Carta di Soggiorno (EU Long-Term Resident) in Italy
What Is the Carta di Soggiorno?
The Carta di Soggiorno (EU Long-Term Residence Permit) grants non-EU nationals stable residency rights across the European Union after at least five years of continuous legal stay in Italy. It offers stronger protections than a standard Permesso di Soggiorno.
Who Is Eligible?
- Non-EU nationals who have held valid Italian residence permits for at least 5 uninterrupted years.
- Proof of stable and sufficient income (above the annual social allowance threshold).
- Proof of accommodation (owned or rented property).
- Clean criminal record (no serious convictions in Italy or home country).
- Possession of health insurance or registered with the Italian SSN.
Key Benefits
- Indefinite validity (renewable every 5 years, without limit on total duration).
- Right to work in any EU member state under similar conditions as nationals.
- Access to social welfare, education, and public services on par with Italians.
- Family reunification rights for spouses and minor children.
- Mobility: no Schengen visa needed for travel within the EU.
Application Timeline & Process
- Gather Documents: Assemble all required paperwork (see table below).
- Submit at Questura: File your application at the local Questura immigration office.
- Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photo if not already on record.
- Processing Time: Approximately 90 days; you may receive a receipt (“ricevuta”) valid for legal stay.
- Card Issuance: Collect your Carta at the Questura or designated post office when notified.
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | All pages; photocopy of data page and any visa stamps. |
| Five Years of Permesso di Soggiorno | Copies of all past permits showing continuous legal residency. |
| Proof of Income | Recent payslips, tax returns, pension or other stable income ≥ social allowance. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Rental contract or property deed, plus recent utility bill. |
| Health Coverage | SSN registration receipt or private health insurance policy. |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Issued by Italian authorities (or home country, if requested). |
| Application Fee Receipt | €116 for the electronic card + administrative fees (varies by Questura). |
Fees & Validity
- Total Cost: Approximately €116 – €200 (Questura-dependent).
- Validity: 5 years, renewable indefinitely under the same conditions.
- Processing Time: 2–3 months; ricevetta grants legal stay while pending.
Renewal & Family Reunification
- Renewal: Apply at least 60 days before expiration with updated income and accommodation proof.
- Family Reunification: You may sponsor non-EU spouse and minor children without income threshold increase.
Useful Links & Contacts
Questions & Next Steps
Do you need city-specific Questura addresses or details on income thresholds for a particular region? Let me know if you’d like more tailored guidance or sample forms.