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IMMIGRATO
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Immigration
in Italy.
Without fear.

Permits, citizenship, family, protection and appeals. We follow you from the first question to the last signature.

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Every case, from the first paper to the last signature.

All services

Residence permit

Residence permit in Italy: how to apply

For people who have just arrived in Italy with a visa and must ask the police immigration office (Questura) for their first residence permit (permesso di soggiorno).

  1. 01Checking the visa and the reason for entryWe check the visa, the passport and the reason you came (work, family, study). The type of permit depends on the visa: together we work out which one to ask for.
  2. 02Choosing the right routeSome permits are requested with the postal kit (kit postale) at a Sportello Amico counter of Poste Italiane, others go through the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico) of the Prefecture (Prefettura) or directly through the Questura. We tell you which route applies to your case.
  3. 03Preparing the applicationWe fill in the forms with you and check the copies of your documents and that all the data match. A mistake here can cost you weeks.
  4. 04Sending it and getting the receiptWhen the application is sent you get a receipt. We explain how to keep it safe: it is the document that lets you stay in Italy while you wait for the permit.
  5. 05Appointment at the QuesturaAt the Questura they take your fingerprints and check your original documents. We prepare a list of what to bring.
  6. 06Collection and checkWe follow the progress of your case and, when you collect the permit, we check that the data, the reason and the expiry date on it are correct.

The application must be submitted within 8 working days of your arrival in Italy. By law the Questura issues the permit within 90 days of the application (Art. 5, paragraph 9, Legislative Decree 286/1998, as amended in 2026). In practice the waiting time in Milan can be longer: with the receipt you can stay in Italy and work while you wait.

Read the full guide

Permit renewal

Residence permit renewal in Italy: timing, kit

For people whose residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) is about to expire, or has just expired, and who live in Italy.

  1. 01Checking the expiry date and the requirementsWe look at the expiry date, the reason for the permit and whether you still meet the requirements: work, income, family, study. If something has changed, we assess whether you need a renewal or a conversion.
  2. 02Collecting the documentsWe give you the exact list for your type of permit and we check payslips, contract, tax return or certificates.
  3. 03Filling in the postal kitWe fill in the kit forms with you and prepare the copies to put in the envelope, which is handed in open at a Sportello Amico counter of Poste.
  4. 04Receipt and appointmentWith the receipt you stay in order and can work while you wait. We explain how to read the appointment for fingerprints at the police immigration office (Questura).
  5. 05Monitoring and collectionWe follow the progress of your case online. If the Questura asks for more documents or sends a notice of intended refusal (preavviso di rigetto), we reply within the deadlines.

The renewal application must be submitted at least 90 days before expiry (Art. 5, paragraph 4, Legislative Decree 286/1998, with the limit raised from 60 to 90 days by Legislative Decree 83/2026). The Questura must decide within 90 days of the application, but in Milan the real waiting time can be longer. With the receipt you can stay and work while you wait.

Read the full guide

Residence card

Residence card: EU long-term permit in Italy

For people who have lived legally in Italy for at least 5 years and want a residence document with no expiry, and for family members of EU or Italian citizens.

  1. 01Checking the 5 years and any absencesWe reconstruct your history of permits and the periods spent abroad. Absences that are too long can break the 5 years.
  2. 02Checking income and housingWe check that your income is at least equal to the social allowance (assegno sociale), higher if you ask for the card for family members too, and that your housing is suitable.
  3. 03Italian A2 testIf you are not exempt, we book the language test on the ALI Services Portal of the Ministry of the Interior. The Prefecture (Prefettura) summons you within 60 days.
  4. 04Application with the postal kitWe fill in the postal kit (kit postale) with you and prepare the copies. The envelope is handed in open at a Sportello Amico counter.
  5. 05Questura and collectionWe prepare you for the appointment at the police immigration office (Questura) for fingerprints and follow your case until you collect the card.

The law says the Questura must decide within 90 days of the application (Art. 9 Legislative Decree 286/1998). First the Italian test is needed, for which the Prefecture summons you within 60 days of booking. In Milan the real times can be longer: we talk about it in the consultation.

Read the full guide

Permit conversion

Converting a residence permit in Italy

For people who hold a permit for one reason (study, seasonal work, family, other) and want to switch to a permit for a different reason, usually work.

  1. 01Checking if it can be convertedNot all permits can be converted. We check your permit, the date it was requested and the requirements for the new reason.
  2. 02Preparing with the employerIf the conversion is for work, we collect with the employer the contract offer, their details and the documents required.
  3. 03Application on the ALI PortalFor conversions to work, the application goes to the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione), online on the ALI Services Portal, with the right form and all the attachments uploaded straight away.
  4. 04Clearance and residence contractIf the One-Stop Shop gives a favourable opinion, you sign the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno). We follow you through this step.
  5. 05Postal kit and QuesturaAfter the clearance (nulla osta), the new permit is requested with the postal kit (kit postale). We prepare the kit and go with you up to the collection.

The timescales depend on the One-Stop Shop of the Prefecture (Prefettura) and then on the police immigration office (Questura). For issuing, renewing or converting a permit the law sets 90 days (Art. 5, paragraph 9, Legislative Decree 286/1998), but in Milan the real wait can be longer. Since 2025 you can also work while you wait for the conversion, with the receipt.

Read the full guide

Family reunification

Family reunification in Italy: 2026 rules

For people who live legally in Italy and want to bring their spouse, children or parents who live abroad.

  1. 01Checking the requirementsWe check your permit, how long you have lived in Italy, your income and your home. We calculate the minimum income according to the number of family members.
  2. 02Family members' documentsWe tell you which certificates are needed from the home country (marriage, birth) and how to translate and legalise them.
  3. 03Suitable housingWe help you ask the Municipality (Comune) for the certificate of suitable housing (idoneità alloggiativa), which also takes into account the number of people who will live there.
  4. 04Online application for clearanceWe send the application for clearance (nulla osta) to the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) of the Prefecture (Prefettura) on the Ministry of the Interior portal and follow the communications.
  5. 05Visa and arrivalWith the clearance the family member asks the Italian consulate for the visa. After arrival, within 8 days, they go to the One-Stop Shop for the permit for family reasons.

The law says the One-Stop Shop must issue the clearance within 150 days of the application (Art. 29, paragraph 8, Legislative Decree 286/1998, as amended by Decree-Law 146/2025; before it was 90). The clearance is valid for 6 months. Then there is the consulate's time for the visa. In Milan the real wait can be longer: we talk about it in the consultation.

Read the full guide

Italian citizenship

Italian citizenship by residence and marriage

For people who have lived in Italy for many years or are married to an Italian citizen and want to become Italian citizens.

  1. 01Checking the requirementsWe check your years of legal residence, your income over the last few years, your level of Italian and any criminal record. We tell you clearly whether it is the right time to apply.
  2. 02Documents from your home countryWe explain how to get your birth certificate and criminal record certificate from your home country, with translation and legalisation or apostille.
  3. 03Italian B1 certificateWe check whether you already have a valid qualification or whether you need a B1 certificate from a recognised body.
  4. 04Online applicationWe fill in and send the application with you on the Ministry of the Interior portal, with all the attachments in order.
  5. 05Monitoring your caseWe follow your case, answer requests for more documents and warn you when the legal deadlines expire.
  6. 06Decree and oathWhen the decree arrives, we guide you towards the oath at the Municipality (Comune), which must be taken within 6 months of notification.

By law the Ministry must decide within 24 months of the application, extendable to 36 (Art. 9-ter Law 91/1992). In reality, in Milan the wait can be longer. If the deadline passes without an answer, an appeal can be made to the regional administrative court (TAR) against the silence.

Read the full guide

Citizenship reminder

Citizenship reminder: case stuck over 24 months

For people who applied for Italian citizenship by residence or marriage and have been waiting for an answer longer than the law allows.

  1. 01Checking the caseWe read the status of your case on the Ministry portal, the date of the application and any communications (extensions, requests for documents).
  2. 02Calculating the deadlinesWe calculate when the 24 months (or 36, if there was an extension) ran out and until when an appeal can be made.
  3. 03Reminder or formal noticeIf useful, we send a formal reminder to the Ministry of the Interior. It is not compulsory before an appeal, but sometimes it is enough to unblock the case.
  4. 04Appeal to the TAR against silenceThe office's in-house lawyers prepare and serve the appeal to the regional administrative court (TAR) of Lazio, which has jurisdiction over citizenship.
  5. 05After the judgmentIf the judge orders the Ministry to decide, we follow the enforcement. If the decision arrives and is negative, we assess a new appeal.

The Ministry must decide within 24 months of the application, extendable to 36 (Art. 9-ter Law 91/1992, for applications submitted after Decree-Law 130/2020). An appeal against silence can be made as long as the silence lasts and no later than one year after the deadline expires (Articles 31 and 117 of the Code of Administrative Procedure).

Read the full guide

International protection

International protection and asylum in Italy

For people who fled their country because of persecution, war or serious danger and want to ask for asylum in Italy, or who have already applied and are waiting for the interview or the decision.

  1. 01First listeningWe listen to your story calmly, also in your own language. We work out whether there are grounds for protection and which documents or evidence can help you.
  2. 02Access to the QuesturaIn Milan the appointment to submit the application is obtained through the Prenota Facile portal and the associations named by the police immigration office (Questura). We explain the right route for you.
  3. 03Preparing for the interviewThe interview with the Territorial Commission (Commissione territoriale) is the most important moment. We help you tell your story in an orderly and consistent way and collect the evidence.
  4. 04The Commission's decisionWe read the decision together. If it is positive, we follow you for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). If it is negative, we check the deadline for the appeal straight away.
  5. 05Appeal to the CourtThe office's in-house lawyers prepare the appeal to the specialised section of the Court (Tribunale), within the deadlines (sometimes very short) set by the law.

After the reform of 12 June 2026 (Decree-Law 100/2026, converted by Law 145/2026) the application goes through three moments: expressing the wish to apply, registration (as a rule within 5 days) and formalisation. The times of the Commission and the Court vary a lot. The deadline for the appeal is short: as a rule 30 days from notification, but only a few days in some accelerated or border procedures.

Read the full guide

Appeals

Immigration appeals: refusals and expulsions

For people who have received a refusal, a revocation, an expulsion decree or no answer from the authorities about a permit, protection, family reunification or citizenship.

  1. 01Reading the decision and calculating the deadlineWe read the decision and the date of notification. We calculate the deadline straight away: some appeals must be filed within a few days.
  2. 02Choosing the right judgeEvery decision has its own judge: the regional administrative court (TAR), the Justice of the Peace (Giudice di pace) or the Court (Tribunale). The wrong judge or the wrong deadline can mean losing the appeal.
  3. 03Collecting the evidenceWith you we collect the documents that show why the decision is wrong: work, family, residence, health, your life in Italy.
  4. 04Appeal and request for suspensionThe office's in-house lawyers write and file the appeal. When needed, they ask the judge to suspend the decision immediately.
  5. 05Hearing and decisionWe follow the case up to the decision and explain what to do next, whether you win or lose.

The deadlines to appeal are short and change according to the decision: 30 days for the Prefect's expulsion (Justice of the Peace), 60 days for refusal of the permit (TAR), as a rule 30 days for refusal of international protection (but only 7 or 5 days in some procedures). How long the case lasts varies a lot from case to case.

Read the full guide

Flows decree

Flows decree 2026-2028: quotas and click day

For employers (companies and families) who want to hire a worker who lives abroad, and for workers who want to understand how it works.

  1. 01Checking employer and workerWe check that the employer meets the requirements (including financial ones) and that the worker fits the right category and quota: seasonal, non-seasonal, family care.
  2. 02Pre-filling on the ALI PortalThe application is prepared before the click day, in the pre-filling window opened by the Ministry. On the click day only applications that were already pre-filled can be sent.
  3. 03Click day and sendingOn the set day, from 9 a.m., applications are sent. The order of arrival and the quotas available are what count.
  4. 04Clearance and visaIf the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico) issues the clearance (nulla osta), the worker asks the Italian consulate in their country for a work visa.
  5. 05Arrival and residence contractAfter entering Italy, the worker signs the residence contract (contratto di soggiorno) at the One-Stop Shop and applies for the permit. We follow them until collection.

The Prime Ministerial Decree (DPCM) of 2 October 2025 sets the click days between January and February each year. For 2026 pre-filling was open from 23 October to 7 December 2025. At the end of September 2026 the circular with the pre-filling dates for 2027 does not appear to be published yet. After the click day, the times for clearance and visa vary a lot.

Read the full guide

First entry

First entry to Italy: visa and residence permit

For people who must enter Italy for the first time for work, family or study, and for people who have just arrived in Italy with a visa.

  1. 01Choosing the type of entryTogether we work out the right reason: employed work, self-employment, family or study. The visa and the documents depend on it.
  2. 02Clearance, if neededFor employed work and family reunification the clearance (nulla osta) of the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) is needed first. We prepare the application with the employer or with the family member in Italy.
  3. 03Visa at the consulateWe tell you which documents to bring to the Italian embassy or consulate in your country for the entry visa.
  4. 04Arrival and the first 8 daysThe residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) must be requested within 8 working days of entry. We follow you at the One-Stop Shop or with the postal kit (kit postale), depending on the case.
  5. 05Permit, tax code and integration agreementWe explain the integration agreement, the tax code (codice fiscale) assigned during the procedure and the next steps: residence, doctor, work.

The residence permit must be requested within 8 working days of entry (Art. 5 Legislative Decree 286/1998). The times for clearance and visa depend on the type of entry, the Prefecture (Prefettura) and the consulate: they vary a lot. For family reunification the law gives the One-Stop Shop 150 days for the clearance.

Read the full guide

Emersione and amnesty

Amnesty 2026: is there one? Emersione and alternatives

For people who live in Italy without a permit and are looking for regularisation, and for people who still have a 2020 emersione case open.

  1. 01Listening to your situationWe reconstruct since when you have been in Italy, what you have done, who you live and work with. Every detail can open or close a route.
  2. 02Checking the possible routesWe check whether there are routes open to you today: protection, family ties, minor children, victims of exploitation, return with the flows decree.
  3. 032020 emersione cases still openIf you applied for emersione (regularisation of work relationships) in 2020, we check how your case is going and what to do if it is stuck or rejected.
  4. 04Starting the chosen routeIf there is a concrete route, we prepare the application or, when a judge is needed, the office's in-house lawyers follow it.

In October 2026 no amnesty is open in Italy: the last extraordinary regularisation is the one under Art. 103 of Decree-Law 34/2020, with applications in the summer of 2020. The times of the alternative routes depend on the route chosen: we assess them in the consultation.

Read the full guide

Article 31

Article 31: permit to care for a minor child

For parents or relatives without a permit, or at risk of losing it, who have minor children in Italy and whose presence matters for the children's growth.

  1. 01Assessing the caseWe listen to the family's story: the children's age and health, school, ties, who looks after them. We assess whether there are the "serious reasons" the law requires.
  2. 02Collecting the evidenceWe collect documents on school, health, the relationship with the parent and the consequences of the parent being removed. Reports from paediatricians, psychologists and teachers may be needed.
  3. 03Appeal to the Juvenile CourtThe office's in-house lawyers prepare and file the appeal to the Juvenile Court (Tribunale per i minorenni) of Milan.
  4. 04Hearing and decisionWe go with you to the hearing and follow the decision. If the Court says no, we assess a complaint (reclamo) against the decision.
  5. 05Permit for care of a minorWith the Court's authorisation, the permit for care of a minor is requested from the police immigration office (Questura). We follow you until collection and renewals.

The times depend on the Juvenile Court and on the individual case: we assess them in the consultation. The authorisation is valid for a set period, decided by the Court, and the permit lasts as long as the authorisation.

Read the full guide

Criminal defence

Criminal defence for foreigners in Italy

For foreign citizens who are under investigation, accused or convicted, and for people who want to understand how criminal proceedings can affect a residence permit or citizenship.

  1. 01First confidential meetingWe listen to the facts and read the documents you received (notices, decrees, judgments). Everything stays confidential.
  2. 02Criminal and immigration assessment togetherThe in-house lawyers assess the criminal defence and, at the same time, the effects on the permit, residence card, family reunification or citizenship.
  3. 03Choosing the strategyBefore choosing alternative procedures, such as plea bargaining (patteggiamento), we explain what they can mean for your stay in Italy.
  4. 04Defence at trialThe in-house lawyers assist you at every stage of the criminal proceedings.
  5. 05After the judgmentWe follow the effects on your immigration case: renewal, any notice of intended refusal, appeal, rehabilitation where possible.

The length of criminal proceedings varies a lot depending on the offence, the court and the procedure chosen. Some deadlines, for example to object to a criminal decree or to appeal, are short: bring the documents as soon as you receive them.

Read the full guide

Tax code

Italian tax code for foreigners: how to get it

For foreign citizens who live in or are arriving in Italy and do not yet have a tax code (codice fiscale), or have a provisional code or one with wrong data.

  1. 01Checking your situationWe check whether the tax code has already been assigned to you in a procedure (One-Stop Shop or Questura) and whether the data are correct.
  2. 02Choosing the channelIf the code does not arrive automatically, you ask for it from the Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate) with form AA4/8. We tell you whether it is better to go in person or use PEC (certified email).
  3. 03Filling in form AA4/8We fill in the form with you, with the data written exactly as on the passport.
  4. 04Submission and certificateWe explain how to book the appointment at the Revenue Agency office. You receive the certificate of assignment; the card arrives later.

If the tax code is assigned by the One-Stop Shop for Immigration (Sportello Unico) or the police immigration office (Questura), it arrives together with the entry or permit procedure. At the Revenue Agency office the certificate of assignment is usually received at the appointment; the card arrives afterwards. The time to get an appointment in Milan varies.

Read the full guide
the year we opened in Milan
2017
views of our videos on TikTok
2.4 million
languages in which Sofia answers you
8
countries our clients come from
28

28 countries.
One single door.

The people we help come from four continents. Their journey through the paperwork ends here, with us.

Asia

Africa

Europe

The Americas

Drag to turn the world · choose a country to go there

Four steps. No wasted trips.

From the first question to a case in good hands, you always know where you are and what happens next.

  1. 01

    Write to or call Sofia

    On WhatsApp or by phone, in 8 languages, even in the evening. Tell her in a few words what you need.

  2. 02

    Choose the day and time

    Sofia offers you the free time slots. A 30-minute consultation, 60 €, in the office in Milan or online on WhatsApp from anywhere in Italy.

  3. 03

    Talk to a consultant

    We look at your documents and tell you clearly what can be done, how long it takes and what to bring.

  4. 04

    We follow your case

    If you decide to go ahead, we stay with you to the end. In the Client area you chat with the office and send your documents.

Dr Elda Di Cosmo

Founder and head of Immigrato, since 2017

«For many years I have helped young foreign people from many countries, and this is what I love about my work. For me every person is an added value.»
Get to know the office

When an appeal is needed, the lawyers are already in the office.

A refusal from the Commission, a refusal from the Questura (police immigration office), a deadline running out: the lawyers who work with us already know your case. You don’t start again from zero.

  1. Appeal after a refusal

    Special protection granted by the Court of Rome five months after the appeal.

  2. From subsidiary protection to EU card

    From subsidiary protection to the EU long-term residence card.

  3. Conversion unblocked

    Permit held as a minor converted into a work permit: case unblocked.

Appeals and legal protection

In their words. Five stars.

Reviews left by our clients on Google. (translated from Italian)

«After years of troubles I turned to the office of Dr Elda Di Cosmo […]: I saw in her a fair and helpful person. There is clarity, seriousness, high professionalism and selflessness. Solving this problem will be a great triumph for me.»
Margarita A.
Five stars also from:Majdoline G. ·Ali Md S. ·Mumtaz ·Sajjat T. ·Rafeal O. ·Zarouki ·Mosaddik ·Alsayad D. ·Gora D. ·Aliapdailzum ·Ahmed A. ·Eid M. ·Chaimaa B. ·Ahmed H.

2.4 million views. Explained simply.

@immigrato_specialist on TikTok

Sofia answers you at once. In your language.

Sofia answers the phone and WhatsApp, even when the office is closed. She explains the services, tells you what to bring and books your consultation. She is an artificial intelligence: for every decision about your case you speak to our people.

  • Italiano
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Call Sofia · +39 02 8112 7188WhatsApp
SSofia · Immigratoonline

السلام عليكم، أريد تجديد تصريح الإقامة

وعليكم السلام! يمكنني مساعدتك. هل تفضل موعدًا في المكتب في ميلانو أم عبر الإنترنت؟

Online please, I live far from Milan

Perfect! I have Tuesday at 11:00 or Wednesday at 17:30. Which one works for you?

Example of a conversation

Before you book.

How much does the consultation cost?+

The consultation costs 60 € and lasts about 30 minutes. You can have it in the office in Milan or online on WhatsApp, from any city in Italy. If you are already our client with an open case, appointments about your case are free.

How do I pay for the consultation?+

For an online consultation you pay beforehand, by bank transfer, RIA or Western Union: Sofia sends you the details when you book the appointment. For a consultation in the office you pay on arrival, in cash or by card. The invoice arrives after payment.

How does the online consultation work?+

At the agreed time the consultant calls you on WhatsApp. Keep your documents close: passport, permit, letters from the Questura (police immigration office) or the Prefettura (Prefecture). You do not need to install anything else.

Who is Sofia?+

Sofia is the office’s assistant based on artificial intelligence. She answers the phone and WhatsApp in 8 languages, explains the services and books appointments. Every assessment of your case is made by people in the office.

Are you lawyers?+

Immigrato is a consultancy specialising in immigration. Lawyers work with us in the office and handle appeals and court cases before the Tribunal, for example after a refusal by the Territorial Commission.

Where are you and what are your opening hours?+

We are at Via Monte Cengio 5, 20138 Milano, near the Rogoredo stop of the yellow metro line M3. We are open Monday to Friday from 10 to 19 and on Saturday from 10 to 16.

What should I bring to the consultation?+

Bring all the documents you have: passport, residence permit or receipt, letters and notices from the Questura, Prefettura or Commission, work contract and housing contract if you have them. The more documents we see, the more precise the answer.

In which languages can I talk to you?+

Sofia answers in Italian, English, Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi and French. Write to her in your language: she replies in the same one.

The rules change. We keep up with them.

All guides

Via Monte Cengio 5,
Milano.

20138 Milano · Rogoredo area
Yellow metro line M3, Rogoredo stop

Monday – Friday
10:00 – 19:00
Saturday
10:00 – 16:00
Sunday
Closed
Open in Google Maps

Video played from TikTok · @immigrato_specialist