EU long-term residence permit: 2026 requirements and income

Updated on 1 October 2026

The carta di soggiorno, now officially called the EU residence permit for long-term residents (permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo), can be requested after at least 5 years of valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) in Italy. In 2026 you need an income of at least €7,101.12 a year (the social allowance, assegno sociale), plus an extra amount for each family member, and Italian at level A2. The document is valid for 10 years for adults and does not have to be renewed every time like a normal permit.

In brief

• Basic requirement: 5 years of valid residence permit.
• Minimum income for 2026 for one person: €7,101.12 a year (social allowance, INPS circular 153/2025).
• Each family member adds half of the social allowance; with two or more children under 14 you need at least double.
• You need Italian at level A2 and, if you apply for family members too, suitable housing.
• The document is valid for 10 years (5 for minors).

What is the carta di soggiorno?

Many people still call it the “carta di soggiorno” or the “unlimited permit”. Its correct name is EU residence permit for long-term residents. The status of long-term resident has no end date. The document, however, has a validity period: 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors, according to the State Police. When it expires you update it, but you do not have to prove all the requirements again as in a normal renewal.

For people who have lived in Italy for years this means shorter queues at the police immigration office (Questura), more stability and, for example, an exemption from the B1 certificate for Italian citizenship.

Who can apply for the carta di soggiorno?

The State Police says you can apply if you have had a valid residence permit for at least 5 years. According to the Integrazione Migranti portal, absences from Italy during the 5 years do not break the period if they are shorter than 6 consecutive months and no more than 10 months in total, unless there are serious documented reasons.

You cannot apply if, among others, you hold a permit for study or training, a short-stay permit, or if you have diplomatic immunity.

How much income do I need in 2026?

Your income must be at least equal to the yearly amount of the social allowance (assegno sociale). For 2026 INPS (circular no. 153 of 19 December 2025) set the social allowance at €546.24 a month, that is €7,101.12 a year.

If the application includes family members, half of the social allowance is added for each family member. Here are the 2026 thresholds:

People in the application	Minimum yearly income 2026
Applicant only	€7,101.12
Applicant + 1 family member	€10,651.68
Applicant + 2 family members	€14,202.24
Applicant + 3 family members	€17,752.80
Applicant + 4 family members	€21,303.36

Please note: with two or more children under 14 your income must be at least double the social allowance, that is €14,202.24.

Which income is considered? The State Police asks for a copy of your tax return. For domestic workers and carers, INPS payment slips or the contribution statement are valid. Your income must be lawful and provable: undeclared work does not count.

Do I need the Italian test?

Yes. You need to know Italian at level A2. You can prove it with the Prefecture test, with an A2 certificate from a recognised body, or with an Italian school or university qualification. According to the Integrazione Migranti portal, children under 14 and people with serious documented limitations in learning the language are exempt.

Do I need proof of suitable housing?

The State Police says that suitable housing must be documented if the application is also made for family members. In Milan the certificate is requested from the district office (Municipio): read our guide on housing suitability certificates in Milan.

Which documents do I need?

The application is submitted with the postal kit, at authorised post offices, at municipalities that offer the service, or through patronati (assistance bodies). Here is a basic checklist:

1. valid passport (copy of all pages);
2. current residence permit;
3. tax return (or Certificazione Unica) for the previous year;
4. A2 Italian certificate or qualification;
5. documents proving your residence;
6. for family members: proof of kinship (translated and legalised) and housing suitability certificate;
7. receipts for the payments listed in the kit instructions.

After you send it, the Questura calls you in for your fingerprints. You can follow your application with the registered-mail number on the State Police website (see the guide on renewing your residence permit in Milan).

When do you lose the carta di soggiorno?

According to the Integrazione Migranti portal, among other cases you lose it if:

• you stay outside the European Union for 12 consecutive months;
• you stay outside Italy for 6 years;
• you obtain the same status in another EU country.

Many of our clients work for long periods in Saudi Arabia or the Emirates: in these cases it is wise to plan your returns so you do not lose your status.

Do you want to know if you meet the requirements?

The most delicate point is almost always income, especially if your wife and children are in the application. We can work out the exact figure with you using your tax return and tell you whether it is better to apply now or wait. The final decision is made by the Questura, but a well-prepared application avoids refusals for formal mistakes.

Book a 30-minute consultation for €60 at our office in Milan or online on WhatsApp, or write to Sofia, the studio’s assistant, on WhatsApp from the booking box on this page. The full service is on the carta di soggiorno page.