The Italian Law (Legislative Decree No. 286/98) refers to the Consolidated Immigration Act (TUI), regulating the permitted duration of stay in the following terms:

• Visa (VISA): It is a permit granted prior to travel, allowing entry into Italy for a maximum period of 90 days - FAQ in the link no.1
• Residence Permit: It is a permit issued after arrival in Italy, allowing for longer stays, typically beyond 90 days

Depending on the country of stay and origin and the length of stay and reason, you can discover how to obtain and apply for a VISA by visiting the database VISA for Italy - link no.2.

The residence permit (article 5 of the Consolidated Immigration Act) is issued by the competent police headquarters depending on the province in which the foreigner is located. It must be requested within 8 working days (excluding Sundays and holidays).

The duration of the residence permit aligns with the terms specified in the entry visa and must not exceed the following periods:

• Three months (90 days), for visits, business and tourism (VISA)
• Nine months, for seasonal work
• One year, for attending a certified study or professional training course; annual renewal is expected for multi-year courses - link no.4
• Two years, for self-employment, for permanent employment and for family reunification
• Duration linked to specifically documented needs and in the other provisions of the Consolidated Immigration Act

Renewal of the residence permit must be requested at the appropriate police station for the province of residence at least 60 days before its expiration to ensure compliance with the prescribed conditions.

If you are considering applying for international protection, consult the guide for asylum seekers in Italy - link no.5. In this guide you will find information on how to submit the request, criteria applied, requirements, rights and duties, useful addresses and numbers.

1. Entry into Italy (FAQ)

https://www.esteri.it/en/sportello_info/domandefrequenti/sezione_visti_entrare_in_italia/

2. Visa for Italy (Database)

https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en

3. Visa and residence permit

https://www.interno.gov.it/it/temi/immigrazione-e-asilo/modalita-dingresso/visto-e-permesso-soggiorno

4. Permit of stay for study purposes

https://www.gssi.it/ALL 1 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY FOR THE ITALIAN PERMIT OF STAY.pdf

5. Guide for asylum seekers in Italy

https://www.interno.gov.it/sites/default/files/allegati/la_guida_in_inglese.pdf

6. Residence permit for special protection

To work in Italy non-EU citizens must possess a residence permit for employment. The permits which do not qualify for work are the ones issued for tourism, business or justice reasons (more info at link no.1).

In order to be employed, workers are required to submit the following documents:

• Valid identity document (passport of the country of origin or Italian/EU identity document)
• Valid residence permit or, if in phase of renewal, the previous residence permit and the receipt related to the renewal application
• Tax code (see link no. 2)

Employers who intend to hire foreign workers must send to the Employment Centre of the place where the workplace is located the “UNILAV” form of mandatory hiring communication. The form contains the employers’ duties pursuant to the Consolidated Immigration Act: payment of expenses for the possible return of the foreigner to his/her home country in case of repatriation and the indication of the foreigner's accommodation (link no. 3)

In the case of dismissal or resignation a foreigner has the right to be entered on the mobility lists or the population lists kept by Job Centres for the remaining period of their residence permit (more workers’ rights at link no.4)

1. Residence permits for employment

https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/5/id/3/I-permessi-di-soggiorno-che-abilitano-al-lavoro

2. Tax code

https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/documents/20143/233505/Folder_CodiceFiscaleStranieri_ING.pdf/23b9c5b2-4713-155c-9e18-07e60798dbfa

3. Recruitment of foreign workers already resident in Italy

https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/en-gb/Altre-info/e/4/o/6/id/6

4. Rights of foreign workers

https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/6///id/8/I-diritti-del-lavoratore-straniero

5. Anti-capolarato Help desk

Italian citizenship is governed by Law No. 91 of February 5, 1992, along with its associated regulations, notably Presidential Decree No. 572 of October 12, 1993, and Presidential Decree No. 362 of April 18, 1994.

The key principles underlying Italian citizenship include:

• Inheritance of citizenship through descent, meaning eligibility through Italian parentage or ancestry (known as “ius sanguinis”)
• Acquisition of citizenship through birth on Italian soil (“iure soli”) under certain circumstances
• Allowance for multiple nationalities
• Requirement of explicit consent for gaining or renouncing citizenship

1. Italian Citizenship

Italy has its own set of cultural norms and customs and being aware of them can enhance the experience in the country. The following is a list of the main useful precautions to encourage integration in a generic Italian context (more info at link no. 1):

• Greetings and Politeness: In Italy, it is common for friends and family to greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. In more formal settings, a handshake is customary. Using polite titles such as “Signore” (Mr.) and “Signora” (Mrs.) when addressing individuals you are not well acquainted with is also important
• Dress Code: Italians take pride in their appearance and typically dress well. When visiting churches and other religious sites, it is advisable to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered
• Mealtime etiquette: In Italian restaurants, the check is usually brought only upon request, as asking for it beforehand can be seen as impolite. It is customary to say “Buon Appetito” (enjoy your meal) before starting to eat. While tipping is not as common or as high as in some other countries, it is appreciated. Service charges are often included in the bill
• Personal Space: Italians generally have a smaller personal space bubble compared to some other cultures. It is not unusual for people to stand closer during conversations or in crowded places.

1. Cultural norms or customs should be aware in Italy

https://www.itravelinitaly.it/2023/12/are-there-any-cultural-norms-or-customs.html#gsc.tab=0

2. Tips to Travel to Italy, Blend in like a local

https://www.icls.edu/blog/9-tips-to-blend-in-like-a-local-in-italy

Respecting cultural differences related to religion, gender roles and customs is crucial in Italy, a country with a rich history and diverse traditions. According to a UNESCO radar chart (see link no. 1), Italy scores highly in “Social cohesion”, “Freedom of expression” and “Inclusion and representation”, indicating a strong cultural sensitivity. However, it scores below the world average in “Leadership and organisation”, highlighting some instability in organisational and administrative management.

Geert Hofstede developed a model for analysing and understanding cultural differences between nations (refer to link no. 2), based on six main dimensions:

• Power Distance Index (PDI)
• Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV)
• Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS)
• Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)
• Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation (LTO)
• Indulgence vs. Restraint (IVR)

1. Italy Cultural Profile

https://www.unesco.org/en/enabling-interculturaldialogue/italy-country-profile

2. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory - Italian dimensions

The “Portale Integrazione Migranti” website provides valuable information on state-supported housing searches. The Italian Council for Refugees (CIR) has prepared a guide titled “La ricerca della casa” - i.e., the search for housing (direct access at link no. 1), which offers practical advice and tips to facilitate finding a rental home. The guide explains administrative obligations, tenant and landlord rights and duties and necessary documents for leasing:

• Valid identity document / passport
• Valid residence permit
• Fiscal Code
• Additional supportive documents like a work contract and paychecks

The guide also covers essential elements of leasing agreements, like:

• The roles of landlord and tenant
• Rent (Canon)
• Key contract terms
• Differences between irregular and registered contracts
• Effective search channels for housing

1. “La ricerca della casa”

https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/1621/La-ricerca-della-casa

2. Reception, Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration

The Italian institutional framework offers several tools to support migrants in finding employment. Migrants are eligible to work 60 days after submitting their asylum application and can register with local public employment centres.

Employment Centres: These public offices offer free services for employment and vocational training to both Italian and foreign citizens residing in Italy. To utilise these services, you must register, meeting the following criteria:

• Aged between 16 and 65, with at least middle school education
• Unemployed
• Resident in Italy (asylum seekers or refugees can use the reception centre’s address as their residence)

Employment Centres (more info at link no. 1) assist in job searches and, upon registration, individuals can declare their immediate availability to work by signing the “Dichiarazione Immediata di Disponibilità (DID)” (refer to link no. 2).

1. Employment Centre

https://italiahello.it/en/articolo/employment-center-centro-per-limpiego/

2. UNHCR

https://help.unhcr.org/italy/services/work/

3. JUMA map

Proficiency in the Italian language is crucial for living and working in Italy. Several resources are available to support language learning:

• Adult Education Centres (CPIA): These centres offer free Italian language courses for foreigners (Italian L2) and programmes to earn a lower secondary school diploma (more info at link no. 1)
• Migrant Integration Portal: This portal provides a collection of online courses, websites, social networks, apps, games and tests useful for learning Italian, specifically targeting immigrants (consult link no. 2)
• Rai Scuola: Rai Scuola offers a digital portal with Italian language courses for foreign students (refer to link no. 3)

1. MIUR, CPIA

https://miur.gov.it/istruzione-per-gli-adulti-centri-provinciali-per-l-istruzione-degli-adulti

2. Learning Italian - online

https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Dettaglio-approfondimento/id/53/Imparare-litaliano-on-line

3. Rai Scuola

https://www.raiscuola.rai.it/italianoperstranieri

4. AIL

The Italian Government provides some resources to ensure legal assistance to foreigners:

• Diplomatic and consular representations: These are available in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Foreigners under arrest or detention abroad can request a list of legal professionals for representation. Legal costs are generally borne by the individual, but financial aid may be available in cases of proven poverty and particular severity (see link no. 1)
• “Patronato per stranieri”: These organisations offer legal, social and administrative assistance to foreigners in need (more info at link no. 2)

1. Legal Assistance

https://www.esteri.it/it/servizi-consolari-e-visti/italiani-all-estero/assistenzacittadiniestero/assistenza_legale/

2. Caf Patronato

https://cafpatronato.it/il-servizio-caf-consulenza-del-lavoro-a-livello-nazionale/

Foreign citizens legally residing in Italy can access the National Health Service (NHS) in different ways, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay:

• Temporary Stay: For those in Italy for up to 90 days, urgent and elective health care is available against payment of regional rates. NHS enrolment is not required except for students and au pairs
• Residence Permit Holders: Individuals with a regular residence permit can register with the NHS by contacting the ASL of their residence municipality. Registration allows the selection of a primary doctor and provides healthcare for dependent family members residing legally in Italy
• Medical Treatment Entry: Those entering Italy specifically for medical treatment can activate several entry procedures

1. How to get health treatmentin Italy? (FAQ)

https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Ricerca-news/Dettaglio-news/id/2641/Come-si-fa-a-curarsi-in-Italia-Gli-stranieri-possono-iscriversi-al-Servizio-Sanitario-Nazionale

2. Salute.gov, Assistance to non-EU citizens in Italy

https://www.salute.gov.it/portale/assistenzaSanitaria/dettaglioContenutiAssistenzaSanitaria.jsp?id=1764&area=Assistenza sanitaria&menu=vuoto

Italy offers several initiatives aimed at integrating migrants into the educational and labour markets.One notable project, PERCORSI, focuses on the socio-occupational integration of unaccompanied foreign minors transitioning to adulthood and young migrants up to age 23 who entered Italy as unaccompanied minors (see link no.1).

UNICEF has developed a project to address regional disparities in training programmes by promoting e-learning platforms for young migrants (see link no. 2). Additionally, each Italian region offers vocational training courses for migrants, often funded by European resources. These courses cover various fields such as construction, catering and personal assistance. More specific information can be found on the websites of individual regions.

1. “PERCORSI”

https://poninclusione.lavoro.gov.it/areeintervento/integrazionemigranti/Pagine/Progetto-PERCORSI

2. UNICEF

https://www.unicef.it/minori-migranti-rifugiati/inclusione-partecipazione/

3. ANPAL

Professional development for migrants in Italy includes a variety of activities (from formal training programs, workshops, seminars, online courses to on-the-job training) aimed at enhancing individual skills, knowledge and abilities across different sectors. Individuals can enhance their work skills through vocational courses and internships, curricular and extracurricular

• Curricular internships are part of university study plans and are integrated into formal learning processes
• Non-curricular internships facilitate the transition between study and work, helping individuals make informed career choices based on direct exposure to the working world

Distincion applying for foreign citizens:

• Foreigners already in Italy with a regular residence permit allowing them to work can undertake internships under the same conditions as Italians
• Foreigners still residing abroad who wish to enter Italy for an internship need to follow specific entry procedures

Nationally, notable professional development programmes include:

• The European Social Fund (ESF), which finances various professional training and labour integration programmes for migrants across Italy. These programmes may include language courses, technical training, internships and apprenticeships (see link no.2)
• Regional initiatives such as Lombardy’s “Integra” project, Emilia-Romagna’s “Pathways to Employment for Migrants” programme and Tuscany’s “PAIS” project. Each region may have its own specific programme(s), accessible through regional websites, local Employment Centers (CPI) and ANPAL (see link no.3)
• Professional Training Institutes, which collaborate with regions and municipalities to offer various professional development courses

1. Integrazione Migranti.org - Access to vocational training courses and traineeships

https://integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/Altre-info/e/4/o/14/id/77/Laccesso-ai-corsi-di-formazione-professionale-e-ai-tirocini

2. ESF

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/it/sheet/53/fondo-sociale-europeo-plus

3. ANPAL

The Italian landscape offers various channels for migrants to connect with host community members, other immigrants, and workers, facilitating their integration into society. Key organisations include:

• Italian Caritas: This catholic organisation operates nationwide but has local offices at provincial and regional levels. It provides services such as language courses, legal advice and social integration activities. Contacting local centres can help migrants access these services and connect with others (see link no.1)
• Astalli Centre: Run by the Jesuits, this institution offers services from first reception for new arrivals to second reception for ongoing support, focusing on accompanying refugees and sharing their experiences (see link no.2)
• ARCI (Italian Recreational and Cultural Association): This organisation (non-political and non-religion oriented) promotes cultural and social activities, including events and workshops for migrants, and works against discrimination to foster socio-cultural integration (see link no.3)
• Refugees Welcome Italia: An independent organisation that mobilises citizens to support the social inclusion of refugees and migrants (see link no.4)
• “Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione”: Many municipalities have these offices dedicated to immigrant integration, offering information on local resources, events and support services, helping migrants connect with their new communities (see link no.5)

1. Italian Caritas

https://www.caritas.it/uneuropa-con-anima-e-valori-il-sogno-di-un-nuovo-umanesimo/

2. Astalli Centre

https://www.centroastalli.it/

3. ARCI

https://www.arci.it/

4. Refugees Welcome Italia

https://refugees-welcome.it/chi-siamo/

5. “Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione”

Volunteering is a significant way for migrants to engage with the community and receive support. Key organisations include:

• Italian Caritas and Astalli Centre: Both provide volunteer opportunities in addition to their community support services
• UNHCR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees collaborates with volunteer partner organisations in Italy to support refugees and asylum seekers (see link no.1)
• Croce Rossa Italiana (CRI): Offers humanitarian support to vulnerable groups, including migrants (see link no.2)
• Migrantes Foundation: This foundation of the Italian Episcopal Conference offers social assistance, Italian language and culture courses (see link no.3)
• CIR (Italian Council for Refugees): Provides legal support and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers (see link no.4)

1. UNHCR

https://www.unhcr.org/it/chi-siamo/contatti/

2. CRI

https://cri.it/

3. Migrantes Foundation

https://www.migrantes.it/

4. CIR

Contacts to get information for local cultural events can start by visiting your local municipal office or community centre, to get information about events, services and integration programmes available in your area.

Useful are also the online platforms, like the site of “IntegrazioneMigranti.org.it” (refer to the link no.1 for the main webpage).

Some relevant cultural activities are represented by:

• Cultural Festival, which allows you to exchange relevant information with locals and other migrants. One example is the Rome Interculture Festival (more info on past edition at link no. 2), an annual event celebrating cultural diversity with music, dance, theatre and other activities
• Language exchange programmes, language exchange meetups in many cities where people can practise Italian and other languages in a social environment
• The project “Migrantour” (consult link no. 2), which organises intercultural walks led by migrants in different Italian cities, such as Turin, Milan, Rome and Naples, to discover multicultural neighbourhoods and their stories

1. Integrazione Migranti

https://www.integrazionemigranti.gov.it/it-it/

2. Roma Intercultural Festival

https://www.oggiroma.it/eventi/festival/culturalmente-festival-della-cultura/76503/

3. “Migrantur”

https://migrantour.org/