Italian visa resources
After you arrive in Italy
The steps to legalise a long-stay stay after entry: applying for the residence permit within 8 working days, biometrics, and local registration.
Important
A type D visa lets you enter Italy, but it does not by itself authorise a long stay. Within 8 working days of entering the country you must apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) that corresponds to your visa's purpose — this is the document that legalises staying beyond 90 days.
For work and family routes you first attend the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione to sign the residence contract / collect the nulla osta paperwork; for all routes you then lodge the permit request and, later, complete fingerprinting at the Questura.
Apply for the permesso di soggiorno
- Deadline: within 8 working days of entering Italy (Sundays and holidays excluded)
- Collect the yellow-banded postal kit, complete it, and submit it at a Post Office with a Sportello Amico counter (some permit types go directly to the Questura)
- Pay the required charges (revenue stamp, postal fee, electronic card cost and the contribution)
- Keep the receipt — it proves your stay is regular while the permit is processed
- Attend the Questura for fingerprints and photographs when called
Local registration and essentials
- Work and family arrivals: report to the Sportello Unico at the Prefettura as instructed to finalise the nulla osta / residence contract
- The permit's validity mirrors your visa's purpose and duration
- You can check the status of your permit online after the Questura appointment
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.