Author
As indicated by the national statistical institute (Istat), between 2021 and 2022 the number of non-EU citizens with regular residence permit in Italy increased by almost 6%, going from 3,373,876 on 1 January 2021 to 3,561,540 to 1 January 2022. Long-term residence permits are almost 66% out of the total residency permits currently valid in the country.[1]
The disaggregated figure for long-stay permits issued to beneficiaries of international protection is not available, nor is the general figure for long-stay permits issued in the year 2022.
According to Article 9(1-bis) TUI, refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries residing in Italy for at least 5 years can obtain a long-term resident status if they have an income equal or higher than the minimum income guaranteed by the State. The starting point to count the period of stay for beneficiaries of international protection is the date of submission of the application for international protection.[2]
In case of vulnerabilities, the availability of a free dwelling granted by recognised charities and aid organisations, contributes figuratively toward the income to the extent of 15% of the amount.
Contrary to other third-country nationals, international protection beneficiaries do not have to prove the availability of adequate accommodation responding to hygiene and health conditions, nor to pass the Italian language test, before obtaining long-term residence.[3]
The application to obtain the long-term residence permit is submitted to the Questura and should be issued within 90 days.[4] However, according to ASGI’s experience, the actual issuance of the permit requires considerably longer times. The issuance of the permit is subject to a contribution of €130.46.[5]
[1] Istat, Non-EU Citizens in Italy, in 2021- 2022, October 2022, available in Italian at: bit.ly/3ZmjL6W.
[2] Article 9(5-bis) TUI.
[3] Article 9 (1-ter) and (2-ter) TUI.
[4] Article 9(2) TUI.
[5] Ministerial Decree of 8 June 2017.