Italian institution.

This is required to:

  • obtain a type D visa from the Italian consulate, and
  • apply for the Permesso di soggiorno upon arrival.

✅ Accepted proof of enrollment:

  1. Letter of admission / enrollment

Issued by the university, school, or academy confirming:

  • admission to a course;
  • course duration (more than 90 days);
  • start and end dates;
  • type of course (university, language, vocational).

Examples:

  • Lettera di accettazione / Lettera di ammissione
  • Certificato di iscrizione
  • Dichiarazione dell’istituto formativo

📌 The document must be:

  • on official letterhead;
  • signed and stamped;
  • in Italian or English (Italian version may be required).

Proof of course payment

The consulate or Questura may request a receipt confirming at least partial tuition payment.

  • Internship contract (formazione)


For professional training programs, submit:

  • an agreement with the Centro di Formazione;
  • detailed description of the program;
  • regional registration, if required.

⚠️ Important: The course documents must match those used in the visa application. Any discrepancies can cause delays or rejection.

💰 Financial means

Foreign students must prove sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in Italy.

📊 Minimum required amount

Calculated based on the Assegno Sociale (state social assistance amount, updated annually).

📅 For 2025:

€583.58 per month → €7,002.97 per year

📌 Therefore, a student must prove at least €7,002.97 for one year of stay (or proportionally for shorter courses).

Here you can download the Dichiarazione di garanzia finanziaria (Sostentamento) template.

4. 📮 Submission via Sportello Amico

After preparing the application:

  • submit the envelope at the post office;
  • pay the required fees:
    • €30 — postal commission;
    • €70.46 — electronic card fee;
    • €16 — marca da bollo (stamp duty).

You will receive:

  • Ricevuta — receipt confirming temporary legal stay;
  • Appuntamento — notice with date and time for fingerprinting at the Questura.

5. 📌 Appointment at the Questura

On the scheduled date:

  • go to the Ufficio Immigrazione della Questura with original documents;
  • provide fingerprints and photographs;
  • additional questions or documents may be requested.

6. 🔄 Waiting for the card

After your visit to the Questura:

  • your application is processed;
  • a follow-up visit may be required;
  • the electronic card must be collected in person once ready.

7. 🌐 Tracking your application

Track the status online using your user ID:

🔗 www.portaleimmigrazione.it

🔗 questure.poliziadistato.it

8. 🪪 Collecting your Permesso

When ready:

  • you’ll receive an SMS or letter from the Questura;

appear at the scheduled date and time with your ricevuta and passport.

⏱  6. Processing time and validity

  • By law: up to 60 days.
  • In practice: around 2–3 months, sometimes longer.

Maximum validity: 1 year, renewable until the end of studies (up to 3 years beyond the standard duration for university programs).

🔁 Renewal

Submit a new kit postale 60 days before expiry with proof of academic progress.

📚 Academic progress

  • 1 exam passed during the first year;
  • at least 2 exams per year after that.

Exceptions apply for master’s or PhD students.

📌 If academic progress is insufficient, renewal may be denied.

💶 7. Costs

ItemAmount
Marca da bollo€16.00
Fee (up to 1 year)€40.00
Fee (up to 2 years)€50.00
Electronic card€30.46
Postal fee€30.00
Total ≈€120–130

❌ 8. Common mistakes and reasons for refusal

  • Missing insurance or financial proof
  • No proof of enrollment
  • Exceeding permitted work hours
  • Insufficient academic progress
  • Missing housing documents
  • Mismatch between visa type and study course

🔄 9. Conversion — from study to work

Students can convert their Permesso di soggiorno per studio into a Permesso per motivi di lavoro if:

  • they hold a valid permesso;
  • they have a job contract of at least 6 months;
  • the employment falls within the Decreto Flussi quota (unless exempt).

💡 10. Tips and important information

❗ Notify the Questura if you leave or interrupt studies to avoid future issues.

📅 Apply early — within 8 working days of arrival.

📚 Always attach the official Certificato di iscrizione or admission letter.

💶 Show solid financial means — ideally above the minimum Assegno Sociale.

🏠 Register your dichiarazione di ospitalità at the Questura within 48 hours.

💼 You may work up to 20 hours per week / 1,040 hours per year.

🕰 Renew your Permesso on time and maintain academic progress.

🔄 Conversion: possible to work after graduation or open a Partita IVA.

📦 Keep your ricevuta — it proves legal stay and is required for contracts and services.

📬 Check communications from the Questura (mail, SMS, or email).

🧾 11. Permesso per attesa occupazione

A temporary Permesso di soggiorno for graduates who have completed their studies but haven’t yet found a job.


Valid for up to 12 months to look for employment and later apply for a work permesso.

Legal basis:

  • Art. 39, comma 7, D.lgs. 286/98
  • Circolare Ministero dell’Interno 1658/2013

✅ Who can apply:

  • University graduates with an Italian diploma or qualification;
  • Participants in formazione programs recognized by regional authorities;
  • Holders of a valid permesso per studio who have completed their course.

📝 Required documents:

  • Copy of diploma or course certificate;
  • Dichiarazione di ospitalità or rental agreement;
  • Proof of financial means (sostentamento or bank statement);
  • Health insurance;
  • Modulo 1 and receipts (kit Poste).

📆 Validity:

  • Up to 12 months, non-renewable.
  • For job seeking only — does not grant the right to work automatically.

💡 Once a job contract is obtained, it can be converted into a work Permesso.

🔗 Useful links

https://questure.poliziadistato.it/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

www.portaleimmigrazione.it

www.poste.it

www.interno.gov.it

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for a student Permesso?

🔹 Non-EU citizens with a type D visa (per studio / formazione) for courses longer than 90 days.

What documents are required?

🔹 Passport, visa, enrollment letter, health insurance, financial proof, housing document, and completed Modulo 1.

How much money must I show?

🔹 At least €7,002.97 per year (2025 threshold based on the Assegno Sociale).

Can I work with this Permesso?

🔹 Yes — up to 20 hours per week and a maximum of 1,040 hours per year.

How long is the student Permesso valid?

🔹 Usually 1 year, renewable annually with proof of academic progress.

What counts as academic progress?

🔹 At least 1 passed exam in the first year, and 2 per year thereafter.

Can I renew my Permesso if I haven’t finished my studies?

🔹 Yes, if you are still enrolled and can show progress. Apply 60 days before expiry.

Can I convert it to a work Permesso?

🔹 Yes, if you find employment for at least 6 months and meet Decreto Flussi requirements.

What if I finish my studies but haven’t found a job?

🔹 Apply for a Permesso per attesa occupazione — valid for 12 months.

Can I use this Permesso to apply for citizenship?

🔹 No. The Permesso per studio does not count toward residency for naturalization.

We have prepared for you a detailed PDF Guide: it includes all the steps and procedures for obtaining the Permesso di soggiorno per motivi di studio/formazione.

Download and use it as a ready-to-go manual!

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