Author
As indicated by the national statistical institute (Istat), between 2023 and 2024 the number of non-EU citizens with regular residence permit in Italy diminished, going from 3,727,706 on 1 January 2021 to 3,607,160 to 1 January 2024. Long-term residence permits are almost 66% out of the total residency permits currently valid in the country, corresponding to 2,341,857 residence permits.[1]
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 territorially competent 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]
In 2024, 4,456 beneficiaries of international protection obtained a long-term residence permit; 1,926 of them were holders of refugee status; 2.530 of subsidiary protection.[6]
[1] Istat, Non-EU Citizens in Italy, in 2023- 2024, March 2025, available in Italian at: https://bitly.cx/NzGuC. See also ASGI in-dept sheet, 12 January 2024, available at: https://bit.ly/4aM6eLs.
[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.
[6] Data provided by Ministry of Interior on ASGI FOIA request, 24 March 2025.