PERMESSO DI SOGGIORNO

per protezione internazionale

This type of Permesso is issued to foreign nationals who have applied for international protection in Italy — in the form of asilo politico (refugee status), protezione sussidiaria (subsidiary protection), or protezione speciale (special protection).

⚖️ Legal framework

  • D.lgs. 25/2008, Art. 32 — refugee and subsidiary protection status; recognition procedure.
  • D.lgs. 142/2015, Art. 4 — permesso di soggiorno per richiesta protezione internazionale.
  • EU Directive 2011/95/UE (Qualification Directive).
  • Italian Constitution, Art. 10(3) — right of asylum.

🕊️ Types of international protection

  1. Asilo politico — refugee status.
  2. Protezione sussidiaria — subsidiary protection.
  3. Protezione speciale — special protection.

Each type is regulated by specific national and international laws and grants different rights and validity periods.

1️) Asilo politico (Refugee status)

👤 Who can apply

Refugee status is granted to foreign nationals who:

  • are outside their country of origin because they have suffered or have a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of:
    • race,
    • religion,
    • nationality,
    • membership of a particular social group, or
    • political opinion;
  • cannot or do not wish to return because they fear for their life, freedom, or safety;
  • face persecution by either state or non-state actors (e.g., armed groups) where the state is unable or unwilling to protect them.

⚙️ Step-by-step procedure

1️. Entry into Italy
Irregular entry does not remove the right to apply for asylum (Art. 31, Geneva Convention).

2️. Filing an application for international protection
You can apply:

  • at the border (sea, air, or land); or
  • at the Questura for the area where you are staying.
    Clearly state that you wish to request asilo politico.

3️. Completing Form C3 (Verbale di richiesta asilo)
At the Questura, officers fill in the C3 form containing your biographical details and personal statement about why you are seeking protection. Your photo and fingerprints are taken.

The C3 form is a specific document completed only at the Questura (or by border police) when your asylum application is formally registered.


This step follows the manifestazione di volontà — the moment you declare your intention to request international protection.
During the C3 procedure, the authorities also carry out photographic registration and fingerprinting (fotosegnalamento).

However, below you can download a sample questionnaire based on the C3 form, along with instructions on how to fill it in, so that when you visit the Questura, you already have all the necessary information ready to complete the official C3 form.

Here you can download the questionnaire (C3 form sample) and the detailed completion guide

4. Receiving the ricevuta
This receipt serves as temporary proof of legal stay until a final decision is made.

5️. Interview at the Commissione Territoriale
You will be called for an interview where the Commission asks detailed questions about your case and background.

6️. Decision phase
Possible outcomes:

  • recognition of asilo politico;
  • grant of protezione sussidiaria or protezione speciale;
  • rejection (with right to appeal).

7️. Issuance of the Permesso di soggiorno per asilo politico
Validity — 5 years.

📑 Required documents

  • Passport (if available);
  • Any proof of persecution (documents, photos, videos, articles, medical reports);
  • Evidence of threats (judicial summons, warrants, media reports);
  • Family details;
  • Passport-size photos;
  • Copy of Codice Fiscale (if already issued).

⏳ Validity and renewal

  • Valid for 5 years.
  • Renewable if the conditions for protection persist — apply at the Questura within 60 days before expiry.
  • After 5 years, you may apply for a Permesso UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo or Italian citizenship (after 5 years of residence).
RightDescription
👨‍💼 WorkYou may work as an employee or self-employed without restrictions.
🏠 HousingAccess to social housing and support programs (SPRAR/SIPROIMI).
💰 Social assistanceAccess to social and financial support (at the regional level).
🏥 HealthcareFull access to the national healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) — same as Italian citizens.
🎓 EducationAccess to schools, courses, and universities.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family reunificationSimplified procedure (no quotas required) under Art. 29 D.lgs. 286/98.
🌍 TravelA Documento di viaggio per rifugiati (Refugee Passport) is issued for travel to other countries, including EU member states.

🪪 Permesso di soggiorno per richiesta asilo

While waiting for a decision, you will receive a temporary permit called Permesso di soggiorno per richiesta asilo.

📍 It:

  • is valid for 6 months and renewable until a final decision;
  • allows you to stay legally in Italy;
  • grants the right to work after 60 days (if the delay is not your fault) — D.lgs. 142/2015, Art. 22.

⚖️ Which authority reviews the application?

Applications for international protection are examined by the
Commissione Territoriale per il riconoscimento della protezione internazionale,
a territorial commission under the Ministero dell’Interno.

Functions:

  • Reviews individual applications for international protection.
  • Conducts interviews (audizione) with applicants.
  • Evaluates evidence and issues decisions to grant or refuse protection.

Structure:

Territorial offices are located in Rome, Milan, Turin, Palermo, and other major cities.

Composed of representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, police, UNHCR, and local authorities.

📆 Renewal of the asylum permit

If your case is still pending, the permit can be extended every 6 months until a final decision.
Renewal is done through the Questura, presenting your previous permesso and the Commission’s receipt (ricevuta di convocazione or protocollo).

❗ You can renew it several times if necessary. Some applicants wait 1–2 years for a decision due to system backlogs.

🚫 Grounds for revocation

Refugee status (asilo politico) may be revoked if:

  • false statements or forged documents were used;
  • you voluntarily return to your country of origin;
  • the situation in your country has stabilized and is no longer dangerous;
  • you commit a serious crime in Italy.

🏛 Citizenship

Refugees can apply for Italian citizenship after 5 years of legal residence (rather than 10, as for other foreign nationals — Art. 9 of Law 91/1992).
Simplified procedure applies if you can show a stable income, knowledge of Italian, and integration into society.

2️) Protezione sussidiaria (Subsidiary protection)

👤 Who can apply

Protezione sussidiaria is granted to people who:

  • do not qualify for asilo politico but face a real risk of serious harm if returned to their country of origin, including:
    • death penalty or execution;
    • torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;
    • serious and individual threat to life due to indiscriminate violence in a situation of international or internal armed conflict;
  • and the state of origin cannot or will not offer protection.

⚙️ Step-by-step procedure

1️. Application for international protection
Submitted in the same way as for asilo politico — at the Questura or at the border.
The reason for requesting protection must be clearly stated.

2️. Completing the C3 form
Detailed explanation of the personal circumstances confirming the risk of serious harm.
Biometric data are collected.

3️. Issuance of the ricevuta
Temporary confirmation of lawful residence.

4️. Interview with the Commissione Territoriale
The Commission evaluates risks based on the applicant’s testimony, country reports, and international sources (UNHCR, Amnesty International, EASO, etc.).

5️. Decision
If a real and concrete risk is confirmed, protezione sussidiaria is granted.
If not, an appeal can be filed.

6️. Issuance of the Permesso di soggiorno per protezione sussidiaria
Validity: 5 years.

📑 Required documents

  • Passport (if available);
  • Evidence of risk: photos, reports, medical certificates, news articles, legal documents;
  • Proof of participation or involvement in events: statements, videos;
  • Passport photos;
  • Codice Fiscale (if already issued).

⚖️ Rights of a person with Protezione sussidiaria

  • Right to work and study without restrictions.
  • Access to healthcare (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale – SSN).
  • Possibility of family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) — requires proof of sufficient income and housing, unlike asilo politico.
  • Travel within the EU for up to 90 days with a Documento di viaggio.
  • Access to social welfare and integration programs, where eligible.

🚫 Limitations:

  • You cannot enter your country of origin with the Documento di viaggio.
  • Citizenship can be requested after 10 years of residence (not 5, as for refugees).
  • Obtaining the Permesso UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo may require more documentation of income and stability.

📉 Loss or withdrawal

Protezione sussidiaria may be withdrawn if:

  • conditions in the country of origin have improved;
  • the person returns voluntarily;
  • a diplomatic or national passport is obtained;
  • false information was provided in the application.

🔁 Conversion

The Permesso di soggiorno per protezione sussidiaria can be converted into other types of permits:

  • Permesso per lavoro subordinato/autonomo — if you have employment or a Partita IVA;
  • Permesso per attesa occupazione — if you have completed a course of study or training;
  • Permesso per motivi familiari — if you have family members legally residing in Italy.

3️) Protezione speciale (Special protection)

👤 Who can apply

This protection applies to persons who do not qualify for asilo politico or protezione sussidiaria, but for whom:

or where the applicant is deeply integrated in Italy (work, family, or community ties), and deportation would harm private or family life.

there is a serious risk to life or freedom;

there is a risk of torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment;

persecution exists based on race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion, or social group;

there is a risk due to sexual orientation or gender identity;

expulsion would violate Italy’s constitutional or international obligations;

⚙️ Step-by-step procedure

1️. Initiating the procedure

  • Application for international protection at the Questura (or after rejection of another form of protection).
  • If deportation proceedings are ongoing, a lawyer may request protezione speciale on your behalf.

2️. Collection of evidence

  • Proof of risk to life or freedom;
  • Proof of social and professional integration in Italy.

3️. Assessment by Questura and Commissione Territoriale

  • Review of personal circumstances and international reports.

4️. Issuance of the Permesso di soggiorno per protezione speciale

Right to work immediately after issuance.

Validity: 2 years;

📑 Required documents

  • Passport or identity document (if available);
  • Evidence of threats or rights violations;
  • Proof of social and professional integration (employment contract, buste paga, dichiarazione del datore di lavoro, training certificates, school or family documents);
  • Passport photos;
  • Codice Fiscale.

⏳ Validity and renewal

  • Valid for 2 years.
  • Renewable if the circumstances that justified the protection remain valid.
  • Apply for renewal at least 60 days before expiry.

Can be converted into a Permesso per lavoro subordinato or autonomo.

⚖️ Rights with Protezione speciale

  • Right to work (subordinato or autonomo).
  • Access to healthcare (SSN), education, and vocational training.
  • Possibility of family reunification under applicable conditions.
  • Freedom to travel within the EU for up to 3 months with a valid passport.
  • Possibility to convert into a work permesso.

As a rule, a Documento di viaggio is not issued, unless obtaining a national passport is impossible and there are justified reasons.

📝 Tips and Important Information

1. 📅 Submission and Renewal Deadlines

Submit your renewal application no later than 60 days before your current Permesso expires.

For first-time applications, it is important to contact the Questura immediately after your arrival in Italy or as soon as the grounds for protection arise.

2. 📂 Keep Your Documents in Order

Always keep copies of all submitted documents (application, ricevuta, letters from the Questura, interview records).

Always update your residential address with the Questura — interview appointments or decisions may be sent by post.

3. 🗣 Preparing for the Commission Hearing

The interview at the Commissione Territoriale is a key stage of the process.

Prepare in advance: a timeline of events, dates, supporting documents, medical reports, certificates, and photos.

Truthfulness and consistency in your testimony are critical.

If needed, request a free lawyer (patrocinio a spese dello Stato).

4. 🌍 Travel

  • Asilo politico: you may request a Documento di viaggio per rifugiati (refugee passport), which allows travel to most countries, including EU member states.
  • Protezione sussidiaria: a travel document is issued only if obtaining a national passport is impossible.
  • Protezione speciale: a travel document is generally not issued.

🚫 Never travel to your country of origin — doing so may result in the revocation of your protection status.

5. 💼 Right to Work and Access to Services

All forms of international protection grant the right to work without additional permits.

They also guarantee access to:

  • the national healthcare system (SSN),
  • social services,
  • education and vocational training,
  • Italian language courses.

6. 🔄 Conversion and Long-Term Residence

  • Holders of asilo politico and protezione sussidiaria may, after 5 years, convert their status into a Permesso UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo, provided they meet the requirements (sufficient income, suitable housing, language knowledge).
  • Holders of protezione speciale may convert their permit into a work or family permit if all legal requirements are met.

7. ⚠ Main Reasons for Revocation or Loss of Protection

  • Voluntary return to the country of origin;
  • Obtaining protection or a passport from another country;
  • Concealing information or providing false statements during the application process.

🔗 Useful links

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

www.portaleimmigrazione.it

www.poste.it

www.interno.gov.it

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Permesso di soggiorno per protezione internazionale?
It is a residence permit granted by Italy to people who cannot return to their country of origin due to danger to their life, freedom, or health. It includes:

  • Asilo politico (refugee status);
  • Protezione sussidiaria (subsidiary protection);
  • Protezione speciale (special protection).

2. Who can apply?
Any foreign national present in Italy (or at the border) who:

  • fled due to persecution based on race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or social group;
  • faces serious danger from armed conflict, torture, or inhuman treatment;
  • cannot be expelled for humanitarian or legal reasons (for example, due to strong integration in Italy).

3. Where to apply?

  • At the Questura (Ufficio Immigrazione) of your province;
  • At the border upon entry;
  • In some cases, in reception centers (CAS, CARA).

4. Which documents are required?

  • Completed Form C3 (filled at the Questura);
  • Identity and evidence documents (passport, certificates, photos, legal papers);
  • Passport-size photos;
  • Proof of integration in Italy (for protezione speciale).

5. Are there any fees?
Initial application for international protection is free.
For renewal of protezione speciale:

  • €30.46 for the card;
  • €16 marca da bollo.

6. How long does the process take?
By law: 6 months, extendable to 12 months.
In practice: up to 1–2 years due to administrative delays.

7. Can I work with this Permesso?
Yes:

  • For asilo politico and protezione sussidiaria — immediately after issuance;
  • For protezione speciale — work is also permitted.

8. Can I travel abroad?

  • Travel to your country of origin is prohibited — it may cause revocation;
  • Travel within the EU for up to 90 days may be allowed, depending on the destination country’s rules;
  • To travel outside the EU, obtain a visa from the destination country.

9. Validity and renewal

  • Asilo politico — 5 years, renewable automatically if conditions persist;
  • Protezione sussidiaria — 5 years;
  • Protezione speciale — 2 years, renewable upon request.

10. Can I convert it into another Permesso?

  • Asilo politico and protezione sussidiaria do not require conversion for work or residence;
  • Protezione speciale can be converted into a work or family Permesso if you have a job or a Partita IVA.

11. What are common reasons for refusal?

  • Insufficient evidence of threats;
  • Contradictory or implausible statements;
  • A safe internal alternative exists;
  • False or misleading documents.

12. Can I apply for Italian citizenship with this Permesso?

  • Asilo politico and protezione sussidiaria — after 5 years;
  • Protezione speciale — after 10 years, like other foreign residents.

We have prepared for you a detailed PDF Guide: it includes all the steps and procedures for obtaining the Permesso di soggiorno per protezione internazionale.

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

Request a Consultation