How to Get PR in Italy after Studying?

The Italian residence permit, or permesso di soggiorno. is an essential document required to stay in Italy after completing graduation. This is also required for those who wish to stay on in the country for a full-time job. Let us discuss about the PR in Italy in this article.

Although it is not easy to obtain a PR in Italy, we have provided all the options for international students studying in Italy or those ready to graduate to explore permanent residence options there. Check out the article to understand everything from application steps and legal nuances to the various types of permits, renewal rules, and tips for securing long-term or permanent residency. 

Understanding the Italian Residence Permit

A residence permit in Italy (permesso di soggiorno) is a legal document that allows non-EU nationals to live, work, and access public services in Italy. If you're from outside the European Union including the UK and USA, you must legally obtain this permit to reside in Italy long-term. The residents of Iceland, UK, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino are not eligible to apply PR for Italy. Also, applicants studying in any of the private or public universities of Italy can extend their studies and stay in Italy for 5 years to get a PR in Italy. And after they graduate, they can look for a permanent job in Italy. 

EU vs. Non-EU Citizens – Key Differences

While EU citizens enjoy freedom of movement, they must register with the local authorities for their visit or stay. They don’t need a residence permit but must obtain a Certificato di Residenza through the local Anagrafe office. After EU nationals stay in Italy for three months, they get their Certificato di Residenza from the Municipality (Comune) if they stay over three months. After this, if the EU national lives for five years legally and continually, they are eligible to apply PR for Italy. 

Who Can Apply PR for Italy?

International students who have studied in any of the Italian universities can go ahead and apply for a PR in Italy under certain circumstances. To apply for a National Visa (Type D) and subsequently a residence permit, you must qualify under one of the following categories:

• Family reunion with a resident in Italy
• Enrollment in an Italian university
• Valid job offer in Italy
• Corporate role in a business active in Italy for 3+ years
• Investment in a new or existing business (minimum €50,000 to €250,000)
• Self-employment with sufficient capital
• Passive income of at least €32,000 annually

Note: You cannot apply for a residence permit on a tourist (Schengen) visa unless you fall into specific exceptions (e.g., humanitarian protection, family reunification).

Step-by-Step Application Process for PR in Italy for Students

In order to get a PR in Italy after studying, the Indian applicants will have to follow a step-by-step process to obtain a permanent residence card in Italy. The application process for the same follows a couple of steps, which we have divided for the ease of students below:

1. Obtain a Nulla Osta (Certificate of No Impediment)

• Required for most residence permits since it is submitted by the sponsor like employer, family, or attorney.
• A Certificate of No Impediment will also be needed in this case. This certificate also applies to other visa types like: student visas in Italy, elective residency visas, religious visas, medical visas, adoption visas, and mission visas.

2. Apply for a National Visa (Type D)

Submit your application to the Italian Consulate in your country of origin. This is essential unless you fall under one of three legal exceptions (asylum seekers, family reunification, permit conversion)

3. Apply for the Residence Permit After Arrival

You must apply within 8 working days of entering Italy using the “Yellow Kit” from a local post office. The process includes:

• In-person submission (for adults and children over 13)
• Payment of fees (€100.46 to €160.46)
• Schedule an appointment at the local Police Headquarters (Questura) for biometrics and document verification

4. Pay the Application Fee for PR in Italy for Non-EU Nationals

If you are an international student and are not a citizen of any EU state, you need to pay the application fee, which is as follows:

Documents Required to Apply for PR in Italy After Study

The following documents will also be required for submitting an application for obtaining a PR in Italy:

1. Passport
2. Proof of residence in Italy (5 years)
3. Housing contract with the landlord in Italy
4. Proof of employment and a bank statement or a salary slip from the employer
5. PCC 
6. Italian language skills or proficiency
7. Financial documents

Different Types of Residence Permits in Italy

If international applicants cannot directly apply for a permanent residence card for Italy, they can look for other types of permanent residency in Italy. Check out other alternatives students have to settle in Italy permanently:

• The work permit, commonly referred to as the post-study work permit in Italy, is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed based on proof of continued employment.
• Seasonal Work Permit in Italy is valid for up to 9 months, aligned with an employment contract.
• A Study Permit in Italy or a student visa in Italy is usually valid for the duration of the academic course (max 1 year). Renewable with continued enrollment
• Family Reunification Permit in Italy is another option. Its validity is linked to the sponsor’s permit. If the sponsor is an EU citizen, it can be valid for up to 5 years.
• Investment or Start-up Visa in Italy is also valid for 2 years and renewable if investment conditions are maintained.

The Special Case of Elective Residency

The Elective Residency Visa is designed for individuals who wish to reside in Italy without working, relying solely on indirect or passive incomes like pensions from government or companies, property rents and others. If planning to apply for this visa and stay in Italy, the applicants must:

• Prove their consistent income that he/she is receiving from property, government, or other sources.
• Residency in Italy must be primary and continuous when applying.

How to Get Permanent Residence in Italy (After 5 Years)

PR approval in Italy is challenging, but to obtain it, certain criteria must be met. To obtain a Long-Term Residence Permit or PR for Italy, you must fulfil certain eligibility criteria. These are as follows:

• Legally reside in Italy for 5 continuous years
• Show proof of annual income (€6,000 minimum)
• Pass an Italian language test (A2 level)
• Not be absent from Italy for more than 12 consecutive months
• Have no serious criminal record

Note: This permit is valid for 10 years and requires only a simple renewal application with updated photos. 

Civil Residency vs. Legal Residency in Italy

There is a difference between civil residency and legal residency in Italy. The distinction is critical and often misunderstood:

Simply holding a residence permit does not make you an Italian resident who is eligible to pay tax or avail any country-specific social services. Civil residency involves formal registration and is essential for long-term integration into Italian life.

Can You Travel to Italy While Awaiting Your Residence Permit?

Yes, you can travel within Italy after applying for your PR card and waiting for official confirmation. This could still be applicable with restrictions. The restrictions that apply to anyone waiting for confirmation of their PR for Italy are as follows:

• You can travel within Italy and back to your country of origin until the visa expires.
• After the visa has expired, if you travel between Italy and your country of origin after the expiry date, you must travel directly to your country of origin or from Italy without any other stop in other Schengen visa-accepted states.

The Italian lifestyle, culture and opportunities attract non-EU status citizens alike. However, make that dream a reality by planning diligently, taking a strategic approach to your visa, and remaining updated on changes to the immigration laws in Italy. Whether you're travelling for love, work, education or a complete change of direction, following the correct process to find and obtain the appropriate residence permit is a crucial first step.