The steps of the case
- 1
Checking the expiry date and the requirements
We 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
Collecting the documents
We give you the exact list for your type of permit and we check payslips, contract, tax return or certificates.
- 3
Filling in the postal kit
We 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
Receipt and appointment
With 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
Monitoring and collection
We 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.
When to apply to renew the residence permit
Renewal must be requested at least 90 days before expiry. This is the rule of Art. 5, paragraph 4, of Legislative Decree 286/1998 after the change made by Legislative Decree 83/2026 (before, it was 60 days).
Renewal is not automatic. The police immigration office (Questura) checks again that you meet the conditions for that permit: work, income, family or study. If your situation has changed, you may not need a renewal but a conversion to another type of permit.
If the permit has already expired, do not wait any longer. The margins after expiry are narrow and depend on the case: we check straight away what can be done.
How renewal works in Milan with the postal kit
For most permits, renewal in Milan is done with the postal kit (kit postale). You can find it at Sportello Amico post offices.
- You fill in the kit forms and prepare copies of the documents.
- You take the envelope, open, to the Sportello Amico: the clerk checks it and sends it.
- You get a receipt with the appointment at the Questura and the login details to follow your case online.
- At the appointment at the Questura they take your fingerprints and check the originals.
- When the permit is ready, you collect it at the Questura.
Some permits do not go through the postal kit. In those cases the appointment is booked on the Prenota Facile portal of the State Police. We tell you which route applies to you.
How long the renewed permit lasts
The length depends on the reason for the permit. After Decree-Law 20/2023 (the “Cutro decree”), renewal for permanent employed work, self-employment and family reasons can last up to 3 years.
This is useful for the future too: reaching 5 years of legal residence lets you apply for the EU long-term residence permit, the so-called residence card (carta di soggiorno).
The receipt: what you can do while you wait
With the receipt of the renewal application you can stay in Italy and work. Art. 5, paragraph 9-bis, says so: it applies even if the Questura goes beyond 90 days, until it tells you of any reasons against it.
Keep the original receipt. You will need it at work, at the bank, at the doctor and for many procedures.
Common mistakes
- Applying for renewal at the last minute. The new limit is 90 days before expiry.
- Not proving your income. Payslips and tax return must match the permit.
- Ignoring a notice of intended refusal (preavviso di rigetto). If the Questura sends one, you have only a few days to reply with comments and documents.
- Criminal convictions not assessed. Some convictions can affect renewal. After judgment no. 88/2023 of the Constitutional Court, for some minor offences a case-by-case assessment is needed. Let us talk about it before you submit the application.
How we help you
We check the expiry date and the requirements, prepare the postal kit with you and follow your case until you collect the permit. If a notice of intended refusal or a refusal arrives, the office’s in-house lawyers assess the reply or the appeal.
- 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
- Residence permit about to expire (copy)
- Valid passport (copy of the pages with data, visas and stamps)
- Tax code (codice fiscale)
- For employed work: contract, latest payslips, Certificazione Unica (annual income statement) if any
- For self-employment: VAT number, tax return, required registrations
- For family: documents of the family member and proof of the relationship
- For study: enrolment and exams passed
- Declaration of hospitality or rental contract
Frequently asked questions
How long before expiry must I apply for renewal?+
From 2026 the law says at least 90 days before expiry. Many online guides still give the old 60 days.
My permit has already expired: can I still renew it?+
It depends on how much time has passed and on the reason for the delay. Do not wait: every day counts. We check your case in the consultation.
Can I work with the renewal receipt?+
Yes. While you wait for the renewal, with the receipt and the other legal requirements you can stay and work, until the Questura tells you of any reasons against it.
For how long is the permit renewed?+
It depends on the reason. After Decree-Law 20/2023, for permanent employed work, self-employment and family, the renewal can be for up to 3 years.
I have lost my job: can I renew?+
In many cases yes, with a permit for waiting for employment (attesa occupazione) or by looking for a new job. Your actual situation has to be assessed.