The steps of the case
- 1
First listening
We 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
Access to the Questura
In 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
Preparing for the interview
The 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
The Commission's decision
We 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
Appeal to the Court
The 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.
What international protection is
International protection is the safeguard that Italy gives to people who cannot go back to their country because they risk persecution or serious harm. It has two forms: refugee status and subsidiary protection (Legislative Decree 251/2007).
Alongside these there is special protection (Art. 19, paragraph 1.1, Legislative Decree 286/1998). Decree-Law 20/2023 narrowed it, but did not abolish it: it remains when sending you back to your country would breach Italy’s constitutional or international obligations, for example the risk of torture or, in certain cases, respect for the private and family life you have built in Italy.
What changed from 12 June 2026
From 12 June 2026 the Pact on migration and asylum applies across the European Union. Italy put it into law with Decree-Law 100/2026, converted by Law 145/2026. The rules change in important ways:
- the application goes through three moments: expressing the wish to apply, registration (as a rule within 5 days) and formalisation (as a rule within 21 days);
- accelerated and border procedures are wider, for example for people from countries with a low recognition rate;
- the applicant can work after 90 days from the formalisation of the application;
- the deadlines for appeal change depending on the procedure.
Some transitional rules also apply until 31 October 2026. Further implementing rules are expected. For this reason every case must be checked against the rule in force on the day of the application.
How it works in Milan
In Milan the application for protection is submitted to the Immigration Office of the Questura in via Cagni, or at the police stations of Sesto San Giovanni, Cinisello Balsamo, Rho-Pero and Legnano. You need an appointment.
The appointment is obtained through the Prenota Facile portal of the State Police, through the associations named by the Questura (list updated by the Questura on 2 September 2026). People without documents can still get the appointment through the associations. For vulnerable people (for example elderly people or pregnant women) there is a dedicated channel.
After the application you receive a residence permit for asylum seekers. Then you are summoned by the Territorial Commission for the personal interview.
The interview at the Commission
The interview is the heart of the procedure. You tell your story, the reasons you fled and what you risk if you go back. The Commission assesses whether the story is consistent and credible and compares it with information on your country.
Prepare well: dates, places, people. Bring any evidence you have. If you do not remember something, say so: it is better than making something up.
If the Commission says no
An appeal against the refusal is made to the specialised immigration section of the Court. The ordinary deadline is 30 days from notification. In some accelerated procedures the deadline is 7 days, in border procedures 5 days.
As a rule the appeal suspends the decision and you can stay in Italy. In some cases the suspension is not automatic and must be requested from the judge together with the appeal. This is why you must act at once.
How we help you
We listen to you, prepare you for the interview and follow your case until the permit. If a refusal arrives, the office’s in-house lawyers prepare the appeal to the Court within the deadlines.
- First consultation: 60 €, about 30 minutes, in the office or online on WhatsApp.
- Sofia, the office’s assistant, answers on WhatsApp in 8 languages and books your appointment: use the booking button on this page.
What to bring to the consultation
- Passport or other identity document, if you have one
- Any document about your story: police reports, medical certificates, articles, photos, letters
- Residence permit for asylum seekers or receipts, if already issued
- Letters from the Questura or the Territorial Commission (summonses, decisions)
- Documents about your life in Italy: work, Italian courses, home, family
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between refugee status and subsidiary protection?+
Refugee status protects people at risk of persecution for reasons such as religion, ethnic origin or political opinions. Subsidiary protection protects people at risk of serious harm, for example in war, even without personal persecution.
Does special protection still exist?+
Yes, but it was narrowed by Decree-Law 20/2023. It remains when removal would breach Italy's constitutional or international obligations, including in certain cases the family ties and private life built here.
Can I work while I wait for the decision?+
After the 2026 reform, an asylum seeker can work once 90 days have passed from the formalisation of the application.
How long do I have to appeal if the Commission says no?+
As a rule 30 days from notification, but in some procedures the deadline is 7 or even 5 days. Come at once with the decision in your hand.
I come from a country considered "safe": can I ask for asylum?+
Yes, you can always apply. But the procedure may be accelerated, with tighter deadlines and different safeguards. We assess your case.