Author
The total number of holders of long-term residence permits as of 1 January 2021, according to Istat, was of 2,173,327.[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 2021.
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 must be issued within 90 days.[4] The issuance of the permit is subject to a contribution of €130.46.[5]
[1] Istat, Non-EU Citizens in Italy, October 2021, available in Italian at: https://bit.ly/3ideZoO.
[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.