Residence permit for Ukrainians in Italy in 2026

Residence permit for Ukrainians in Italy in 2026: what has changed and what to do right now

Complete guide: deadlines, documents, steps — and the key question about conversion into a work permit

📅 What changed in 2026

On March 4, 2026, the validity of temporary protection permits established by previous legislation officially expired.

However, this does not mean you are undocumented or illegal.

Automatic extensions are no longer in place — renewal is now possible only upon application.

A new deadline has been introduced:
👉 March 4, 2027

Temporary protection has been extended for one more year based on:

  • EU Decision 2025/1460 (15.07.2025)
  • Italian Law Decree n. 201/2025

You can apply for or renew your permesso until this date.

⚠️ If you have not applied after March 4, 2026

This does not mean you have lost your rights.
You are still entitled to apply until March 4, 2027.

However, without a valid residence permit:

  • you cannot officially obtain a Tessera Sanitaria
  • you may lose access to certain social services
  • your legal status is not formally confirmed

👉 Apply as soon as possible.

📋 How to apply — step by step

1. Appointment at the Questura

  • In Milan: via PrenotaFacile platform
  • In other cities: by phone or directly at the Immigration Office (Ufficio Immigrazione)

📌 Procedures may vary by region — always check locally.

2. Required documents

  • Valid passport — original + copies of all stamped pages
  • Previous residence permit — original + copy
  • Proof of residence (residenza or domicilio)
    (e.g. ID card, rental contract)
  • Administrative fee (€30.46 “bollo postale”) — also required for minors
  • 2 passport photos (if required by your Questura)
  • For minors: a separate full set of documents

ℹ️ Requirements may differ depending on the Questura — verify in advance.

3. Fingerprints appointment

You will receive a summons from the Questura.

You must attend in person.
After submission, you will receive a receipt (ricevuta) confirming your legal stay while your application is being processed.

4. Issuance of the residence permit

Processing time: approximately 1 month after fingerprints, depending on the region.

The permit is issued as an electronic card and will be valid until March 4, 2027.

🔄 Conversion into a work permit

💼 Is conversion possible?

✅ Yes — the right still exists.

It is based on:

  • DPCM 28 March 2022
  • Confirmed by Decreto Milleproroghe 2024 (D.L. n. 202/2024, Art. 2)

⚠️ The latest extension law (D.L. n. 201/2025) does not explicitly mention conversion, but this does not отменяет the right, which remains valid.

📌 Conditions for conversion

You may apply for conversion:

  • when renewing your permesso
  • if you are officially employed (attività lavorativa effettiva)

📮 If your permit has expired:

  • Less than 6 months ago:
    apply via Post Office using the “kit postale” (Sportello Amico)
  • More than 6 months ago:
    contact your local Questura or Hub for Community

✅ Summary:
The right to convert into a work permit is still valid.
If you are legally employed, you can request conversion during renewal.

❓ Frequently asked questions

🔴 I missed the March 4 deadline. Am I illegal?

No. You can still apply until March 4, 2027.

However, without renewal:

  • your legal status is not formally confirmed
  • access to services (including healthcare) may be limited

👉 Apply as soon as possible.

🔴 My children are included in my permit — what now?

Each minor must have:

  • a separate document package
  • a separate fee (€30.46)

🔴 What is the “ricevuta”?

It is the official receipt issued after submitting your application.

It allows you to:

  • legally stay in Italy
  • access healthcare
  • work while waiting for your permit

🔴 Until when is protection valid? What happens after 2027?

Temporary protection is currently extended until March 4, 2027 (EU Decision 2025/1460).

Future developments will depend on:

  • the situation in Ukraine
  • new EU decisions

👉 We monitor updates and inform you immediately.

💬 Have questions about your situation?
Write in the comments — we respond to everyone ⬇️

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