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Italian Administration

Permesso di Soggiorno

Italian law requires all foreign nationals to register with the police within eight days of their arrival in the country. The police issues a "permit of stay" Permesso di Soggiorno. Applications for this permit are submitted at the Ufficio Stranieri, Office for Foreigners of the central police station, Questura Centrale, or at the local police stations, Commissariato.

The procedure is relatively simple for EU citizens but it can become complicated and lengthy for non-EU nationals, Extracomunitari.

A non-EU national can not work in Italy unless he enters the country with a work visa stamped on his passport by an Italian Embassy or Consulate in his country of origin.

It is advisable for all family members to apply for visas at the same time as the head of the family.

Visas cannot be obtained in Italy and neither can a tourist visa be converted into a work visa.

Residenza

Once you have obtained a Permesso di Soggiorno and have a permanent address, you can apply for Residenza, residence, at your Comune or local city administration. When residence is granted you can get a Carta d’Identità, identity card, valid only in Italy. Since everyone is required to carry some proof of identity, with an identity card you need not carry your passport around.

If you are bringing personal belongings other than your suitcases you will need a residence certificate to avoid paying customs duty. Without a residence certificate you cannot buy a car nor can you convert your driving license neither can you apply for residential rates for your electricity bills.

Codice Fiscale

The Codice Fiscale or fiscal code number is issued by the Ministry of Finance, applications are submitted at the Ufficio Imposte- taxation office. You will need a Codice Fiscale to open a bank account, sign a contract, and pay your taxes.

Have the following documents ready if you are thinking of working in Italy:

Passport – make photocopies of page with photograph and of visa page if you have one.
Birth certificate – translated by an official translator.
Marriage certificate - if married, have the certificate translated by an official translator.
6 identical passport size photographs
Your curriculum vitae and Diplomas- translated by an official translator.
Remember to make photocopies of all original documents and of their translations.