Does the EU long-term permit allow me to work in other EU countries?

Yes, with limitations. You can stay in another EU country for more than 3 months for work (employed or self-employed), study or other purposes without needing a new visa. The host country may require you to register as a long-term resident in its territory too.

What happens if I am absent from Italy for more than 12 months with the long-term permit?

The long-term permit is revoked if you are absent from Italy for 12 consecutive months (or 24 months if the absence is for work or study reasons). For longer absences, you can request a waiver from the Questura before leaving.

Do I need to renew the long-term permit?

The long-term permit does not expire as a legal status, but the electronic document (the physical card) has a 5-year expiry and must be renewed as a formality (no re-investigation). Document renewal is done at the Questura before the expiry date.

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EU long-term residence permit (formerly carta di soggiorno)

The EU long-term residence permit (formerly the permanent residence card) is the most stable residence status for non-EU citizens in Italy. It is issued after 5 consecutive years of legal residence and has unlimited duration (renewable every 5 years as a formality). It grants near-equal rights with Italian citizens in employment, study, social benefits and free movement in some EU countries.

Authority

Questura di competenza

Time

45 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Valid passport
✓Valid residence permit
✓Documentation of 5 years continuous residence (previous permits, registry registrations)
✓Proof of income: CUD, 730, tax return (income ≥ social allowance, approx. €6,947/year)
✓Certificate of suitable accommodation or rental/ownership contract
✓Italian language test certificate level A2 (or Italian diploma)
✓€16 revenue stamp + electronic permit fees (approx. €100-200)

Step-by-step procedure

Check requirements and gather documentation

The main requirements are: 5 years of legal and continuous residence (absences from Italy must not exceed 6 consecutive months or 10 total months over the five years); annual income not less than the social allowance (household income can be combined); suitable accommodation; Italian language knowledge level A2 (certified by an accredited body or self-certified if holding an Italian qualification). The A2 test is not required for minors, over-65s or those with serious conditions.

Absences for work abroad, significant health reasons or study do not interrupt the continuity of residence if duly documented.

Take the Italian language A2 test (if required)

The test is booked at a Provincial Adult Education Centre (CPIA) or an accredited certification body (Università per Stranieri di Siena/Perugia, PLIDA/Dante Alighieri). It is free at CPIAs. Passing is certified with a certificate to be attached to the application. Exemptions: those who attended Italian schools for at least 5 years, those with an Italian diploma or degree, children under 14, over-65s, severely disabled.

Submit the application at the Questura via the postal kit

Pick up the kit from authorised post offices (Poste Italiane — Sportello Amico). Complete the application, attach all documentation and return the envelope to the authorised post offices which forward it to the Questura. You will receive a receipt and a date to go to the Questura for biometric registration (photo, fingerprints) and collection of the electronic permit. Processing times are 3-12 months.

The long-term permit also serves as an identity card for EU countries with specific agreements.

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Portale Immigrazione

Questura / Ministero dell'Interno

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Questura di competenza

Phone

Certified email

Website

Visit site →

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.

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