The renewal in plain terms
The residence permit does not last indefinitely: on expiry it must be renewed to maintain legal resident status in Italy. Unlike first issuance, renewal does not require a new entry visa — you submit the application via postal kit before the permit expires.
The fundamental rule is one: submit the application at least 60 days before expiry. Those who renew in time are protected — the postal receipt has equivalent legal force to the permit throughout the entire waiting period.
Average processing times at Questure in 2026 are 3–8 months from submission to delivery of the renewed permit. Those who wait until the last moment risk being without a document while the application is being processed.
Procedure step by step
The renewal procedure mirrors that of first issuance, with some important differences in the documents to attach.
Check the expiry date and plan ahead
Check the expiry date on your electronic permit. Count back 90 days: that is the ideal date to start collecting documents. Submit no later than 60 days before expiry.
Collect the renewal postal kit
The renewal kit is different from the first issuance kit — make sure you request the correct form at the Sportello Amico, specifying that it is a renewal and stating the permit type.
Prepare the documentation
Gather all required documents (see the Documents section). Compared to first issuance, add a copy of the expiring permit and updated documentation (income, employment contract, accommodation).
Submit at the Sportello Amico
Submit the application in person. You will receive a receipt with photograph and date stamp — keep it: it has equivalent legal force to the permit throughout processing.
Biometric appointment at the Questura
You will be summoned for biometric processing. For renewals, summons times are often longer than for first issuance — at some Questure the wait can be up to 6 months.
Collect the renewed permit
The renewed permit is an electronic document with a chip. You can track the status of the application at portaleimmigrazione.it using the receipt code.
Required documents
Compared to first issuance, renewal requires updated documentation. Documents vary based on the permit type being renewed.
Always required
Expiring residence permit
Front/back copy of the current permit. This is the document that distinguishes renewal from first issuance.
RequiredValid passport
Original with copies of all pages. If the passport has expired, renew it before submitting the permit renewal application.
RequiredCompleted renewal form
From the renewal postal kit, completed in full and signed.
Postal kitPhotographs and revenue stamp
4 recent passport-format photographs + €16.00 revenue stamp.
ApplicantFor work permit renewal
Updated employment contract
Or recent payslip, or employer letter confirming continuation of the relationship. If the employer has changed, the new contract is required.
EmployerLatest tax returns
CUD, CU or 730 demonstrating income earned in Italy during the expiring permit period.
ApplicantAccommodation documentation
Current valid rental contract or updated hospitality declaration.
ApplicantFor family permit renewal
Proof of continuing family tie
Updated family status certificate, or documentation confirming continuation of the relationship (e.g. for spouses: no ongoing separation proceedings).
ApplicantSponsor’s updated income
Updated tax return or CU from the sponsoring family member demonstrating continued income requirements are met.
SponsorIf your passport expires while the renewal application is being processed, you must notify the Questura and provide the new passport. Failing to do so can cause problems when collecting the renewed permit.
Costs updated for 2026
Renewal costs are identical to first issuance, calculated based on the duration of the renewed permit.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Issuance contribution (duration up to 1 year) | € 80.00 |
| Issuance contribution (duration 1–2 years) | € 100.00 |
| Issuance contribution (EU long-term) | € 200.00 |
| Revenue stamp | € 16.00 |
| Postal costs (kit + postage) | ~€ 30.00 |
| Estimated total | € 126 – € 246 |
Need support for the renewal?
ImmiLex prepares all documentation, verifies it is complete and accompanies you through to delivery of the renewed permit.
Renewal vs Conversion
Not all permits are renewed — some must be converted to a different type. The difference is substantial:
Renewal
Same permit type, same reason. Postal kit procedure. Does not require new quotas or additional Nulla Osta. Simpler and more predictable.
Conversion
Change of type (e.g. from study to work, from seasonal to subordinate). More complex procedure, often requires available Decreto Flussi quotas or a specific Nulla Osta. Decreto Flussi guide →
Common conversion cases
| From | To | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Study | Subordinate work | Decreto Cutro (L.50/2023): possible without waiting for click-day if work is found during or after the course |
| Seasonal work | Subordinate work | From the 2nd consecutive year of seasonal work in Italy, if permit is still valid |
| Family | Work | Possible in many cases, depends on type. May require Flussi quotas |
| Traineeship/research | Work | Provided by EU Directive 2016/801, with specific conditions for each pathway |
Staying with an expired permit is irregular even if the Questura’s delays are to blame. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a consultant immediately to assess options: late filing, appeal or regularisation.
FAQ
At least 60 days before expiry, but the practical advice is to do it 90 days in advance to be safe. Average processing times at Questure in 2026 are 3–8 months.
Yes, if you have already filed the renewal application. The date-stamped Questura receipt guarantees the same rights as a valid permit throughout the entire waiting period.
It depends on the case. If the new employment relationship is already formalised with a contract, renewal is often possible. In other cases a permit update rather than a simple renewal may be required. Consult an expert for your specific situation.
Between €126 and €246 depending on duration: issuance contribution (€80–€200), revenue stamp (€16) and postal costs (~€30). The same categories exempt from first issuance are also exempt for renewal.